June 10: In Stow at Judy’s for my rehab.
June 9: I think I’m snagging a bit more sleep, now having moved back to a semi-normal sleeping routine by using a bed and getting closer to actually lying fully supine. But when I do wake up, it’s not just transitory. No, there’s then a lot of tossing and turning because my low back is just sore and stiff from the non-stop on-the-back sleeping posture. But I am experiencing longer bouts of sleep as compared to 3-4 days ago.
Mornings still somewhat painful, but not debilitating, and I’ve been off the pain meds for a good week now. Still takes me about a half hour to kind of “untighten” in the chest and upper back such that I feel loose and more relaxed. I’ve now moved to a different couch in Judy’s living room because this one is much firmer, and at this point, having endured about a month of either sitting or lying down for the majority of each day, my low back is just toast. The short bit of walking I do, couple with my moving around the house or going out to shop etc., that adds up to very little across a 24-hour day compared to all the sitting and lying down. Maybe I need to add a second walk to the day in the evening, a shorter one, but something to kind of stretch me out more?
Got in a 4-mile walk today in 1:25. Now again, I’m just kind of shuffling along at this sub-three miles per hour pace so as to keep my exertion level low. So that is my longest walk since surgery. My sister keeps telling me not to over do it, and she’s speaking from an intensity level. Been assuring her that I’m purposely keeping it mellow each and every mile. Trying to be the model patient with respect to staying within the parameters they’ve set for me. Am I impatient? You bet! BUT, I’m not going to sabotage my recovery and my health by being an idiot and a hard ass! My goal is to get back to a level much higher than where I left off prior to leaving for my second American Dirt effort this past May.
Went over to the house today to look after pop for a bit until Kim got home, and then Judy and I went over to Jack & Judy’s house for dinner. Now I know Jack & Judy from my fitness class at the Summa Health and Wellness Institute in Hudson. I teach this class 2x a week, and I’ve been at it for a good decade now. Over the years I’ve come to know and love a core group of the class’s participants of which Jack & Judy are two of this group’s regulars. I have a blast teaching the class, and I have to say that it’s had a huge impact on my life. Over the years we’ve all gone out to lunch at various venues and we’ve also shared our highs and lows of life together. What I really feel proud of is all the friendships that have developed through this class.
So anyway, Judy had emailed me and offered to either cook dinner for Judy and I, or have us over to their house for dinner. That was an easy choice, as my Judy and I have kind of been stranded here at her house nearly 24/7, so getting out and about sounded like the bomb! It was. We were treated to a wonderful Mediterranean style dinner and some great conversation. I think Jack and Judy were a bit surprised at first in the amount of weight I’ve lost - hell, I am too! I mean my face is thinner and obviously my upper body is much trimmer than before. And as many of my friends and family have reacted to my situation, they were still kind of stunned that me of all people ended up having severe coronary artery blockage. I’ve always looked at my self as representing health and fitness, and so to have they. Then when I was suddenly slapped, no - punched - with a hard dose of reality, it’s very sobering experience for all of us to swallow!
Anyway, we had a really great evening. Thanks so much to Jack & Judy and the rest of the Functional Fitness class for all your love and support!