I've been getting a lot of "take it easy" and "don't overdue it" messages and concerns. I have to admit, I didn't expect this surgery to knock me on my butt so hard. I hoped that after they took out the drainage tubes, I would be able to walk without huffing and puffing so much and imagined myself doing circles around the nurse's station and everyone being impressed. Well, they are still impressed, but there is no gain in speed.
Things that wind me:
Showering to the point I can't dry myself off and have to go sit and take a break before getting dressed, especially if I wash my hair.
Walking 4 houses down the street. Becky was here and would walk with me. Thankfully, the neighbors have retaining walls where I can sit and relax.
The steps out front. Sometimes I go slow, sometimes I go faster and most times I need to sit once inside.
My years of training at Seal Team PT taught me your body can do more than you think. In Seal Team that meant, give it that last push to the finish. Now it means can you make it to the wall on the other side of the steps? Can you grab your meds, go to the bathroom and grab something from the bedroom before you go sit down? This is all foreign to me so I am pulling back that Seal Team training to little pushes. No longer is it run to the end of the block and turn around, but get to the same point as yesterday, go 3 more feet and turn around. I know before long I'll be back out there able to walk the neighborhood, just not on my timing.
Some things I have been doing to get out are going out for breakfast, going shopping and using the electric cart. Remember the scene from Dispicable me where Dr. Nefario retires, gets on his scooter, and slowly rides off? Yeah, that was me in Publix. I think Power Wheels have more juice than the electric cart. It made us laugh though! I can also ride in the car, my discharge instructions say so! I need to sit in the back seat and put my heart pillow between me and the chest strap, and stop every hour to walk, but for the cost of freedom, I'll do it and car riding is comfortable unless we go over big bumps. Not the time to do dirt roads.
Life here at home is always exciting and loud. We're all managing pretty well and no one has eaten another, or stormed out of the house mad.
A few reminders before I go, our Meal Train looks kind of sad. If you would like to bring a meal or contribute to a meal, it would be super helpful. No obligation. The sign up is under How You Can Help.
Sarah has been telling everyone that will listen about Frozen Jr. Last year she recruited a substitute teacher to drive out to Midlothian and see her in a performance. She would LOVE if you can come. Shows are this Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and tickets are $10. You can purchase tickets online. There is a link in the How You Can Help section.
Back when I played adult softball, my team named me Wheels Of Fire because I can't run fast to save my life. Know that Wheels is over here trying her hardest to improve daily and so far, she couldn't push too hard if she had to. That will change one day, but for today, that's where I am.
