I am so excited. I love my job. Earlier today I saw our first surgery patient. She has lost 20 pounds (that is the two week diet before surgery plus post surgery weight loss!) She was so cute! I know this patient outside the clinic- she is a sweetheart but many people don't see that. She doesn't smile a lot. It is hard to know if she is joking or not due to that. But rest assured she is a kind hearted woman! She came in today and was such a different person! She is smiling. She had rosey red cheerful cheeks. Her attitude was so different- awake- alive- excited! It brings tears to my eyes to see this change in her! It is so wonderful!
I am so happy and proud to be a part of a program that will bring about these kinds of changes for someone. This patient was SOOOO Ready for this surgical tool! She is going to be a success! She is beautiful inside and out! I think this is going to be my favorite success story! She is going to do great!
I wonder if I changed so much so quickly like she has. How fun for me to see this transformation in her! I look at my before pics and how I look now- I can see some of that in me as well. It isn't about the looks for me- that was just a bonus! It was about my health- being alive for grandkids, being able to take care of my son with special needs, feeling better.... but to be honest- I am enjoying the looking better part as well. It is so nice not to cringe when looking in the mirror. I think I have said it before but I actually take some time in the mirror!!! do a little posing- and many time: I EVEN SMILE!!!!
I cannot even begin to express how much this program means to me. How great it is to offer this tool to others. How great it is to be a small part of their journey. And how honored I am that I was chosen to be a part of the clinic. The clinic- your loss, your gain..... my loss was my gain.... in more ways than I ever thought possible!
until I blog again......
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Life
The first 2 surgeries for the hospital went well! My port revision surgery went well too! I went home that same afternoon. BUT before I left I was hurting so I had the dr give me a nerve blocker. It took care of most of the pain but not all of it. I went home and took a nap.
When I woke up I was in so much pain! That same pain that put me in the hospital in January and Febuary- I went to the emergency room for a shot. The dr ordered a cat scan with an IV contrast. I am so tired of the iv's!
They were going to send me home after the test but the pain shot made me pretty sick. I was nauseated and dizzy. So instead of wheeling me out to the car- they wheeled me into a hospital room! UGH I slept most of the night. Had another shot around 3 or 6 or something.... not sure. I slept most of the day - the ob/gyn dr came in and talked to me. He said that the endometriosis they found when they removed the ovaries had probably created an implant - I guess where it breaks off and embeds itselt in the tissue walls. Then once a month there is bleeding into the walls and that all causes pain. So the solution is to kill of my estrogen. So I have two injections of Lupron. One now and one in three months. This all makes sense since the worst of the pain has been once a month about the same time of month.
So the pain is under control. I have not taken anything for it for a week. I got the lupron injection Thursday. It should kill of the estrogen and that will kill off the endometriosis- if I am understanding everything correctly! So it is a faster progression into full menopause. The dr told my husband that I would be kind of grouchy for a while but I would be back to my old self soon. That would be nice!!
I was so totally worn out this past week. I was thinking I will never be my old self again. In addition to everything else- I have a lump on the palm of my hand. There was some concern that it might be cancerous. So Thursday morning I went to the hand specialist. He said the chances of cancer is lower then the basement of the building. He said he can remove the lump if it I wanted it removed- the fact that it is growing and painful is why I should have it removed. They will still send the lump to pathology to have it tested to see what it is. The surgery is outpatient, they put my arm to sleep not my whole body! I will have a big bandage like a boxing glove he said. Then after a week just regular bandaids. The surgery will be done out of town - the dr is also going to remove a cyst on my index finger of the same hand. This is my left hand- my writing hand!!! so if they are going to work on it they might as well take care of all of it. I can still do my hospital work. I can type one handed!! The writing part will slow me down!! guess I will practice using my right hand! =)
Ty talked to me into taking the whole day off Thursday to rest. I was so tired- so I did. I came home and spent the rest of the day in bed. I spent most of yesterday in bed as well. I am feeling better and have more energy. I hope I am reaching the end of all of this!!! Some days I feel like it is about over and other days I feel like there is so much more to come! So I am just trying to stay as healthy as I can otherwise and regain all the strength I can so I can face the next day.
Until I blog again....
When I woke up I was in so much pain! That same pain that put me in the hospital in January and Febuary- I went to the emergency room for a shot. The dr ordered a cat scan with an IV contrast. I am so tired of the iv's!
They were going to send me home after the test but the pain shot made me pretty sick. I was nauseated and dizzy. So instead of wheeling me out to the car- they wheeled me into a hospital room! UGH I slept most of the night. Had another shot around 3 or 6 or something.... not sure. I slept most of the day - the ob/gyn dr came in and talked to me. He said that the endometriosis they found when they removed the ovaries had probably created an implant - I guess where it breaks off and embeds itselt in the tissue walls. Then once a month there is bleeding into the walls and that all causes pain. So the solution is to kill of my estrogen. So I have two injections of Lupron. One now and one in three months. This all makes sense since the worst of the pain has been once a month about the same time of month.
So the pain is under control. I have not taken anything for it for a week. I got the lupron injection Thursday. It should kill of the estrogen and that will kill off the endometriosis- if I am understanding everything correctly! So it is a faster progression into full menopause. The dr told my husband that I would be kind of grouchy for a while but I would be back to my old self soon. That would be nice!!
I was so totally worn out this past week. I was thinking I will never be my old self again. In addition to everything else- I have a lump on the palm of my hand. There was some concern that it might be cancerous. So Thursday morning I went to the hand specialist. He said the chances of cancer is lower then the basement of the building. He said he can remove the lump if it I wanted it removed- the fact that it is growing and painful is why I should have it removed. They will still send the lump to pathology to have it tested to see what it is. The surgery is outpatient, they put my arm to sleep not my whole body! I will have a big bandage like a boxing glove he said. Then after a week just regular bandaids. The surgery will be done out of town - the dr is also going to remove a cyst on my index finger of the same hand. This is my left hand- my writing hand!!! so if they are going to work on it they might as well take care of all of it. I can still do my hospital work. I can type one handed!! The writing part will slow me down!! guess I will practice using my right hand! =)
Ty talked to me into taking the whole day off Thursday to rest. I was so tired- so I did. I came home and spent the rest of the day in bed. I spent most of yesterday in bed as well. I am feeling better and have more energy. I hope I am reaching the end of all of this!!! Some days I feel like it is about over and other days I feel like there is so much more to come! So I am just trying to stay as healthy as I can otherwise and regain all the strength I can so I can face the next day.
Until I blog again....
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
update
Life is improving for me- finally- knock on wood. The surgeon decided that it was possibly a nerve issue. So he tried a nerve blocking injection. IT WORKED- I was pain free for a bit. I had another one the next day and that lasted about 5 days. I had another one 4 days after that one wore off (he was out of town- finally tracked down someone who could administer the same injection). I was concerned because the next day I was pretty miserable again- so at that point I decided I was never going to be pain free again so I might as well live with it and not let it stop me. SO off to the gym I went with my husband. I got on the elliptical thinking I would just move slowly- that hurt! The faster I moved -the less pain I had. The cool down was the most painful part of it!! I was hurting pretty good when I went to work that day (thank goodness it was Saturday and I don't have to work 8 hours nor do I have to move a lot). That was March 7- Sunday morning I woke up feeling pretty good! We went to a baby blessing for my great niece and then to her house for lunch. I was able to enjoy the whole event and then go home and enjoy time with my kids and hubby. It was probably one of the best days I have had since this whole ordeal started January 14. Yesterday was a pretty good day as well! I am so happy to feel so good! I just worry it won't last!!
Yesterday was a busy busy day trying to get ready for this Friday! Those first lapband surgeries!!! I am so excited. We have just about all the supplies we need- have the last item on its way from another hospital per courier. I need to work on my radio ad, get the dr to sign off on his radio ad, get the bill board worked out with our public relations department, and about a hundred other things! Thank goodness I am feeling better! My port revision is still going to happen- thank goodness. And if the pain continues after this week- I am going to see a pain specialist. She can inject the nerve with something to kill it so there is no more problems. I can live with that. I can't wait to have my band filled again as well. I have gained some weight since January.
Until I blog again....
Yesterday was a busy busy day trying to get ready for this Friday! Those first lapband surgeries!!! I am so excited. We have just about all the supplies we need- have the last item on its way from another hospital per courier. I need to work on my radio ad, get the dr to sign off on his radio ad, get the bill board worked out with our public relations department, and about a hundred other things! Thank goodness I am feeling better! My port revision is still going to happen- thank goodness. And if the pain continues after this week- I am going to see a pain specialist. She can inject the nerve with something to kill it so there is no more problems. I can live with that. I can't wait to have my band filled again as well. I have gained some weight since January.
Until I blog again....
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Frustrating times
Well, Let's give a quick run down of my past month. When all was said and done from my hospital trip in January- the dr decided I needed a colonoscopy! OK not my idea of a good time! I am only 35 and shouldn't be needing one of those!! I had to go out of town for it though. So Feb 9th was the big day! I did that wonderful prep that goes along with the scope. The scope itself wasn't bad. I slept through it all. The last thing I remember was the dr turning on the radio, and me thinking that was nice and pretty cool that some drs actually do that! Right now while I am thinking about it- I don't remember leaving the place!!
I remember Ty telling me that they didn't find anything wrong and me crying. We came back to town and straight to the hospital. I knew that the dr that ordered it (my surgeon) would be there. I also knew he was considering exploratory surgery if the results of the scope showed nothing. So I told him. He said let's do surgery friday. OK. Meanwhile- the scope set off a whole new world of pain for me. I had a pain shot Monday afternoon and Tuesday evening. I was suffering Wed. and Thursday! Friday the 13th came and I had surgery! The people I work with were so fun! It was also my birthday so they left me a teddy bear, coloring book, crayons, and story book on my bed before I got there. After the surgery (in the recovery room) they painted my toenails, tattoed me in two spots, and wrote happy birthday plus drew a cupcake with a candle in it on my bandage!! They wrote it so I could read it when I looked down! The dr told me I was going to spend the better part of a week in the hospital. I told him no way. I was home Sunday afternoon! Two days later! Anyway -they found my ovaries connected to my intestines with the right one being larger than the left one and had cysts on it. The dr also took my appendix out. I felt really good! All my pain was gone! I was so happy! The incision hasn't bothered me at all! I was up and moving a couple hours after I woke up.
Saturday EARLY Saturday Feb 21st I woke up and had some pain. I took a lortab and it let me rest for a bit. At 7am I was in more pain. I had to get up to use the bathroom and that was it. I knew I better go to the hospital. I called my mom (we all run to our mommies don't we), and I was trying to sound cheerful but then she asked me how I was, and I lost it. I started crying. I was in worse pain than when I went to the ER in January! I was so mad because that surgery was suppose to have solved the problem. I felt stupid because I figured it was horrible constipation. Although things seemed to be moving along just fine the day before. I am tired of being in the hospital, IV's which take 3-4 sticks to get going, being in pain, being a wimp about the pain, and I hurt!!!! OH MAN DID I HURT!!! I just cried and cried. But it hurt so badly to cry too! I couldn't take a deep breath in. The ride to town was painful. My husband found EVERY bump from our house to the hospital and hit them!!! I couldn't sit down or lie down.
So blood tests showed I might be fighting an infection and that I was full of stool (sorry!) The medical emergency surgery comes on with 10 inches in the bowel and I had 7.5 - I would glad have let them open me up and cut out the stool and that part of the intestines!!! The pain was unbearable! The dr offered to let me go home last night if I felt up to it with knowing if it got worse I would need to come back. I pointed out to him that it takes 3-4 tries to get the IV going so we decided I would stay the night. I came home this monring. My white count was back down this morning though so that is good! I had a bit of a fever last night to so I was worried.
The surgery last week was needed though- I don't think anything else. I believe that was important to have done. They found some problems, and I believe that they are problems that contributed to some of the pain I had this last month (especially after the scope!!!) and problems that would have created worse issues in the future. I am not sorry I had the surgery. I am upset that it wasn't the whole problem. Now I have to make sure I don't get into this situation again. I am not sure I would live through another one of those!!
I am so frustrated. I have worked so hard to get off the medicines and fix the health issues the weight brought on and now I have a whole new set of problems. I have been wondering if it was a good trade. I know they aren't related. I know that is just how things are.... but I am still frustrated! UGH I hate feeling frustrated and not looking on the bright side of things. but this has been a rough month for me. I NEVER take pain pills unless it is horrible, this last month I have been so lost- either the high level of pain or the pain meds has really kept me out of it. II came home from the hospital this morning with 4 different kinds of pills! none of them long term but I hate having to take any of them!!!
On the good side of life- the clinic is doing great, and we are on track to do our first surgeris on March 13 (one of them being me for my port revision- which means ANOTHER IV!!) but this will be worth it! The bands, port, and fill kits have been ordered!!! We are kind of to the point of no return! I am so excited about that all! I can't wait! This is such a wonderful surgery! A way to help someone! I am so blessed to be a part of it!
Until I blog again.....
I remember Ty telling me that they didn't find anything wrong and me crying. We came back to town and straight to the hospital. I knew that the dr that ordered it (my surgeon) would be there. I also knew he was considering exploratory surgery if the results of the scope showed nothing. So I told him. He said let's do surgery friday. OK. Meanwhile- the scope set off a whole new world of pain for me. I had a pain shot Monday afternoon and Tuesday evening. I was suffering Wed. and Thursday! Friday the 13th came and I had surgery! The people I work with were so fun! It was also my birthday so they left me a teddy bear, coloring book, crayons, and story book on my bed before I got there. After the surgery (in the recovery room) they painted my toenails, tattoed me in two spots, and wrote happy birthday plus drew a cupcake with a candle in it on my bandage!! They wrote it so I could read it when I looked down! The dr told me I was going to spend the better part of a week in the hospital. I told him no way. I was home Sunday afternoon! Two days later! Anyway -they found my ovaries connected to my intestines with the right one being larger than the left one and had cysts on it. The dr also took my appendix out. I felt really good! All my pain was gone! I was so happy! The incision hasn't bothered me at all! I was up and moving a couple hours after I woke up.
Saturday EARLY Saturday Feb 21st I woke up and had some pain. I took a lortab and it let me rest for a bit. At 7am I was in more pain. I had to get up to use the bathroom and that was it. I knew I better go to the hospital. I called my mom (we all run to our mommies don't we), and I was trying to sound cheerful but then she asked me how I was, and I lost it. I started crying. I was in worse pain than when I went to the ER in January! I was so mad because that surgery was suppose to have solved the problem. I felt stupid because I figured it was horrible constipation. Although things seemed to be moving along just fine the day before. I am tired of being in the hospital, IV's which take 3-4 sticks to get going, being in pain, being a wimp about the pain, and I hurt!!!! OH MAN DID I HURT!!! I just cried and cried. But it hurt so badly to cry too! I couldn't take a deep breath in. The ride to town was painful. My husband found EVERY bump from our house to the hospital and hit them!!! I couldn't sit down or lie down.
So blood tests showed I might be fighting an infection and that I was full of stool (sorry!) The medical emergency surgery comes on with 10 inches in the bowel and I had 7.5 - I would glad have let them open me up and cut out the stool and that part of the intestines!!! The pain was unbearable! The dr offered to let me go home last night if I felt up to it with knowing if it got worse I would need to come back. I pointed out to him that it takes 3-4 tries to get the IV going so we decided I would stay the night. I came home this monring. My white count was back down this morning though so that is good! I had a bit of a fever last night to so I was worried.
The surgery last week was needed though- I don't think anything else. I believe that was important to have done. They found some problems, and I believe that they are problems that contributed to some of the pain I had this last month (especially after the scope!!!) and problems that would have created worse issues in the future. I am not sorry I had the surgery. I am upset that it wasn't the whole problem. Now I have to make sure I don't get into this situation again. I am not sure I would live through another one of those!!
I am so frustrated. I have worked so hard to get off the medicines and fix the health issues the weight brought on and now I have a whole new set of problems. I have been wondering if it was a good trade. I know they aren't related. I know that is just how things are.... but I am still frustrated! UGH I hate feeling frustrated and not looking on the bright side of things. but this has been a rough month for me. I NEVER take pain pills unless it is horrible, this last month I have been so lost- either the high level of pain or the pain meds has really kept me out of it. II came home from the hospital this morning with 4 different kinds of pills! none of them long term but I hate having to take any of them!!!
On the good side of life- the clinic is doing great, and we are on track to do our first surgeris on March 13 (one of them being me for my port revision- which means ANOTHER IV!!) but this will be worth it! The bands, port, and fill kits have been ordered!!! We are kind of to the point of no return! I am so excited about that all! I can't wait! This is such a wonderful surgery! A way to help someone! I am so blessed to be a part of it!
Until I blog again.....
Friday, February 20, 2009
down and out
I have been down and out for the last month. I have been dealing with the same pain I went to the emergency room with January 14 for this past month. Finally had surgery feb 13th (yes a friday the 13th- but also my birthday so it balances out right?) Anyway- I haven't forgotten I started this blog- just too tired to update it.
I will do so soon. Sorry
I will do so soon. Sorry
Friday, January 16, 2009
MILESTONE!
Well, I have lost 100 pounds! How awesome is that!? I can't believe that I have lost that much! That is a person! Let me tell you the coolest part! My husband- bless his heart- emailed my family and friends asking them to help me celebrate. He asked them to send cards, cash for clothes- whatever they wanted to show their support. It was so touching.
So as I sit in the hospital (yes the hospital- will explain in a minute) excited about my goal, my husband reads me his email. Then he pulls out this package of cards that he has collected. There were cards from my dear co-workers in the lab. Some chipped in together and got me a month of the local gym. One of them gave me a card from his family and a subway gift card. I got a neat skinny quilt from my sister. I thought it was great because if was perfect to cover my lap, and since I freeze at work on the weekends I thought was perfect. Then I found out that it was made with a 100 squares (I knew there had to be some meaning in it somewhere!) and my siblings all got me a necklace- an amethyst journey necklace. The signaficance there is my birthday feb so amethyst, my surgery was feb. and it has been quite the journey! I got some pumpkin scented body and hair care set, a gift certificate to the local salon for a haircut, and a gift certificate for 6 tanning sessions. I was TOTALLY surprised! I was touched by my hubby, and his creative idea and his sweet email to everyone. I was touched also by the love, care, and support of everyone. It means so much to me to have that kind of support. Thanks to everyone! and Ty! What a wonderful handful of moments reading my cards and everything. I got sweet letters too. All of it means so much to me! I asked Ty to print out his email so I had that to keep as well. He didn't get many pics and what he did get he got on his cell phone. So we will see if we can get it online somehow! He felt bad he didn't have the camera but he didn't want to wait to give me the package, and the camera was at home and we were at the hospital!
Ok- quick run down of the hospital trip- Dr (the one that will do the lapband surgeries once certified-the dr I will be working with in the clinic) tried to access my port to empty some fluid out since I was having acid reflux. He was unable to do so- later that night (wed) I show up at the emergency room in severe - I mean SEVERE- pain! I was sure it was my appendix. The dr on call had to call the lapband dr since he is the surgeon and when he showed up and saw it was me - he was so worried that he had caused it! So we did a cat scan and he put me in the hospital to get fluids, get my band emptied, and watch me! he ordered antibiotics and stomach xrays and lab tests. I still have some pain but I am feeling better. We had someone come empty my band and in the process of all of this- we have learned that the port is sitting on its side. I think - believe- that it has been that way since another dr changed it to a low profile a year ago. It totally explains the swelling and tenderness in that area. So my band is empty! And after hitting that 100 pound mark! ugh. I will be really careful and exercise and eat well (I work at both daily anyway- exercise and eating well) But the 100 pound care package will help me to stay on track! Thinking of all that love and support from everyone! and I if I go buy clothes I want them to fit and stay that way!! So- the diagnose- NONE. I have another test in the morning. A cat scan with contrast. They are going to double check on the appendix and make sure I don't have a bowel blockage. Then hopefully if the test comes back well, the dr will let me go. BUT he has been very cautious with me and caring.
What did I learn from this?! A lot actually!! First off- I learned that the reason I had c-sections is that I would never handle labor and child birth!!! If that pain is anything like Wed night- wow I am glad I had no part of that!! Why would women do that more than once!!? I am impressed by women!
But seriously- I learned that the dr is very compassionate. Let me tell you- He is a big guy- intimidating somewhat. I have never thought badly of him, mind you, but to learn that the dr you are going to be working for and telling patients "trust him he does good work" has such a tender heart and compassion is a huge plus! I learned a lot about him and the kind of dr he is (he is fairly new to our hospital) I also learned how much my co-workers are my family. I am so thankful for all of them! They have been so caring and wonderful and I couldn't ask for a better group of co-workers! The hospital administrator is such a great person! He came in several times to check on me. Then he left to go out of town for meetings and called me from there to check on me! It brought tears to Ty's eyes to see the love and care I have received. Mine too, for that matter. We are both very touched by it all!
I also think it was a great learning experience for the dr. So it all happened as it should - We learn something from everything if we stop and take time to absorb the lesson.... I am thankful this happened. Not so happy about the amount of pain I had to go through!! Or the metallic taste in my mouth from all the antibiotics... but thankful for the lessons we have all learned and the discovery of my port being in wrong so we can get it fixed.
until I blog again....
So as I sit in the hospital (yes the hospital- will explain in a minute) excited about my goal, my husband reads me his email. Then he pulls out this package of cards that he has collected. There were cards from my dear co-workers in the lab. Some chipped in together and got me a month of the local gym. One of them gave me a card from his family and a subway gift card. I got a neat skinny quilt from my sister. I thought it was great because if was perfect to cover my lap, and since I freeze at work on the weekends I thought was perfect. Then I found out that it was made with a 100 squares (I knew there had to be some meaning in it somewhere!) and my siblings all got me a necklace- an amethyst journey necklace. The signaficance there is my birthday feb so amethyst, my surgery was feb. and it has been quite the journey! I got some pumpkin scented body and hair care set, a gift certificate to the local salon for a haircut, and a gift certificate for 6 tanning sessions. I was TOTALLY surprised! I was touched by my hubby, and his creative idea and his sweet email to everyone. I was touched also by the love, care, and support of everyone. It means so much to me to have that kind of support. Thanks to everyone! and Ty! What a wonderful handful of moments reading my cards and everything. I got sweet letters too. All of it means so much to me! I asked Ty to print out his email so I had that to keep as well. He didn't get many pics and what he did get he got on his cell phone. So we will see if we can get it online somehow! He felt bad he didn't have the camera but he didn't want to wait to give me the package, and the camera was at home and we were at the hospital!
Ok- quick run down of the hospital trip- Dr (the one that will do the lapband surgeries once certified-the dr I will be working with in the clinic) tried to access my port to empty some fluid out since I was having acid reflux. He was unable to do so- later that night (wed) I show up at the emergency room in severe - I mean SEVERE- pain! I was sure it was my appendix. The dr on call had to call the lapband dr since he is the surgeon and when he showed up and saw it was me - he was so worried that he had caused it! So we did a cat scan and he put me in the hospital to get fluids, get my band emptied, and watch me! he ordered antibiotics and stomach xrays and lab tests. I still have some pain but I am feeling better. We had someone come empty my band and in the process of all of this- we have learned that the port is sitting on its side. I think - believe- that it has been that way since another dr changed it to a low profile a year ago. It totally explains the swelling and tenderness in that area. So my band is empty! And after hitting that 100 pound mark! ugh. I will be really careful and exercise and eat well (I work at both daily anyway- exercise and eating well) But the 100 pound care package will help me to stay on track! Thinking of all that love and support from everyone! and I if I go buy clothes I want them to fit and stay that way!! So- the diagnose- NONE. I have another test in the morning. A cat scan with contrast. They are going to double check on the appendix and make sure I don't have a bowel blockage. Then hopefully if the test comes back well, the dr will let me go. BUT he has been very cautious with me and caring.
What did I learn from this?! A lot actually!! First off- I learned that the reason I had c-sections is that I would never handle labor and child birth!!! If that pain is anything like Wed night- wow I am glad I had no part of that!! Why would women do that more than once!!? I am impressed by women!
But seriously- I learned that the dr is very compassionate. Let me tell you- He is a big guy- intimidating somewhat. I have never thought badly of him, mind you, but to learn that the dr you are going to be working for and telling patients "trust him he does good work" has such a tender heart and compassion is a huge plus! I learned a lot about him and the kind of dr he is (he is fairly new to our hospital) I also learned how much my co-workers are my family. I am so thankful for all of them! They have been so caring and wonderful and I couldn't ask for a better group of co-workers! The hospital administrator is such a great person! He came in several times to check on me. Then he left to go out of town for meetings and called me from there to check on me! It brought tears to Ty's eyes to see the love and care I have received. Mine too, for that matter. We are both very touched by it all!
I also think it was a great learning experience for the dr. So it all happened as it should - We learn something from everything if we stop and take time to absorb the lesson.... I am thankful this happened. Not so happy about the amount of pain I had to go through!! Or the metallic taste in my mouth from all the antibiotics... but thankful for the lessons we have all learned and the discovery of my port being in wrong so we can get it fixed.
until I blog again....
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
New adventures
Well, let's see - since the beginning of the year my husband and I have been to the gym several times. We attended our first spinning class. Everyone know what that is? It is a 45 minute class on bikes- not the typical exercise bike- this is totally self powered! If you watch Biggest Loser, you have seen these bikes! I have watched contestants and thought to myself "NO WAY!"
So we attended a class. It was a butt kicker! I couldn't do all the stand up parts. It was hard on my knees, BUT I survived. I even went and lifted some weights then walked half a mile on the treadmill. After that class I dropped a few pounds right away. then stayed at that loss all week! So I decided to go to spinning class again. It wasn't as bad. I did the whole program just as it was! I did all the standing up and everything! I was very pleased with this. And since I have gained 3 pounds!
I am okay with this. I know that I have been pushing my body the last couple of weeks. I am sure I am working on building more muscle. So the plan is to just keep plugging away and not get frustrated. Not always easy to do- especially when my husband is dropping pounds quickly! I am so proud of him though. He is working hard and doing great! It won't be long before he is to his goal.
The other new adventure- we have recently learned about geocaching. This seems like such a great adventure- a neat family activity that we can do with the kids even when they leave the house to go to college or get married...We are really excited and talked about how if we get into this that we will get cross country skiis to go hiking in. Well, someone suggested snow shoes instead for the winter time. So we took our wal-mart gift cards from Christmas and ordered snow shoes from sam's club. We got them Saturday.
Sunday after I got home from work we had limited time before it got dark outside so we just went up to the orchard above our house. I used the trekking poles for balance and for arm work. Let me tell you! I LOVED IT!!! It was a wonderful walk! If you have ever walked in the deeper snow- you know that it is hard and tiring- the snow shoes makes it easier! We walked down the road that is closed in the winter. As we were walking though- we noticed it was getting darker, it was snowing in the mountains ahead of us, and the animal tracks we walked next to was a big topic of discussion! We finally decided it was mountain lion tracks! So with this combination of factors we didn't go very far. We walked just over a mile round trip! But it was a blast!! I can't wait until Saturday- we are going to go out early and hike all the way up to the orchard!! (we will be taking something to protect ourselves with incase that mountian lion is lurking about though!!)
It is the start of a new year. I have no new years resolutions except that losing weight will not be on my list of resolutions ever again! But I guess if I were to make one right now- it would be to try the things I never tried before because of my weight. Some of the things I never tried-I cheated myself out of. I could have done so much more even with the weight but I let what people might think stop me. I let what I thought stop me. I could have done several of the things I passed up- okay maybe not easily for some of them but I could have done it! So here goes nothing! I have shattered my comfort zone- I don't know what my comfort zone is anymore- which is really a great thing! My goals for the year- do the things I wanted to try but never did!
January- spinning class never thought I would survive and I have done two classes!!
Snow Shoeing (winter outdoors) - I love it! I can't wait to go out again!!! I am a little worried what the mountain lion is thinking of me but otherwise- I love it!! I intend to do a lot of snow shoeing! Now I just have to figure out a way to take my special needs son out with me- he loves the outdoors! He would love to go with us!
So my challenge to you is to try something new! Leave your comfort zone. Don't be afraid- don't let anything stop you! Try what you want to try-
until I blog again.....
So we attended a class. It was a butt kicker! I couldn't do all the stand up parts. It was hard on my knees, BUT I survived. I even went and lifted some weights then walked half a mile on the treadmill. After that class I dropped a few pounds right away. then stayed at that loss all week! So I decided to go to spinning class again. It wasn't as bad. I did the whole program just as it was! I did all the standing up and everything! I was very pleased with this. And since I have gained 3 pounds!
I am okay with this. I know that I have been pushing my body the last couple of weeks. I am sure I am working on building more muscle. So the plan is to just keep plugging away and not get frustrated. Not always easy to do- especially when my husband is dropping pounds quickly! I am so proud of him though. He is working hard and doing great! It won't be long before he is to his goal.
The other new adventure- we have recently learned about geocaching. This seems like such a great adventure- a neat family activity that we can do with the kids even when they leave the house to go to college or get married...We are really excited and talked about how if we get into this that we will get cross country skiis to go hiking in. Well, someone suggested snow shoes instead for the winter time. So we took our wal-mart gift cards from Christmas and ordered snow shoes from sam's club. We got them Saturday.
Sunday after I got home from work we had limited time before it got dark outside so we just went up to the orchard above our house. I used the trekking poles for balance and for arm work. Let me tell you! I LOVED IT!!! It was a wonderful walk! If you have ever walked in the deeper snow- you know that it is hard and tiring- the snow shoes makes it easier! We walked down the road that is closed in the winter. As we were walking though- we noticed it was getting darker, it was snowing in the mountains ahead of us, and the animal tracks we walked next to was a big topic of discussion! We finally decided it was mountain lion tracks! So with this combination of factors we didn't go very far. We walked just over a mile round trip! But it was a blast!! I can't wait until Saturday- we are going to go out early and hike all the way up to the orchard!! (we will be taking something to protect ourselves with incase that mountian lion is lurking about though!!)
It is the start of a new year. I have no new years resolutions except that losing weight will not be on my list of resolutions ever again! But I guess if I were to make one right now- it would be to try the things I never tried before because of my weight. Some of the things I never tried-I cheated myself out of. I could have done so much more even with the weight but I let what people might think stop me. I let what I thought stop me. I could have done several of the things I passed up- okay maybe not easily for some of them but I could have done it! So here goes nothing! I have shattered my comfort zone- I don't know what my comfort zone is anymore- which is really a great thing! My goals for the year- do the things I wanted to try but never did!
January- spinning class never thought I would survive and I have done two classes!!
Snow Shoeing (winter outdoors) - I love it! I can't wait to go out again!!! I am a little worried what the mountain lion is thinking of me but otherwise- I love it!! I intend to do a lot of snow shoeing! Now I just have to figure out a way to take my special needs son out with me- he loves the outdoors! He would love to go with us!
So my challenge to you is to try something new! Leave your comfort zone. Don't be afraid- don't let anything stop you! Try what you want to try-
until I blog again.....
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