Here we go. I'm lacing up my running shoes (well figuratively anyway, still can't bend over yet). Today's goal is 2,000 steps. The trick is to achieve optimal balance: do enough to get stronger but not so much that I have to take a three day break. Normal will return one day, or I'll find a new normal; in any event, I'll get this figured out. I'm starting again with the Fly Lady. I can't tell you how helpful her website has been in the past and it is especially helpful now when I can't tackle the whole bear at once. She divides the house into zones and only takes on one zone each week. First you start by spending 15 minutes each day just throwing out the trash and decluttering the place. Then, you can jump in on the daily missions and spend 15 minutes doing whatever has been assigned for that day (today, my mission is to scrub the stove top and soak the knobs).
She sets some excellent ground rules too like not taking out more than you can put back in 15 minutes. By doing just 15 minutes a day in a different zone every week, you start to see progress all over the house AND form good habits. Shiny sink is my favorite. We got behind on this one due to all that has happened, but we're starting again. Empty and shine the kitchen sink, and every night before you go to bed, make sure that the sink is empty and shiny so that when you get up in the morning, no matter what the day throws at you, a lovely shiny sink is there to greet you. Fly Lady gives me monthly habits, daily missions, and lots of positive encouragement. She also sells things in her shop. Because it's a small company, I did have to pay shipping (which is why I waited so long to purchase anything). I had a coupon and they were having a sale, so I got a Rubba Scrubba, a Rubba Swisha, and some purple rags. The first one is a cleaning wand that can be used for about 100 things (according to the site), the second is a rubber toilet bowl cleaner (which seems much more sanitary than our current set up), and the last are microfiber cleaning rags that her followers swear by. I got everything plus shipping for less than $30 so I'm pretty stoked. They haven't shipped yet, but when they do, I'll be sure to let you know if they work. Ok, now it's time to stop blogging and get stepping. Come on Manadee, let's flap them flippers! It's good to make your goals realistic so that you don't fall on your face and end up back in the hospital. I am officially 3 weeks post op as of yesterday. We had dinner at a friends house for the 4th of July and I was able to stay for over 3 hours. I sat at the dinner table and on the couch in the living room which is actually a huge accomplishment. Having a 14 inch incision in your belly makes things like sitting upright more challenging than you would think. The doctor recommends that my daily exercise regimen be limited to walking right now. Like I said, simple things are a work out in themselves after an operation like this.
I'm going back to my weekly Fitbit step goals for the time being. I've looked at my daily step average and am using that as a place to start. Now that I'm finally getting to a place where I don't have to take Oxycodone everyday, I'm feeling less sluggish and more ready to tackle some goals. I just have to keep reminding myself that this is about me and where I'm at and not to be discouraged about starting small. We all have to start somewhere and it's about getting a little stronger everyday (slow and steady wins the race and nothing is more so than a manatee). My first goal is 14,000 steps for next week or 2,000 steps a day. Lucky for me, the treadmill cranks down to 1 mile per hour so I can start there and see what happens. I've unofficially set time goals for myself as well. I'm starting with 5 minutes of continuous walking. I know it doesn't sound like much, but right now, I need a nap afterwords. I do best when I set goals in relationship to events (ex. do x,y,z by Christmas), so the goals I'm setting now are in relationship to my birthday on October 1. I missed the Oregon Trail trip with my friends due to surgery (something I am still emotional about), and so I've asked my friends for a birthday party. I don't need presents, just a party and one I don't have to plan. Because they are the most amazing friends in the world, they have honored my request and, armed with a Pinterest board, they are making me a party (I have no idea what's happening...). So that's ground 0, event marker number one. By my 37th birthday, I have set out to achieve the following goals: walk 41,500 steps in a week, walk for 30 minutes continuously, resume my weekly personal training sessions at the gym, be able to shave my legs and tie my own shoes. Watch out world, this Manadee is on a mission! It's good to be home! All the staples came out without incident and now I'm trying not to scratch 72 little scabbies that itch like the dickens. I have a final doctors visit on July 27 and, if all goes well, I will be released into the wild. Right now I'm just trying to get back in the swing of things. Wednesday will be 3 weeks post op, so I still have lots of scabs and can't bend over. On a positive note, I can go up and down the stairs to our bedroom slowly but surely. Also, thanks to those awesome bed rails mom bought at a garage sale, I can get in and out of my own bed! You have no idea how wonderful it feels to sleep in my own bed.
Seeing as my movement is still restricted, I put the rollator in the kitchen so I can sit while I make tasty, tasty snacks. Another plus is that my appetite is back and I haven't been sick to my stomach since I woke up from the operation! The doctor said she is impressed with my tenacity and how quickly I'm recovering from the operation. This makes me feel good, because most days it doesn't feel like I'm recovering quickly enough. I miss yoga, water aerobics, and personal training. I also miss being able to sit upright for as long as I please. Patience little Manadee, patience. Rome was not built in a day. Right now I've got the rumblies in my tumbly. I'm going to go make myself a sandwich so the dogs can stare at me while I eat it. |
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June 2023
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