Bast's Challenging Reboot - Regaining my Goddessdom

[Bast]

Greetings, Everyone!

 

My name is Bast and I have returned!!  I started out with Nerd Fitness during the first 6-week challenge of 2015, but didn't exactly complete it due to life happenings.  I am pleased to say that I didn't totally fall off the wagon and revert back to my old lifestyle!  I've made a few changes to my original challenge, and added some new things.  Yeah, it may seem like a lot (and somewhat lofty), but some of these things (like the extra Life Goals) are things I've already started incorporating more into my life, so I'm challenging myself to continue and Level Up!  However, I have forgotten most of how NF works and I want to solidify my goals and challenges into habits so as to continue the progress I started.  That is why I decided to "reboot" my first 6-week challenge.   So please bear with my newbieness...I'm still learning!     

 

Introduction:

 

I am a US Navy Spouse, stationed in Japan for the last 5 years.  I grew up on a farm in an extremely rural community, so "working out" and "gyms / gym equipment" is quite a foreign topic for me!  Daily life on a farm was what "passed" for exercise.  Don't believe me?  Consider all the lifting, hauling, shoveling, etc. that has to happen every single day on a farm.      Anyhoo...over the years, after leaving the farm, and dealing with "city life", illnesses and injuries, I was still able to maintain an active lifestyle.  However, when I developed Fibromyalgia (a chronic pain disorder), my active lifestyle was brought to a screeching halt!  I have since become "soft"...not only as in weight gain (which is surprisingly minimal by comparison), but also in physical ability and energy levels.  I still enjoy gardening and other outdoor activiites, but don't always have the energy, ability or opportunity (sometimes due to physical location).  I also have a pretty healthy diet, rich in whole foods.  At my peak health and fitness level, my weight averaged around 95 pounds...now I'm up to 125...but I know the scale isn't always an accurate way to measure my progress.  I don't have a goal weight in mind...but more a lifestyle goal, where ability/energy and pain-management are in a better place, and in doing so, I will be a healthier weight! 

 

Epic Quest: 

 

This may seem like an impossibility, but my ultimate goal is to have my Fibromyalgia in total remission!!  Since there is no cure and they still don't know everything about the condition, this may seem like a rather lofty and far-fetched goal.  But to me, not so much...if it takes my entire life to reach this goal, so be it!  I remember that 7 years ago, my doctor was ready to prescribe me a wheelchair, which mortified me!  But I worked hard and didn't give up...and this past January, I was able to walk a 5K with no pain during or after!!  Just knowing that the baby steps I take every day get me one step closer to remission and one step farther away from the pain is very inspiring and motivating to me and gives me hope!

 

Main Quest:  (10+ points possible throughout Challenge)

 

To regain a more active lifestyle by Summer which will, in turn, help me to have less pain and fatigue and loose 10 inches around my mid-section.  However, if it takes all year, I'm OK with that!  Something is better than nothing!

 

Grade:  1 point = each inch lost

 

Quest 1: (21+ points per week possible)

 

Maintain a healthy diet, rich in protein and fiber from whole foods as much as possible.  I will do this by continuing to cook and eat meals at home using real ingredients, by growing my own veggies, by shopping for produce at the local Farmer's Market, purchasing meat from local sources, as well as reading labels and reducing processed foods, and when dining out I will make the best choices possible.  I am still learning about reading labels after a severe allergic reaction (artificial sweeteners) after eating what seemed to be a harmless and safe product...only to find out they added a lot more "extras"!  

 

Grade:  1 point = each meal prepared at home (includes bag lunch & snacks); 3 to 4 points per day possible; NOTE:  a healthy menu choice when dining out counts towards positive points.

Reward:  1 "cheat" for every 6 points...maybe have a special homemade dessert on Date Nite!      (Did I mention my Hubby's a NF Rebel, too?)

 

Quest 2:  (16+ points per week possible)

 

Incorporate more exercise into my day by doing Yoga or Barre in the morning on weekdays, by taking at least a 10-minute daily walks (weather permitting) with my DH and discussing our day and plans on weekdays, and by doing something physical together every weekend (Hashing, Archery, Biking, etc.).  Because I am not familiar with "exercise" as a formal activity, this will help me start new habits, as well as give me the gentle start that my condition requires and allow my Husband and I to enjoy more active activities together to further support our choice of a healthier lifestyle! Not to mention that now that Spring is well upon us, I will be working in the garden more often, which counts!!  

 

Grade:  1 point = weekday exercise

             1 point = garden session

             1 point = body weight workout

             1 point = extra activity (taking stairs, etc.)

             1 point = weekend activity

Reward:  give myself a special "treat" (TBD) for each 10 points earned each week...bonus - improved connection with Spousal Unit, fresh veggies from the garden, and less pain from Fibro...

 

Quest 3:  (18+ points per week possible)

 

Take time to get a fresh start every day by getting a good night's sleep with plenty of quality rest via a good Bedtime Routine that includes relaxation/pampering and meditation (weeknights at least) and a bedtime that allows at least 8 hours of sleep before the morning alarm.

 

Grade:  1 point = relaxation activity (soak in a relaxing bath, read a book, lounge in the "nest", etc.)

             1 point = meditation

             1 point = 8 hours sleep (NOTE: point reflects routine, not quality of sleep...I accept that is is possible to relax, meditate and go to bed 8 hours before I need to get up and still have poor sleep quality,                                      and I will not let this discourage me from completing my Quest.)

Reward:  heck, the relaxation and good night's sleep is it's own reward, don't you think?!?       Besides, if I do good during the week, I'll have the energy to play on the weekend!

 

Main Life Quest:  (21+ points per week possible)

 

To treat myself better, or has my DH says "be nice to me".  Often I find myself taking better care of others than I do of myself.  I will often sacrifice my needs for those of others, then chastise myself for my shortcomings.  My condition also limits me, and I will again belittle myself.  I need to be nicer to myself and find a better balance.  I need to take better care of myself so that I am able to take care of others.  I will apply the teachings of Dr. Spencer Johnson and take "One Minute for Myself" a few times everyday (at least 3).  I will listen to the wisdom inside of me and choose to do what is best for me.  "When I take as good care of myself as I take care of others I am happier.  Because the better I take care of myself, the less angry I am with myself and others.  And the more loving I become." - Spencer Johnson, One Minute for Myself.  By taking better care of myself, I will support my Main Goal by being happier, having more energy to be more active and thus loose those pesky 10 inches!

 

Grade:  1 point = each time I stop and ask myself "Is there a better way to take care of Me right now?" then listen to and apply the wisdom of my inner Best Self

Reward:  As if the moment of inner reflection/meditation yielding greater happiness and relaxation wasn't enough, I will give myself a special "treat" (favorite tea, snack, playtime, etc.) for reaching 14 points each week.

 

Life Quest 1:  (15+ points per week possible)

 

Self-improvement.  I am learning about Herbalism, Essential Oils, Natural Living, and I am working towards finishing my Financial Counseling Certification.  I also have a veggie garden (that will become more productive as the season progresses!).  All of these things not only add to improving myself, but to the livelihood and well-being of my family.  I will endeavor to work, study or otherwise incorporate these things into my daily life (at least, primarily, on weekdays).  Through self-improvement, I will improve my self image.  Which will, in turn, support my Main Life Quest, thus helping reach my Main Goal!  It's amazing how these things all tie in together...  

 

Grade:  1 point = 1 session working in the garden (seriously needs to be every day, and can often be more or less than an hour-depending)

             1 point = studying Herbalism, Essential Oils, Natural Living, Finance, or Photography

             1 point = applying something I've learned to our lives

Reward:  Of course I'll have the benefit of living a more natural and fiscally fit life, and all the numma fresh veggies!  I will give myself a special "treat" (TBD) for reaching 15 points each week.

 

Life Quest 2:  (1+ points per week possible)

 

To downsize our life...our last two PCSs put us in new homes 1/2 the size of the previous one.  Our most recent, which was January 2014, came 3 months early!  So we didn't have the time we had scheduled to eliminate our excess stuff.  This has caused us to live in an extremely cluttered house (our last two were fairly cluttered to begin with) and surrounded by boxes!  My supporting life quest will be to clear out the clutter by going through and removing at least 1 box a week.  Assess and deal with the contents of each box.  If the contents are trash, then immediately put into the trash!  If we are keeping the contents, then they will be either put away (if we will need/use while here) or repacked and shipped to our storage unit Stateside (if it is something we feel we need to keep, but don't need while stationed overseas).  If we are not keeping the contents, then we will sell the contents via the local online yard sale (proceeds will pay for shipping to storage and the rest will go into a savings account to fund our reward!).  If the contents do not sell within a week, then give away/donate to charity.

 

Grade:  1 point = 1 box assessed and out of the house

             1 point = any additional boxes or clutter eliminated

Reward:  A special date night or outing (as funding from yard sales allow) for every 4-6 points per week.

 

Motivation:

 

As I referenced earlier, I have a terrible condition and lament my lost active lifestyle.  While I accept that there is no cure for Fibromyalgia, I do not accept that I must resign myself to a life of constant pain, fatigue and sluggdom!!  My inspiration is the hope that by educating myself and reprogramming my thinking regarding fitness and exercise, I will better equip myself to be able to overcome my condition.  By overcoming Fibromyalgia, I will lessen my pain and increase my energy and thereby regaining, at least part, of my former active lifestyle.  And by regaining an active lifestyle I will thus be a happier and healthier person who can give back to the world and those around me.  And thus, my Goddess will be reborn...or is that respawned?!?    

 

Thanks for listening...

 

Bast

[Bast]

Well, it's Week 3, and I've survived...mostly.  But I'm not doing as well as I would like...

 

Granted, I've reached 1/2 my Main Goal, but it really doesn't seem like it.  I think I may adjust my goal to more than 10 inches.

 

But today I had the chance to look over the Week 3 Mini...and Boy Oh Boy!!  It's just what I needed to give me the kick in the pants to reboot my lagging results!!

 

I've discovered that I'm doing "ok" over all, but I have noticed that, although I'm doing extra garden sessions and "extra" activities (walking, taking stairs, etc), I've not been as good at doing my dailies like I should/want to be.  "Something" always seems to "come up" or in some way "hinder" my ability to do my daily exercise.  Since I've been limiting myself to one particular routine, maybe I need to shake things up with a few more alternative options...  

 

So I searched around the forums and articles (easier described by Blaidd than done!).  I found a great forum under Druid's Knowledge Base called Yoga, Meditation,Tai Chi.  There I found a thread called Beginners Yoga for Flexibility.  I thought, "that's right up my alley!!"  There I found a great video about "The Fuzz"...it went into detail about how the myofacia in our bodies work and why we feel stiff and how not moving makes it worse.  I have Fibromyalgia, so this really hit home for me and helped me to understand why (and how it is) my pain is worse the less I move and tends to ease a bit the more I move.  I definitely recommend watching...but beware, it is graphic!  I also found another thread under Yoga, Meditation,Tai Chi called 30 Day Yoga Challenge, which had a link to an external site called Do You Yoga.  There I not only found a great way to keep my yoga dailies on track for free, but I also found they had another free challenge called 30 Day Meditation!  Hey, that'll give my lagging Quest to meditate a nice kick start!!  

 

That was a good start, but I wanted to see if there was a way to give a jump to my strength training, as well.  I've been thinking about it and have the Dr's thumbs up to start weight training (he just said no machines).  So I checked out the NF Homepage.  I found a few great articles:  Beginner Body Weight Workout (which is a good place to start, especially since I don't know anything about weight lifting), The 20-Minute Hotel Workout (which can come in handy if it's dreary or too hot out), and best of all, The Nerd Fitness Playground Workout!!!  

 

I got so excited, I went right out and did it!!  The sun was just starting to go down, but it was still daylight, so I filled up my water bottle and walked down the way to the nearest playground!!  All the kids were home, I guess, so I had it all to myself!  I was disappointed that there wasn't a swing set, but I did the entire workout!  Just one set (baby steps so as not to aggravate my Fibro), but it still got my heart rate up!! And best of all, when I came home, I got to give myself the point for today's "daily" exercise (which I had skipped this morning)!  I even signed up for both the Yoga and Meditation 30 Day Challenges.  Yeah, it'll still be going when this 6-Week Challenge is over, but so what?  We're supposed to be making lifestyle changes to Level Up our Lives, right?!?

 

So there you have it, I've done my Week 3 mini...but I'm not sure how to award the point...it could go to wisdom, since I was smart about the whole thing...it could go to charisma, since it'll help me to drop more weight/inches...maybe even dexterity or stamina, since the added activity and diversity will affect both...no, I think I'll grant the point to constitution because by applying the new information and workout options I've learned from this mini, I will not only reach my Main Quest, but in doing so, get even closer to my Epic Quest!!  

 

Look Out, Fibro...I'm breathing down your neck!!  

[Ilham]

That's a lot of life goals! All this sounds great, hope you do indeed end up beating your fibro, in worse ways than it ever managed to beat you.

[starsapart]

You GO girl!

[Bast]

Thanks, Guys!!  

[Bast]

Well, I'm really really stoked...

 

It's the end of Week 3 (keep in mind, it's early dawn, Saturday morning, here in Japan)...and I've made it to Level 1!  YAY ME!!     But I'll just wait and see what the Recruits' Guild Leader, Blaidd, has in store for us in that regard before I update my stats.

 

Normally, the weekends are usually my "lax" days...time to be spent with friends and family doing fun stuff...often "extra" activities to keep me moving are included (hubby & I taking a tour, going out with friends to wander some part of Japan we haven't been yet...or maybe putter projects around the house or in the garden, etc...).  But this weekend's gonna be different...

 

I get to TOTALLY ROCK my Life Quest #1!!!  I'm doing a free photography seminar in Yokosuka!!  The Yokosuka Base NEX is having it's annual customer appreciation, and one of they're tracks is for budding photographers!!  So I signed up!!

 

...after I did, a hiccup almost happened...

 

A volunteer organization that my Hubby and I are co-prez's for had an impromptu event (turns out, this Saturday, our base, Atsugi, is having an open base - that's where they open the gates to local Japanese Nationals to come and enjoy an American-style festival).  It looked like I was going to have to cancel my registration and help out at the festival <pout>...I kinda mentioned to my husband that I really wanted to be "selfish", and do something for myself for a change, since I'm always doing for everyone else (I'm actively involved in 4 different volunteer projects on base, and hold positions in 2 of them...)...and when it came time for me to finally "suck it up" and cancel...

 

HUBBY TO THE RESCUE!!!

 

He wouldn't let me!  He agreed, and reminded me that it's not selfish for me to do something for me that I enjoy!!  <Go Go Gadget Main Life Quest!!!>

 

So I'm totally stoked...I went to Yokosuka yesterday afternoon to the Beginner's Photography Class and "meet the Photographer/Guide", today I'm going back for 3 more hands-on classes, and tomorrow is the best...a guided photowalk instruction tour of Kamakura!!  

 

I'll still be nailing my Quest #2 (daily activity/exercise) this weekend with lot's of "extra" exercise (mostly walking <STA>, carrying camera equipment <STR>, and holding camera steady for shooting <DEX>) to be had!  I already did lots of "heavy lifting" as Hubby gave me his command's shopping list (Atsugi's Commissary is cleaned out due to the Festival prep) for their food booth at the Festival...so I cleaned out the Yokosuka Commissary (2 cases Velveeta <12-2# blocks each!!>, 2 cases cans of chili, 2 cases cans of sauerkraut, 3 cases sour cream)...

 

MAN!!!  That cart was HEAVY!!!  And SOOOO hard to maneuver around the store!!!  I just had to keep chanting the mantra to remind myself...

 

"I love my husband...I love my husband...I love my husband...I love my husband..."

 

Wellp...I'm off to walk the garden before I have to head out to Yokosuka...I'm so excited!!  I'm hoping to learn a lot and get some nice new pics (or at least techniques) to play with...  But for now, I'll leave you with this gem:

 

 

 

[starsapart]

So, a little bird tells me you may be interested in the Assassins........................... a bit late (wait, no, Assassins are never late!) but let me extend the official guild welcome!

 

I know that you've been looking around the guild, so I hope you'll come by the Assassins' Den chat and say hello!  We're very welcoming killers-in-black, really.         You can also check out the Assassin Guild Info & Announcements for more info about what's going on with the guild.  We also have our handy Assassin Phonebook, which will allow you to find people who are working on similar skills to yours.  And though we may be the bodyweight guild, we're also a guild of extreme variety - we do a bit of everything!

 

Additionally, if you like what you see, I encourage you to go introduce yourself on the Level 1 Assassin Initiates Q&A/Chat thread as well!  There are a lot of fun people hanging out as they consider whether to join us - and you can make new friends, ask questions of guild leadership, post awesome gifs (we wouldn't be Assassins without gif parties) and more!  I hope to see you there soon.

 

If you ever need anything, feel free to PM me or catch my attention by quoting one of my posts.  Otherwise, I or one of my colleagues will be stopping by to check in on you and celebrate your successes as the challenge goes on.  Now get out there and crush those goals!

[Bast]

Well, I just rock this week's Recruit Mini...and I learned a bit...turns out, I had to revamp my grading to allow myself a little wiggle room...I was scoring myself against perfection, forgetting that I'm not perfect and that a little bit is better than nothing!  So I graded myself against the minimums...and rounded down when I went over (happily that was a lot!!) and rounded up where I was almost there, but not quite (delightfully was only twice...but I was really close!!).  I have learned to be nicer to myself...to not be so harsh on myself and to delight in my achievements!!  All in all, a great learning experience, and the rewards of Leveling Up!!

 

I also have a side mini from an Accountibilibuddy (not a group, but via NF IM)...I've been challenged to do some outside activity 4 times this week, take pictures and post them.  Well, I was feeling a bit craptastic yesterday (I think still recovering from Sunday...I did get quite a bit dehydrated), so since I wasn't really up for an all out NF Playground Workout, I decided to take a walk around the base (or at least my housing area) to see if I could find a better playground...perhaps one with a swing set!!  I walked up and around the Gym, Picnic, and Ballpark areas...no swing set..but I did play "ball girl" for a team practicing for the upcoming Captain's Cup...they hit a few over the fence (which was where I was), so I threw the balls back...and I SOOOO throw like a girl!!  I realized I brainfarted and forgot my nice camera, but took a pic with my cell phone..

.

 

Ok,....I need to figure out how to resize these things...that pic is HUGE!!!

 

Anyhoo...I did find a swing set...and went for a swing!  I hadn't done that in AGES!!  I had forgotten how much fun it is!!  I also found these toadstool thingys at random heights...so I walked around on those for a little bit...good for balance...and I found a exercise playground!  It had all kinds of different bars and steps and a wobbly platform with instruction boards with recommended exercises beside each station.  I played around on those a little, trying out one or two exercises on each one.  I didn't do any major reps, just sampling...  Then a walk home.  I think I probably walked around 2 miles or so...sorry, no pedometer...and no more pics...but I'll be going back and will take some pics then!!  

 

So that was Day 1 for the personal mini, and for Day 2 today, I did my daily yoga routine in the garden...

 

I'm feeling pretty good about my progress...I kinda wish I could see the lost inches in the mirror...but that'll come in time.  I'm more concerned on not getting stuck or stagnating in these last couple of weeks rather than the aesthetics...

[starsapart]

Nice work!

[Bast]

Nice work!

 

You know I"m sooo gonna use the skull and crossbats at some point...

[Daryl of the Pines]

That is a pretty cool logo. Seems to me I remember coming across a park with a playground off base, somewhere along the road to the train station....Sagamino was it? I don't remember if there were swings, just that something playground-ish was there. Once when my brother was visiting, we set off some cheap fireworks we got from the 100 yen store there.   I think we disturbed someone's peaceful run in the process.

[Alexandrite]

Found you! Really looking forward to supporting you through more adventures! So impressed by all that you have done so far! And the photography is super exciting, can't wait to see more!

- Sent from my magic Navi-powered device!

[Bast]

OK, updates, ya'll...

 

This one'll be short and sweet, cuz I'm about to be busier than a one-armed paper hanger...

 

I got to have a lot of fun with my NF Playground Workout...had someone watch, laugh, watch some more, then JOINED ME!!  LOL!!  I also got a friend to go with and walked her through it...

 

Here's where I did the most...push/pull ups, squats on a wobble platform, balance & stretching...lots of fun!  Yeah...i haven't' figured out how to shrink the pics...

 

Here are the "mushrooms" that I run around and practice balance and agility...

 

Here's the "rigging"...

 

Swings are always a fun treat for a job well done!! 

 

When my friend joined me, "rode" these...

 

Climbed this...  (and she got stuck, so I got a "bonus" of having to "lift" her up and out!!!  LOL!)

 

And then we amused my Hubby (who saw us from our kitchen window) trying to ride these...

 

All in all, we had a blast!  Each NFPW I do is even more fun than the last!!  I'm hoping that it stays that way!!

 

I didn't do as well as I would have liked this past week...illness/dehydration recovery and seminar prep steamrolled my plans and intentions...and I know this upcoming week will be a challenge (no pun intended)...I've got a week long seminar on Essential Oils, and there's a Super Typhoon headed our way (typhoon season is apparently starting a month early...)...it's projected to arrive late Tuesday and blow through (I'm so punny today) by late Wednesday...so lots of rain and wind for two to three days...not very conducive for outdoor activities...but hey, battening down the hatches and clearing the debris can be a bit of a workout...

 

But all in all, HUZZAH to everyone for surviving the first two thirds...and here's to finishing the last third strong!!

[starsapart]

Love the pics, and I REALLY love that you're having fun with your workouts!  That's a surefire way to success.

 

Stay dry and have an awesome week 5!  You're going to make it!!!

[Alexandrite]

Ohhh playground workouts never looked so fun! I take my kids all the time, I need to get myself in on this action...

Hope things stay safe during the storm! Keep at it, you're doing great!

- Sent from my magic Navi-powered device!

[Bast]

Thanks! All...

 

Ohhh playground workouts never looked so fun! I take my kids all the time, I need to get myself in on this action...

Hope things stay safe during the storm! Keep at it, you're doing great!

- Sent from my magic Navi-powered device!

 

Here's the link for the NF Playground Workout...hope you enjoy!!

[Alexandrite]

Poke poke! How did it go? Are you out of the storm yet? =)

- Sent from my magic Navi-powered device!

[Elastigirl]

Love the playground workouts what fun! How did this last week go? 

[Bast]

I just typed a great update...complete with pics...and when I hit post, everything went "blip" and it was gone...

 

I need to go eat dinner, so I don't have time to redo the whole thing, so here's the Reader's Digest...

 

Regarding the Typhoon...we survived the storm, the garden exploded (along with the lawn) from all the rain, and I learned I can run on water.

 

Regarding my week...I only got one NFPW in before the storm, I didn't get to do my seminar (entirely), I turned extra work into "extra workouts", I learned that I need to not do EVERYTHING for a project/event and if other members don't want to help do the work I just need to cancel the project/event.

 

Regarding this week...I have been working on a job application today (deadline tomorrow), Dr's appt today was a success-doc is pleased with my progress and NFPW as well as EO applications helping with pain maintenance, Orthopedic Surgeon appointment tomorrow regarding my hand - hoping they won't want to do surgery.

 

Personal Victory...had over 10, count them, ten! people compliment me and ask "have you lost weight?"  and the answer is yes, yes I have!!  I've lost 8 inches so far this challenge!!  Only 2 more inches and one week to go...

 

Forgive me if I don't write on here over the next couple days...I don't know what they'll do to my hand...

 

I hope ya'll had a great week last week, and a strong finish this one!!

[Daryl of the Pines]

I just typed a great update...complete with pics...and when I hit post, everything went "blip" and it was gone...

 

I need to go eat dinner, so I don't have time to redo the whole thing, so here's the Reader's Digest...

 

Regarding the Typhoon...we survived the storm, the garden exploded (along with the lawn) from all the rain, and I learned I can run on water.

 

Regarding my week...I only got one NFPW in before the storm, I didn't get to do my seminar (entirely), I turned extra work into "extra workouts", I learned that I need to not do EVERYTHING for a project/event and if other members don't want to help do the work I just need to cancel the project/event.

 

Regarding this week...I have been working on a job application today (deadline tomorrow), Dr's appt today was a success-doc is pleased with my progress and NFPW as well as EO applications helping with pain maintenance, Orthopedic Surgeon appointment tomorrow regarding my hand - hoping they won't want to do surgery.

 

Personal Victory...had over 10, count them, ten! people compliment me and ask "have you lost weight?"  and the answer is yes, yes I have!!  I've lost 8 inches so far this challenge!!  Only 2 more inches and one week to go...

 

Forgive me if I don't write on here over the next couple days...I don't know what they'll do to my hand...

 

I hope ya'll had a great week last week, and a strong finish this one!!

 

Glad to see you're safe. Hope everything goes well with the doc.

[starsapart]

Seems like things are progressing well for you.  Good luck with the ortho and take care of the hand!

[Alexandrite]

I don't know if you're able to type, but know we're thinking of you and cheering you on! You can do it, finish the challenge out strong!

[Bast]

Thanks, ya'll for all the well wishes!  This will be brief because it's very difficult to type...

 

Personal Victory...NO  SURGERY!!!  <insert happy dance here>  The doc agreed that the last shot I got (which was by a GP and not an OS) was "botched" (not correct location and/or not enough medication), and that my timeline of well over 1 year between shots is a good enough reason to keep with the shots rather than surgery.  And to make up for the lack of success in the last shot I got, plus the advanced progression of the condition & my pain, he gave me "extra" medicine...basically made sure there was plenty there to do it's job!  The gist of what he did was fill up the myotendonal sheath (which envelops the tendons that runs along the inside of your fingers and palm) of my right middle and ring fingers, with a steroid (like cortizone) and lidocaine.  He not only filled up the fingers (the sheath was swollen full...kinda like a sausage casing!!), but down into the palm as well, as a preventative, he said.  So over the last couple of days, while they were still full of the meds, I couldn't close my hand at all!!  I can at least close my hand now, barely, but there is no strength/grip...but I'm still in recovery mode, so that's OK.  It usually takes about 2 or 3 days to get back to status quo...but since he put a little more than before, I may take a day or so more for all of it to get absorbed into the tissues.

 

So, obviously, I'm not doing my NFPW (kinda can't grip the bars!), or yoga (can't handle holding my weight on my hand, like in a down dog/up dog transition) but I'm trying to to be a total slug...I've taken a couple of walks, and puttered in the garden a little bit...I even unloaded/loaded & ran the dishwasher yesterday!  My hand was tired and sore afterwards, so I had to rest it, but I still count it as a victory!  Just don't tell my hubby...he doesn't want me doing too much too soon...

 

It's a 4-day weekend out here...most of the base (including my DH) is off today (it's Friday morning here) as well as on Monday.  We were discussing going off base to do something...and that means lots of walking!!  So although I'm not able to finish as strong as I would like with my new workouts (NFPW and Do You Yoga), I am finding creative ways to still do SOMETHING.  It would be all-to-easy to just sit on my tochus and say, "my hand hurts so I can't", I'm CHOOSING not to be a slug and doing things I CAN do...and to me, that's a VICTORY!!

 

Ok, my hand is getting tired for typing, so I'm done for now...thanks again for all your well wishes and support!!

[SomeGuyFromScotland]

Outstanding attitude. +1 Respect.

[Daryl of the Pines]

Wow, now that is persistence!  Glad to hear surgery can be avoided.