Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Update

You're right 444 - it's time for an update!

On the physical side of things I'm not getting any worse.  I've had the occasional day when I thought the pain was a bit less, but not often. I've tried topical gels and creams with some temporary relief of symptoms. Pain pills, even those with an added muscle relaxant, haven't really helped. And, very sadly, acupuncture isn't having its usual magical effect.

So, what did the doctors recommend? Well, the acupuncturist said to walk 8-10km per day and to also do something different like swimming. I don't swim but I will consider an aquafit class if I can find one.  And my GP gave me an "exercise prescription" as well - HOT YOGA!!


She sees a LOT of people like me (walkers, runners, hikers) with very tight muscles and hot yoga can help relax those muscles. So, starting tomorrow, I'm off to a beginner's hot yoga class. I've also started doing some yoga at home thanks to the recommendation on Carla's "blog of the "Yoga Studio" app.

**You know what would be a cool idea? A blog called "Bloggers helping Bloggers"! A forum for people to post their "problem" and other bloggers could post suggestions and ideas that worked for them.

Anyhoo - on to the depression. Through my own reading I've discovered that I'm going through the stages of grief due to a number of losses over the past year and a half: loss of relationship, loss of 20 year old pet, loss of meaningful work (retired), loss of PEI home and future life with partner, and loss of pain free movement. (loss of ability to pursue my hobbies - all of which require sitting)

The stages of grief are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. I'm stuck - I'm done with denial and bargaining....still feel some anger and definitely some depression. So my doctor gave me a referral to a counsellor and I've made the initial phone call, now just waiting for a call back so I can set up an appointment. I have NO idea how long I'll have to wait. In the meantime I'll continue doing what I'm doing: getting out into nature for long walks/hikes, visiting with family and friends, going to the trailer, doing the fix ups I can manage in the condo and at the trailer, yoga etc.

Today I have a couple of not very physically demanding jobs to do - put new little bumper pads on all of my kitchen cupboards and start prepping the walls in my bathroom for painting. And tonight I have a 2 hour hike. Every hour on the hour I'll stop whatever I'm doing and get down on my yoga mat for some stretches.  Sounds like a fun day...no? Hey, it makes me feel a wee bit better to be productive in some small way.

In other news....

Kazi bought one of these earlier this week:

It's a terracotta money pot! She's saving for "trips and MOVING"!! Of course when she says "moving" she means somewhere like Texas or California...so I'm not going to worry about that yet - it could take quite a while to fill her money pot! With this type of pot there is NO way of getting the money out except to smash it when it's full reducing the temptation of taking out what you've already put in (like I do with my piggy bank!!)

My accomplishment for yesterday was to write a reference letter for a student who helped out with my Best Buddies program at school.  I was dreading it but once I got started it was surprisingly easy. It also brought back a lot of good memories and I had a few tears. Part of me is glad I'm retired from THAT job but a big part of me misses the students and the fun times we had connecting through Best Buddies.

That's it for now...time for some stretches and blog reading!

9 comments:

  1. Let me know how the hot yoga goes. I use the Yoga app as well right now and trying to do 15 minutes every day. It seems like I can reasonably fit that in.

    I am so sorry about your pain and I know exactly how you feel. I have the same issue. My advice is deep tissue massage and a hot tub! LOL I get the deep tissue massage from time to time and I take baths with lots of Epsom salts. No cure, but it helps.

    Swimming is interesting. I am with you on it - no access, but not something I love doing.

    I hope your depression gets better soon. Really soon!

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  2. livingrichonthecheapMay 20, 2015 at 11:59 AM

    Maybe you could volunteer in a student-type environment to fill that void? Sounds like you are doing everything right. Love your cartoon today btw :) I have never tried yoga, not even once. Maybe I should. I just started going to the gym with hubby 2x per week, also still using the steps app on my phone and long dog walks. Even got on our home treadmill once this week so definitely moving more. I don't want to lose weight, just get in better shape. If I lost weight that would just be a side bonus.

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  3. i want to make you feel better, I think you have just been through so much in the last few years. Retirement is great but you are a do it person. We must find you something to do.

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  4. Hey Jane - sorry I haven't commented in a while. I just wanted to share something with you...
    When I last my work permit last year I also became quickly depressed. I had lost my 'meaningful work' and felt as though there was nothing left to validate me - I hadn't realised how fulfilling work is and how much validation I received from that. Then I was unable to see my parents for a year and half as well as the rest of my family and unable to progress with my life with Luke and it all just built up so much.
    I am sorry you are going through this now and I have no advice to offer that you don't already know! I just wanted you to know that you aren't alone in having to go through this x

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  5. I am with you - I have given up on trying to lose, but just live healthier. I think the weight loss will come as a extra eventually.

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  6. anne in the kitchenMay 20, 2015 at 4:07 PM

    As soon as I get the pool cleaned from my next door neighbors tree removal mess I am starting lap swimming to clear my mind. I get into an almost Zen state with the repetitive motion and the way the sunlight bounces through the water off the pool bottom. Hope hot yoga will help you the same way!

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  7. I am glad you have posted an update. I have been wondering how you have been doing. I hope the hot yoga works for you.

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  8. Jane, have you tried active release massage? I've just finished my last session, and it worked wonders along side the chiropractor. They work on getting the deep knots out... I like the idea of swimming and hot yoga too... depression is such a nasty beast, we never know when it's going to rear it's ugly head! Grief is not a straight line, it's full of zig zags, my momma has been seeing someone since my dad passed away to help her through the journey. It's amazing to see how at 75 years young, someone can work on changing their patterns of behavior and coping techniques... There is hope!

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  9. Oh Jane, I'm so sorry i've been MIA from your blog posts! I'm just now catching up. I'm so sorry that you continue to have back pain, and I understand completely about the depression. That certainly is a lot of loss in a short amount of time. I have no advice at this point, except to keep on keeping on with what makes you feel better. A counselor sounds like a great idea to try and figure out coping mechanisms to get you through this period. I'm rooting for ya! Sending prayers too!! xoxoxo Sharon

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