My agenda starts as soon as I wake up..
Most cannot fathom all that is involved with the regimen we follow as well as everyday life.
Add into that taking a Thyroid pill and waiting an hour before you can eat or drink anything besides water, getting my day started is jumbled. Depending on how I feel also denotes how fast I move.
I want to strengthen my lungs and increase my energy a bit more, so I usually walk my Treadmill after my nebulizer to get rid of the jittery shakes from the meds.. My body is good for very little while shaking so bad. Now the Plantar Fasciitis is rearing it's ugly head, my feet are extremely painful within a few hours of walking. Pair this with the fact that Ozzi now prefers a car ride to walking, and Bette gets less exercise. He is 13 now and slowing down , regrettably. My hope has been to spend 15 minutes on the Treadmill after each meal. I can skip breakfast if I convince Ozzi to walk.
Now that hubby is retired, or partially fitting in time for a nebulizer is difficult. I can't do it while he is sleeping, it is one noisy machine and he seems raring to go once he has breakfast. He is a man of lists and plans out what he wants to do the day before. After 11 years, I still have not gotten through that thick New England skull to chek on my list too :) Or my routine.
Today we decided to try an experiment.
Only he was up earlier than I planned...
I had taken my pill and was chugging water when he woke up. So instead of the treadmill, after breakfast we took Ozzi for a ride, and a walk in a different area.. Completely new dog ! He's apparently bored with the old routes..
I did notice it getting more difficult to breathe at the end of the walk, so couldn't wait for the nebulizer to open everything up and then the antibiotics. Hubby had different plans..
We then went to the Produce stand and bought fresh vegetables.. I love the tomatoes this time of year so happily agreed..Knowing in the back of my mind the nebulizer awaited.
Then it was a stop at PetSuperMarket just because- Ozzi had been so good ! Then gas for the vehicle and finally home.. Yay- nebulizer time !
Hubby wanted lunch before he cleaned the cars...
With all this scrambling in my head, I made lunch. Wondering how on earth I will fit in that nebulizer, ride my stationery bike ( over the treadmill) and complete the ring and pendant order sitting at on my table screaming at me.
Solution!!!!!
I put a small table by the bike (recumbent) with the nebulizer. With my meds ready, water bottle in hand and a good book, I proceeded to hit my 15 minutes or 2 miles.
I'm thinking I may keep it this way... Two projects with one stone..
Here I have to mention,. it is imperative to have a good book to read.. I am reading Between Before And After by Amanda Dick. I highly recommend it ! I actually kept riding so I had an excuse to keep reading the chapter I was on !! This is her second book I've read and both are well worth the time.. She is about to release her third and I cannot wait !! She can easily be found on Amazon for you Kindle or Kindle App.
So now with jitters gone, and fully recharged...thank you Amanda for keeping me exercising, I leave you to begin designing those orders :)
Hopefully this blog will be the culmination of all my years attempting to write a book about surviving an organ transplant. I've survived 3 organ transplants & have a pacemaker. Life is GOOD! I am truly BLESSED! Years ago I titled my book "At the end of my rope" for 2 reasons. 1.Physically: Being tethered to oxygen for 20+ years. Hence, the rope. 2. Psychologically: There are times when I literally feel At the end of my rope.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
How Would You Like To Be Remembered ?
Over the last few months, I've witnessed quite a bit of bitterness in the Social Networking Groups and Personal pages of friends. It has me worried. I keep seeing, "I don't want to die waiting". "I can't wait for my transplant so I can get off oxygen". " I need to be transplanted now!" More often than not, I see posts filled with bitterness and anger. Is this how we want to be remembered? Someone who was bitter to the end? Or do we want to be thought of with warmth and thoughts of she smiled to the end...
Think about it....
After working in the medical field for years and witnessing a variety of emotions from patients, I made a solemn vow that the bitterness would not over take me. I would have no regrets. One of the best things my transplant center did was stress...
1. You may not get transplanted.
2. You may not come out at 100%
3. You may come out and still be on oxygen.
4. Live your life NOW
I always kept this in the back of my subconscious.
If I didn't get my transplant, well I died trying and gave it my best- laughing to the end.
If I didn't come out at 100% or on oxygen- I would deal with it. It's better than where I was right?
I was also told to not spend what time I had left pinning all my hopes on a transplant. What was left of my life would fade away without me realizing it. I hope others take that to heart. Too many times we focus on this pain or that ache and not living life.
Life is meant to live- no matter your limitations.. Enjoy your family outings even if from a chair. You are there.. Your family is overjoyed you are there too.
Those birthdays are so important. Many parties show me celebrating with the birthday person on oxygen. I have a wedding photo while on oxygen. This is my life and my memories !
I cannot let anyone take those from me, or not experience them due to bitterness. Refuse to let it consume you.
Point to ponder... If you pin every hope and dream on a transplant- what happens if you don't come out 100% ?
Think about it....
After working in the medical field for years and witnessing a variety of emotions from patients, I made a solemn vow that the bitterness would not over take me. I would have no regrets. One of the best things my transplant center did was stress...
1. You may not get transplanted.
2. You may not come out at 100%
3. You may come out and still be on oxygen.
4. Live your life NOW
I always kept this in the back of my subconscious.
If I didn't get my transplant, well I died trying and gave it my best- laughing to the end.
If I didn't come out at 100% or on oxygen- I would deal with it. It's better than where I was right?
I was also told to not spend what time I had left pinning all my hopes on a transplant. What was left of my life would fade away without me realizing it. I hope others take that to heart. Too many times we focus on this pain or that ache and not living life.
Life is meant to live- no matter your limitations.. Enjoy your family outings even if from a chair. You are there.. Your family is overjoyed you are there too.
Those birthdays are so important. Many parties show me celebrating with the birthday person on oxygen. I have a wedding photo while on oxygen. This is my life and my memories !
I cannot let anyone take those from me, or not experience them due to bitterness. Refuse to let it consume you.
Point to ponder... If you pin every hope and dream on a transplant- what happens if you don't come out 100% ?
Labels:
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Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Ozzi's Grand Adventure - Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is soooo dog friendly, we (Mommy & me) thinks it's awesome !
Yesterday I got to ride with everyone to Ron Jon Surf Shop. On the way we rode through the cruise terminals so the girls could see the big ships. .. wow ! A cruise would be so cool, but I think I'd miss rolling in the soft grass too much.
Mommy was walking me around while Dad & the girls shopped. Ron Jon is a nice place to walk. Lots of shady areas and tables. I drug mommy from door to door searching for Dad,when a nice lady who works there came out and told us they were dog friendly! ! Can you imagine ? A place this huge loves dogs ?? I did want to let her know I was not a dog-but mommy's boy- but mommy was soo happy I didn't want to ruin it.
Off we went inside.... it was overwhelming.
I had to see everything! Ohhhh and those stairs. . I had to show mommy & daddy I could climb them all! Dad had to take me though, the stairs caused mommy to have a ard time catching her breath. Once mommy took over, she let me walk everywhere.
Oh! And Customer Service even had a doggy treat for me. .. I wanna come back here.
Those stairs kept calling my name... they were so fun.. Mom & Dad took me on my 1st elevator ride there too...
Outside I got my picture taken with the girls. Aren't they the cutest beach bums ?
Oh and mommy too.
Then we were off to find lunch! My head out the window,revelling in the "Peppermint Patty Sensation " as mommy calls it. I know she really loves me when she has her window down for me. You see, she really needs the air conditioning to breathe easier. We chose Burger King, but took it back to the Motorhome because they had no outside seating. Mom said if I can't eat with them,we don't need to be there.
Back home and she gave me half her burger. She shares all the time.
Next a nap with Mommy, a walk to the camp store for another treat, then dinner. Dad took us in the car so we could see the Disney Dream leaving. Mommy really misses when she used to work for Disney Cruise Line, and sailing.. she said it was so rewarding and relaxing. She loves making others happy. I'm so lucky it was her front door I was left at.
Tomorrow is the Ozzi & Mommy show ! We stay home and walk, cook pulled pork and maybe an ice cream sundae from the camp store ! Dad & the girls are gonna be astronauts,whatever that is. They better be home for dinner though !
Oz out fur now...
gotta keep walking... I promised Mom I'd live forever, (whispers ) and I'm gonna make sure she does too 🐶
Yesterday I got to ride with everyone to Ron Jon Surf Shop. On the way we rode through the cruise terminals so the girls could see the big ships. .. wow ! A cruise would be so cool, but I think I'd miss rolling in the soft grass too much.
Mommy was walking me around while Dad & the girls shopped. Ron Jon is a nice place to walk. Lots of shady areas and tables. I drug mommy from door to door searching for Dad,when a nice lady who works there came out and told us they were dog friendly! ! Can you imagine ? A place this huge loves dogs ?? I did want to let her know I was not a dog-but mommy's boy- but mommy was soo happy I didn't want to ruin it.
Off we went inside.... it was overwhelming.
I had to see everything! Ohhhh and those stairs. . I had to show mommy & daddy I could climb them all! Dad had to take me though, the stairs caused mommy to have a ard time catching her breath. Once mommy took over, she let me walk everywhere.
Oh! And Customer Service even had a doggy treat for me. .. I wanna come back here.
Those stairs kept calling my name... they were so fun.. Mom & Dad took me on my 1st elevator ride there too...
Outside I got my picture taken with the girls. Aren't they the cutest beach bums ?
Oh and mommy too.
Then we were off to find lunch! My head out the window,revelling in the "Peppermint Patty Sensation " as mommy calls it. I know she really loves me when she has her window down for me. You see, she really needs the air conditioning to breathe easier. We chose Burger King, but took it back to the Motorhome because they had no outside seating. Mom said if I can't eat with them,we don't need to be there.
Back home and she gave me half her burger. She shares all the time.
Next a nap with Mommy, a walk to the camp store for another treat, then dinner. Dad took us in the car so we could see the Disney Dream leaving. Mommy really misses when she used to work for Disney Cruise Line, and sailing.. she said it was so rewarding and relaxing. She loves making others happy. I'm so lucky it was her front door I was left at.
Tomorrow is the Ozzi & Mommy show ! We stay home and walk, cook pulled pork and maybe an ice cream sundae from the camp store ! Dad & the girls are gonna be astronauts,whatever that is. They better be home for dinner though !
Oz out fur now...
gotta keep walking... I promised Mom I'd live forever, (whispers ) and I'm gonna make sure she does too 🐶
Saturday, June 6, 2015
The Grand Adventures of Oz.
Many of you already know Oz. For those who do not, Oz is the last of my 3 boys.
we lost Dibs in February 2 years ago, his brother CC in March of this year. Oz is our Skye Terrier who after being dropped off at my house at 8 weeks- rescued me.
After losing CC, a deal was made with Ozzi. He will be our only dog , as long as he promises to live forever :)
Since he is now 13 and greying, and I decided to start working on my Bucket List again. I thought , how about we check items off together !
Without further ado.... may I present Ozzi.
Oz here....
Mom & Dad are taking me everywhere ! Being the only dog has it's advantages. It was great having Dibs & CC around for fun and blaming each other when we dug up the yard... but like Mom says...
It's Good To Be The King!
We're off in the Motorhome, my first time without my brothers. We had mechanical issues -again- but no blown tires on the highway... yay ! We left the 1st campground in a hurry... yuck... but now are in a great place on a lake with lots of ducks!!!
Today was my 1st trip to a Flea Market. I walked with my tail high acting like I owned the place. Mom kept telling me to slow down, but I wanted to sniff everything! I have to remember Mom can't catch her breath like when we walked 3-4 miles every morning. But this was her 1st trip to a place like this in a long time too.
Then we rode the highway looking for a place for lunch. Dad said it had to have outside seating so I could go to.. they love me soooo much. Yay for Firehouse Subs!
Mom is always sharing her meals with me. Don't tell Dad,but I take her to lunch when he's working...lol. Back in the car and headed back to our motor home,I heard Mom say they wore me out ! I'm gonna let Em think that until I get out of the car.
Tonight Gracie & Ashton will be flying in ! I really love the girls !
Tomorrow we drive out for a new grand adventure. ...
Ozzi out fur now ...
we lost Dibs in February 2 years ago, his brother CC in March of this year. Oz is our Skye Terrier who after being dropped off at my house at 8 weeks- rescued me.
After losing CC, a deal was made with Ozzi. He will be our only dog , as long as he promises to live forever :)
Since he is now 13 and greying, and I decided to start working on my Bucket List again. I thought , how about we check items off together !
Without further ado.... may I present Ozzi.
Oz here....
Mom & Dad are taking me everywhere ! Being the only dog has it's advantages. It was great having Dibs & CC around for fun and blaming each other when we dug up the yard... but like Mom says...
It's Good To Be The King!
We're off in the Motorhome, my first time without my brothers. We had mechanical issues -again- but no blown tires on the highway... yay ! We left the 1st campground in a hurry... yuck... but now are in a great place on a lake with lots of ducks!!!
Today was my 1st trip to a Flea Market. I walked with my tail high acting like I owned the place. Mom kept telling me to slow down, but I wanted to sniff everything! I have to remember Mom can't catch her breath like when we walked 3-4 miles every morning. But this was her 1st trip to a place like this in a long time too.
Then we rode the highway looking for a place for lunch. Dad said it had to have outside seating so I could go to.. they love me soooo much. Yay for Firehouse Subs!
Mom is always sharing her meals with me. Don't tell Dad,but I take her to lunch when he's working...lol. Back in the car and headed back to our motor home,I heard Mom say they wore me out ! I'm gonna let Em think that until I get out of the car.
Tonight Gracie & Ashton will be flying in ! I really love the girls !
Tomorrow we drive out for a new grand adventure. ...
Ozzi out fur now ...
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