Surrounded by New-ness!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Yes, I know I was gone for a very long time. A year to be precise...
I had back surgery in March 2011 and pretty much vanished afterwards. I missed my SP friends, but recovery kept me away from the computer and things slowly faded.


Fast-forward to this fall, 6 months post-op. I was told by a friend about a challenge after seeing her and barely recognising her (she had lost 60 pounds in just over 3 months!). I decided to give it a try, knowing that I was 150 pounds and that I couldn't exercise. I didn't change any of my habits actually, but did lose 15 pounds in 3 months (and have maintained the weight loss).


I have now returned to work 2 weeks ago (am still doing the progressive return to full-time hours) and am ready to challenge myself. I also have a casting call in two weeks and, although I know I probably won't be selected, it's giving me an extra incentive not to show up completely gross! (Yes, I used to model during my pre-injury glory days).


My physical challenge:

-Take my supplements daily
-Start the day with a large smoothie, every day. No exceptions.
-Eat balanced meals/snacks and try to log my food intake on most days
-Exercise every day for 20 minutes following my rehabilitation workout (low impact)
-Add in body weight exercises for another 20 minutes on days my back feels good
-Walk the dogs every day it's not raining or freezing (aim for 5 days/week)
-Pack my own lunches and snacks - no eating at work (except low-sod soup here and there)

My mind challenge:

-Follow my sleep schedule
-Enjoy a moment /do something for myself everyday
-Do something social at least 1-2x per week
-When dark thoughts take over, question their validity and the perspective I have. Look for a positive outlook or a more logical/reasonable response
-Smile often

My goals:

-Lose about 8 pounds = 125 pounds
-Get some definition/toning
-Feel better in my body
-Improve my sleep!
-Battle depression and learn to enjoy life again

I wanted this plan to involve many different facets for obvious reasons. I don't know if I can ever return to the life I had before my injury - and just admitting this to myself took a very long time. But I need to be able to find ways to enjoy my life again and one way to do this is to explore the things I loved to do and see what I can still do or what other things I can do to replace the many activities I cannot do anymore.


I am opened to your comments and suggestions my friends.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MISSCUS 3/20/2012 3:35AM

YOU can DO THIS! Report Inappropriate Comment

NOMIS1 3/19/2012 6:19AM

So happy to have you back. You sound like you are in a great place. I'm looking forward to you being here again. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATALLIKA 3/18/2012 12:28PM

Welcome back !! Love the mind challenge !! Report Inappropriate Comment

RADFEN 3/18/2012 11:01AM

Sounds like a balanaced plan. I am glad that you have included the mental as well as the physical. Report Inappropriate Comment

INGMARIE 3/18/2012 8:20AM

Hey there,princesse.Welcome back. Sorry to hear that the recovery is taking such a toll on you,getting casting calls and getting back into the 'swing of things' should help too. Just glad you are here. Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNMEINDERS 3/18/2012 4:00AM

Welcome back.... I wondered where you were and sorry tpo hear that your recovery took so long.... Love the plan you have an ther weight you have lost as well.... go you...you can so do this.... Report Inappropriate Comment

Food Panic and the Summer WonderLand

Monday, June 20, 2011

My Summer Wonderland was going so well! After a Spring that felt more like fall, things are turning around. The weather is warmer and we finally have time to peak outside without getting rained on daily...


But things couldn't stay that simple, no! I just found out I MIGHT have a celiac-related problem. Apparently I fit all the criteria, or most of it, so I need to give a try to a gluten and lactose - free diet for a month and a bit. I also have to reduce my sugar intake - which will at least be good for me - since I have mild hypoglycemia and it's exacerbating it. I had a few dizzy episodes since I started eating more sweets. Seems like it messes up my body's insulin balance.


So I will be starting my new 'diet' either tomorrow (Monday) or Tuesday. I have to be very strict for this tryout period. If I do end up having this problem, I will need to be strict at home, but should be able to have the occasional cheat. I cannot remember the name my MD gave me, but it's not as serious as Celiac - although it's related to it.
Apparently, people with auto-immune problems (allergies, asthma, etc) and O blood type are at a higher risk of developing this problem. O blood types need an 'Original' diet resembling the Paleo diet and are more sensitive to preservatives, processing and evolutive novelties... Like grains, lactose, and especially gluten.


I will post updates on my journey and the outcome.


I had a nice Father's Day BBQ today and got to see most of the men in my life. It was nice. We had a mexican theme with a Chili, Guacamole, Spicy salsa, Taco salad, Green bean salad - everything home made (including some home-made Sangria! Yum!). And it was really nice. I had a few organic unsalted Blue corn chips with the Chili, which are my favourites!


I do hope everyone is doing well and that you are taking any hurdles coming your way with a positive attitude!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

INGMARIE 6/23/2011 9:10AM

Hi there princesse, I am sure you will do ok with this just follow the diet suggestions and it will help. GoodLuck Report Inappropriate Comment

NOMIS1 6/22/2011 10:37AM

Good Luck - I know you will do well. Keep us posted. Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNMEINDERS 6/21/2011 4:29AM

You will feel so much better if you follow your "new" diet and discover that it helps the problems.... What you wrote about O blood makes so much sense to me....although i have no know alergies changing my diet to vegan has certainly improved my health...less preservatives etc...I really noticed the preservatives etc in our food when i came back fro 12 days in ethiopia.......best thing i ever did.... Report Inappropriate Comment

MIA Me is Back in Action!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

I have been MIA for almost a month and a half. Will I get forgiven? Are my Spark friends still here? (I have to say I dearly missed a few of you)


So - why have I been MIA for so long, when I was so good at showing up??
Well, it all started with laptop problems... After a few weeks of geeking it out and fixing all the issues I had, I had lost my SP habit. The weather was humid and the pressure low and my back a real pain. But the main reason I've been away is that my Grandpa had a stroke and I have been very very busy taking care of setting up his affairs while he was in the hospital, getting his apartment ready for his return, and getting a filing system for all his paperwork and things. He is doing better now though and seems to be managing well. And I let time pass until I realised that it had just been too long!


Well, I myself have been doing ok overall. With the nicer weather, my energy is coming back. I have been having a lot of trouble sleeping (hence why I'm up at 3am typing), but have been eating well enough for the time I was away - although I'm not sure of the exact nutritional goals I achieved...


My back has been healing up and I am making slow progress, but focusing on getting better and not overdoing things. I've been getting out when the weather is nice with my pup and I'm enjoying leaving the house. I saw my neurosurgeon a month ago and was told I could return to work two months later: so in one month!! Yai! I will find the activity and change in scenery welcome. I am also expected to do a 3-week Pain Program with the local Rehabilitation centre that revolves around non-medicated pain management.
So things are looking up and I am (finally) starting the slow walk uphill - which is a huge, scary and... well, positive and exciting thing. Which I am looking forward to and getting braced for the boulders that will undoubtedly come my way.


I do hope to find all my fellow Sparkers have been well while I was gone - How have you all been??? Anything to report? lol

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CHICAT63 6/20/2011 9:00AM

Bon retour, glad to hear your Grand-papa is doing much better. Report Inappropriate Comment

CAZADORES 6/19/2011 11:07PM

Hi there! Yes, sometimes life causes us to put spark aside a bit at times, but the important thing is to always come back I guess! Glad to hear about your grandpa feeling better, that you're back is healing and that you will be working again soon. Take care, Hélène Report Inappropriate Comment

INGMARIE 6/16/2011 8:43AM

Hi Princesse Glad to have you back Soory to hear about your grandpa, Nothing much new here, exept,,,, Tomorrow I fly to Cancun with my daughter for 5 days of relaxing on the beach. Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNMEINDERS 6/16/2011 5:17AM

Hey Sweet Pea....awesome to have you back..... I am so sorry to hear about Grandpa however pleased to hera he is doing well.... Glad to hear your back is slowly coming right...that is awesome..... Look forward to seeing you around again.... No forgiveness needed.... Oh....and thanks so much for the goodie....your awesome.... Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKPARTYGIRL 6/16/2011 4:52AM

Glad that you are back and that your grandpa is ok. Getting back to work will improve your life getting you back into a routine. You just need to make sure that healthy eating, drinking water and getting some exercise are all part of that new routine Report Inappropriate Comment

Another step forward.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

I will be taking a new 'step forward' in my rehabilitation as of tomorrow. I will be adding two mild exercises that I will repeat 4 times a day for the week. The first is a stability stretch: you go down on all fours, lift one hand, and lift the opposite leg. This will help strengthen and stabilise my core. The second is a laying hamstring/hip stretch.


I will also continue to walk everyday: I walk about a half hour every day and have better days than others. My dog has been enjoying our walks a lot!! And, as the weather becomes warmer, I find that the walks are helping me feel more balanced too. It's nice to be more active.


Another part of this 'step forward' will be to get my nutrition in check. I am eating fairly well overall, but have not been eating optimally - partly because my boyfriend has been in charge of meal planning and he lacks organisational skills... So I am taking back the kitchen and will be cooking meals for the most part. I will still require his help for some things, but I'll control the situation.


I am lucky to have had my boyfriend taking care of me. Although he totally lacks organisational skills (taking meat out of the freezer the day before, using a vegetable before it goes bad, etc), he did make an effort and was truly terrified that I wouldn't like what he cooked or to do something the wrong way. He helped me shower and dress, made sure I had water bottled, etc. I'll have to make him something extra special to thank him!!!


Spring is in the air and I want to wear cute outfits and feel beautiful. So I need to get in check if I want to fit in my small bikinis!! And the most important thing is that being active and healthy will help me heal and go back to living life to the fullest!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CAZADORES 4/13/2011 7:28AM

Great! Report Inappropriate Comment

INGMARIE 4/12/2011 2:56PM

You are just doing great, fantastic, just do not work yourself too hard. You will get there. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHICAT63 4/12/2011 9:21AM

Take care, one step at a time ! You can do it. Report Inappropriate Comment

FERRETLOVER1 4/12/2011 7:11AM

Slow & steady - you will win this race!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMTHICK2 4/12/2011 5:28AM

Go for it , all the best to you. Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNMEINDERS 4/12/2011 4:49AM

WooHoo....you are taking real big steps forward....well done..... Report Inappropriate Comment

Getting "Back" Up :) One Month Post-Op

Friday, April 01, 2011

Ah! Tomorrow will be the 1-month post-surgery mark.


I can still remember the week post-op I spent in the Hospital and how worried I was. Something was wrong and the MDs weren't sure whether I was going to have permanent damage or if it was temporary. I was in denial, telling myself nothing was wrong and that they were just being careful... And I am really happy to have been right!!


Fast-forward to today. To celebrate, I'm going on a walk, outside, all the way to the neighbourhood mini-mall. And I'm so proud of myself for pushing myself and restraining myself at the same time. Except for a small setback (gave me a lesson), I have been getting slightly better everyday since I got home. And these tiny improvements really show when I compare today to the day I came home from the Hospital. I could barely walk to the bathroom.


I am not out of the woods yet, but I am still proud of my consistency and of not having pushed myself to injury, as I have a tendency to overdo things... I still cannot do stairs or bend or twist or stand up for a long time or sit down for a long meal... But I can now walk 20-25 minutes a day, walk around the apartment, fix myself a snack or tea, carry light things, etc.....
And I am celebrating a successful surgery and the fact that, some days, I have no pain in my leg!!!!!!! I haven't felt that for years!


I haven't been eating so well lately, although I mostly stay within my calorie range and eat tons of fruits and mostly healthy meals. But I do have processed, sugar loaded food almost daily. I guess I should be thankful that one small portion usually does it for me!!


I do hope that everyone is feeling better as the days get longer and the weather warms up.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NOMIS1 4/5/2011 8:12AM

So happy for how well you are doing. Miss you on the team - please come back. Report Inappropriate Comment

REALLYHOPIN 4/2/2011 6:44PM

You're doing GREAT!!!! I'm so proud of you and so happy for you that your recovery is coming along smoothly. Keep up the good recovery! ~ Barbara Report Inappropriate Comment

CAZADORES 4/1/2011 8:22PM

Thats great news. sounds like healing is progressing as it should. glad to hear that you are managing well amd taking it 'easy'. Report Inappropriate Comment

ERIKO1908 4/1/2011 7:50PM

this is a great update!! just keep on the wonderful path you are on and someday the surgery will only be a distant memory... Have a GREAT weekend!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNMEINDERS 4/1/2011 7:27PM

WooHoo...am so glad to hear of your progress and I know you will keep going from strength to strength in your recovery...... Yay Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKPARTYGIRL 4/1/2011 5:35PM

So glad you are on the mend. Just think of how it will be 1 year from surgery. Report Inappropriate Comment