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~