Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Update: Sx, Jogging, Computer Allergy

Working Out Pays Off
It's been two weeks since my mom had her surgery (hip revision). She's doing great and was sent home early. Her recovery is going incredibly fast this time compared to her other hip revision last year. Why the difference? SHE TRAINED. She strengthened her upper body to prepare lifting and skootching herself around. She strengthened her leg muscles, especially the one having the surgery. She practiced not being able to put support on one leg. She also reduced her weight. All of this payed off as the hospital staff and we looked dropped-jawed in amazement at what she has accomplished.

Did she look tone and buff like Jillian Michaels? No. She's petite and has had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis since she was two. Every joint in her body is affected. She doesn't have full range-of-motion in shoulders, elbows, nor wrists. BUT SHE DID WHAT SHE COULD WITH WHAT SHE HAD. Her efforts were rewarded.

Here's my point: you don't have to look like weight-trainer to be a weight-trainer. You may not see much of a difference in the mirror, but your body is reveling in the fact you're being good to it, and it will be good to you. Don't give up nor compare yourself to others.

Jogging
I kept my running up while in Arizona, although I've missed a week since being back home. It's funny, while jogging here in Utah, it's usually dark or cloudy. I never see my shadow. I have this athlete-image in my head of myself while I feel my muscles working. Then in Arizona, I caught a glimpse of my shadow while jogging. "Who's that big, bubble-butt woman following me?" (sigh, then I tell myself, I don't have to look like a runner to be a runner).

Computer Allergy?
It's been nice to unplug for a while. I didn't have much of a choice, though. Responsibilities and priorities are mounting. And, I have this incredible case of spring fever where I want to pull weeds, wash windows, get my vegetable garden ready, and plant a few flowers. I haven't been able to focus much on putting complete sentences together for a post. I've also been testing the computer allergy thing: sure enough, my first two fingers begin swelling and stiffening after computer use, some sort of contact dermatitis. I don't know what is in the computer, maybe nickel or triphenyl phosphate (more info here). Triphenyl phosphate is a flame-retardant used in computers. When the computer gets hot, its gas is emitted. Interesting because I usually don't have allergies to anything.

Well, blogging friends, I hope the universe is treating you kindly, and I hope you are treating you kindly, too.

9 comments:

  1. great news about your mom! it's great that she was so proactive about making things easier after the surgery. a big lesson there.
    quite bizarre about your computer allergy? can you go to an office supply store and put some kind of cover on your keyboard so you are not directly touching the keys?

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  2. That's a good idea. I did try rubber gloves when it was worse. Thanks for the idea.

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  3. Vinyl surgical gloves? I have some in my trunk... darn, too bad you're a continent away, or I'd help you with planting.

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  4. Unplugging for a while is a great idea. I know exactly how you feel about the whole spring fever. The weather is finally getting nice out here after a long rainy winter. I planted my garden about a month ago, but I am so anxious to spend more time out there.

    I'm also glad to hear that your mom is doing well! It sure pays to get fit and take care of yourself.

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  5. Hi Gina!

    I've missed reading your posts but I totally understand the need to unplug once in awhile.

    I'm so happy that your mother is doing well. Amazing what a difference exercise can do in recovery from a surgery like that.

    I'm enjoying spring too. Although it's more like summer here in Texas. The temperatures are still not too hot so we're spending a lot of time outside. I'm feeling so much more motivated to exercise and take care of myself now, maybe it's knowing that pool season is right around the corner.

    Talk to you soon!

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  6. So cool to hear about your mom! What an amazing woman! Good for her & looks are deceiving, yes!

    UGH on the computer stuff but hey, you are not a slave to it like us AND outside sounds good! :-)

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  7. I am glad to hear that your mom is going good. You are so right about the weight training. I hope you have a great day!!!

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  8. Ive been unplugging a lotlot more as well (LOVED your comment about the Itouch Utouch :)) and it has really really been great.

    have a good weekend.

    Carla

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  9. I'm so glad your mother is healing well! How awesome is it that she took charge, as much as she could, of her recovery!

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