Stretching; One, Two Three

I'm going to stretch each day. I'd say that was boring but the reality is, it will hurt. I just want this stupid stenosis gone...

 

So... does anyone have any good stretches?

Ok... Well that stupid...

If you do a bit of research into what, if any, the symptoms there are for stopping steroids, you get: 'If you suddenly stop steroid tablets you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, tiredness, feeling sick, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, low blood sugar and low blood pressure which can cause dizziness, fainting or collapse. These side effects can be serious or even life-threatening.'

Ok; I only reduced to two tablets a day for a couple of days and then to one for two days and then none - so I think I've found the culprit for the exhaustion. Then there is the reality that I have to stretch my muscles. They are still atrophied little pieces of meat where muscle should be. And I want it fixed; but I expect there is quite a bit of pain to get there.

Still, the reality is that it is a million times better than it was. If I walk, for any length of time, it stops hurting. If I get out of bed it is youch! But by the time I get to the kitchen, perfect! So how long do I put up with this for? Will it go away with exercise?

Youch! That hurt!

Well I'm home from the hospital and recuperating, slowly!  I'm not sure if it's the steroids I've been on for about 2 years or what; but I'm exhausted! It sucks; because I had planned to walk the dog, go anywhere and everywhere! I heal very quickly; generally. But this; I'm still exhausted and it's nearly 2 weeks since my operation!

It doesn't look that much when I've had my head operated on 27 times and they shave my head and dye it pink! (I'm allergic to Iodine, so they use pink stuff) - but my God. It has been hard. I fall asleep at all hours of the day!

No... It aint my butt; it's my lower back! It just looks like another crack!  I had to laugh, my neurosurgeon, Nick Hall was smug the next day. Why? Because he said he made sure he didn't wreck my tattoo, he went through between letters! (it is old, Latin meaning "love and loyalty" - two things that are a must for me)

The upside is that although I'm exhausted, my legs feel pretty good and I'm not taking the steroids so that's a win. I'm not sure if it will get better with time, but even if it doesn't - I can live like this. I'm trying to stretch the muscles in my legs and lower back but they've been almost petrified, so I guess it will take time.

We went to see Beth Orton the other night, the Squeeze and I. In preparation I spent the whole day in bed. She was fantastic I have to say, but I had my eyes closed through most of it and only opened at the end of each song to clap. Exhausting though it was, it was worth every second of it.

I waited and waiting for her to sing "Stolen Car" which I absolutely love! It was the very last song!

Big Smoke

Never ceases to amaze me. The people! Goodbye personal space; I’m in Melbourne! At the Vic Market which is heavenly to shop food! We’ve spent about $600 so far but have I got some fabulous meat and eggs and bread! 

The freezer will be full tonight! So for the month I’m off; the Squeeze will be cooking until I am allowed to move; and I don’t intend to be in a hurry!

Let the games begin

It is down to a week until surgery. If anything happens, I hope the Squeeze comes on here and tells everyone. Perhaps he could take over; but he may lack the sarcasm required. Still, I guess it is the person writing who determines what it is.

I’m at work at the moment; I started early so I could blog but the reality of it is I’m exhausted all the time and I want to go home to bed, which I hope is due to the pain; not because of the steroids or the fact that I am now the size of a small country…  I swear you could see me from space!

 

So… As time marches forward and I count down the days, I try to live my life, but it is boring. Work. Home. With occasional dog walk in amongst it! We went out for dinner and a showthe other week (Queen music by violins and base which was beautiful) and dinner was this groovy little place that was northern Thai (which is code for damned hot, but yum!) And then we went to Melbourne to the Victoria Market and met up with a couple of kids.

Tomorrow, it will only be 6 days…