Not a great title for a post, but I really don't have any imagination these days. I woke up feeling blah so that's the word that came to mind. I've been catching up on Kate Davies's progress on her blog and, although I didn't suffer the same physical effects as she did, I can totally relate when she talks of fatigue and even bereavement. Being a writer and academic she has a way with words that I can only dream of. I wish I could really express just what is going on inside this noggin of mine, but it's as if the words are just outside my reach...
Anyway, moving on: I bet you'll be glad there was no photo of the yucky nail, and I'll spare you the details, but it's really looking good now. Well, not good exactly, but much healthier and on the mend. Rather like my brain then.
Otherwise, I keep meaning to tell you about the series called The Young Ones that I watched on catch-up. I loved it but it did stir some emotions in me. Rather than have me try and explain it, check out the description here. I thought it made very compulsive viewing, and I totally fell in love with Dickie Bird, bless him! However, seeing the participants hobbling around made me feel rather uneasy: with my arthritis, this is what I look like sometimes.... and I'm 27 to 39 years younger than them!! Since the aneurysm I have not been allowed to take some of my arthritis medicine, and I am much stiffer than before (my Consultant Rheumatologist did say to me once "arthritis makes you feel like you're 95" and it's so true). I know exercise is supposed to help, but for one thing, getting out and about when you are stiff and in pain takes some effort, and for another, I'm supposed to be "pacing myself". Then this programme comes along and shows (if not completely scientifically) that it can be a case of mind over matter.
I have been worried since I came out of hospital that if I didn't push myself, would I not seize up even more? And how would I know how much I could do if I didn't try? It's been the biggest issue and continues to be so. I've probably mentioned it a million times, but they talk about "pacing", which means stopping before you get tired, but I often don't feel tired until I stop, at which point I'm exhausted. I now know that this means the next time you are supposed to do a bit less and to stop before that point, but it's harder than it seems.
I've been signed up to a Chair-based Exercise Programme over at the Community Centre, and so far I've been to two sessions. I am horrified by how out of shape I've become and I aspire to be like the instructor one day. It's never too late, so I'm told. You always hear of pensioners who take up running and end up doing marathons, don't you?! One of the things Kate mentions is how unpredictable the fatigue can be. You plan to do something but by the time it comes around you could be good for nothing except bed. And so it was yesterday: I probably should have skipped the class because I was very tired but we are short of people and if numbers drop any more they'll stop funding it. So I pushed myself, with the obvious result. Oh well, at least I have some chair exercises to do at home to help building up my strength. Unfortunately, this clashes with the only day my friend could see me at her gym, so at the moment I'm not able to go, but I hope to go back when I'm better.
Well, it's taken me a while to do this post today, so I'll end on that note. Sorry there aren't any pictures this time :(
Hi Jen - I also watched 'the young ones' and found it quite difficult viewing. I felt the whole tone of the programme was rather patronising; I found it hard because I related so closely to so many of the problems these 'elderly' people were suffering; and most particularly because I got Very Angry at the way the people with strokes were being treated - these people had had brain injuries - you and I know just how tired that can make you - the programme makers didn't, I think, take any account of that at all - the whole emphasis seemed to be on making an effort and, as it were, thinking yourself young again. Not that easy to do after a brain injury, is it? It is a long, hard slog. . .
Posted by: Kate | 09/22/2010 at 03:32 PM
Blah!;D Well... those days happen! I like the sound of that chair-gym class - great!
Just continue listening to yourself, and taing care.... :)
Posted by: SR | 09/24/2010 at 08:23 AM
Hey darling... post some blah blah. Luv Ya!
Posted by: chrissie | 09/27/2010 at 01:00 AM