A whole year of sliding downhill

i started this blog as a way to pass on what was happening to me, network and maybe learn a few things. Unfortunately every improvement came with two more slides. I finally got onto the sit on bikes and some Bowflex. It was going better, bow the shoulder.
Gentle watersize is helping me too.
I've been diagnosed with sever osteoarthritis, I use a cane, I've been through numerous tests and a knee surgery.
I have a bulging disc in the lower back, I'm on the waiting list for a hip and will need a knee in about two years. My finger and toe joints are done which is hampering my artwork.
To add insult just when I thought things were getting better, my right shoulder started. And now I'm waiting for another MRI. Today, I lost balance while collapsing into a chair putting the weight on the shoulder and rely hurting it. It's been a day, a car ride with ice bags. I'm overnight in another city waiting for sinus surgery in the morning. Wha are the odds!
Hubby is snoring and I'm trying to get sleepy..
I m having polyps removed and should be home tomorrow, I hope. I rewarded myself with a bit of fabric. Hope I'll get back to my sewing soon.
Severe shoulder pain is keeping me awake.
I don't mind telling my setbacks but like to give some positive hells. Right now none. I did buy quilting fabric though. That was a boost!
Hoping for a better day tomorrow and I'll pass on some better tips to survival uber such stressing losses. For every loss there has to be a gain.

Update on cortisone shot

Well, I haven't checked in here in several months. It's a good sign really, showing that I am better and getting out again.

After the cortisone shot in October, I increasingly improved. I've been doing yoga everyday and have started back to classes. It has made a huge difference. I am even able to put my snowshoes on without help, something I couldn't do for a few years.

I still have hip pain and sometimes get caught with a sharp stab of pain if I forget and get walking too fast but oh, what a blessing to be able to walk the trails again!

And visit with my little friends.

Better than any anti depressant for me.

As yet, I know I'm not reaching many readers, but I would love to hear about any personal stories that you'd like to share.

Cortisone shot

A few of weeks ago I got a cortisone shot into my left hip joint at the hospital in radiology. During the first week I didn't see a huge improvement but after about 10 days, I noticed a bit more. It's nit great, I still can't walk far or fast but I can get out more than I could, say around the block with poles or a small trail walk.

I've noticed that there is more flexibility in the joint making some yoga moves better. I've been able to return to the yoga class.

Tomorrow, I want to try swimming as I wasn't even able to do that.

 

 

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Gathering leaves

My family doctor has finally returned. I met with her yesterday and we went over everything that's been happening. She read my X-rays for me and suggested I try Tylenol arthritis in the daytime. It seems to help some. I'm determined to get back out for some walk.

I've done some slow and short ones, coming home with pockets filled with leaves to sketch. Fall is such an invigorating time of year. I like to walk, enjoying all the senses, the crispy air, the beautiful colours. I breathe slowly and deeply. Oh, it's good to get out.

 

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Acceptance

I'm struggling with acceptance of my current crippled state- an injured knee and osteoarthritis of my hip. I'm waiting, sometimes impatiently for an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon and trying to come to terms with the fact that I may be laid up for the winter. Not having a car except for 2 days a week, that thought is a bit daunting.
Some days, I'm resigned to it and diligently do things like weight routines, easy yoga and chair aerobics, which are surprisingly good by the way.
And then I get a need to get outside, and not just into my yard. i need, I crave the forest. Last Thursday, and friday, I ventured out ,camera in hand, into my beloved trails. On Thursday night I kept my wits about me, going gently, and not too far with my walking poles. It was just far enough to breathe in the sights and smells of the forest. i got some spectacular photos.

On Friday night, having had the taste of it, I decided to take a sandwich and some drawing supplies to Daley Point Nature Reserve. this time I made the mistake of venturing much too far. It was beautiful, serene, and it filled my spirits with peace while I was there.
I ended up eating my sandwich on our waterfront after being chased away from the reserve by the mosquitoes. it was so warm they came out again.

However, I suffered in pain all Friday night and yesterday. i napped twice yesterday! It was worth it because I thoroughly enjoyed and learned that next time one small walk is enough.
Lesson learned.

Portage Lake

My friend and I just returned from our annual retreat at the Portage Lake camps. It is such a beautiful spot about an hour from town. No electricity (generator), no phones, no TV, no radio. Just us the view, and our sewing.

Ours was the second cabin from the left.

Most people go up to fish and hunt according to the season. Blueberry season is just finishing and they were plentiful this year.

We'd like to bring our life jackets and gear next year too. We can fish and sew!
It would give us a little break from the tricky projects like these bags.

We made them the first day and I confess they were exasperating. We decided to move onto something simpler the next day. I pieced more blocks for the baby quilt I'm making.

They're randomly arranged. I think I'll make 8 more.

Apparently there is a path that leads all the way around the lake, but one would need an orange vest and perhaps some male company. Lots of moose around. I ventured partway in for some photos. I love tree stumps.

One could not tire of this view from the window or the deck. The trees and water changed color every few minutes and the leaves were actually turning more red and golden from one day to the next.

I sat outside the first night on the swing with my tea.

The cookie came from the caretaker who made them and nicely brought us each one.
These little respites taken close to nature sustain me throughout the year.

Seated workouts

Up until this summer, walking, bicycling , kayaking and snowshoeing have been good stress relievers for me besides giving me a cardio workout. A knee injury and osteoarthritis in my hip have conspired to keep me from my normal activities. I can kayak when the weather is good and provided I have someone to help get the kayak to and from the water.
I can now bike on the flat in an easy gear for short intervals. It's not cardio but I'm getting out.
While looking for some seated exercises, I came across this site:
spark people.com

There are cardio workouts, toning, core and weight workouts for anyone who has mobility issues. Of course, ask your doctor and proceed at your own pace. I did the 11 minute cardio the first time and was surprisingly sore the next day.