Medical Issues/Recovery – The Laughing Wolf

Gym

A couple of weeks ago, I was presented the chance to have a free membership at a very nice gym. We are talking one with an indoor track, indoor olympic pool, indoor full-size therapy pool, various basketball/pickleball/etc. courts, and a variety of outdoor areas when the weather is nice. They have a very nice collection of machines and free weights, along with a huge number of classes. While I do like my original free gym, there just is no comparison between the two, and I also now get a discount on my massage therapy.

So, this week I started the process of truly working out again. Boy howdy I’m glad I bought the jumbo bottle of ibuprofen. 🙂 Going to take a while to settle into a good routine, but what I am doing so far is focused on three major areas/goals: core, shoulders (with arms and chest), and legs with focus on strength, endurance, and mobility. Here’s the basics, and does not include some classes I’m looking at to aid in mobility/flexibility/coordination.

My warm-up is several laps around the indoor track, nice walk pushing towards brisk walk. The order then varies but here’s the basics:

Leg press, focusing on endurance and strength, not bulking up. Right now, I’m doing 6 sets of 20 reps at 100 lbs. First set is with feet close center of plate. Second is feet close at top of plate. Third is feet close at bottom of plate. Fourth bottom wide. Fifth center wide. Sixth top wide. Each one works some different muscle groups while getting core. Current plan (plans subject to modification based on expert input) is to work up to about five sets of all, then work up on weight a bit.

I’m doing both leg curls and leg extensions. Again, working on endurance and strength rather than trying to bulk up. With all the leg work, part of what I am doing is trying to get the muscles used to large-scale contraction/release given that they were locked up for so long after the lightning strike. It is making a difference, will be interested to see what the massage therapist says as she encouraged doing something like this rather than just walking/biking. I would also note that all of the lower body is aimed at helping balance, coordination, and mobility as sub-goals within the workout.

I’m also doing hip abductions and related, via working hips and inner/outer thighs. Main focused core for now is ab crunches and back extensions. Want to get my core in shape, build from there while also hopefully taking off some fat I want gone. For the upper body I’m doing seated dips, different lat pulldowns, chest presses, low row, pec/delt, and some light-weight free-weight curls. I finish with 15 minutes on an elliptical to get in some cardio. Given my meds, I have no shot of hitting official target zones, but know where I should try to hit and for how long.

Short-term goals include adding in one more ab exercise and to start carrying weights as I do my warm up. I eventually would like to add in full Farmer’s Carries to the mix (50 lbs or more each hand, do at least one lap before resting) as well as some crawls and springs.

But, going to take the time needed to build up so I get max results and don’t do anything (too) stupid. Per ortho who put in new shoulders, avoiding chin-ups and military press for now, and being careful with bench press and anything related. Need to build up then bulk up shoulders and upper arms, and that will take time. Hoping to come up with the funds to have a trainer work with me once or twice a month to help me get the most out of each exercise and session.

Really looking forward to a couple of the classes. There is a “flow” class that sounds like the body flow class I used to do up in Lafayette years back that was based in part on tai chi. That class kicked my rear and was great! Should really help with balance, coordination, strength and stability. There is a special class in the therapy pool that works on stretches and balance that sounds good. Also, couple of others that as I get going might make some good “off day” workouts. Then again, might just go swimming on off days.

Meantime, I’ve had to order some new gym shorts. Turns out some of mine were 40 (or more) years old and any elastic in them has given up the ghost. Even my Army PT shorts are almost 20 years old I realized. So, trying some new options to have some good shorts that will work in gym or pool.

Have to admit, I really appreciated the steam room at the new gym yesterday. The sauna just wasn’t warm enough for me, but the steam room really helped after the workout. Did some mild stretches while in there and could tell they helped.

While I may be a bit sore and tight in spots today, it was a good first week and good start to getting back into serious workouts. Hoping to do three days a week, and then see about classes on “off” days to help with the balance/mobility/coordination issues.

More soon I hope.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Doing Fine

This morning has been spent at the doctor’s office, with a side trip to Costco. Courtesy of being hit by lightning, every six months I get a pretty good check up. Today’s went very well with the bloodwork very good overall. My blood glucose was one point higher than the average, and the doc said he wasn’t going to ding me over that. (smile). The important things were all in range and/or excellent in some cases. Hoping that getting to the gym will make things even better.

Also, yesterday I was gifted a car that had belonged to my Godfather. Not pretty, but mechanically sound and runs well. This despite being stolen at one point by people who did not know how to drive stick-shift and abandoned it. (grin, equipped with millennial anti-theft protection system)

My Godfather had a bunch of work done on it earlier this year, so should be good for getting to Church and back, and occasional trips to the grocery store. I go tomorrow to sign paperwork on insurance, and once I have proof of insurance will transfer the title. Doing a yearly bill as it drops my insurance cost to $55 a month at full coverage. The bill is an ouch, being unbudgeted, but long-term worth it.

My doctor being across the street from a Costco, walked across to take care of some things. When I joined, I had a high-pressure guy who got me to try the Executive membership. Didn’t do much for me, so knowing renewal was coming up, went in and asked to downgrade the renewal. They had me shop first, then came back. Long-story short, they did the downgrade now, refunded the difference, and used some other goodies to renew me for the year at the regular membership price for no additional charge, so I’m good until the end of December 2026 without any payment. That was excellent customer service.

More to come!

A Bleg Of Sorts, Update 1

Back in July, I did a bleg post sharing a bit of what I was facing , and how your kind gifts to me through the Bard’s Jar in the upper right were being used. I think it’s time to update that as some of what was being talked about has changed.

I’ve had the physical therapy, and am still waiting to see what happens with the insurance appeal. An appeal was necessary as the insurance company approved the physical therapy, then decided for reasons they really did not make clear (but may have been paperwork issues) refused to pay for it. I technically could still be on the hook for about $5k, but am hoping that things are now resolved. We will see.

Other things I mentioned have taken place, and the net result has been a very large positive. My mobility and flexibility (and balance/vertigo issues) are much improved as a result of physical therapy, physical activity, and massage therapy. This is particularly true of my lower body, and while there is still a ways to go it is almost like night and day. It has also helped with the edema, and I am hoping to be able to take the water pill “at need” within six or so months. We are already down to every other day on it.

The cognitive is improving as well. The music therapy is really helping with that, and I thank both my voice coach and our music director at Church for their work and patience. My voice still keeps dropping (as opposed to extending my range upwards), but it makes for a great reading voice and the ability to sing low bass/profundo on some things. Why it is still dropping is a mystery, but there are worse things that could be happening.

There have been some other changes in life, and I am looking at some serious changes to my path. Most of those revolve around Faith. I am doing more at Church, and next year I will making a pilgrimage to Bulgaria and Mount Athos as part of a process of spiritual growth and discernment. Most of my time will be in Bulgaria where I have a chance not only to spend some time at a couple of monasteries; but, I will have the chance to learn, worship, and grow at the “home” of my Church. In addition, we are working on my spending several days at Mount Athos in Greece, and I may be spending a week in Romania as well. Not only has my Priest given his blessing and help to this, my Bishop is providing spiritual guidance as well.

So, here is what I need/where your gifts are going:

First, right now every non-designated donation that comes in is going towards the pilgrimage. I’ve bought my airfare and am working on paying it off. Where I can buy train or other tickets in advance for trips to Mount Athos and other locations, I am doing so. I will be arranging housing in Bulgaria soon, and am trying to get as much done and paid for in advance as I can. For long-term readers, you will not be surprised to learn I’ve been able to arrange some cooking lessons, mostly one day events, and I’m looking at trying to pay for them as far in advance as possible. I will also need a new cell phone (and plan) for the trip, as well as some other odds-and-ends. The total budget for the trip isn’t huge for most (excluding the new cell phone, I think it can be done for around $3k), but my small monthly stipend doesn’t allow me much room. Any and all help is appreciated.

Second, I am going to be coming up on the annual payments to keep this blog up soon. Any help towards that (and you can drop me a line and let me know if your gift is intended for that) is very much appreciated.

Third, help with music and massage therapy is very much appreciated. Both are having a large positive impact on me, and again you can drop me a line and let me know if your gift is intended for that. Massage therapy is roughly $100 per session and I get four lessons for $190 from the voice coach. The latter is a small discount, but will take any discount I can get.

Fourth, efforts are underway to gift me a car. It’s far from new or pretty, but it runs and is reliable. Insurance and other costs were not in my yearly budgeting process, so again any help is appreciated.

Fifth, I would love to do some regular personal training at the gym if possible. Not sure what that will be, but it is a “nice to do” as it were.

I want to thank everyone who has sent me gifts, especially those towards the pilgrimage. I can’t thank you enough for your kindness and generosity. I also want to thank those who have kept me in their prayers, as those are very much needed and appreciated.

Life has not gone anywhere close to what I had planned when I first stated the fundraiser on Give Send Go. Rather than moving out West and becoming a bit of a secular hermit, I may be headed towards a more clerical or monastic life. Where that takes me, spiritually or physically, I don’t know other than I am content wherever it takes me. Been feeling that there was something I was supposed to do/be doing ever since I stood up alive after being hit by lightning. This very much feels like the right path, though I know not where it leads. I’m content to simply be walking the path, knowing that God knows where it leads.

Again, my profound and sincere thanks to all who have provided the gifts and prayers that have kept me going since those early days. Words can’t express my thanks, and how much I appreciate you. Thank you. I look forward to sharing this new journey with you.

Backpacks And Artificial Shoulders, Pt. 3

Following up on the original post and this post, I just did a quick mile ruck with an Osprey backpack (Aether 70) someone at Church has given me to try. It’s the same model I had tried out at the outfitters, though a different size frame and a few years old though unused.

To see how it did with some weight in it, I put a 20-pound barbell in the lower compartment, unsecured. About the worst place to put any weight; but, it was a quick way to test how much weight could get transferred to my shoulders. Especially since neither the hip belt or shoulder straps are fitted to me (yet).

I really like how the suspension system works, and know that if it were fitted to me it would be even better. The dealer can fit it to a person, even heat molding part of the hip belt system to give a custom fit. As it is, without any real adjustment to my frame, most of the weight (even when bouncing) stayed off my shoulders.

So, my next step is to see if the local outfitter will be willing to help me with this. If they are, first up will be making sure it is the right size frame for my body (person who bought it has a more slender frame) and that it can be adjusted to me. If it can, I’m likely to go with it for the trip. If not, I know what is needed and will work on getting it.

Onwards.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Apologies

Got several things I want to post, but didn’t post much yesterday and probably not today either. Long-term readers may remember I went to the ER a bit over a year ago with severe inflammation of parts of my digestive system. There really were only two major possible culprits, and for better or for worse we now know which one did it.

On Sunday, at our “Coffee Hour” after service (which is often a meal), someone insisted I try a bite of a dish that had been brought in. I did so. By the time I woke up Monday, the system was unhappy with me and I was trying everything I could to avoid going to the ER again. It made my last massage therapy appointment for a while interesting.

Turns out, I have issues with garbanzo beans and I am not alone. It is not a typical allergy (may be a Non-IgE issue), but a sensitivity to certain proteins, of which garbanzo beans are graced with an abundance. No real treatment, but the best thing to do is to avoid all legumes to prevent problems and to prevent the possibility of having this slide into a full allergy.

So, I’m trying to ensure any inflammation gets tamped down without needing to go the doctor. Too much going on this week. Besides, had a doc last year who suggested cutting out portions of my intestines and I’m not real keen on that idea yet. It may come to it, but I will hand that off to the Lord.

Take care, and more soon.

Backpacks And Artificial Shoulders Pt 2

I wanted to follow up on this post and thank everyone who offered suggestions and advice. I can’t thank you enough!

Yesterday afternoon, I spent a good bit of time at a locally-owned outfitter with a gentleman who went over current load-bearing technology and pack systems. It was a bit eye-opening, and the days of simple hip belts and such is long gone. I actually got to try on a system or two, and then work out the system and pack for my frame.

I’ve got more reading to do and I plan to go to a chain outfitter this week or next to try on another brand of pack (and verify the size I need). Bit more research, but well worth it and some of these newer pack systems truly rock. Also looking into new passport/ID holders, billfolds, and the like. I’ve been using an ID holder I picked up at Camp Victory, Iraq, as my wallet since 2007, and it is time for something new. So, looking at waterproof and RFID-blocking options, of which the outfitter yesterday had several.

Oh, I should mention that the Osprey packs several recommended have an option for an attachable day pack that could serve as my carry-on luggage as well.

Thank you all for the inputs, and for the introduction to the newer packs and systems. Much appreciated.

Backpacks And Artificial Shoulders

If anyone out there has artificial shoulders like me (I have reverse replacements) and has used backpacks since, let me know what you’ve found. The pilgrimage is coming together, and it appears a suitcase is not going to work for portions of it.

One option is to use a backpack in place of a suitcase. The other option I’m looking at is using a suitcase for part of the trip, but have a smaller backpack as my carry-on and for times when suitcase isn’t going to cut it. The latter would work only if I do rent a apartment/room for the trip.

The only thing the doctor who did my surgery suggested is that I should get lots of padding for the shoulders. My thoughts are that a hip belt would be a good idea to keep pressure off the shoulders.

Thoughts?

Ouch

I’m not precisely hurting, but I am not feeling great right now. I suspect I will be feeling really good tomorrow. Why?

The really good massage therapist worked me over like a rented mule today. I was seriously ready to confess I had done it and tossed the body off the train outside Shanghai, or give a fake-but-realistic code if she wanted info. Again, why?

Well, running high voltage or lightning through the body is not good for it. Before taking me on as a client, she researched what lightning did to the body, what techniques worked best, and what issues she might face. One of the big things is that it can cause the fascia (connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, organs, etc.; think extra-cellular matrix) to harden. Which in turn is not good for strength, flexibility, mobility and other important things.

The first session she ended up working mostly on the upper body, and was surprised that the fascia wasn’t harder than it was. Today, however, she worked lower and the legs/lower back were hard. Which meant that today’s session was quite literally painful as she worked to break things up (including potential scar tissue). Thing is, I could already tell a difference (positive) before I left the center. I’m actually going back next week as we need to keep working to get things dealt with.

I’m honestly not surprised as I’ve known the legs (in particular) had issues and needed help. The right leg is in much worse shape than the left. Also, from some detective work with a therapist/physiologist, we traced the path of the lightning and know the bulk went down my right side and leg and then out the ball of the foot. Based on a number of factors, we also suspect the legs took more current than the upper body. While something very clearly hit behind my right ear, other things point to a good bit of inductance in other areas.

For now, I have some discomfort in the legs and am not feeling great, most likely because of all the nasty stuff getting released by the deep tissue work she did. So, drinking lots and lots of water to help get it out. I’ve been having a lot of leg cramps since the lightning strike, and there is some hope that this might help that situation as well. May take in some extra magnesium just to be safe.

For those that have followed the saga of the massage therapy, I’ve quit seeing the other therapist at the reflexology center. Nice lady, like her as a person, but not getting the results I need. The first time with the therapist I went back to today was amazing, and the proof is in the results. So, sorry for no “serious” post today but not sorry as well. Will be offline most of tomorrow as well, as we have a special service for the start of the Dormition Fast and I’m going to be trying to get to Costco and some other shopping afterwards (which is a pain because of the bus routes and schedules).

As always, be good, be safe, and be prepared. Keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Change Of Plans

I had planned a different post for today, but what I thought was a trip to the dentist for a simple bridge wasn’t. Turns out, my dentist isn’t doing a simple bridge or implants, but two crowns and a bridge.

Instead of impressions and such today, we did impressions, grinding of teeth, temporary “skins” over the ground teeth, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a partridge in a pear tree wasn’t involved at some point in all the scans and such. Numbness is fading, but despite a flavorful drink while downtown there is still a bit of the taste of burnt tooth/teeth in my mouth.

Not too bad, but also not great as my first dentist was rather cruel and brutal (slapped a little girl neighbor of mine because she cried, amazed he lived), which makes me a touch skittish on dental work. My current dentist is anything but, nice lady, but still caught me very off guard. Only soft foods on one side of my mouth for about four weeks as the “skin” is not that strong. So, have some soft food and think bourbon may be the order of the day. More soon.

Friday Musings

The Ring of Fire continues to be sparky. There are likely to be hundreds, if not thousands of aftershocks from the 8.8, though many are likely to only be noticed by the seismologists. There is a lot of volcanic activity around the rim, which is not unexpected but spectacular. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia featured some spectacular volcanic lightning. Given all, if you are on or near the Ring of Fire (including the San Andreas), double check your preparations as what you plan for never happens…

Here, the weather has moderated a bit and I’m glad. Makes it easier to use the bike to get around, and to get out and walk. One thing I’m keeping an eye on in regards the ring of fire are underwater volcanic eruptions, as the last big one (Hunga Tonga) did a number on the weather. I really would hate to see more water vapor added given how it did last time.

Today got consumed by paperwork and related. The state has decided to re-verify information even though I have been on disability for less than a year. So, have been jumping through hoops so I can get all the forms and printouts mailed out to them next week.

I realized I’ve talked about going to physical therapy a bit, but not about some of the core (pun intended) issues. When I was hit, most of the charge seems to have gone down the right side of my body. When I finally got to PT this year (as noted previously, original neurologist was pretty useless), gee, we discovered weakness and other issues in various parts of the right side. Who could have figured. (/sarc). There are also balance and coordination issues, vertigo, and a few other delights. PT is helping, and I’m also gearing up for what comes next.

One of the errands I ran today was to a gym I’ve been interested in. Seems my insurance includes something called Silver Sneakers. This gym is part of that network, and net result is that through Silver Sneakers my membership is covered. Which is good as I need to get serious about working out and continuing the PT after the current sessions stop. Nice thing is, I can take the bus close; ride my bike to this gym; and, get rides there as needed. Got a lot of work to do to build back from the lightning and this should be a huge help.

And to the anonymous donor who helped with the Bosu Ball: Thank You! I’m having to get a few other things for use at home, but I’m hoping soon to be able to match everything at the PT shop, even if some of it may be a bit rougher. Yes, I am improvising. I don’t care about the looks nearly as much as function. Anyone wanting to help, hit that tip jar please.

Lot of things going on in the world. Keep your eyes open, your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Preparedness always pays.