gwennefarrell

I had a physio appointment today to get suggestions about what to do on my trip to Mexico. More exercises have been added including balancing to fire up the muscles around my ankle. I have also come to realize that despite the heat and discomfort of my brace, I am going to have to wear the brace even when I am walking in town. The challenge is going to be to protect that ankle from turning and causing even more damage. Sigh, I may come back with interesting tan lines on that leg.

Yesterday was blood work time. Every 6 months my blood is tested to determine my A1C level. Basically the test checks the average glucose levels over the past 3 months. I’m always worried about this test because I have worked so hard to get my weight and blood glucose under control since I was diagnosed with diabetes nearly 6 years ago. Let’s face it, I have been successful at doing this but it is a lot of work. It was 4 years ago that my medication started getting reduced and not long after that they were removed completely.

But I still worry. This one was quite distressing for me because it is only 3 months since I lost my little brother to complications from diabetes. I saw what this horrible disease did to ravage his body. It wasn’t just losing his leg, he had cardio vascular disease, kidney failure, eye problems and quite frankly the whole gamut of how diabetes can destroy you. I have vowed I am never going to let that happens and if that means working out 3 hours every day to keep that monster at bay then so be it.

So I got all worked up about my blood test yesterday and was very frustrated when the results weren’t posted last night. However, I had a look this morning and despite being nervous as the past 3 months things have been a bit out of sort, my test came back in the normal range. And when I say normal I mean below even the pre-diabetes range. My blood glucose levels are very well controlled and I plan on continuing this.

Could I suggest to my doctor that we just do the bloodwork annually? Sure but doing it every 6 months holds me accountable to keeping my health in check. So, this health check in, like so many over the past 3 years or so, came back just the way I like it, I’m doing well.

Ok, I know some of you were looking for my post on Saturday but it didn’t happen. I actually was at the trailer and decided screw it, a few days off won’t hurt me. And so, I drank beer, slept in and did very little exercise. I did do some walking and paddleboarding, just not to my normal level. But I also celebrated my brother and sprinkled a little of his remains at the lake which was more important. Of course, I was back at it today.

Today was my 6th month cleaning and check up. I will admit for a long time in my life I avoided the dentist but for the last 20 years I have been pretty diligent about going for a cleaning every 6 months. Today was also a check up and my dentist questioned how long I had some of my more recent filings. Turns out it is 16 years and they still look awesome.

I’ve posted before about how important dental health can be. It actually impacts things you wouldn’t expect such as your heart and kidneys. The bacteria caused by poor dental hygiene actually goes through all of your body. That’s why brushing, flossing and mouth wash can be so important.

So here’s my recommendation, if you are not regularly attending the dentist, start doing so. Yes, I know it can be expensive (though our government is working on that) but it is really worth the investment. Your dental health is just as important as you physical and mental health so make it the same priority as seeing your doctor.

A bit of an update on my ankle. I had a call with my doctor yesterday and she agrees it is seriously messed up. She recommended a local Ortho but I requested a specific clinic that deals with these kind of issues. She questioned this and I noted it was my physio of 31+ years who has dealt with all 4 of my knee surges, my spinal stenosis, a stress fracture as well as injuries with my family members that told me to insist on them. She issued the referral.

I got up at 5 am this morning and went through my usual routine. Except, I am at the trailer meaning things are way more relaxed and laid back. At 6:00am I looked outside and realized it was way too dark for me to be comfortable walking (note there are no street lights here) so decided to wait until 6:30am to do my walk. Oh but then the voices in my head started saying, what the hell let’s just relax for the long weekend. I so bought into that because really I am inherently lazy. But, by 6:30am I was all kitted up and out for an hour walk.

While I really wanted to be even more lazy (remember it is normally 4-5 hours of exercise each day) once I was about a third of the way into the walk I was happy I was doing it. While it was a bit chilly, the sun was out. That early in the morning around here it is so quiet.but what bolstered me the most was looking at the lake which was so absolutely calm which so helped me be calm.

And so I admit, talking myself to get moving today was probably the best thing I could have done. I’m sure I will go through the same struggles in my head tomorrow,

This morning it was strength class and when I got there I asked the instructor if we needed our matts to which she said not until later. She did tell me I would need a step platform but not to worry we weren’t doing cardio. She told me I could use 2-4 risers but suggested I probably would prefer 4 so that is what I used to set up my platform. As other participants joined she told them to choose between 2-4 risers and as I watched I realized that no one else was using 4 like me (I do note one woman used 3 but I’ve probably got 20 years on her). But you know what, I was pretty proud of myself when I got through that class doing the hardest level available and it started my day on a positive note.

I have been struggling these past several days to try and get everything I needed to done including working out. Don’t get me wrong, it is not just about the workouts. I have been pulled in so many directions between family, work, exercise and volunteer work that I realized something had to give. Prime example, Saturday I had a 10am meeting so I decided I would just have to forego my 2 hour walk and instead just do the bootcamp class (note where several person events also going on that day). I realized I just couldn’t get it all done. Unfortunately there was a mix up with the class so that didn’t happen either.

Yesterday was even more challenging. Normally on Monday I do bootcamp followed by a 2 hour walk, coffee with some friends and then another 1 1/2 hour walk. But I had to let reality in, there simply was not enough time to get this all in. You see yesterday we were spreading my brother’s ashes at sea and I would need to be ready to go by 8:30am. So, I got in the 5:30am bootcamp but that was it. I did consider once I had gotten through the morning that I could do some walking but instead I felt it was a better plan to go out for a nice lunch with my husband and sister. Yes, there was some of that annoying little voice chirping in my head but I countered it with the fact that a few lax days were not going to make a difference.

I’m pretty good at time management but I acknowledge as I try to prep for not just heading to the trailer tomorrow but also with the next Mexican trip coming up on Sept 7th, time is not on my side. And so the next week or so I am going to focus on exercise and work but put the volunteer stuff kind of on the back burner to be done only if time will allow.

Today was quite a nice walk down at the beach despite it being fairly cloudy. The tide was fully in but the bay was super calm. There were literally dozens of geese floating in the water and pretty much everywhere I saw people either out paddleboarding or getting ready to go paddleboarding. It was actually quite a peaceful site.

Yesterday I started working on my ankle recovery program. The first thing I did was to purchase an ankle brace. I’m not talking one of those sleeves that you can get at the pharmacy but rather a structured brace recommended by the place that makes my custom orthotics. Let me assure you, it really braces that ankle. Fortunately it gives me the correct amount of support but still leaves the flexibility I need to walk properly. I wore it on my 10km walk this morning and other than one spot where it was rubbing my leg a bit, it wasn’t too bad. This is a good thing because I have to try and wear the brace as much as possible, even when I am just walking around the house.

The next thing I did was a session with my favourite physio therapist. I have known him for over 30 years and he has been with me through all of my health issues over the years. He is happy with the brace I selected (note, I was a little stunned how expensive it was) and interpreted the two radiologist reports that I had received. It was then on to exercises I need to do daily all in hopes that combined with the brace that maybe, just maybe, I won’t have to have surgery however that decision will obviously be left to the specialists.

The other thing I discussed with my physio therapist was my exercise regime. I fully acknowledge that the ankle injury was not caused by an event like rolling my ankle but rather is from over use. Having said that, fitness has become such a big part of my life that I can’t give it up. So, we came up with an action plan. Firstly, no high impact if it in any way bothers the ankle. That one is easy because there are always modifications in my fitness classes. Next, while in Mexico cut down on the walking and add more swimming and cycling. Then it is do the daily ankle exercises (they are not that challenging). Finally, I have to wear the brace even when I am in my sandals.

If I follow this plan completely and diligently there may be some healing happening in my ankle tendons. If that happens and I stick to things no additional intervention will be necessary. I do realize that once all of this heals I simply won’t be able to go back to doing things like running each and every day but perhaps I can go back to doing it a couple times a week.

For us here in BC it is what I call silly season, that means an election is happening. Of course in my riding I am appointed as the Financial Agent but that is ok because our candidate and I have known each other for about 50 years not just through our theatre but also because we both became labour activists. And so last night despite how much I hate it I was out stumping in my neighbourhood with him. The good news is the response was pretty good.

Today I got 2 medical reports. The 1st was the xray which basically showed there is something wrong. It was not overly definitive but likely is the reason my doctor’s office called to book a follow up appointment. The 2nd was the ultrasound and holy crap that one is scary. Turns out I have tendinosis along with moderate tears in both of the tendons in my ankle.

Now like any rational person does, I consulted Dr Google (despite my husband screaming in the background to not do so). What I learned is tendinosis is far more serious that tendinitis and is considered chronic. I also learned that the most likely treatment for the tendon tears is going to be surgery. WTF!! I am so hoping to find a plan b. And finally the likely cause is overuse for which I am in complete denial because there is nothing wrong with an hour bootcamp followed by 4 hours of walking throughout the day.

Sigh, I had so hoped a little physio and some icing was going to resolve all of this but the test results made it pretty apparent that the damage to my ankle is much more than I had anticipated. I am back at physio tomorrow where I know my friend will interpret all the results for me and let me know the next steps. The follow up appointment with the GP is Aug 28th and I can’t wait for what she will say we need to do going forward. Dammit!!!!

Ok, I have to vent a little. I was at my bootcamp class this morning (and it was a good one) and it was a reasonably small class. As a matter of fact the row I was in only had myself and a young woman. Unfortunately the woman was a mirror hog. I’m sorry I just don’t understand how someone is so inconsiderate that they constantly block you from following yourself in the mirror. Seriously, if I repositioned myself she would step in front of me. I think if I am in that situation again with her I am going to politely point out her behaviour.

I truly believe in doing the right thing, it is the way I was brought up. I think that is why I do so much volunteer work in that I can afford to give my time to help others (ok quite frankly the available time I have is negligible at this point). I was always told if you think you have things bad remember there is always someone who is worse off. Growing up it was always instilled in me that doing the right thing for others was the best thing that you could do and that has stuck with me.

This morning I went out for a 5am walk (bootcamp isn’t until 8am on Saturdays) so I hit the promenade at around 5:30am. As I started out I noticed a few people walking in front of me and one gentleman walking towards me but that is not unusual for this time of day. I then noticed smoke coming out of a garbage can and then I realized as I got closer that there were actually growing flames! Of course I immediately called 911 and arranged for the fire department to attend the fire and while waiting for them I kept walking back and forth so that I would be around when they arrived to advise them what I saw. My biggest concern was that this garbage can was surrounded by a bunch of brambles that is often treated with chemicals by the railway. The fire department arrived quickly and so I was off to finish my walk.

As I was walking I got really frustrated. At least 5 people walk by that smoldering/burning garbage can before I got there. All of them seemed to have decided to ignore the situation. Had those brambles caught on fire there could have been significant damage to our beautiful waterfront and then what? Where would be doing our walking and enjoying this type of scenery? I was truly not happy until my way back along the promenade when an older fellow whom I often say hello to and occasionally chat with stopped me and asked if I was the one that made the call. I confirmed I had but did voice my frustration at people ignoring the situation and what could have happened. He told me he knew it was likely me that made the call and thanked me profusely for taking the time to care. Ok, that may have made me feel a bit better.

Ultimately it doesn’t take that much effort to do the right thing. Take for example you are in a restaurant and they under charge you. For me I look at it in the light of if they had over charged me I would have pointed it out to them so doesn’t that make me obligated to do the same if they made an error in my favour? Quite frankly I believe it does but then again, that is what was drilled into me growing up.

And so, I hope I will always do the right thing.

This morning I went for a very early morning 2 hour walk (by early I mean 5am). On my way back from the beach I looked at the sun coming up over Mount Baker and thought how can the day get any better than this. Then an elderly gentleman stopped me and said I just want you to have an awesome day, you deserve it. I don’t know this gentleman other than to smile and say good morning to him but he really lifted my spirits. Apparently the day could get even better.

Yesterday was ‘Pirate Pack’ Day. For those of you not in BC a 100+ year old franchise restaurant normally sells Pirate Packs to kids but every year they do a fundraiser in which you can purchase various adult hamburgers and it will come in the pirate ship that normally the kids’ meals come in. From that the restaurant donates $2 from each adult Pirate Pack to a local ranch that caters to children with disabilities. I have bought a Pirate Pack for this fundraiser many times over the years and always look forward to it. Yes, I went slightly over my daily calorie goal but to be honest I managed both my breakfast and dinner calorie intake to offset my lunch. Really, I was not that far over and it was really fun.

Today was an even better day. As mentioned I did an early morning walk but had to skip bootcamp class. My sister and I hit the road at 8:00am to go to a restaurant in Bellingham, WA we used to go to with our family when we were kids. There we had kind of an early brunch or late breakfast (I had a small breakfast before my walk) and it was fantastic. Then it was off to Seattle to see the Titanic Exhibit. We had seen a Titanic Exhibit about 20 years ago but this one was quite different though equally as enjoyable. The only issue we had was GPS problems but still we got there. It was so worth the drive and I would do it again if the exhibit came back.

It was then on to the long drive home. We had planned ahead and stopped at a casino for a bit of a break on the way (ok, really it was to do some gambling) and to have a light dinner. Both of us enjoyed ourselves as it had been a long time since we had been to that casino. Afterwards it was an easy 40 minute remaining drive and the Nexus lane at the border was super quick so pretty stress free day.

Yes, I ate some things over the past 2 days that normally I would not have and especially not 2 days in a row and today I really didn’t work out nearly as much as I usually do but you know what? I still managed to burn more calories than I took in which is the point of what I do to keep myself from gaining weight. And besides, it was a fun 2 days and well worth it for a short period of fun. Now back to the grind again tomorrow.

This morning was a strength and mobility class and the instructor told me how beautiful my posture was, I looked like a ballerina. I didn’t mention to her that I had taken ballet classes for years. Ironically in my FB memories today a decades old article about my ballet teacher popped up. But to be honest today my posture has do to with 1) having an amazing medical team including a chiropractor and physiotherapist who have helped me improve my posture and 2) I follow pretty much every movement I do in class by watching myself in the mirror so I am usually postured correctly.

Last Wednesday I went to a locum doctor (mine is on vacation) to finally get this ankle looked at. I had previously mentioned that after on several occasions in the past being told the reason I had issues was because I was obese without any real diagnostic being done and I had concerns that now it would be well, you are getting older. However, this young doctor thoroughly examined my ankle, took the full history of what happen, how it currently felt, etc. Turns out I likely have a tear in a muscle or tendon. She ordered an x-ray (already done), ultrasound (to hopefully happen next week) and physio which started yesterday.

Now I have seen this particular physiotherapist since 1993 when I blew out my knee. He has at some point treated pretty much everyone in my family so needless to say the session began with talking about my brother’s death. He then went on to also give my ankle a full exam and he is fairly confident there is a tear in a muscle. He gave me some exercises to work on until we get the results of the ultrasound and we will go from there.

He did tell me something I didn’t really want to hear in that surgery may be required. I’m really hoping there is a better treatment plan. He did also assure me that this has nothing to do with my age and that as long as I keep myself fit ageing won’t be a problem for a while.

The bottom line is I let the feeling of how I might be treated put seeing the doctor for a long time and I shouldn’t have. If anything else happens I will suck it up and see someone right away.

Last week I saw something that I thought was fantastic. On 2 separate days I saw moms with their I’d say 8 year old kids running together down at the beach. On both occasions it was interval running so the kid had the chance to keep up. The moms would stop and grab the kids hands as they ran. Made me wonder how different life would have turned out if that was a thing when I was a kid.

If you recall last week I bragged about how I had managed to do 53k steps or 35.5 km in a single day which was my best day ever. Yep still pretty proud of that because it is a major accomplishment. This past weekend during our Saturday bootcamp we had to do our 100-10’s exercises. I finished the 2nd round early and the trainer had said feel free to do some extras. So, did some toe taps and an extra 50 squats (after already having done 200 squats). I mentioned to her that I am killing myself which made her stop nme.

She kindly said that I am going through a lot but working my body to death is not what I should do. I tried not to tear up when I said I actually need this. I didn’t tell her that working out helps keep my mind from going to dark places like maybe if I had done this or maybe if I had done that my brother would still be with us. Don’t get me wrong, my rational voice pops in saying NOTHING WOULD HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE but my heart keeps telling me I could have done more.

I acknowledge that doing bootcamp for an hour each day and then adding another 4 hours of walking (this happens 6 days a week) may indicate that I am really overcompensating at getting rid of my grief. And so this weekend one of my best friends is joining me at the trailer. The 2 of us will grieve over what we have lost over the past couple of year. But I think doing that will also help me heal. Oh, and there is likely to be vodka involed.

And so given that, I won’t be posting until next Tuesday. I also won’t be (deep breath) doing any sort of workout on Saturday or Sunday. Time to stop pushing so hard for a couple days.