Max and Christine are stuck in the midst of the Boston blizzard. Chuck and Jenny wish it would snow in Seattle for their upcoming Whistler trip. Hal and I are figuring out how we would transport a bed from Costco to our house. Worrying about daily issues again is a joy. And the future is back in play.
Speaking of daily issues, it has been a very busy first month of the year:
- Farewell Tramadol
Pain medication was my constant companion for the past four months, most recently tramadol, which I weaned myself off gradually over the past month. The meds helped to accelerate my recovery, providing the ability to feel strong and pain-free enough to increase my exercise and activities. I never had side effects, and I was diligent in decreasing the dosage steadily. What surprised me is that even with this regimen, I had mild withdrawal symptoms at the end. The road for those on medication for much longer and much more frequently must be a very long one.
- Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
For months I have been sleeping sitting up at night, as I have not been able to recline completely at night without pulling at my incision area and insides. I had visions of being permanently stuck in the upright position, but gradually over time I have moved from vertical to horizontal at night.
- Writer’s Cramp
After surgery I was not able to write in script and have had to print most letters and notes, either an effect of medication or the realization that I have bad handwriting. Good thing I am good at typing, or as they say in the future generation, word processing.
I am also back to driving the Volvo version of the Back to the Future DeLorean. Driving Miss Daisy returns.
Beyond Six Five 