Keeping It Lit

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

So. My surgery has come and gone, and I'm still BREATHING!

I haven’t felt like doing much of anything since my surgery, and so I’ve not been online. The first 48 hrs were misery. Ugh.

My surgery went well, except that it lasted about an hour longer than anticipated. My surgeon discovered a cyst, unexpected, that had to be removed first before repairing the hernia and patching the abdominal wall. So a few “perforations” in me, here and there, but they are small and will hardly be noticeable after they’re healed. One is below the bikini line anyway.

Post surgery I was in a lot of pain for two straight days. I couldn’t get up by myself at all. It’s amazing how much we depend on our core strength for SO MANY things – breathing, getting up and down, coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting – the list goes on. So all of those things have been challenging and many have been painful. I’m being pampered by my family, and that’s made it easier for me.

The second night after my surgery, when I was expecting to begin to feel better, I was in a lot of pain, and it was just exhausting me both mentally and physically, the pain pushing me to the edge, and I finally broke down and began to cry, and then I discovered that it hurt to cry. LOL Yep, ya need that core for crying too!

I’ve learned to rely on my quads and lower body strength to rise up and down. Every move is guarded now, as I instinctively engage my lower body in self-protection mode.

Thankfully each day has been a bit better. By nightfall, I’m tender and and hurting again. I do very little, but it still wears me out. I’m trying very hard to be patient with my body and the healing process.

The silver lining to all of this? There is more than one. It has made me appreciate good health more than ever. Appreciate even the simple things, like laughing, or bending over to tie my shoe, or to water a plant, or pick up something I’ve dropped on the floor. I’ve learned how to walk slower—out of NECESSITY! I’ve learned to embrace this, learned how to slow down and relax, even if I don’t want to, or feel I can’t afford to relax because of my “to-do” list. Now I MUST slow down. The list, growing longer every day, will wait. It’s made me realize that this is how older, less mobile people feel, or those who are handicapped and can’t reach for things on their own, depending on others to do even simple things.

It’s so easy to take the little things for granted.

I have to give hugs from the side. Still. And I can’t lift heavy things. Still. And I can’t reach things that are on the top shelf. Still. My limitations are all temporary. I accept that.

I’m on the mend. Each day will be better than the day before. My frustrations will be tempered with the hope and expectancy of returning to my routine when the time is right. Life is good, at every pace. There is beauty to be seen, to be gained, in things that often go unnoticed.

Until then, I’ll milk this slower pace of life for all it’s worth.

Time to get ready for bed. I’ll need to catch up with everyone else at some point tomorrow.

Thanks again to all those who kept me in their hearts and in their prayers – I felt every single one of them.

[tempted_by_food]

Hey, T I am glad to hear your on the mend!!! your some pup.... in pain and seeing the good sides of things like per usual!!! Very well said we all should be grateful for the little things in life thankyou for reminding us!!!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by tempted_by_food

Hey, T I am glad to hear your on the mend!!! your some pup.... in pain and seeing the good sides of things like per usual!!! Very well said we all should be grateful for the little things in life thankyou for reminding us!!!

Thanks, Sans. Every day there is another improvement. It hurt less to cough yesterday, and getting up and down was less painful. Woo-hoo!

[Firm Hottie]

So glad that you gave us an update, hon - I've been wondering how you've been doing. I'm sorry that it's been more painful than you expected, but happy to hear that it gets better for you every day. Just take it easy, and you'll be back to yourself in no time.

[westiesam]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Hey, Sharon.
I feel your White Healing Light, I do!

I thought of you today. I was allowing myself to be inspired with crafty ideas for projects that I want to get done, while flipping through magazines and resting. And I saw a rustic-looking vintage sign that was adorning a wall -- looked so chic, fabulous! And I thought: I could do THAT! I could design/draw/paint my own "vintage" sign. And then it clicked: I'll make a giant-sized painting on a piece of wood (poster size) of ... what else?

AN ERGO LABEL!

Yep. That has to happen. It will have rusty/copper hues, a Spanish guitar, chocolate brown calligraphy, distress it a bit, and when I'm finished, I'll tint it with copper glaze for a lovely sheen. Can't wait. I'll be sure to take a pic for you.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers while I've been away.

I'm glad you're feeling the white/healing light -and I can't wait to see your Ergo sign. That's our new favorite. The local store had it on sale for 50% off last week so I went to both locations and bought them out! Got quite a few glances from the people in line behind me -- but I have a nice stash of Ergo right now!
Rest up so you're back in action soon.

Sharon

[sweettooth]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

It’s amazing how much we depend on our core strength for SO MANY things – breathing, getting up and down, coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting – the list goes on. So all of those things have been challenging and many have been painful.
[...]

The silver lining to all of this? There is more than one. It has made me appreciate good health more than ever. Appreciate even the simple things, like laughing, or bending over to tie my shoe, or to water a plant, or pick up something I’ve dropped on the floor. I’ve learned how to walk slower—out of NECESSITY! I’ve learned to embrace this, learned how to slow down and relax, even if I don’t want to, or feel I can’t afford to relax because of my “to-do” list. Now I MUST slow down. The list, growing longer every day, will wait. It’s made me realize that this is how older, less mobile people feel, or those who are handicapped and can’t reach for things on their own, depending on others to do even simple things.

It’s so easy to take the little things for granted.

So glad that everything went well and that you're back online!
Very wise words.
I learnt the same things last year, after delivery: could not believe that pelvic floor and abs were controlling so many movements of everyday life,and if you're very muscle aware you discover that even smaller muscles get involved for so many things...The human body is unbelievable, isn't it?
I knew this experience would have fortified you, I know you're well on you way of recovery, and soon you'll resume activity...as for now, try to rest, laying in the sun, napping, reading your favourite magazines, take advantage of these days of forced rest, so that you'll go back to everyday "hurry and scurry" with even more energy!
I wish you lovely days, full of small everyday conquers in your way back to normal body perfection.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Firm Hottie

So glad that you gave us an update, hon - I've been wondering how you've been doing. I'm sorry that it's been more painful than you expected, but happy to hear that it gets better for you every day. Just take it easy, and you'll be back to yourself in no time.

Hi, Laura. I'm confident that you're right, I'll be returning back to "T-Protocol" in no time at all. Maybe not my PREFERRED time table, but what's meant to be.

We must always be prepared to accept things as they come at us. It is what it is, right?

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by westiesam

I'm glad you're feeling the white/healing light -and I can't wait to see your Ergo sign. That's our new favorite. The local store had it on sale for 50% off last week so I went to both locations and bought them out! Got quite a few glances from the people in line behind me -- but I have a nice stash of Ergo right now!
Rest up so you're back in action soon.

Sharon

Oh.My.GOSH.



How lucky are YOU???

Sharon, I would have bought every bottle too and wouldn't have thought TWICE about the looks/stares. I'd just have given them the "don't worry, be happy" look and kept grinning! LOL

Too bad we don't live closer, I'd been in line along with you; or, in the alternative, insisted that you invite me over.

I still have the very first Ergo bottle that I ever bought. I remembered how "wowed" I was at that time, and I'm keeping it for nostalgic purposes. I'm odd like that.

If there's time this weekend, I may try to start on my sign. I have a huge selection of paint. I just need to decide what I'll paint it "on." Regardless, I want the finished piece to have the weathered, nostalgic look to it. This will be fun.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by sweettooth

So glad that everything went well and that you're back online!
Very wise words.
I learnt the same things last year, after delivery: could not believe that pelvic floor and abs were controlling so many movements of everyday life,and if you're very muscle aware you discover that even smaller muscles get involved for so many things...The human body is unbelievable, isn't it?
I knew this experience would have fortified you, I know you're well on you way of recovery, and soon you'll resume activity...as for now, try to rest, laying in the sun, napping, reading your favourite magazines, take advantage of these days of forced rest, so that you'll go back to everyday "hurry and scurry" with even more energy!
I wish you lovely days, full of small everyday conquers in your way back to normal body perfection.

Yes, Ellie, good choice of words -- "fortified." I AM that.

And yes, I'm taking full advantage of having an excuse to rest as much as I can, take it easy, relax, etc. My opportunities for that are a bit scarce this week, however. I've been reporting a murder trial all week, and by the end of the day I'm rather exhausted and feeling a bit tender/pressure. Trying my best to get as much rest in the evenings as possible.

Ellie, I wish you the same, my friend....lovely days to you as well.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

By way of an update fitness/nutrition wise, I have been keeping carbs under 50 ever since my surgery, and tracking cals at 1500 or under every day. It's working in keeping me from freaking out by not being in my best shape in time for vacation on June 9th.

I have to wear this very wide, stretchy, supportive, velcro'd "wrap" around my waist for one more week. Then off it goes, and it will be easier to breathe then.

Admittedly, yes, I can't help but check out my muscle tone in the mirror every day, looking for signs of "softening," or extra here and there "stuff." Aside from the bit of swelling that still remains around my lower tummy area, I can't complain otherwise. The pressure and tenderness in my lower abs is more noticeable later in the day/evening, reminders that it will be a WHILE until I can work that area again to any extent. May or may not wear a two-piece at the beach. Remains to be seen.

I remain cautiously optimistic.

[westiesam]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Oh.My.GOSH.



How lucky are YOU???

Sharon, I would have bought every bottle too and wouldn't have thought TWICE about the looks/stares. I'd just have given them the "don't worry, be happy" look and kept grinning! LOL

Too bad we don't live closer, I'd been in line along with you; or, in the alternative, insisted that you invite me over.

I still have the very first Ergo bottle that I ever bought. I remembered how "wowed" I was at that time, and I'm keeping it for nostalgic purposes. I'm odd like that.

If there's time this weekend, I may try to start on my sign. I have a huge selection of paint. I just need to decide what I'll paint it "on." Regardless, I want the finished piece to have the weathered, nostalgic look to it. This will be fun.

I'd definitely invite you over and I'd even share the stash of Ergo with you
I kept my first bottle too and bought one of those toppers that bars put on bottles to pour drinks out of -- and I filled the bottle with my liquid dish-washing soap and now I keep it right on the counter by the sink -- it looks really cool and is functional too!
I hope you get stronger everyday --- keep me posted on the sign progress - if I ever figure out how to load pictures - I'd like to post a picture of the witch I sculpted for our United Way auction - she turned out to be pretty cool.....

Sharon

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by westiesam

I'd definitely invite you over and I'd even share the stash of Ergo with you
I kept my first bottle too and bought one of those toppers that bars put on bottles to pour drinks out of -- and I filled the bottle with my liquid dish-washing soap and now I keep it right on the counter by the sink -- it looks really cool and is functional too!
I hope you get stronger everyday --- keep me posted on the sign progress - if I ever figure out how to load pictures - I'd like to post a picture of the witch I sculpted for our United Way auction - she turned out to be pretty cool.....

Sharon

Sharon, so very cool, your idea about the DW soap! I must copy that one!

We both like art! Hah! That's fabulous. I'll give you lessons in how to post a pic in the next couple of days...stay tuned.

Speaking of pics...posting this one as I excitedly count the days (14 more!) till I'm at Marco Island...



Marvelous Marco Island Sunsets!

[westiesam]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Sharon, so very cool, your idea about the DW soap! I must copy that one!

We both like art! Hah! That's fabulous. I'll give you lessons in how to post a pic in the next couple of days...stay tuned.

Speaking of pics...posting this one as I excitedly count the days (14 more!) till I'm at Marco Island...



Marvelous Marco Island Sunsets!

Wow - you can recover in paradise!!! I'll keep my eyes peeled for the pic tutorial!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by westiesam

Wow - you can recover in paradise!!! I'll keep my eyes peeled for the pic tutorial!

Okay, Sharon. Here ya go.

First, open a Photobucket account. It's free. Go to Photobucket Dot Com and follow the steps to open the account.

Once you're in your acct, hit the green UPLOAD NOW button at the top center right of the screen.

Then hit the green SELECT PHOTOS AND VIDEOS button, and from there navigate to the file on your computer where your digitial photos are stored and select the image you want to upload.

Once it's uploaded, double click on the photo, and it will load to full size on your screen (i.e., very large). Run your cursor over the top edge of the photo and you will see links for editing, resizing, etc.

If you want, click the RESIZE button to resize your photo to a smaller size. If not, leave it huge.

Next, move the cursor to the fourth link, SHARE. Click that.

When that window pops up, click GET LINK CODE, then navigate down to the IMG FOR BULLETIN BOARD FORUMS. Copy the img link, then go to your post on LCF and hit PASTE.

You're done! All set. Now let's see whatcha got. SHOW N TELL!

Below is the pic taken on Mother's Day of the beautiful flowers Gavin (the big dude) gave to me. My smile shows my love/happiness and disguises the pain I was feeling that day....whew, glad that's over!

[Firm Hottie]

Hey Twyla!

How are you feeling, hon? I hope that you're feeling stronger and experiencing less pain with each passing day.

Beautiful sunset! Where exactly is Marco Island?

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Firm Hottie

Hey Twyla!

How are you feeling, hon? I hope that you're feeling stronger and experiencing less pain with each passing day.

Beautiful sunset! Where exactly is Marco Island?

Laura, thank you. I DO feel a bit stronger every day, and my pain is usu only at night now, after a long day and it begins to pull a bit, the pressure/tenderness. But even with THAT, I notice improvement every day.

The most difficult part of this is wanting SO BADLY to be able to DO more than I can. I can't lift heavy things yet, so that limits me. I drive by the gym and can't bear to even glance over there. I guess you could say I'm just very restless by nature. A restless soul, I am!

I'm going to try to go for a walk in a bit, see how I do.

The sunsets of Marco Island. Ah, yes. Marco is on the Gulf, as far down the coast of Florida as you can go before you hit the Everglades. We've been vacationing there since '87. Its aqua blue waters, sea life, fabulous shelling, white sand, seductive sunsets, and restricted commercialism have helped to preserved its status and reputation, a rare thing these days. One of the families we vacation with is from Kingsland, GA, and they too have been vacationing there since the late 80's, so it's like vacationing with our other "family." The only bad thing about Marco is having to say goodbye when we leave the Island. It spoils me!

It's overcast today, even now. It's a lazy evening. Not sure what I'll get into after my walk. I may find a "project" or two to keep my mind off not being able to be more active.

Can't believe it's almost the end of May already...the 31st only a few days away. A year passes by so quickly.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Encouragement of the Day:


Be thoughtful, both for others and yourself.
Be thoughtful for others by caring a little more than you have before,
showing respect at a deeper level than you have before,
and going the extra mile.
Thoughtfulness paves the way for the growth,
advancement and empowerment of others.

Be thoughtful towards yourself as well.
Care for yourself and make sure you are nourished, replenished and energized.
When we do not care for ourselves and focus solely on caring for others,
we soon lose the ability to properly care for them
because our own tank runs precariously dry.

Leave an uplifting, lasting impression in someone's life today.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

"I gotta feeling...woooohooooo"

Rejoicing with big smiles for simple pleasures. I was able to do 30 mins of fasting cardio on the elliptical this morning -- no discomfort, pain free!

I cannot begin to describe how that makes me feel. This is big.

I'm on my way back, world! Watch out!

I dug into my gym bag for my "dusty" MP3 player...okay, let's see, how do I turn this thing on again...????....and snapped it into my arm band, laced up my shoes (pain free), filled my water bottle, and pushed PLAY. And I'm off!

Yesssssss.

Playlist on my MP3 in the order it played:

Return to Innocence
Speed of Sound
Only Girl (in the world)
I Like It
Club Can't Handle Me
Just a Dream
Hey Soul Sister
Insatiable



I'm FIRED UP.

[Firm Hottie]

WOO HOO to being able to get a workout in!

You'll be back to normal in no time at all, hon!

[westiesam]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Okay, Sharon. Here ya go.

First, open a Photobucket account. It's free. Go to Photobucket Dot Com and follow the steps to open the account.

Once you're in your acct, hit the green UPLOAD NOW button at the top center right of the screen.

Then hit the green SELECT PHOTOS AND VIDEOS button, and from there navigate to the file on your computer where your digitial photos are stored and select the image you want to upload.

Once it's uploaded, double click on the photo, and it will load to full size on your screen (i.e., very large). Run your cursor over the top edge of the photo and you will see links for editing, resizing, etc.

If you want, click the RESIZE button to resize your photo to a smaller size. If not, leave it huge.

Next, move the cursor to the fourth link, SHARE. Click that.

When that window pops up, click GET LINK CODE, then navigate down to the IMG FOR BULLETIN BOARD FORUMS. Copy the img link, then go to your post on LCF and hit PASTE.

You're done! All set. Now let's see whatcha got. SHOW N TELL!

Below is the pic taken on Mother's Day of the beautiful flowers Gavin (the big dude) gave to me. My smile shows my love/happiness and disguises the pain I was feeling that day....whew, glad that's over!

Thank for the pic tute! ! Awesome flowers and awesome "big dude" you've got there too! We've been busy moving friends furniture out of their basements and sandbagging the last few days -- so it will be awhile before I can "show and tell" -- but I will - I promise. Just waiting for the flooding to begin......

Have a good weekend. P.S. Sandbagging has been my workout these past few days and let me tell you - it's a doozy....

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by westiesam

Thank for the pic tute! ! Awesome flowers and awesome "big dude" you've got there too! We've been busy moving friends furniture out of their basements and sandbagging the last few days -- so it will be awhile before I can "show and tell" -- but I will - I promise. Just waiting for the flooding to begin......

Have a good weekend. P.S. Sandbagging has been my workout these past few days and let me tell you - it's a doozy....

Sharon...loved my flowers, AND my "big dude's" BIG heart.

So bummed to hear about the flooding prospects...say it AIN'T so. I hope for the best for you and your neighbors.

Sandbaggin'? Yep...I'd say that IS a kickin' workout...go UB...build that muscle while gettin' the job done, girl. Keep me posted. Blessings and safety to you.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Hugely productive day yesterday. I had a long list of "projects," and got most of them done.

Was able to do another 30 mins of fasted cardio via elliptical (no handlebars) again this morning. I won't try the ski motion with the handle bars for another few days, or at least until after my followup with the surgeon (Thursday).

Playlist today:

Please
Broken
Fembot
Rolling in the Deep
Whenever, Wherever
Hey Baby
Mr. Saxobeat

I've been enjoying some YUMMY rays with some thirst-quenching "cold ones" this afternoon. What is it about sun that makes them go down so easy, taste so good?

Plan to do another 15 mins of cardio -- likely walking -- this evening when it cools down. Today will be a grill day for dinnertime. It's been a lovely weekend so far.

I will be going to visit my Mother's grave tomorrow and take some little mementos along with me. She was a very patriotic person, and loved every opportunity to display our country's flag. The floral arrangement I made is a tasteful patriotic touch. She would have loved it. If only I could hug her now.

She hears my heart. She's always with me.

I miss her so.

[Firm Hottie]

Hey hon!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend, and that everything's going well with your recuperation. Crossing my fingers that everything goes well with your appointment tomorrow.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Firm Hottie

Hey hon!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend, and that everything's going well with your recuperation. Crossing my fingers that everything goes well with your appointment tomorrow.

Thank you, girl. Much appreciated.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Managing an update since my last post, I've been able to do cardio or Callanetics each day, as long as it doesn't engage abs directly, yet having now graduated up to using the ski motion on the elliptical.

It seems it's been SO LONG since I last lifted weights, and I miss strength training so much.

Since I've had surgery, I've lost touch with my routine and such, "my rhythm."

So looking forward to meeting with the surgeon and getting the green light to move ahead, however slowly that might need to be.

Yesterday was a very busy day, juggling work with errands and catching up on missed appointments/commitments that had been cancelled the week of the trial.

Ordered a new swimsuit today, and it should be here by this weekend.

Usually in bed by now, I'm running a little behind this evening, but I wanted to post and play catch up with my journal.

Always.

[lola001]

Hi Twyla!
I've been away a bit and look you have a new journal- will catch up later.
Sorry that you have been in pain - that op sounds awful but I am glad you are recovered and back on your exercise plan.
I have good news that I had to share with you. I start a new job mid June - in a field that makes me so happy. So finally I am starting to see the sun again. Thank you for popping in and offering comfort. We're in this for the long haul.

Take care.
Lola.

[Firm Hottie]

Hey hon!

Glad to hear that you're continuing to improve each day. I know how much you miss lifting, and hate that you can't do it just yet. Just be patient, and you'll be back at it soon.

Uhm hello, you forgot to hook us up with a link to the new suit your ordered!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

(Copied from blog...)

I just returned from my followup appointment with my surgeon for my umbilical hernia repair. The sun seems to be shining a little brighter today! Thank goodness...this bump in the road (or in the belly button) is behind me. I can move on with my routine. YESSSSSSSSSS.

SUH-WEET!

After entering the examination room and the exchange of courtesy greetings, he says to me: "Guess what happened to ME?" He went on to tell me about having to have an umbilical hernia repair - himself - just this past Friday. He said, "Now I know what you've had to go through -- oh, and please, don't make me laugh, okay?" (He's a cutie )

Ya got THAT right, Doc. Maybe they should write that on the post-op instructions that patients take home with them after umbilical surgery: No laughing, coughing or sneezing. CHECK.

We talked about my recovery, how it's gone progressively well, my scars (or lack thereof) and how they've healed very well; and how he strategically placed the incisions in places that would not be noticed -- bless you, Doctor. We discussed return to normal activities, including weight lifting, working out, ab work (THANK GOD...they've gotten admittedly "soft" in the last 3-4 weeks), and jogging, all at a pace that is consistent with my body's response. If I feel tired, I stop, or dial it back. Easy enough.

We leave for "paradise" on the 15th of June, and I have roughly two weeks to improve the "tone" of my abs. Okay, I admit it, I'm a little vain about my abs. But hell, I've worked hard for my abs, and at soon-to-be 51, they're my badge of honor. Will I be ready for a two-piece? Time will tell. I'm certainly hoping so.

ALL SYSTEMS GO!

I've done about 35 mins of Callanetics each morning, Tues through Friday. Although cleared to resume cardio and weights, I just had my keratin treatment redone on Tuesday, and my 72 hr wait time before shampooing isn't up till noon today. So no ponytails, hats, or shampooing (i.e., sweating?) until this afternoon. My plan is to do Turbo Jam Cardio Party and a bit of UB weights late afternoon. CanNOT wait.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Firm Hottie

Hey hon!

Glad to hear that you're continuing to improve each day. I know how much you miss lifting, and hate that you can't do it just yet. Just be patient, and you'll be back at it soon.

Uhm hello, you forgot to hook us up with a link to the new suit your ordered!

No link - ordered it via catalogue. I'll post pics (maybe). Thanks for your continued encouragement and well wishes, Laura.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by lola001

Hi Twyla!
I've been away a bit and look you have a new journal- will catch up later.
Sorry that you have been in pain - that op sounds awful but I am glad you are recovered and back on your exercise plan.
I have good news that I had to share with you. I start a new job mid June - in a field that makes me so happy. So finally I am starting to see the sun again. Thank you for popping in and offering comfort. We're in this for the long haul.

Take care.
Lola.

Lola, great to hear from you again. That new job opportunity sounds so exciting -- "good things come to those who wait?" -- and I'm anxious to hear about every detail. So glad that things have begun working out for you, Lola...you so deserve to have the sun shining your way. Keep me posted.