Ups and Downs

I haven’t written a “Ferocious” blog post for a couple of weeks for several reasons. The main reason is the everyday struggle of trying to be ferocious and failing miserably, while still making progress in very small increments measures high on boring gauge.

I go to several times each week. I water-walk and really enjoy this part of my exercise regimen. The warm water is deliciously welcoming—I think I must have been a whale in another life.

While walking back and forth in a oddly shaped pool sounds pretty boring, I find ways to keep myself amused when there are no other people there. I use visualization techniques (although, when I walk with my eyes closed, I sometimes smack into the side of the pool). I say affirmations. I practice 4-7-8 conscious breathing.

More frequently than not, though, I meet new and interesting people and we chat as we move around getting our exercise. I love meeting new people and getting to know them.

What I don’t like is getting out of the water—the wind whips over the deck and surrounds my wet body as I trundle toward my swim parka. Thank goodness for the sun! I dread the cloudy, rainy days coming.

I also continue with my stretch band exercises, which I find more boring than the water. But—exciting news—I have actually found bicep muscles in my arms. Concept. I have actual, measurable progress. Wow—this is good news.

On the distressing side, I’ve developed a suture abscess. It happens when one of the dissolving sutures doesn’t. Then, in an attempt to reject the “foreign” object the body tries to get rid of it. Mine has caused the incision to open ever so slightly.

But, although the abscess started deeply in my neck, it’s worked its way toward the surface and the swelling is diminishing slowly. I’ll get through this part—with or without the suture spewing itself through a partially open incision.

Pain remains a sore subject. Hahaha. Not. I’m working on it. Its management remains high on my list of daily priorities.

And, I count blessings every day. I’m so glad to be alive, to be able to work on my challenges. Not everyone is so lucky.

Next up—writing about “weighty issues.”

(**Author’s note: After years of ill health, and coexisting with several chronic conditions, I make the conscious decision to ferociously live wellness to my fullest extent. This is my journey. I know I cannot change at least one of my physical conditions but I choose live more consciously and in better health than I have for the past 18 years, since a degenerative spinal condition rendered me “disabled.”

I have a team to help me to this end. Krista Williams, a dear friend, and a senior in the kinesiology program at Sonoma State University, who has chosen me as her semester project case study and who will help guide me through an individualized physical rehabilitation program. Vilma, my literary friend, led me to a homeopath M.D. who is helping me take a whole-body approach to health and wellness. I have two additional physicians, who while more conventional than alternative in approach, have shown compassionate interest in my complexities and who believe that I can regain my health.

This blog promises to be an honest portrayal of my journey to wellness—the parts that are difficult as well as the parts that are easy. I hope that my experiences may serve to support and inspire others with chronic conditions as they journey toward optimum health.

Disclaimer: Any healing modalities I may try are individualized for me and created in conjunction with the advice of my physicians. Nothing I write should be construed as medical advice. Please seek proper medical attention for any condition(s) you may have.)