MsLouise's Fat Busting Challenge

[techmom]

Miss you.  Wishing you best wishes and encouragement as you revise your goals. 

 

Yeah; what she said.

[AshPS]

I third that! Missing you MsLouise!

 

Ash a sad girl......

[Certified Wong Buggalo]

Just chiming in my support. Dealing with chronic illness is never easy. Sometimes it really is about accepting your limitations. But you can definitely work toward your goals in other ways!

[WifeyB]

I'm chiming in with all the other people here too! Hope you're journey is going well. You can do it!!!!!

[Artemis1]

I've been out of the loop for about a week.  I'm sorry your knees are not happy right now.  I'm sure that following the PT's advice will serve you well in the long run.  Keep up the great work with your food choices and that will have you ready to go when the time comes to begin with the more arduous physical activity.  Your posts have been very inspirational and while you may be feeling discouraged, please know that you are an encouragement to so many of us here.  I'll be sending lots of good vibes to you today.  This is a successful challenge for you already.  You are a driving force for us newbies.  Have a wonderful day and bask in the goodness that is life. 

[MsLouise]

Hey Guys,

 

Sorry I disappeared for a few days, I didn't mean to!  I'd wanted a little bit to re-think my challenge and then life just got in the way and I was silent for longer than I meant to be.  I'm still here!  Thank you all so much for checking on me and continuing to offer support.

 

I am shaky, but I am still here.  I have eaten some less than healthy things, but I am still here.  I have not revised my challenge, but I am still here.  I am in pain, but I am still here.  I have had a couple of dark days, but I am still here.

 

The short recap of what's been going on: I realized at the end of week three that I needed to revamp my challenge to factor in my uncertain health, and then in one of those ironic life moments, my uncertain health got in the way of me getting that done.  Ha ha!  Good one, life.    I plan to have a revised challenge ready to go by Monday, but I am pretty uncertain what that's going to look like.

 

The long recap of what's been going on: everything happens at once, and I am not as strong as I like to think I am.  Don't get me wrong, I am basically okay. I am a survivor, and this will pass.  Nothing major has gone wrong, just lots of minor things that add up to a mentally, emotionally, and physically stressful time.  

 

I feel like there's a domino effect happening, and I suppose that all the stress is adding to it. The next few paragraphs are me getting my complaints out in the hopes that it will help me, so please feel free to skip.  There will be a good things section after to bring it back around to the positive.

 

My original sciatic problem is acting up, and my knee and hip are still messed up.  I've had to totally scale back my exercise and that took a big mental adjustment.  I have a couple of other long standing things that are acting up as well, namely a neck/shoulder tension thing that gives me killer headaches, and a female problem that exacerbates everything else.  And then there's the GI stuff, which I can barely stand to even think about.  Grr.

 

Emotionally, whew, this has been a tough week.  Being in pain is exhausting, medical testing is exhausting, my family is exhausting, and oh HAI insomnia! The medical testing turned out ok in the end, but it was much more stressful than I had thought it would be.  I foolishly went by myself, and then realized once I got into it that it would have been nice to have someone there with me.  Lesson learned.  Of course, I couldn't have known going in that the "one" set of images would turn into six plus an ultrasound, but now I know I should take someone with me to this stuff.  

 

Unfortunately, the stress of going in for "one" set of images and then being called back from the waiting room time after time after time threw me right back into a bad old space of remembering some very unpleasant medical stuff that happened when I was little.  Added to all the other stressors, that equalled an insanely bad night two nights ago.  I do often have insomnia and sometimes nightmares, but never like that.  It was really bad.  According to my sleep app, I got 15 minutes of actual sleep.  I was in pain, so I had trouble getting to sleep, but then once I would drop off, I would have terrible nightmares and wake in a complete panic.  Over and over.  I would read until I passed out with the book in my hand, only to drop right into another nightmare.  That's a night I was relieved to see the back of.  I took yesterday off because I was so tired and upset I couldn't see straight.  I didn't sleep, but I just relaxed all day and got lots of snuggles from our loaner kitties.  That helped.

 

After some family stress, I had a realization in the car today that it's time for me to re-jigger my expectations so that I am not constantly surprised, hurt, and disappointed and can just enjoy the good parts.  Basically, I got upset because my brother (who is by far and away my least stressful family member) wouldn't go ten miles out of his way to pick me up.  I'm flying over seven hundred miles to see him and his family tomorrow, and he can't be bothered to drive ten lousy miles to pick me up?!  Seriously?  Instead, I will have to transfer from one public transit system to another with my luggage and add 30-45 minutes onto my public transit journey.  Ugh.  I was going around and around in my head, because this is NOT how I treat people and it made me feel unwelcome and unloved, and then I remembered...it's up to ME how I feel.  I'm not in charge of what anyone else does, but I'm in charge of how I feel.  I can't change my brother, but I can change how I feel.  I do still want to go, and I want to see my niece and nephew, and I want to be relaxed and happy when I'm there, and to feel happy about spending time with my brother.  So, instead of expecting my brother to behave differently, or having a series of fights, I will change how I think of him, and just remove the things that make me so upset, like just assume that they will never pick me up from anywhere, etc.  Please note, this is not me putting up with abuse (it's just a car ride), this is me trying to make this weekend be as pleasant as possible for my own benefit.

 

I'm hopeful that I will make it through this weekend on a positive note.  I have another family trip coming up the weekend after this one with a much more stressful family member, so I need to start working on coping strategies for that.  I normally keep time spent with my family to a minimum to preserve my mental health and space it out better, but this weekend's trip was a re-schedule so it wound up back-to-back with another family trip.  

 

Okay, that's enough getting it out of my system!  On to the positive!  Here come a few words on things I am grateful for.

 

I am still here!  I don't know what my challenge will look like going forward, but I am still here, and I am still committed to improving my health.  I am grateful to still be here and to be moving along on this journey, wherever it takes me.

 

My husband.  I have no idea how I found this kind, patient, and generous person, but I am very lucky to have him in my life.  

 

Loaner kitties and end-of-summer joys.  We're house sitting for some friends with an amazing house, amazing garden, and amazing kitties and loving it.  Their house is much nicer than our place, so it's like we're on vacation.  I've had so many lovely kitty cuddles this week.  We've also made amazing tomato sauce from the garden, and enjoyed a few late summer blackberries.

 

Friends.  In real life, and here.  Seriously, it means a lot to me that I can come here and figure out what my road to a healthier life looks like as part of an amazing, supportive, community. I'll be catching up with threads over the weekend, and hope everyone is doing well. 

 

 

The realization that you need to reevaluate goals is such a sign of strength! Most people just say 'screw this.' And give up! May you be a example to all of us on how to better listen to our bodies. Goodness knows we will ALL be there at some point; frustrated with our own limitations and fighting with the 'what's next?'. And the fact that you're approaching it with grace and seeking to love yourself makes this a double strong, double hard accomplishment!

Going to be following you all the more in hopes of learning from your experience. And to send over all the high fives you need.

Sending TONS of encouragement your way! Own this reevaluation, sister! We all know you can totally do it and you will level up your life in the process.

 

Thanks for the encouragement!  I hope you are going strong, and enjoying yoga.    

 

Good for you for keeping going even when the path is all rocks in your way.

 

 

Yep, been there.  My knees take turns being problematic.  Keep doing what your PT recommends and track that as your exercise achievement.  I was really impressed with my current PT providers.  They do measurements of my strength and flexibility.  Some very odd ones too.  This information led to some good advice, such as me doing side leg lifts to strengthen the muscles on the sides of my legs to balance against my quads.  Give your abused joints the time they need to heal and work on reinforcing the rest of your muscles while that is happening.  Maybe your PT can give you some exercises to strengthen your arms and shoulders in preparation for paddling your kayak.

 

All your other efforts will support healing as well.  Getting enough sleep is essential for recovery.  The meditation will help with that.  Your healthy eating will supply your body with the nutrients it needs for repairing the damage.

 

Hang in there!

 

Thanks, Mistr.  This is a good reminder to give my body at least the basics--nutrients and sleep, and those alone will help with everything else.  I am definitely feeling that meditation is going to be part of my new challenge.

 

Milady, you have been a constant and cheerful supporter in my challenge; how can I do any less for you?

Pain is your body trying to get your attention. Discomfort can be ignored, pain should NOT be! Nobody wants you to do yourself an injury... and really, the end result of all this exercise is to live longer and healthier lives, doing the things that we love and being with the people who we love. If that is not the result that you are getting, then you do what every successful organism does - ADAPT!

XOXOX
*hugs*
*high fives*

<3

 

Hey techmom, thanks for checking in.  You're right about pain, I just need to learn to listen a little earlier.    I am adapting for sure.  Into what remains to be seen.

 

Looking forward to seeing your revised goals.  I know it's tough, because I sense you really want to be out their doing hard vinyasa classes, lifting heavy objects and powering thru the difficulties.   However, you must listen to your body and I am proud of you for having the courage to do so.  The important thing is to keep improving those things that you can control!  You are definitely on the right track.

 

Hang tough MsLouise!  You can do it!!

 

Yes.  I do!  I do want to do all the hard things, and I will get there!  I am so much stronger and tougher in my head than in real life.  I always think that I sound really straightforward and tough, but when I hear my voice on recordings, I'm confused about who that soft-spoken person is.    Thanks for the encouragement!  You have been such a wonderful supporter and source of inspiration.

 

Changing your goals is an excellent plan.  Maybe one of your revised goals could be listening to all of the things your doctor and therapist tell you to do/not do?  *lots of encouragement* 

 

Thanks, Teirin!  I have some ideas about my revised goals, and much as I hate to admit it, you are probably right on with your suggested goal.    Ah, selective hearing.  

 

Hey MsLouise,

 

Sorry I can't give you the advice you need right now. I've never had to face these kinds of health challenges and I'm realizing how easy I've got it right now.

 

I can, however, let you know that I'm rooting for you and hoping you can find ways to overcome the obstacles and make yourself feel better both physically and emotionally. You've been a major contributor to the spirit of House Stark.

 

Revise your goals and finish strong. You can do it.

 

Hey Darwins_Demon!  Thanks for checking in.  You know, as helpful as advice is, support is just as helpful, and I appreciate yours.  Being healthy is glorious, and honestly, even though I have some challenges, I still have it really good, and I am grateful for that every day.  I am also extremely grateful to have health insurance right now.  I'm working on my goals!

 

 

 

 

I third that! Missing you MsLouise!

 

Ash a sad girl......

 

Don't be sad, Ash!  I'm here!  I'm working on my stuff, things are still moving, albeit slowly.  

 

Just chiming in my support. Dealing with chronic illness is never easy. Sometimes it really is about accepting your limitations. But you can definitely work toward your goals in other ways!

 

Thanks! The limitations thing is one of those lessons I just keep on learning, over and over again.    Every time I think I'm there, it's like "Oh, there's another chapter?!"  Being here and being part of this community is really good for me, and is super helpful in getting me to keep working on the chapter about asking for help.  That's one of the hardest ones for me, and it seems like there is always a new way to learn it.  I am also really working on separating out my self worth from what I can do.  My value is not in how many dishes I can or can't do, or how many squats I can or can't do, I am valuable no matter what.  That's something I will probably always work on.

 

 

I've been out of the loop for about a week.  I'm sorry your knees are not happy right now.  I'm sure that following the PT's advice will serve you well in the long run.  Keep up the great work with your food choices and that will have you ready to go when the time comes to begin with the more arduous physical activity.  Your posts have been very inspirational and while you may be feeling discouraged, please know that you are an encouragement to so many of us here.  I'll be sending lots of good vibes to you today.  This is a successful challenge for you already.  You are a driving force for us newbies.  Have a wonderful day and bask in the goodness that is life. 

 

Thanks!  I love what you said about making the food choices that will prepare me for when I can do harder exercise.  

[AshPS]

MsLouise- you have no idea how my heart lifted with immense joy at seeing you had returned!!!

 

Matter of fact I have to Happy Dance!!

 

:triumphant: :triumphant: :triumphant:

 

 

Soooooooooooo, glad you are 'still here', despite all you have been going through.

 

Ash is now happy again!  :love_heart:

 

I will warn you- you may want to take your time catching up on my thread.

 

Love you!

[Teirin]

Yay!  Glad to see you back!  Take care and enjoy your visit. 

[UnterDennis]

Hurray, she's back!  I'm in awe of how you're able to take so much adversity from so many angles and yet always find the silver lining and keep perspective.  Good luck on figuring out your revised goals -- I guess I'd say it's all about figuring out how to be the best and healthiest you that you can be at this point in time, but you probably already knew all that.  Anyway, count one more direwolf in your corner rooting for you all the way!

[WifeyB]

Great to see you back! And very best of luck with the upcomming trips.

 

I'm going to try and remember your lesson about you being the only one in charge of your emotions/reactions. Could use a large daily dose of that.

[AshPS]

Hey MsLouise!

 

Watcha up to? Been thinking about you! Check in soon!! :love_heart:

[Mistr]

How did your weekend go?  Were you able to enjoy some of the trip, aside from the family interaction?

 

I'm looking forward to seeing your revised goals for getting healthy.

[SunSeeker]

Been thinking of you MsLouise.  Hope you had a great visit with your family and you're finding your way towards working within the limitations your body is forcefully setting.  Good luck, my friend!

[Stronkey Kong]

Hey Ms. Louise. We haven't heard from you in a while. I hope you're doing alright. The pack misses you!

[AshPS]

Hey Ms. Louise. We haven't heard from you in a while. I hope you're doing alright. The pack misses you!

 

Seconding Darwins_Demon! Missing you!!!