Needing a break from things around here, Laura & I took off in the Rented car and drove to Santa Rosa to see H & D and the California Grand kids. So much to do and so little time to do it, this would describe our trip. Parks, Doughnut castles, Train town, San Francisco Pier 39, Redwoods, Sunshine, Rain, Lots of food, Olives, Hotels, ... These are some of the things that kept us busy for a week.
Coming in July, we have the amazing opportunity of going to China to visit M & H and China Grand kids, for 16 days. Harm pointed out that 30 years to the day after having our 1st child (her), we are finally traveling outside of this country. We were searching for tickets to fly and the average was looking like it would be about $1100.00 each but I found tickets on the exact dates we wanted for $605.00 each - after tax we got both tickets for about $ 1300.00 so I had to buy them. Now we are locked in, July 24 to Aug. 9. We are very excited as we look ahead to this. More on the planning stages will follow.
Sandwiched in the middle of these events, in June Harmony will have her baby, resulting in another trip to California (maybe just Laura).Now, if we didn't have to deal with School & work, things would still be busy.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Recovery & Rehab
Recovery, it's not what you might expect. As much as I thought I was prepared for this, the(self)rehab is slow going and painful. Part of the problem is the continual dealing with my injured foot. This makes it difficult to walk, even in the pool. My Dr. feels the foot is healing with time and believes he may not have to cut & repair it, now that's a blessing. I see my Back Doctor tomorrow, will get an updated prognosis on the healing process.
As I expected, I did not keep down below 280 post surgery, I find myself at 283 lbs. This gives me a good starting point to jump start phase 2 of my mission of reclaiming my body. My wife & I have been looking at several options of things I (we) can do next. I am mentally prepared to continue this battle (physically, I'm still in the battle too). To complete preparations for events this summer, I have to really kick it into the next gear.
I really put my back to the test over the last week. We put on about 1400 miles of driving over 6 days. I absolutely felt the results for several days afterwords, requiring heating pads and rest. The pain pill (Happy pill) phase is over. As tempted as I may have been, I am not taking them. The last 2 days have been a lot better, I haven't needed to use my back brace. After I see the Back Dr., I will have a better idea of when I can expect to return to work and be able to start lifting weights to work out.
More later.
As I expected, I did not keep down below 280 post surgery, I find myself at 283 lbs. This gives me a good starting point to jump start phase 2 of my mission of reclaiming my body. My wife & I have been looking at several options of things I (we) can do next. I am mentally prepared to continue this battle (physically, I'm still in the battle too). To complete preparations for events this summer, I have to really kick it into the next gear.
I really put my back to the test over the last week. We put on about 1400 miles of driving over 6 days. I absolutely felt the results for several days afterwords, requiring heating pads and rest. The pain pill (Happy pill) phase is over. As tempted as I may have been, I am not taking them. The last 2 days have been a lot better, I haven't needed to use my back brace. After I see the Back Dr., I will have a better idea of when I can expect to return to work and be able to start lifting weights to work out.
More later.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Happy Pills
Post surgery, a time for recovery. The Surgeon came to my room the day after the surgery to look things over & see how I was doing. He seemed pleased with my progress and said I could go home after my back brace came or I could stay another night if I wanted too. Why would I want to stay – no sleep, nurses every ½ hour taking stats, lights on all night, …the happy pills were always being brought in. Happy pills in my case turned out to be percocet’s. Upon going home, Laura went to fill my prescription. The surgeon, as it turned out, prescribed a bottle of 200 percocet tablets – up to 10 per day. There’s a nice way to start an addiction.
For the last 3 days, I have needed to take a total of 10 tablets (no addicts here). I believe I am handling the recovery pretty well right now. I was able to walk about 7-8 block circle today after walking a few blocks yesterday. I am trying to keep a grip on my diet till I can start back up at the gym. Matthew asked me last week to tell if & when I am tempted to “cheat” on the diet. I was tempted on Monday at Walgreen’s in the candy isle, but walked through it to just pick up my vitamins I needed. It really was a challenge for me, tried to justify only one before the Surgery. Besides, I had reached my next benchmark of 280 lbs. (279 on Monday, 280 was my goal before surgery). I found a compromise in a healthy 100 calorie bar, I can live with that.
Laura counted 17 staples in about 8” on my back. These are painful to put pressure on, so I have trouble sleeping still. Next Thursday, Feb 11th they come out @ 2:20 PM. Until then, Laura gets to be my nurse & change the dressing daily. I really couldn’t get through this without her. My dad & Rita came over last night; I struggled to stay focused since I had just taken a happy pill. I have a lot of paperwork and school work to do as well as taxes, but I need a couple more days to clear my head & become less dependent upon the little round feel-goods. I believe it will happen soon enough.
Well, I’ve reached my limit for sitting for now, so I'm off to take another happy pill, more later ...
For the last 3 days, I have needed to take a total of 10 tablets (no addicts here). I believe I am handling the recovery pretty well right now. I was able to walk about 7-8 block circle today after walking a few blocks yesterday. I am trying to keep a grip on my diet till I can start back up at the gym. Matthew asked me last week to tell if & when I am tempted to “cheat” on the diet. I was tempted on Monday at Walgreen’s in the candy isle, but walked through it to just pick up my vitamins I needed. It really was a challenge for me, tried to justify only one before the Surgery. Besides, I had reached my next benchmark of 280 lbs. (279 on Monday, 280 was my goal before surgery). I found a compromise in a healthy 100 calorie bar, I can live with that.
Laura counted 17 staples in about 8” on my back. These are painful to put pressure on, so I have trouble sleeping still. Next Thursday, Feb 11th they come out @ 2:20 PM. Until then, Laura gets to be my nurse & change the dressing daily. I really couldn’t get through this without her. My dad & Rita came over last night; I struggled to stay focused since I had just taken a happy pill. I have a lot of paperwork and school work to do as well as taxes, but I need a couple more days to clear my head & become less dependent upon the little round feel-goods. I believe it will happen soon enough.
Well, I’ve reached my limit for sitting for now, so I'm off to take another happy pill, more later ...
Monday, February 1, 2010
Surgery
Surgery day is upon us on Ground hogs day. In just over 12 hours, the surgeon will start cutting but I wont really feel it till later. The actual procedure will take about 1 ½ to 2 hours, followed by 2 hours in the recovery room. The surgeon will cut out the entire L-4 disc in my back and replace it with a synthetic disc, attached with 4 titanium screws. The entire idea of the procedure amazes me.
Growing up as a child in the 60’s, just knowing someone who had gone through a surgery was not very common. In fact, Going to the doctor was not even that common of an event. With a back problem like mine, the surgery would have been a fusion, keeping the patient hospitalized for a week. Now, 1 night and go home.
The best part of having the surgery is the anticipated results. My prognosis is to have 97% total mobility in less than 5-6 months, something I have not had in 5 years. My surgeon is very good at what he does and has a high success rate, so I feel pretty good about it. Based upon my prior surgeries, I know this will be a rough time of recovery over the next 4-6 weeks. I really pray that laura, my loving spouse, can tolerate me through all this.
As I recover, I will keep this blog site posted when I can bear sitting at the computer.
Growing up as a child in the 60’s, just knowing someone who had gone through a surgery was not very common. In fact, Going to the doctor was not even that common of an event. With a back problem like mine, the surgery would have been a fusion, keeping the patient hospitalized for a week. Now, 1 night and go home.
The best part of having the surgery is the anticipated results. My prognosis is to have 97% total mobility in less than 5-6 months, something I have not had in 5 years. My surgeon is very good at what he does and has a high success rate, so I feel pretty good about it. Based upon my prior surgeries, I know this will be a rough time of recovery over the next 4-6 weeks. I really pray that laura, my loving spouse, can tolerate me through all this.
As I recover, I will keep this blog site posted when I can bear sitting at the computer.
Monday, January 25, 2010
HOSPITALS
There is something about a Hospital that causes you to act or think differently than you normally do. Laura's Mom (Grammy) was recently in the place again. Laura & her sisters all pulled together and spent the time they could with her & each other.
It becomes a time of reflection on the things in life that are really important. Grammy came home again, surrounded by those she loves. Yesterday, we found out that 2 of our friends were in the Salem Hospital. Laura & I went to visit them last night. Friend #1 is in her 80's (like Grammy). This is her 3rd time in about a month and the doctors are still trying to figure out the problem. She was looking & feeling good. Just down the hall from them was Friend #2, recovering from an emergency surgery. We could not see him since he was sleeping.
Today I went back & visited with Friend #2, he is doing a lot better & plans on going home tomorrow or the next day. I also wanted to visit Friend #1's husband. It's hard for him to watch his wife of over 60 years suffer. She is again very ill today. I talked and prayed with him. Fortunately, they also have family support. I find it interesting to have all these Hospital experiences as I prepare to go in for my surgery on Feb. 2nd. I know that I will only be one night then home. I already know what the problem is as I go in, unlike all the above. My expected outcome is no mystery.Laura will be at my side through this event and I know that God hears the prayers of everyone who is praying for me. How can I worry about the surgery? I know that God will guide the hands of the surgeon. More later on this topic - after the surgery.
It becomes a time of reflection on the things in life that are really important. Grammy came home again, surrounded by those she loves. Yesterday, we found out that 2 of our friends were in the Salem Hospital. Laura & I went to visit them last night. Friend #1 is in her 80's (like Grammy). This is her 3rd time in about a month and the doctors are still trying to figure out the problem. She was looking & feeling good. Just down the hall from them was Friend #2, recovering from an emergency surgery. We could not see him since he was sleeping.
Today I went back & visited with Friend #2, he is doing a lot better & plans on going home tomorrow or the next day. I also wanted to visit Friend #1's husband. It's hard for him to watch his wife of over 60 years suffer. She is again very ill today. I talked and prayed with him. Fortunately, they also have family support. I find it interesting to have all these Hospital experiences as I prepare to go in for my surgery on Feb. 2nd. I know that I will only be one night then home. I already know what the problem is as I go in, unlike all the above. My expected outcome is no mystery.Laura will be at my side through this event and I know that God hears the prayers of everyone who is praying for me. How can I worry about the surgery? I know that God will guide the hands of the surgeon. More later on this topic - after the surgery.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Weight loss
Why is it so easy to gain weight yet so hard to reverse the process. Could it have anything to do with food? When I was a lot younger than I am now. I never worried about gaining weight since I naturally burned about 4000 calories a day. I ignored the little bumps in pounds as I got a little older then finally took notice after I had a major injury and put on 60 lbs. The shocker came as I approached the threshold of 300 lbs.
It is easy to blame others, people, events, activities, and circumstances. I must have blamed all the above as well as God to justify myself. I have come to rationally realize that the only thing to really blame is ME. I have to admit, I really enjoy food. Not just any food, mostly the wrong kinds of food. Honestly, isn't Chocolate one of the major food groups? I am not good at "keeping track" of calories but I do know how to monitor volume of intake. I also know that given the choice between 70% cocoa bars and carrots,which one I prefer to to eat and I should eat.
I am re-discovering how to eat, the right things and when to eat. I have resolved that I will only "treat" myself with purchasing and eating a good candy bar as I reach my downward spiral benchmarks at the even 10's. My journey began on 1 Jan 2010 at 297 lbs. I skipped the treat at 290 since I was fasting and didn't think I deserved it yet I am currently at 282 lbs and will have to think about it as I reach 280. My ultimate goal is to reach 250 by this summer as my wife and I are making plans to travel. My extended goal is to get back to 220 lbs, the weight both my Doctor and Naturopath would like to see.
For the first time in years, I am excited about the possibility of being fit again. I actually thought about asking my Surgeon if he could suck a little of this fat out while he is already in there to fix my back (funny thing is Laura - my loving wife - thought of the same thing).
Isaiah 10:6 says "Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire."
These goals are the basis behind the name of this blog. I really hope to outwardly exhibit the signs of being the incredible shrinking man.
It is easy to blame others, people, events, activities, and circumstances. I must have blamed all the above as well as God to justify myself. I have come to rationally realize that the only thing to really blame is ME. I have to admit, I really enjoy food. Not just any food, mostly the wrong kinds of food. Honestly, isn't Chocolate one of the major food groups? I am not good at "keeping track" of calories but I do know how to monitor volume of intake. I also know that given the choice between 70% cocoa bars and carrots,which one I prefer to to eat and I should eat.
I am re-discovering how to eat, the right things and when to eat. I have resolved that I will only "treat" myself with purchasing and eating a good candy bar as I reach my downward spiral benchmarks at the even 10's. My journey began on 1 Jan 2010 at 297 lbs. I skipped the treat at 290 since I was fasting and didn't think I deserved it yet I am currently at 282 lbs and will have to think about it as I reach 280. My ultimate goal is to reach 250 by this summer as my wife and I are making plans to travel. My extended goal is to get back to 220 lbs, the weight both my Doctor and Naturopath would like to see.
For the first time in years, I am excited about the possibility of being fit again. I actually thought about asking my Surgeon if he could suck a little of this fat out while he is already in there to fix my back (funny thing is Laura - my loving wife - thought of the same thing).
Isaiah 10:6 says "Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire."
These goals are the basis behind the name of this blog. I really hope to outwardly exhibit the signs of being the incredible shrinking man.
Finally blogging
For those that know me , welcome. For those that don't , I am Ed, am married to the most supportive wife, have 3 children (plus 2 more by marriage), and 5 (soon 6) grandchildren.I realized just a few days ago that I created this Blog site about 3 years ago and never posted on it. Now seems to be a good time to begin for those that care to follow my journey for the following reasons:
1) My progress towards completing my return to school - I started back @ Corban College to complete my BA in Business, after a 30 year break.
2) My progress in weight loss - My goal is 80 lbs. over the next year. I am off to a pretty good start, having shed 15 lbs the past 3 weeks.
3) The continuation of my physical well being - I am currently scheduled for Back surgery on ground Hogs Day - funny when I think of the movie by the same title compared to my doing this surgery all over again.
I may not stay consistent in my writings here, I may even be all over the place at times, you can even expect to here a few things about God or the Ducks on here. I just wanted to push myself over an edge and hopefully create a level of accountability. So, do not be afraid to push me further, ask me about where I am at on these topics and others as I add them. I hope that I can keep you informed and at times, amused and entertained.
1) My progress towards completing my return to school - I started back @ Corban College to complete my BA in Business, after a 30 year break.
2) My progress in weight loss - My goal is 80 lbs. over the next year. I am off to a pretty good start, having shed 15 lbs the past 3 weeks.
3) The continuation of my physical well being - I am currently scheduled for Back surgery on ground Hogs Day - funny when I think of the movie by the same title compared to my doing this surgery all over again.
I may not stay consistent in my writings here, I may even be all over the place at times, you can even expect to here a few things about God or the Ducks on here. I just wanted to push myself over an edge and hopefully create a level of accountability. So, do not be afraid to push me further, ask me about where I am at on these topics and others as I add them. I hope that I can keep you informed and at times, amused and entertained.
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