The time with family was low-key but good. I was fortunate that I felt and functioned relatively better than usual. Although I did feel lost in that limbo place of not being well enough to do much but not needing to be completely inactive. And, I felt watched. Not in a bad way. I'm just accustomed to hiding in my condo with psychocat and no one really seeing me. Fortunately there wasn't anything too exciting to observe.
I was nervous about traveling. All the little things to coordinate and hoping to make it through each stage before wonking hard. And, not knowing what I really needed. In my little postage stamp life, I rarely deviate from my beaten path of close-to-home places of known factors. I understand my grandmother more each day.
My function often changes radically as the day progresses. It's confusing to others and sometimes myself. When I arrive at the airport early in the day sporting a cane, I feel like a bit of a poser as I'm walking and talking pretty. But at the end of the journey on the return, well, no posing then as I walked through the valley of molasses fearing all sorts of ambulation evil.
Likely I should start using the cane more. But I tend to not take it with me since I usually start the day out well and don't need it then. And, generally I try to be home for the staggering wonk phase. However, recently a stranger, a neighbor and a co-worker all approached me on different occasions with concern. I guess the cane would somewhat reassure them when I'm staggering around -- might help me out too.
Well, 2010 is off and running. Have already faxed medical records forms, made phones calls, set up an consult with the Rheumatologist from last year, scheduled a thyroid needle biopsy and a couple other things. It appears that I'll meet my annual deductible again before the end of January. Grr. Am grateful for the insurance.
Welcome to Colorado! Whereabouts are you? I'm in Colorado Springs. =)
ReplyDeleteHigh five to you for pulling off the trip.
ReplyDeleteJudy
HM - I was mostly on the western slope. I haven't been to The Springs in many years -- recall it as beautiful!
ReplyDeleteJudy - Thanks for the high five - it was an adventure.
Hi Donna,
ReplyDeletePlease come by my blog and pick up your award.
Love,
Herrad
I loved my fold-up cane. Only left it in a taxi once! LOL
ReplyDeleteHerrad - Thanks for the award. Hope you're warm on these snowy days over your way.
ReplyDeleteDiane - Doh! You're on the money. I tend to think of a folding cane for long-distance travel. But where I'm at right now, it'd be useful for everyday or days where I'm need to be out and about more than usual. Thanks.
Hi Donna, I know what you mean about starting off the day strong before hitting the dreaded wonk phase. I woke up yesterday morning, was able to take my dog to the vet then was feeling ambitious and decided to go to walmart. Well I hit the wonk phase there and had to find a place to sit. That's how it is for me now. I know it is just the process of healing because it seems that everyday my battery lasts a bit longer. Keep your head and spirits up.
ReplyDeleteMaria - Yep, looking for places to land my keister is standard now. I know all the sitting possibilities in my neighborhood now. My spirits are low now -- no diagnosis after two years and getting worse. But I do have hope for a few things in the works. Glad to hear you're doing better -- hope surgery is in the works for you soon! Thanks for the encouragement. Donna
ReplyDelete