This week has been a time of mostly good news. In the past several weeks, I've had severe ups and downs, but this week has been mostly stable. I'm extremely grateful for the return of equilibrium and calm.
Today we welcome the President of SUNY Potsdam in a very official, celebratory way. Nancy Zimpher will perform what is more or less a coronation. Pomp, circumstance, and a great deal of social time awaits our entire group later today.
As a method of recovering from the soiree and counseling time thereafter, tonight is an "in" night with my wonderfully understanding family. They give me all the space that I ever need...with very little (if any) comment on the need. I am potentially the luckiest wife and stepmother that ever there was in the world.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
"But You Don't Look Like You're In Pain!"
Dear Readers,
Lots of well-meaning people in my life have asked me perfectly innocuous questions like "How did you break your back?" "Isn't Zumba super-low-impact?" "You look just fine! Did they give you any limitations?"
Yes, yes, my doctors have given me a ton of limitations. Yes, you can hurt yourself doing Zumba Fitness (or anything else, if you have my particular back issues and if you overdo it). The general rule of thumb with back limitations is to "Let discomfort be your guide." However, my limitations have become markedly more concrete, at least in the short term.
1. I can walk...but apparently not "for miles."
This one hurts. I'm not going to lie about it. I was scolded by my physical therapist yesterday for participating in Relay for Life. I thought it was okay because I was previously told that I could walk around. She clarified..."Walking is great, as long as you're not walking miles!" (**Expletive deleted!!**)
2. I can't dance. (*Cry*)
3. I can't run, jump, or otherwise jar the area (for at least a month, probably longer).
4. I can swim...sort of. (Limited/no arm movements or anything that would provide torque for the area that needs to heal.)
5. I can lift heavy objects, within reason. (No hyper-extension of the area. Nothing heavier than a full basket of laundry. Nothing above my head.)
And no, I don't look like I'm in pain. But even with the fantastic topical pain-cream they gave me, I'm in constant pain. Isn't it fabulous that I can look this good while feeling this horrible? Go me!
Yours in sarcasm and "dealing with the ups and downs of an interesting life,"
-The Sociable Introvert
Lots of well-meaning people in my life have asked me perfectly innocuous questions like "How did you break your back?" "Isn't Zumba super-low-impact?" "You look just fine! Did they give you any limitations?"
Yes, yes, my doctors have given me a ton of limitations. Yes, you can hurt yourself doing Zumba Fitness (or anything else, if you have my particular back issues and if you overdo it). The general rule of thumb with back limitations is to "Let discomfort be your guide." However, my limitations have become markedly more concrete, at least in the short term.
1. I can walk...but apparently not "for miles."
This one hurts. I'm not going to lie about it. I was scolded by my physical therapist yesterday for participating in Relay for Life. I thought it was okay because I was previously told that I could walk around. She clarified..."Walking is great, as long as you're not walking miles!" (**Expletive deleted!!**)
2. I can't dance. (*Cry*)
3. I can't run, jump, or otherwise jar the area (for at least a month, probably longer).
4. I can swim...sort of. (Limited/no arm movements or anything that would provide torque for the area that needs to heal.)
5. I can lift heavy objects, within reason. (No hyper-extension of the area. Nothing heavier than a full basket of laundry. Nothing above my head.)
And no, I don't look like I'm in pain. But even with the fantastic topical pain-cream they gave me, I'm in constant pain. Isn't it fabulous that I can look this good while feeling this horrible? Go me!
Yours in sarcasm and "dealing with the ups and downs of an interesting life,"
-The Sociable Introvert
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Fractured Fairytale
About a month and a half ago, I injured myself while practicing for Zumba Fitness instruction. At the time, Urgent Care informed me that I had overuse injuries and should follow up with a primary care provider. I was unable to get a primary care appointment until yesterday. I had specialist appointments which did help, but the diagnosis and plan for care resultant from my injury did not take place until yesterday.
I've got a minor fracture of the lower spine. Thankfully, I didn't mess up my existing hardware (I was already part metal--"We can rebuild her. We can make her stronger, faster..."). The current plan is a regimen of Physical Therapy and medicine. I joked to my younger stepson that now "all of his parents have back issues." His response: "But you already had back issues!" Very true...
A few people that I've told about this have questioned how this happened, and expressed some level of disbelief that it was due to my instruction activities. The people who don't question that it is related to my exuberant over-practice and instruction are my doctors.
The fun part of all of this is that I continue to "look and act normal." Yes, one can have a fractured lower spine and still walk around normally. I have a grimace of pain on my face sometimes, but that's about it. A good example of how this can get awkward: Last night, a fellow Lion and I requested more back-friendly chairs prior to the start of our meeting. When the chairs arrived, several people questioned why a younger Lion (me) would need such a chair. Privacy versus social awkwardness...the eternal struggle. So here we are. I am going public with my Fractured Fairytale. It isn't as bad as it sounds, but it is definitely worse than it looks.
Be well, fellow Introverts...
I've got a minor fracture of the lower spine. Thankfully, I didn't mess up my existing hardware (I was already part metal--"We can rebuild her. We can make her stronger, faster..."). The current plan is a regimen of Physical Therapy and medicine. I joked to my younger stepson that now "all of his parents have back issues." His response: "But you already had back issues!" Very true...
A few people that I've told about this have questioned how this happened, and expressed some level of disbelief that it was due to my instruction activities. The people who don't question that it is related to my exuberant over-practice and instruction are my doctors.
The fun part of all of this is that I continue to "look and act normal." Yes, one can have a fractured lower spine and still walk around normally. I have a grimace of pain on my face sometimes, but that's about it. A good example of how this can get awkward: Last night, a fellow Lion and I requested more back-friendly chairs prior to the start of our meeting. When the chairs arrived, several people questioned why a younger Lion (me) would need such a chair. Privacy versus social awkwardness...the eternal struggle. So here we are. I am going public with my Fractured Fairytale. It isn't as bad as it sounds, but it is definitely worse than it looks.
Be well, fellow Introverts...
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Bursting With Pride
My stepsons and my husband are my heart and soul. Like any human being, I've made missteps here and there along the way. However, the fact remains that getting to be a part of this family has made the mistakes of the past--the challenges of the journey--Worth It for me. I feel that I was always destined to be theirs--stepmother to two wonderful boys and wife to the most wonderful husband on the planet.
We are here in Albany to see my oldest stepson get a SUNY-wide-level award. I could not be prouder. Brady is an incredibly mature, intelligent, thoughtful, insightful young man. He made the most out of these past four years and will be moving on to graduate school in just a few months. The extra time that we have had with him as a result of his choice to do Undergraduate work in his home town has been precious, and this preciousness is real--stolen from the rest of the world and the rest of his life that he will be leaving (imminently) to fulfill.
Kyle has been contemplating doing his Undergraduate work in our town as well, which we must credit (at least in part) to the amazing example set by Brady. I am cautiously optimistic about the chances of stealing away more precious time with my younger stepson as well.
Last, but certainly not least--marriage with Romeyn is romantic, thoughtful, funny, lovely, wonderful, and although it is work sometimes (it all is work sometimes, because what is worth having is not easily won)--it is the best thing that ever happened to me. Can one person be this lucky? Is it bad luck to question any good fortune of this type?
This brief sojourn in Albany has been difficult for an Introvert, because the Social aspects of the trip are the entire reason for the trip. However, the reason for the Social aspects of trip makes me burst with pride!
We are here in Albany to see my oldest stepson get a SUNY-wide-level award. I could not be prouder. Brady is an incredibly mature, intelligent, thoughtful, insightful young man. He made the most out of these past four years and will be moving on to graduate school in just a few months. The extra time that we have had with him as a result of his choice to do Undergraduate work in his home town has been precious, and this preciousness is real--stolen from the rest of the world and the rest of his life that he will be leaving (imminently) to fulfill.
Kyle has been contemplating doing his Undergraduate work in our town as well, which we must credit (at least in part) to the amazing example set by Brady. I am cautiously optimistic about the chances of stealing away more precious time with my younger stepson as well.
Last, but certainly not least--marriage with Romeyn is romantic, thoughtful, funny, lovely, wonderful, and although it is work sometimes (it all is work sometimes, because what is worth having is not easily won)--it is the best thing that ever happened to me. Can one person be this lucky? Is it bad luck to question any good fortune of this type?
This brief sojourn in Albany has been difficult for an Introvert, because the Social aspects of the trip are the entire reason for the trip. However, the reason for the Social aspects of trip makes me burst with pride!
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