One of those days I'm just plodding through

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Today feels like one of those days that I am just plodding through. After a couple of days of my stomach feeling a little better, today has felt like a set back. Really feeling the pain from the acid reflux today. I could feel the pain in my upper back again too today. I took a pain pill, which helped with the back pain, but I am feeling very tired this afternoon. I am so tired of having these issues with my stomach. My other pain issues, especially with the hip, would be so much easier to deal with if my digestive system were back to normal.

I tried my chair yoga DVD again this morning, thinking that the stretching would help with the back pain; haven't notice any difference yet, but it's only about the 3rd time I've done it. I'm sure it's something I have to do regularly awhile longer to really notice any results.
I can do the whole DVD now, except the part where the hips are worked; that is because I can bend the left hip outward without pain, but the parts I can do add up to a 20 minute workout, which isn't bad. And someday, maybe I will be able to add the hip part back in.

I washed a couple of loads of laundry. (That's one chore that never seems to be caught up on for long, and I'm just one person. My kudos to all the moms out there that have to keep up with it for a family.) Also changed the sheets and the blanket on the bed, and now I feel done for for the day, and it's not even 3pm yet. Glad that dinner tonight is leftovers that I can just heat up in the microwave.

I taped "Lost" last night so I could watch the Olympics. The skating was great last night! I am so glad that Joannie Rochette did so well, my heart went out to her with her losing her mother this week. I started crying after she finished skating. I really hope she ends up with a medal. It's amazing to me how she found the inner strength to do that.

After I get done with my Spark stuff here, I think I am going to kick back and relax for awhile and watch that episode of Lost.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CELLOPLAYER1 2/24/2010 8:47PM

I feltthe sameway after Joannie skated. I t was so nice for to have a good skate. Hope you have a better day tomorrow. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYEFYR 2/24/2010 8:03PM

Sounds like you got a good amount of work done. Stop underestimating your accomplishments! Really hope your stomach feels better soon! Tell those kitties to work their magic and make their mommy feel better! Report Inappropriate Comment

ITSERTIME 2/24/2010 6:31PM

Yes that was a remarkable performance from the canadian i really felt for her. I am sorry for ur distress i can late specially about stomach stuff and being tired i know it is not pleasant. Report Inappropriate Comment

PRAIRIEDAWNPAM 2/24/2010 6:24PM

I think that doing laundry and changing bed sheets amounts to some good exercise. I don't know about you, but I find that just getting -- and keeping -- the bottom fitted sheet on is like flexibility and strength training all wrapped into one workout. I wish there was a way to track it. People like you and Joannie are so inspirational to me. You just keep going. ...Pam Report Inappropriate Comment

AVALONAPPLE 2/24/2010 6:12PM

I am sorry that you are feeling pain, tomorrow will be better! Jennifer Report Inappropriate Comment

MELODIEO 2/24/2010 4:36PM

Hope you feel better soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

SERENEMOM71 2/24/2010 3:34PM

Thanks for the prayers - I need them. I'm sorry that you have serious GERD again. YUK. You're in my prayers, too. Hope that tomorrow is better. Peace, Amy L Report Inappropriate Comment

BKWHITE3 2/24/2010 3:14PM

I'm sorry that the acid reflex is still causing problems. Also the hip pain. I watched the Olympics last night. I thought Joannie Rochette did a wonderful job. I don't think I could have faced it. I know I would have bben a basket case. Now we just have to wait for tomorrow night to see who wins Gold. Bonnie Report Inappropriate Comment

I'm just going to blame the weather

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Had a sinus headache when I went to bed last night; pretty sure it was triggered by the weather, which they usually are for me.
Took me a long time to get to sleep last night. The headache was gone in the morning, but both legs were feeling achy; it made it a little hard to sleep in, but I tried anyway.

Another weather system is moving through today. For quite a long time now, I have been checking AccuWeather.com for the "arthritis index". I actually started keeping track of it in my food diary, just to see if my aches and pains correlated with it. They don't 100% of the time, but usually if it's in the high to extreme range, I will experience more arthritis and sciatica pain, and more headaches. It's not something I really plan my activities around, but in a way, knowing that it's a "high" day on the index when I am not having a good day with my pain helps me cope with it a little better when I can blame it on the weather. I guess it helps me to think of the pain as more temporary that way.

Having an ok day with the stomach so far. Not minding the bland diet as much; instead of wishing for all the foods I love and eat right now, I am focused on eating what my stomach can tolerate so that I can heal. And bland isn't necessarily flavorless. I can eat eggs, so lately my favorite breakfast has been a poached egg and toast, with a small banana. Bananas are the only raw fruits I can have right now. And last week, I found I can tolerate a burger if I use lean ground beef or lean ground turkey. Of course, I have to leave off my usual ketchup, mustard, and relish, but a slice of mild cheese melted on the burger adds just enough flavor.

Because of sleeping in this morning, I got a late start on my trip to the store for groceries. I prefer to leave the house by 9am on those days, before the stores start getting busy. But I decided this morning that trying to get a little more sleep was more important. I had to stop at Sally Beauty first, I had a $5 off purchase of at least $5 coupon that was due to expire the end of this month. I bought myself some exfoliating hand scrub I've been wanting, but didn't want to pay full price for. Normally, I go in there for one or two things and end up spending at least $20 on stuff I don't really need, but I got out of there with a total of a little over $5 today using my coupon; the only other item I bought was a hand lotion. Looking forward to trying out the hand scrub tonight and new hand lotion, it will be a treat.

Went to Miejer, my usual store for groceries. The leg with my bad hip was starting to feel a little sore and a bit weak by then, but I just stuck to buying only the things on my list and didn't wander the other areas of the store if I didn't need anything from those departments. I had my list organized well this time too, so I didn't have to backtrack because of skipping an aisle I should have gone down. There were somewhat long lines when I got to the checkouts, and I was dreading a long wait, but luck was on my side and one of the cashiers opened up another checkout and I was the first in her line. Made it home a little before noon anyway, not too bad for the late start I had today.

I took a pain pill for my hip; it's taken the edge of the pain, but as usual, has left me feeling sleepy. Not up to much of a workout today, so I didn't use the stability ball today, but I used my weights for some bicep curls and triceps extensions.

Nothing on my schedule again until my lab work next Tuesday. I'm glad to not have anywhere I have to go for a few days. I'm not saying I won't go out, but it will be because I want too, not because I have too. Looking forward to taking some of that time to get some more rest.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GIRANIMAL 2/24/2010 4:13PM

I used to check AccuWeather's arthritis index too. There really is something about your pain being sort of "justified" by the weather that helps relieve the annoyance factor. I'm glad you're about to get some much deserved downtime! Take good care of yourself. Report Inappropriate Comment

CARTOONB 2/23/2010 11:13PM

Absolutely, you should blame it on the weather! I'm glad that knowing the index makes it easier to cope. A poached egg on toas sounds really good right now. I will have to remember to have that for breakfast this weekend. Rest well and feel better! Report Inappropriate Comment

TUFFYBIRD 2/23/2010 7:58PM

I know exactly what you're saying when you talk about only doing what you choose and when you want to do it. For the first time in my life (since I retired at the end of January) I've had total control over my schedule, and I find the lack of time pressure very liberating. So my friend, rest when you choose, go where/when you choose, do only what you feel up to doing ... and as always ... please keep us posted. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUEJENN 2/23/2010 7:38PM

You are one consistent woman. You manage to keep to your routine and take care of yourself. Good for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYEFYR 2/23/2010 4:44PM

Congrats on finally getting some downtime. It's important. And it's wonderful knowing that you only have to go out if you WANT to. :-) Blame the weather for the achyness. I know what you mean about making it easier to push through. You know when the weather breaks it'll be better. Something to look forward to! (Especially the sinus headaches being gone!) Report Inappropriate Comment

THE_SILVER_OWL 2/23/2010 4:00PM

Rest well my friend. Report Inappropriate Comment

Another surgery done for Mom, it went well

Monday, February 22, 2010

I stuck to my plan to go to bed early last night, but it still took me longer to get to sleep than I would have liked. It wasn't easy getting up so early this morning, but not as bad as I thought it would be either.

I didn't get up early enough to eat any breakfast at home though, I have to wait til an hour after I take my Carafate before I can have a meal, and I had just enough time to get ready for my mom and dad to pick me on the way to the hospital. My mom had a bone spur removed from her little toe this morning; she had the same surgery on the big toe of the other foot back in November. Once my mom had her gown on and was settled in her bed, I made a trip to the cafeteria to find something to eat. Not a lot to pick from since I am still on the bland food diet, but I got a plain omelet.

The surgery was right on time, and went great. My mom did great too. Since she has already had the same type of surgery on the other foot, we know what to expect, and because this one was a little smaller, it should be an easier recovery. As with the other foot, she will have to walk on just the heal of that foot for a few weeks, but she has both a walker and a cane to use for that time. We left the hospital around 12:30pm.

I was glad to be home and be able to have some lunch. A little bit before we left the hospital, they were serving lunch to the patients. It smelled pretty good actually; I guess if hospital food smells good, it means you're really hungry, lol!

I am doing ok with the stomach today, despite missing my 2nd dose of the Carafate. (I am on 4 doses per day.) After 7 days of being on it, this was the only dose I've missed so far so that isn't bad. The pain seems to be localized to one small area now, instead of all over like it was before, which makes it a little more tolerable. I've had a fairly good day with it today, but it's too soon to say yet that it is actually getting better.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SKYEFYR 2/23/2010 4:39PM

You're getting better every day! And I love reading that you're feeling even a little better. And yes, when hospital food starts smelling good, you're probably starving! Glad to hear it all went well with your moms surgery. Wishing her a speedy recovery! Report Inappropriate Comment

BKWHITE3 2/23/2010 10:31AM

Glad things went well with you Mom and you are feeling better. Report Inappropriate Comment

HOLLYSNOWWOMAN 2/23/2010 9:29AM

So glad it went well and you are feeling better. Report Inappropriate Comment

SAPNA. 2/23/2010 6:21AM

Such a relief for you that your mums surgery went so well. You were finished so quickly. In England it would take at least all day to get it sorted. Unless it was a private operation that is. Report Inappropriate Comment

SERENEMOM71 2/23/2010 12:11AM

I am so glad that your mom's surgery went well and that you did OK, too. I prayed for you today as I did my chores and it helped me to keep the focus off myself which was good. I am glad that your stomach pain was a little better and that it is more localized instead of being so diffuse. YES! And I am glad that you have only had to miss one dose of the carafate! Thanks for the Hug comment on my blog. I needed it today as well as yesterday. Today when my grandson yelled at me, my daughter made him apologize to me for yelling at me. A little confusing to him, I'm sure! Peace, Love, Joy, Serenity, Hope, Healing, Laughter. Comment edited on: 2/23/2010 12:12:43 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

COOKIE502 2/22/2010 7:04PM

Glad things went well today. Report Inappropriate Comment

CELLOPLAYER1 2/22/2010 6:41PM

Glad to hear your moms surgery went well and that you are feeling better. Hopefully you are turning the corner and will be feeling better soon. Take it easy. Report Inappropriate Comment

A sleepy Sunday afternoon

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Not a good night for sleeping last night; I was tired, but just couldn't get relaxed. I ended up having to use the Ambien.

So this afternoon, I am feeling sleepy. But while I still had a little bit of energy this morning, I got a short workout with the stability ball and weights in, and did a load of laundry. I also put some chicken which I am cooking with a little broth in the crock pot for my dinner tonight and the next few days.

I wouldn't say I was feeling good today, but it's not the worst day I've had either. I know it's going to take time for my stomach to heal, and it hasn't been a week yet that I have been on the Carafate.

Really fighting to urge to take a nap this afternoon; if I didn't have to up early tomorrow morning, I would, but I need to be able to get to sleep early tonight. My mom is having outpatient surgery in the morning to remove a bone spur in her foot. I know it's not going to be easy for me to get up early, but I'm preparing for my day ahead of time as much as I can. The less I have to think about in the morning, the better. I have my clothes ready, and my tote bag packed with a book, water, and snacks for the few hours I'll be spending at the hospital tomorrow. My mom's surgery is her surgeon's first case of the day, so hopefully, we will be out of there by noon.

I'm going to watch the Olympics again tonight, but only til 9pm; I'll tape the rest and hoping to be asleep by 10pm.

Here is photo I took of Timmy the other day, my sister gave me that throw for Valentines Day. As you can see, he "hearts" my heart blanket!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SAPNA. 2/22/2010 6:45AM

Good luck for you and for your mothers treatment. I hope it all goes well. Myrna. Report Inappropriate Comment

TUFFYBIRD 2/21/2010 11:31PM

Amy is so very, very, very right - she gives very good advice! Your attitude and motivation is truly awesome and I admire you more than I can say, but please take advantage of everything modern medicine has to offer so you can heal and recover faster. Report Inappropriate Comment

SERENEMOM71 2/21/2010 11:16PM

What a sweetie you are to go with your mom to surgery. You sure are a wonderful daughter. I don't think anyone realizes how badly you feel. I hope that you can be honest and say how hard this really is. I know that the pain in acute and I hope that you can truly take the medications that you need to rest, take away the pain (there is NO shame in admitting how badly it hurts or taking pain medication for it), and to heal. Believe me when I say that you will heal faster when you are not in pain, can get enough rest, and let your body heal. Do not worry if you do not work out. You can build your strength back up after healing. The little bit you are doing is OK but it is OK if you miss a day or two. Do not force yourself if you aren't up to it. This is the nurse in me talking! I have nursed a lot of friends though this and this is what all the docs and nurses told me who helped in rehab. What have yours said? Of course you know best what is best for your body. I don't want to presume what is best for you. But I do know that bone and stomach pain is excruciating and yours must be at LEAST as bad as mine has been - and I bet it is much worse. So my dear friend, please don't give in BUT use the medicines and other therapies that the good Lord has given us! And that is why I admire you so. A positive attitude is good but my dear so is honesty. Please, please, really take care of yourself because I really like you and don't want to see you suffer! Plan to take a couple of days off after Monday!! You and your mom will be in my thoughts and prayers Monday early and all day! I'm sure that she will be able to care for herself once she gets home! Please go home and care for yourself once she gets settled. She can't guess how you are feeling if you don't tell her!! Love, Peace, Joy, Serenity, Hope, Healing, Laughter, Amy L Report Inappropriate Comment

HOLLYSNOWWOMAN 2/21/2010 9:53PM

You and Mom are in my prayers. God bless. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUEJENN 2/21/2010 9:28PM

Hope everything works out the way you have planned. Have a good rest. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYEFYR 2/21/2010 9:10PM

Aw, what a cutie! I hope you got the rest you wanted today and you are able to fall asleep by 10 like you want. I also hope your moms procedure goes smoothly and stress free for both of you. Report Inappropriate Comment

ISLANDRITER 2/21/2010 6:19PM

I am with you regarding taping the later Olympics. Last night I was heading to bed and could hear the tv downstairs with the announcer talking about the last speed skating race with Apollo Ohno...I couldn't resist. I jumped up and watched as he almost slipped and then raced back to get the bronze. I quickly turned off my tv and felt like I was racing trying to go to sleep....recording tonight! You are in my thoughts and prayers...and your mom! Smiles, Mary Report Inappropriate Comment

BKWHITE3 2/21/2010 5:04PM

You and your Mom will be in my prayers tonight and tomorrow. Report Inappropriate Comment

Coping a little better today

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Had a bad day yesterday with the stomach pain. Mostly my own fault. I didn't get up and take my Kapidex and my first dose of Carafate as early as I should have. I was so tired and wanted to sleep in, and I didn't want to crawl out of bed and go into the kitchen and get my pills. I have to take my Carafate an hour before a meal. Since I didn't get up til 9am, I didn't take my Carafate til 9:10am, and had to wait an hour too eat despite having some intense hunger pangs. Shortly after I finally had a small breakfast, the stomach and chest pain got pretty bad again. I think the problems were aggravated by going for too many hours on an empty stomach before eating breakfast.

It put me into a very irritable and foul mood yesterday, I didn't even feel like doing my blogging, hence the short one yesterday. And I spent most of the day I admit just feeling sorry for myself. I was having one of those "it sucks to me" days.

Fortunately, I did get to feeling a little better in the evening, even finished another chemo cap and started another one. And before I went to bed, I made sure my Kapidex and morning dose of Carafate were on my bedside table, so I was able to sleep in again this morning, but took my meds when I was supposed too, so I was able to eat my breakfast as soon as I got up today.

Still dealing with some of the same stomach pain today; not sure it's that much better, but I am coping with it better today.

I didn't meet my goal of tracking my food twice per week this week, but I'm going to let myself slide on that one til I am feeling a little better and not quite so tired.

Just barely met my goal of working out every other day. Just doing the gentle stuff, easy stuff on my stability ball, using my 1 pound weights, and I used my chair yoga DVD a couple of times this week. I just have to avoid anything that involves bending my stomach much til it heals up.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AVALONAPPLE 2/21/2010 3:27PM

{{HUGS}} I have to take thyroid medication an hour before eating and cholesterol meds right before sleep, so I always have a covered glass of water any my pills on my bedtable. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jennifer Report Inappropriate Comment

SERENEMOM71 2/21/2010 4:25AM

Please be gentle and kind with yourself. You certainly are entitled to a few (and honestly more than a few!) aw it sucks days! You've had a tough winter, you were so positive during the radiation treatments, and it is certainly allowable, normal, permissable, and even healthy to grouse, be crabby, mad, grouchy, or even down right grumpy about your situation and the pain you are in and all that you have had and now have to deal with!!!! Everyone would understand and certainly agree with you!! Please let those feelings up and out or they may cause physical problems now or in the future. Don't "stuff" any negative feelings - they can cause pain to feel/be worse, healing to be slower, headaches/migraines to hurt/be more painful, pain to become chronic, etc. As someone who has suffered from acute/chronic pain from years and also someone who has a terrible time naming/claiming/and releasing feelings I can share with you, that for ME, this has all happened. Now we are all different, and this may not happen to you (that if you don't complain or share how you are really feeling/or release negative/hurtful/painful feelings or actual suffering or pain that your body may not heal as quickly, etc), but I would hate for you to even take that chance! Just sharing my experience. Take what you like and throw out what you don't! Thinking of and praying for you daily. God Bless and Take Care! Amy L Comment edited on: 2/21/2010 4:29:29 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYEFYR 2/20/2010 8:15PM

*hugs* Sorry it got worse again. Hope you keep remembering to leave the pills at your bedside so you can get them when you need to and get the extra sleep you need also. Feel better! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUEJENN 2/20/2010 7:49PM

No need to hurry the exercises. Take care of yourself while your tummy heals. Personally I don't see anything wrong with a 'poor me' day every once in a while. It helps you to slow down and take care. Glad you are feeling better today. Report Inappropriate Comment

WIKIUP 2/20/2010 6:52PM

I am glad you are feeling better, Mom2cat. How's the kittys? Report Inappropriate Comment

BKWHITE3 2/20/2010 5:15PM

Shari- Glad you were feeling even a little better today. Report Inappropriate Comment