Procedures/surgeries/operations

Well,  I am hoping that Thursday was the last surgery of this year.  It went well.  For all you ladies out there, I had an ablation.  It was scary to think about having it, but actually, they took very good care of me, and I got through it with out any problems.  I rested all day today, doing a little here and there.  Percocet helps :)

I am looking forward to organizing my new year.  January has on deck for me a root canal, a crown, and 2 cavities to fill.... yeah!  Thought I may be taking a break from the doctor coats, gloves and pain!  Not the case!  But.... One day at a time.  

That's not for 2 + weeks.  For now, I have healing to do from my surgery.  Last week the stairs, the weeks before that, pain school, need I go on.  I think one of my goals for the new year, is not to define my weeks/days by my injuries/illnesses, but by what I am going to do that day. 

I'm lovin my exercises.  I really like to do them on a daily basis.  I have missed them for the last few days.  I TOTALLY LOVE the EXERCISE BALL!!! 

Graduation from "Pain School"

Well 4 weeks of concentrating on wellness.  It certainly went by quicker than I anticipated.  I learned a lot and feel in control enough to keep moving in the right direction.  I have decided (a bit ago) taking things one day at a time is the best way for me to approach exercise and housekeeping.  These are the 2 most overwhelming tasks I need to attend to daily. I have, for a long time, taken things one day at a time, but with a family, it is hard not to get scheduled out too far in advanced.  School events, doctor appointments, dentists, etc.  keep me going filled with up coming anticipations.  Time for me get hard to carve in, but I did it for one month, and for 5 hours a day (that included travel time). So, I promised myself, that I can make time, at a minimum, of 1 hour a day for me.  I am doing 40 of exercising and 20 of relaxation/reflection. So I am moving slower but stronger.  I am getting things done but not as much.  I am thinking clearer, but taking on less.  I feel "Happy of myself" for all my hard work.  I have confidence I will be able to keep going.  K~

Day 16

Well it is late on day 16 of my Chronic Pain Program.  It seems like a short trip and a long journey all at the same time.

Things I've learned:

It's all about the CORE... Tuck in your belly!  I can get physically stronger even with chronic pain! I rocked at my discharge life test... OH YEAH!

That I was blessed with 3 of the BEST people to be teamed up with.  These 3 people laughed and cried right along with me.  We shared really hard days and really good moments.  We hug and we care. I am truly blessed.  And here is what is really special, I don't feel like it's over on Friday.  I feel like it's a kick start.  I know I will see my dear team mates.  We will be at our life long support group 2 times a month.  We miss each other even for 1/2 a day.

Oh here's another thing, I cry A LOT and on a dime!! It's odd. I hear that it is common when healing from great pain (even physical pain).  I don't like to cry in front of people.  It's become so common at CPP that by now I am sure they don't believe me any more.

Things I am hoping to embrace a bit more:

My brain fog:  I really have no concentration.  I don't know what's going on most of the time.  My hearing doesn't help. I can't hear things and what I do "hear" it's not right. SO, I am just going to be the "crazy old lady" and embrace that lady.

Chronic Pain for me, is not 24/7 and for that, I am grateful.  It is often.  It is frequent. But it is NOT every minute of everyday.  So I am very thankful and I need to embrace me when I am well too.

I need to try to see myself as a likable person.  I have been given some ideas. I am going to try a couple and see if I can see what others say they see.  Too often I am told how obnoxious and annoying I am.  I am going to really work on this.

So... Thursday and Friday.

Finally Nala AND photo time

K~

Week 3

I can't believe I am starting my 3rd week of my chronic pain program already.  I have 10 meeting days of it left.  I think it has been a really good experience so far. Today we have the next group joining us.  Every 2 weeks a new group comes in so there are always people in the group.  We were fortunate ( I think ) to be the first group.  We were able to really connect with each other and develop a closer bond.  We have already planned on going to coffee or lunch after the continuing support group that follows the program.  The support group goes on forever and meets 2 times per month.  That will be so nice to have such a close group of people who know exactly what "the deal" is.  I have had a few people respond to me from the internet too. For that I am very thankful too. I appreciate that others have taken this seriously.  It's hard for me to sometimes.

MOVEMENT!!! That is the key for me, along with rest and relaxation.  I need all three to keep in balance.  I only need a little movement, but movement indeed!

I am anxious for the group today.  Don't like crowds.  Don't like new situations.  But it will be what it will be. Here goes!

K~

Week 2 Day 4/ Day 5

Well after a long holiday weekend I am back at it.  I am doing well.  The pain hasn't gotten worse, thank goodness.  The exercise feels good.  I look forward to moving.  I think my body likes it too.  Not too much.  It gets to be a long day.  The toughest part of the day is working through the topics of discussion.  I feel overwhelmed talking about the feelings that come with chronic pain.  I find it by far the biggest challenge.  I hope that practice not only with physical exercise but in mental exercise, I can get used to turning some thoughts around.  I am only 5 days in so I am still have A LOT of practice ahead of me!  K~

Week 1 - Day 2/Day 3

Day 2 was the first day of the warm salt water therapy pool.  It felt nice.  I have to tell ya I was really tired after 45 minutes of moving though.  Getting dressed took me FOREVER!  Gee I am slow!  Then it was time to bounce on a ball.  I think I might be the only person that can have super bad posture on an exercise ball.  I was about to roll right off that thing.  LUNCH TIME!!  Then it was topic time.  Our topic today... Values.  Interesting.  We learned that values are usually never reached but are ongoing.  It is usually what you want to be remembered for.  What is depressing for someone with chronic pain is THAT can often become (seem what someone may) remember someone for.  That's all I got for now.  Then it was more learning about relaxation then relaxing but that's ok.  There was a cute video about pain from Australia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b8oB757DKc


Day 3 - Today was the a LOOONG day.  I am just going to need to face this program as my new normal.  Pain along with exercise, fatigue and ignoring how I feel... Weeee!  At least that is how I left feeling today.  I think that this is still going to a be a beneficial program, but I get so tired of pulling myself up by my bootstraps.  When one looks at the big picture, that is what life is all about.... falling down and getting back up until you fall down for that one last time.  It really does no good complaining about ones pain or discomfort.  Someone will always have it worse, we all know that.  We logically know we don't want to be them.  4 days until Monday.

K~

Week 1 - Day 1

It is my first day of the Chronic Pain Program.  I feel overwhelmed like I knew I would.  I think the Brain fog is over looked when getting us orientated.  I remember only about 1/4 of what was said and the rest was blah blah blah.  About 1:30 my elbows came in really handy as did the table top because my head gained about 10 pounds over the last hour.  Tomorrow is the salt water warm pool therapy, PT, lunch, discussion, and relaxation. My weekly goal setting is over the top.

1/2 of cleaning my craft area per day until Sunday
1/2 hour of working on Rick and My clothes baskets in the dining room
1/2 a day on my Christmas letter per day until Sunday

I better get going I only have 1 and 1/4 hours til bed.... hum?


K~

Meal worms love carrots

Not quite stop motion but the photos are taken about every 6 hours or so.  

All gone :)

Oh is THAT all.

When diagnosed with fibromyalgia it is therefore essential to reconsider your entire lifestyle, not only to ascertain the best methods for coping with health maintenance whilst suffering a chronic disorder, but also for personal well being and general health purposes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1897516

Frantic crafting?

I tell ya.  I have been frantic crafting for weeks it seems.  Everything as of late has had a deadline and it had come far too soon.  My fingers can only go so fast.  I finished my sisters afghan.  I think it turned out well.  I sewed a costume for my daughter in 4 hours with small pictures on my smartphone.  I crocheted a mask for my son in about 35 minutes and now I am crocheting a amigurumi character for my sons friend by Friday.  I also have about 4 other projects that I have wanted to start on my own to get done and given for gifts.  Then there is the holidays, starting my other sisters afghan.  I need to sew a project that I wanted to get done for someone, 5 months ago.  Then there is my felting project that I am trying to learn.  That may have to wait......K~

Fibromyalgia

It's a bright sunny day.  I am getting ready for the day.  I am trying to recap my last few weeks so I can keep on track for the rest of the week.  I have a lot going on and a lot to do.  I need to sew Cora's costume by tomorrow.  She is going as Fiona from Adventure Time.  Cute!  and I need to prepare for my Friday Reptile class, almost done.  I need to crochet a character for Sam's best friend by the weekend, haven't started, and since I have the sewing machine up, I need to sew a banner for Barry that has been sitting here for about 5 months.  I have PT today and my LAST crochet/knitting class to teach at TCA Yeah!! That class has been HARD!  and now I am going to take a moment for me.... just to sit and update.

I have figured out a system for keep apprised of my brain fog.  I am going to keep a pen circle on my right index finger.  This way, I can enlarge it or make it smaller depending on how bad I am suffering from it.  It is stunning how this symptom can vary.  One thing, however, I have noticed, is that it sticks around for days and then leave for days (so far).  So now that I have had a few days of it being low, I have been able to get things done.  Another thing, is, is that it follows along with "flares" that is what my PT calls my pain.  I like that term.  It describes the pain well, and it doesn't limit it to any one place in my body, just like Fibromyalgia works.

I am going to put some kind or a red pen mark on my finger when I am suffering from a Flare, but I don't know how I am going to do that yet.

I still haven't put time for me on the calendar.  I need to do that.  I have not been doing any time for me.  none at all~   Last night might have constituted as some.  I went to bed at 8 PM.  I got so frustrated.  As I got out of the car, I really hurt my right shoulder.  It hurt so terribly, that I just went to bed.  I got up at midnight, took my meds and went back to bed.

That is how this dumb Fibromyalgia is working out for me.  I move in a certain way and BAM I have a pulled muscle for 5 days or a pinched nerve for 4 days or a  bone crunchy shoulder for 24 hours.  It is just frustrating. How do you learn to live with THAT!  Hover round here I come!! K~

preparing to "earth" indoors,,,,

Something like this.  I got this off the net, it was hard to find.

Here are my directions for preparing a homemade "earthing" station. 

I will be soon going to prepare my "earthing" station for winter.  

Here are my directions:  You need to get One sturdy box/bin and One shovel.

 Prepare for some time outside to dig up some dirt. Fill the box approximately 8", just enough to dig you toes/feet in up to the ankles with good yummy dirt from the actual ground. 

Now just sit there and wiggle your toes and sip ice tea or hot cocoa depending on how cold/hot it is outside.  

The following is just an option.  If you do not want to be able to tear your sheets or bedding, couch cushions, your partner legs,  etc., you may want to wash your feet and put lotion on them.  Dirt is very drying to the skin.  Put socks on your lotioned feet to keep yourself from slipping and falling :).  

There you have "Earthed".  

No plug ins, no sheets etc. 

Just good wonderful rich soil.  

K~

Fibromyalgia.....this may be it, really?

So I have heard this word tossed around more than once from my doctor, the physical therapist, and my new pain clinic doctor and Nurse practitioner.  Although I know about it because I am taking Lyrica for my headaches, And Lyrica is often use to manage this "illness", I never really put much thought into the commercials I heard on TV.  It just seems like another Flim Flam diagnosis.  One that is given when nothing "real" can be found.  I have been doing a bit of reading on the subject, and it does seem to fit my symptoms, but I feel that it might lead to a situation of me being pushed aside. Leaving me to work this out alone.  If that is the case it will feel like I am back to square one as far as support, and I don't want that to happen.  So, I am not going to sit around and do nothing about it.  Being a creature of organization and liking things "just so" I am going to try very hard in the next few weeks to apply this to my health.  I am going to set up "safety bars" and "ramps" and  "special dietary needs" just like someone might if they are rehabilitating from a fall or another kind of "real" ailment.   I am going to try and treat it like a regular illness.  I am going to take "Rest and sleep" like a pill. "Neck traction" like an ointment.  I will take my "Brain fog" like a disability that someone might need written or visual ques to help them with daily tasks and regular conversations. All of this will take time... LOTS of time.  But it needs to be done.  If not for me, for my family.  K~    

Earthing

There is a whole new movement out there called "earthing"???  I just heard of it for the first time last Thursday.  I find it very interesting.  I've been "earthing" my whole life.  I am always barefoot or using my hands in dirt without gloves etc.  I know there's more to it, but blah blah blah....it's all simply about use getting back to nature and feeling our earth.  Do we need added items to purchase, except perhaps a box of dirt for those people who live in a setting that doesn't have dirt like Tokyo City.  

The only caution is your skin gets SUPER DRY!!! carry lotion all the time.  

As for bugs and sleeping directly on the dirt.  Do you need to sleep on the ground overnight to connect with our earth and reap the benefits of it's healing?  I say, just ware ear plugs so bugs don't crawl in your ears, try it once and see how it goes.  If you live where black widows, black mambas, cobras, scorpions, etc. live, just well, be careful or don't do it.

I see on the "earthing" sights that you need to plug something in.  What could you possibly need to plug in to "Earth"? The only thing I can think of is possibly a high powered foot buffer to get your feet clean and de-callous for your cooperate work week. Seriously people,  there is nothing that needs to be plugged in in order  to connect to our earth. 

Earthing... I guess even some feel touching "Mother Nature" is marketable.

K~

Autumn

Autumn is a beginning and an end. It is crisp and cool, warm and sunny.  It is a promise of renewal.  It brings awe with its colors.  It brings wondering and thought.  Autumn is windy.  It shows it's mighty strength and It's tender weakness. Autumn brings joy to the senses. It reaches out to you. It let's you know it's there. Autumn is hopeful.  It has faith. 

K~

Understanding differences: animals and humans

I know now why I seem to like animals more than humans.  They are predictable, even in their unpredictability.  Animals are all wild.  Even "domestic" animals.  Domestic animals just take longer to get upset if you bother them.  That's all.  The only real difference really.  There are no intellectual expectations with animals.  They are who they are.  One either accepts them or they don't.  They either accept you or they don't.  Yes, maybe over time an animal will tolerate humans, but again, they are who they are and we are right back to the fact that they are predictable even in there unpredictability.  As far as humans go. I think for me it's that intellectual piece that I stumble over often, if not all the time.  I expect people to, well be "human" in a situation or in their reaction.  Since I deal with animals "domestic and wild" on a daily basis, I look to the human and long to interact in a "human" way.  And I guess that is what I am getting.  I am getting the human experience.  I am getting all that intelligence has to offer.  Opinions are offered freely  uninformed and unsolicited. There is nothing predictable about humans.  On one hand that is what makes them human  on the other hand that is what makes them very inhumane. People are mean a lot of the time.  I am not excluded. And I know mean fuels mean.  Quiet usually follows quiet.  Humans are challenging. Humans are frustrating. Animals are animals.  K~

What? Are you talking to me??

Bassy is always curious about what might be going on.  It hopefully has to do with small minnows being dropped into his tank.  He is super fun to watch.  He follows you around as you do your work.  K~

Scaly poses

Francis chillin'

Francis checkin things out

Perdi... What?

Bob is finally on the outside of his mesh.  Hi Bob!

David with Medusa

Sam posing with with Mazey.  

K~

Gleep and Gloop

This is Gleep and Gloop from the Herculoids.  

They were my inspiration for my name of our 2 newest members of the zoos. 

 This is Gleep.

This is Gloop.  

They are African clawed frogs.  K~