Measuring Progress

Interesting, I just had this discussion this morning with my pain PT! I use how much I am able to do on any given day to measure my progress - sometimes I am limited by the lungs, other times by pain. When lungs are the limit, I try my rescue inhaler, and maybe a second saline neb, before I give in to a quiet day. With pain, I try extra stretching, maybe some essential oils, and just go slower, but try not to just quit.

Today will be a limited day, because the spinal adjustments during therapy "kick my butt" - so I'll concentrate on quieter pursuits, icing & stretching, and hopefully a decent walk later. Of course, my proposed to-do list for today originally included extensive weeding, and some digging of wayward plants in the garden - that will have to wait a day. Instead I will do some proposal-writing that I have been putting off, and maybe a little cooking or baking - not my usual summer activities at all.

When I first was diagnosed with MAC, and on antibiotics, I could manage 2 hours a day of activity, in 20 minute intervals interspersed with rest. Now I can go for several hours, with up to 2 hours at a stretch of really active/strenuous things like gardening, biking or chasing with my grandkids. A short rest rejuvenates me on good days. But I still "hit the wall" right around 4 pm - have tried sleeping later, resting, a snack, extra water, caffeine...but I'm pretty much done with anything requiring strength or brainpower at that point. My kids say "well...you're not so young any more"... but that can't be - any suggestions?

Sue

Sue, your words, “ 2 hours a day of activity, in 20 minute intervals interspersed with rest. Now I can go for several hours, with up to 2 hours at a stretch of really active/strenuous things.” These words are inspiring testimony to the payoff of commitment , your commitment, to consistent self care.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I don't feel inspiring - just stubborn. The women in my family occupy their bodies for an average of about 90 years, so I have to keep after mine so I can be an active occupant.
Sue

Geez Migzii, I can only guess what a hobbling ordeal you’ve been through. Fill me (us) in. How have you coped? Don

Geez Migzii, I can only guess what a hobbling ordeal you’ve been through. Fill me (us) in. How have you coped? Don

Oh, it’s been a long and drawn out ordeal....fractured my foot 1/19....8 months later it healed. However, ongoing pain gave way to cortisone shots (wow! Those hurt!)......given diagnosis of severe arthritis with little chance of being able to handle surgery (Mayo orthopedic surgeon). I got another opinion in 6/2020 and this surgeon (with outstanding reputation from Twin City Orthopedics) said my foot could manage the fusion surgery and eventually my foot would not tolerate anymore shots.....which I hated anyway. Thus, I got the surgery two weeks later and ever since I have been working my way back! I can now walk a slow, but steady mile in my own tennis shoes, on an even surface without an orthodic and with less pain than before the surgery. Twice a week PT therapy for the next 8 weeks and hopefully, my foot will allow me to do things I haven’t been able to do for SO long! Thx for asking and caring❤️ Take care!