Two Steps Forward and ...Ouch!

I continue to fall into the same trap! I’ll go for a while feeling pretty normal – okay, maybe not normal, but certainly better health wise. The legs and feet appear to be a little stronger, I’m moving greater distances, not feeling as exhausted, the club hand is a little lighter, and overall I just feel better!  So I begin to let that glimmer of belief enter, and I start to think, “Hey, maybe this time the feeling will stay. Maybe I’m going to move in the opposite direction, and I’ll be able to do things again. Maybe things might get better!” Silly me! Once again, I dared to hope, only to be brought quickly back to reality.    

Yesterday was a busy day, but I managed not only to keep up, but also to go beyond. The little guy came and brought me one of his paintings, so my day was made. He’s such a happy little boy, and his joy is contagious. He was quite ready for lunch, and he did well with his food. My daughter and he joined us for a visit to my mother, along with her care conference. I brought my notes to the meeting, and I was well prepared. I remembered to include a question about Patrick’s (Caregivingly Yours) information of quarterly meetings, and they assured me that they do meet every three months, but only require the family for one meeting. They told me I can attend any and all. I also needed to address an issue concerning some CNAs and an activity girl. All of my concerns were answered, and I left feeling relieved.

Little guy and the mommy went home, and I began to prepare for my two big boys. The older was going to be late – he’s having some neck problems and his PT was running late. Both boys loved the stew, and one even said, “That was just what I needed!” Ah, they warm the cockles of my heart! Then as we sat around and talked, I felt a chill (probably from the constant traffic in and out the door.) So my husband raised the thermostat. First uh-oh…

We have a digital system that is zoned and on timers, but you must remember to reset them manually. Didn’t happen… I didn’t realize the oversight until I woke at one A.M., and the room was hot. Usually it’s cool at night, and I have to snuggle under the covers to stay warm. Not so this time! If I hadn’t been so sleepy, I should have awakened my husband and asked him to lower the thermostat. Instead, I went back to sleep only to be awakened several times with horribly stiff legs and terrible cramps.

Maybe it could be blamed on something else, but I’m making the heat my scapegoat. By the time I tried to get out of bed this morning, I was so achy and tired that I totally forget about how well I had been feeling before that. I was hobbling and grabbing things to keep me steady; I could barely make it in and out of the shower; dressing took forever; and I feel like a wrung-out sponge. So, once again, I took two metaphorical steps forward, only to come crashing back to earth. Why do I always forget that will happen?

I’ll take it slowly today, and perhaps that Era of Good Feeling will return quickly. One good item: we learned that the new baby is another boy!

Peace,

Muff