View Full Version : Aches & Pains...And Learning To Live With Them
It has come to my own attention that I spend a lot of time focusing on physical pain. A lot of it for good reason due to still recovering from my foot injury this summer. But it's my knees too, and all other parts of my body that are stiff and sore from daily living and from working a physically demanding job. I've been going to the gym and getting back into my exercise program so I can build up my strength and stamina. I am going to be 54 on Friday and I would really like to figure out how to deal with the ol' body just in general having a lot more aches and pains from arthritis, overuse, whatever.
So how do you do it? I need to learn to zip my lips and not focus on it or my age - I work around a lot of young people and hearing myself say these things makes me feel OLD! It seems very unbecoming and I don't want to be THAT old person always complaining wryly about "getting old!" I have plenty of time for that later; 54 isn't even THAT old, really!
Mental tips, suggestions, anyone?
I'm facing the same thing, and think it's only tangentially related to my knee surgery.
What I do is (in no particular order):
- ignore it (being busy helps even if it contributes to some pain in the short run);
- remember that "motion is lotion" -- moving now, even if it hurts, is better for me than not moving now and suffering the consequences when I'm old;
- aspirin or ibuprofen as necessary (acetominophen doesn't really do it for me and I never think about naproxen). I don't make a habit of this, but on the big days (like the ones I'm moving boxes of meat for Second Harvest for hours), I sometimes will take some before the work.
- eating more foods with "joint-friendly" ingredients. Turmeric, garlic, foods containing high levels of Omega-3 acids, dark leafy greens, and hot peppers all have anti-inflammatory/pain-relieving properties. I've been toying with the idea of either adding some glucosamine/chondroitin to my diet but I probably would be better trying to bump up the frequency of the food ingredients -- or avoiding ingredients said to make inflammation worse (much easier said than done). The problem there is that I'm not the only one eating in this house so now we're looking at parallel meal prep....
- ignore it (being busy helps even if it contributes to some pain in the short run);
- remember that "motion is lotion" -- moving now, even if it hurts, is better for me than not moving now and suffering the consequences when I'm old;
All your advice was great Steve, but these 2 are key for me. Last year I barely had any pain in my ankle but I was back to trail running and spending a lot of time being active and exercising. This year I added another sedentary job and lost my trail running time. I'm back to feeling stiffness and pain in the ankle. So I just changed up my 2nd jobs again and will have more active time. I'm looking forward to getting back to the point I was at last year this same time.
As I am dealing with an uncomfortable and undiagnosed health situation, I have decided my body has a "pain memory". If I obsess on it, the pain is there and some days I can't determine if it's in my head or actually there - does that make sense? For me then, the key is staying active and distracted so that I don't have the mental space to think about it. Also, I notice that my pain lessens when I minimize stress. The happiest elders I have known were those that had aches and pains but chose not to talk about them with others. As you said, many tend to fixate on their health and like you, I don't want to be one of those. Maybe you need to seriously consider a less physical source of income?
Teacher Terry
9-28-15, 12:46pm
I take a long walk everyday & walk at least a total of 10,000/steps in a day. I have a lot of back/neck pain from being in 7 car accidents. I see a Chiropractor at least monthly which helps a lot. I know have arthritis in my little finger & it can really hurt. My hubby at 56 has developed pain in 3 different locations. I have decided I am going to be like my Mom. If I mention it at all it will be in passing & then on to other things. That was the way her Mom dealt with it too. It might be helpful as someone mentioned to try & find a less physical job if you can.
Well, I just made it through my first eight hour shift since I've been back at work. I really went very well until my last break - when I got up to finish out the night I really felt fatigued, but all in all, it was a good day.
Lots of great suggestions and insights: the worst part of the day for me is upon waking and trying to get down the steps to make coffee. I probably look like I am eighty the way I go so slowly and gingerly, each step down my knees, ankles and feet are wracked with pain. It takes the first few hours of the day to get "warmed up." I do agree that distraction is a great thing; if I can get involved with something so I don't focus on all the pains, it really helps.
Now about the job: in some ways it has been very good for me to be so active these past few years - I've lost weight and did build up a lot of stamina that I didn't know I had. It's amazing how quickly you lose it when sidelined by an injury and how long it takes to rebuild. But I am doing it. I do wonder just how long I will be able to do this kind of work; for now, I think I will be all right but who knows in five years it may prove to be too much for me. Then the dreaded "what do I do now" will come again and I'll freak out. All I really know how to do is retail which means being on your feet for endless hours....I need to figure out how to retire soon!
Radicchio
9-28-15, 11:24pm
This is a very interesting thread you've started. Just in the past six months I seem to have developed faiirly chronic pain in knees and back---the knee pain is intermittent but the back pain predictably becomes worse around the time I'm making dinner and is pretty painful by bedtime. Strangely, though, I find that while I'm active through the day and basically try to forget or ignore the pain it really starts getting worse in the early evening and is bad enough by bedtime to interfere with sleep. Yet when I wake in the morning I'm much improved and the whole cycle repeats. It seems my pain pattern is the opposite of what everyone else here is describing, which confuses me.
Anyway, I don't have anything particularly constructive to offer, as I'm still in the denial and ignore stage for as much of the day as I can handle it. I do think heat helps my back in the evening, at least providing some relief of pain allowing me to relax a little. I will be watching to see what other ideas people offer. Totally agree I don't want to become someone who sits around with friends comparing aches and pains.
Gardenarian
9-29-15, 12:27am
Using a foam roller is a great way to work out all the kinks, sore muscles, and trigger point pain. Foam rollers are inexpensive, and for me are more effective than PT. Like having a massage every day! There are lots of blogs and videos about foam rolling, just google.
I have a massage chair (thanks Craigslist!) That helps a lot too.
Stretching helps - I do yoga. I just have to be careful not to push myself too hard.
Alternating things helps - I can sit or stand at work; somedays I go for a bike ride or a swim instead of walking a lot.
Still, I can't do everything I'd like to do, and am woken most nights with some pain or other. I try to limit pain killers but ibuprofen can be a godsend. It's a lot easier to cope when I'm well-rested, but I get rebound effects from ibuprofen (headaches mostly.)
I am considering an anti-inflammatory diet, like Steve's on, but I really dislike coooking.
I found reading the books of Dr. John Sarno helpful; he explores the psychogenic roots of pain. There's no blaming-the-victim mentality, just good sense and advice.
Gardenarian
9-29-15, 12:33am
And, have a very happy birthday!
lessisbest
9-29-15, 6:46am
Inflammation is a symptom, not just about "getting old", or wear-and-tear from use - and you don't have to just live with it. If it's from getting old -- then suffering with chronic arthritis since I was 13 means I was "old" at a very young age. I was able to eliminate nearly all of my inflammation by removing wheat/gluten from my diet almost 3-years ago. So, inflammation can be from diet (and food allergies), poor digestion (IBS and other gut issues), lifestyle, bad habits (smoking, being sedentary), chronic stress, even hormone replacement therapy can be a cause. "Studies have found that otherwise healthy women taking hormone replacement medications have significantly more inflammatory chemicals in their blood than women who do not use hormones".
Inflammation is a symptom, not just about "getting old", or wear-and-tear from use - and you don't have to just live with it. If it's from getting old -- then suffering with chronic arthritis since I was 13 means I was "old" at a very young age. I was able to eliminate nearly all of my inflammation by removing wheat/gluten from my diet almost 3-years ago. So, inflammation can be from diet (and food allergies), poor digestion (IBS and other gut issues), lifestyle, bad habits (smoking, being sedentary), chronic stress, even hormone replacement therapy can be a cause. "Studies have found that otherwise healthy women taking hormone replacement medications have significantly more inflammatory chemicals in their blood than women who do not use hormones".
At 63, I do not suffer stiffness and/or chronic pain (maybe I do and I just don't know it, because as my Scottish MIL used to stubbornly say, "I'll no' hae it" (I won't have it).) Knock on wood.
But I do want to endorse what lessisbest said about inflammation. I've been skeptical of the whole gluten-free thing (just another food gimmick?) but three months ago, in anticipation of my son's wedding, I changed my eating habits (I won't say I "went on a diet" but I "changed" my diet). I basically am trying to eat a nutrient dense diet, and have eliminated all processed carbs: wheat/bread, white rice, sugar, white pasta, flour, pastries, processed cereals. In other words, if it's real food, and especially if it's on a super foods list, I'll eat it. If not, I don't. I've lost 16 pounds since mid-summer and I feel great, and I have absolutely no food cravings.
I do cook, but I try to loosely follow Joel Fuhrman (Eat to Live): just balancing raw foods (salads) with cooked foods.
Back when my MIL was suffering from arthritis, I had bought a book about how to avoid pro-inflammatory foods and boost anti-inflammatory foods (Foods that Fight Pain by Dr. Neal Barnard--although even he has foods on the "good" list that I won't eat--like rice cakes and processed cereals), and I refer to that now and then for foods I should concentrate on eating more of and those to avoid. I do believe in the the role of inflammation in a lot of chronic disease.
Gardenarian, cooking doesn't have to be a chore: sometimes it's just a matter of making a pot of quinoa and stir frying a few veggies and throwing it in. Helen Nearing's book, Simple Food, is GREAT because it encapsulates everything that appeals to me in the cooking process: cooking real, natural food with a minimum of fuss.
I'm not a huge Dr Mercola fan but sometimes read his blog. One of his recent posts talks about the importance of developing proper posture while sitting and standing. According to the expert cited in the blog, a lot of us have created back and pelvic issues through a lifetime of poor posture. I am going to check out her book for more info.
Being sedentary and having congenitally bad knees (ligament problem; I forget the name of it), I'm struggling with this. I've bought a folding laptop desk that allows me to stand at the computer, and am doing upper-body exercises (because my upper body still works). I suppose I should have surgery at some point, but watching other people go down the tubes, one by one, after they get involved with the medical-industrial complex doesn't exactly instill confidence. Weight loss will certainly help, slow as it is. I eliminated gluten long ago, limit other grains, and follow a generally good diet (by my standards). I suspect calcium-heavy dairy products (don't take my cheese!) should be the next to go. I take a couple of aspirin or an occasional ibuprofen most mornings. Getting old is a (fill in expletive of choice).
SteveinMN
9-29-15, 10:50am
I do wonder just how long I will be able to do this kind of work; for now, I think I will be all right but who knows in five years it may prove to be too much for me. Then the dreaded "what do I do now" will come again and I'll freak out. All I really know how to do is retail which means being on your feet for endless hours....I need to figure out how to retire soon!
Is this the same SiouzQ whose jewelry business is expanding (however slowly)?
Your own business offers you great flexibility (no pun intended) on when you sit and when you move. Not to move off on too much of a tangent, but I do think we're going to see more and more incomes earned from a variety of streams: (part-time) day job, money-making hobby, investments, home services (renting a room, AirBnB, etc.), and so on. The days of showing up in one place every day of the work week for several hours at a time are fading in the rear-view mirror.
I too have found that sugar greatly exacerbates inflammation.
Jane - you might consider a dairy test. I have found that dairy gives me inflammation of the skin very reliably, so possibly it might be playing a role in your joint inflammation. I used to really enjoy dairy, especially cheese, but I don't even miss it anymore. Well, I didn't, until I started my ice cream habit recently. But I think that's about the sugar.
Gardenarian - if you don't enjoy cooking you can try out some dishes that can be cooked in bulk and that keep well, often improving in taste as they keep. I do lots of braising of meats, which is great to have cooked meat on hand ready to eat in various ways (tacos, on salad, over cooked veggies and whole grains like polenta, etc.) I also do a big bowl of meat in a marinade and bbq it all and it keeps really well. Cooked meat can be frozen in containers or freezer bags easily. Chili would work well too, as well as some of the protein heavy soups and stews. I feel a big difference in my body and brain chemistry when I consume plenty of protein.
I second the reduction of foods that cause inflammation. I removed dairy and meat from my diet and that helped me considerably.
Teacher Terry
9-29-15, 11:49am
I have found that going to the Chiropractor 1x/month has greatly improved & limited the amount of back/neck pain that i have. The trick is to find a good one. If they start talking about treatment plans run away. A good one will tell you that your body knows when it is time to come in.
I too have found that sugar greatly exacerbates inflammation.
Jane - you might consider a dairy test. I have found that dairy gives me inflammation of the skin very reliably, so possibly it might be playing a role in your joint inflammation. I used to really enjoy dairy, especially cheese, but I don't even miss it anymore. Well, I didn't, until I started my ice cream habit recently. But I think that's about the sugar. ...
I did a Whole 30 a year ago or so (cuts out sugar, artificial sweeteners, dairy, legumes, grains...) and didn't notice much difference in pain levels, but the only items I hadn't already quit were AS and dairy. I may try another elimination round focusing on dairy.
ApatheticNoMore
9-29-15, 12:31pm
I've found that too much wheat sometimes causes pain (that's the strange joints hurting for no reason pain), but the OPs problem is clearly related to the physical strain put on their body by their work. The workspan of physical labor is NOT usually till 65 (granted it's not construction so their are jobs with heavier physical demands). Their problem is their job! (mine too only mentally :laff: ) No but seriously, if it's what must be done for income though then not much to say, wish the jewelry business would pay enough. Could try cutting back work hours if it's at all reasonable to do so (if the salary cut is enough money and whether you'll need and have no alternatives with benefits and if they'll still keep you on the payroll if you do so!). Because the job is clearly taking it's toll on the body.
The OP could also check with store management for openings in other departments that don't have the same physical requirements. Most stores have office personnel that take care of administrative tasks. Something like that would be much less taxing on the body.
awakenedsoul
9-29-15, 10:42pm
It has come to my own attention that I spend a lot of time focusing on physical pain. A lot of it for good reason due to still recovering from my foot injury this summer. But it's my knees too, and all other parts of my body that are stiff and sore from daily living and from working a physically demanding job. I've been going to the gym and getting back into my exercise program so I can build up my strength and stamina. I am going to be 54 on Friday and I would really like to figure out how to deal with the ol' body just in general having a lot more aches and pains from arthritis, overuse, whatever.
So how do you do it? I need to learn to zip my lips and not focus on it or my age - I work around a lot of young people and hearing myself say these things makes me feel OLD! It seems very unbecoming and I don't want to be THAT old person always complaining wryly about "getting old!" I have plenty of time for that later; 54 isn't even THAT old, really!
Mental tips, suggestions, anyone?
I'm sorry to hear you are in so much pain. I went through this, too. I tried a lot of the above suggestions. I was still struggling. In my case, I needed an xray. Turns out I had worn away all of the cartilage in my hips. They were both really bad...bone on bone. I had no idea. I had tried changing my diet, hydrotherapy, yoga, pilates, etc.
Since the bilateral hip replacement surgery I don't have the same kind of pain. My muscles still get sore, but I feel much younger and healthier. I hope you find a solution. The work situation sounds very intense and high pressure. Good luck with the jewelry biz. I hope that brings you abundance.
Thanks everyone, lots of good ideas to try. I am certainly thinking about the work situation constantly; I am still on some restrictions until November 1st so I have bit more time to get up to speed but the rate I am going I am not sure I will ever retain the level of stamina I had before. I had a great day on Monday and lasted just shy of the full eight hours; yesterday, however was a different story. It was slow so I got to leave after 5.5 hours and I was absolute toast when I got home last night - no energy, sore all over. I felt like I was really paying the price for having a good day the day before.
I am going to keep an open mind the next month about work. We are heading into the holidays when it gets CRAAAAZZY so that may prove to be very hard, but who knows, I might be almost 100% by then. One thing I know is I am NO longer willing to super bust my butt and be the perfect employee and run around like a crazy person. I will do my job to the best of my abilities but I won't sacrifice my physical and mental well-being for it. They got along without me all summer and no one seemed to care that much about the quality of the deli display case so why should I? I'll still do a good job but I will not be so intense about it. I don't get paid enough to care 125%.
As for the jewelry business-I just had one of my better months, grossing around $650 from the various galleries and such. I have money from my house mate, I can sell plasma (I have to be careful about that and make sure I don't deplete my iron and protein levels like I did last year). I am too scared to quit my job but I am going to feel around about the idea of cutting my hours back permanently. Right now I am slowly working my way back up to 38 hours per week. I don't want to cut back so much that I lose my medical and other benefits. And I'll explore working in a different department, though most jobs around there require physical stamina. Being a cashier still involves standing for an eight hour shift.
I want to go back to those easy summer days, minus the broken toe!
awakenedsoul
9-30-15, 12:19pm
You know, SiouzQ, the energy drain you're describing is exactly what happens after hip replacement surgery. People have one good day, and then they tend to need a rest day. I wonder if it's because your toe bone needs to heal? That can take eight months. Plus, our bodies sometimes revolt when we ask too much of them. I've noticed a big shift after turning 50. I get exhausted being around certain personalities, too. I can't sit and listen to complainers, people who pick fights, or those who gossip. It's like I just don't have the tolerance.
Glad to hear you are going to ease up on yourself at work. I just applied for a part time position as a cashier at Sprouts. I'm just looking to add about $250. a week cash flow. I like being a cashier. It's easy for me.
I just got home from work (third day in a row for me, made it for 7.5 hours). I don't know if I am PMS-ing or I am just so tired or what, but I am REALLY SICK of this job. I really don't want to do it anymore. I am sick of the people I work with, sick of customer service. I got the feeling tonight when I asked my assistant team leader if I could leave a little early that he was perhaps mocking me about "my broken toe" and how it's been three months already. I think they think "I just broke a toe, get over it." What they don't "get" even though I've explained it to them is that I basically had a dime-sized triangular fracture off the side of the large toe, the fracture went into the joint a little bit, and I smashed all the other toes on the wooden step as well. I feel like they are getting impatient with me. I've decided I don't really care anymore, but I can't just up and leave this job. I owe $2400 out-of-pocket in medical bills from this. I think I just need a good night's sleep and a day off to get over this funky mood. My birthday is Friday and I took Saturday off too, so that will help.
I'm not sure when I will quietly ask about the possibility of switching departments - it might be hard since we are fast-heading into the holiday season. I don't know, I just feel really down about all this today. I feel like I have no time anymore, have barely worked on the jewelry business because I am so exhausted from working, and I am not even up to 38 hours week yet! Thanks, I needed to vent, and now I am going to bed so I can get up and do it all over again tomorrow at 8:00am....
awakenedsoul
9-30-15, 10:37pm
A broken toe is really, really painful. A lot of people don't realize that. It's too bad they don't understand.
I've read that PMS teaches you everything you need to change in your life. I hope you can change your career. (or at least switch depts.)
I don't know what's "wrong" with me --- I feel very little pain at all. Oh, every now and again there's a little "stiffness" (I'm closing in on 72), or "discomfort", and I don't move as easily as I used to, but I wouldn't describe anything as "pain". I ignore it, and if it doesn't go away, it's at least out of my consciousness. I've taken an aspirin occasionally, but don't usually need that even. And I don't get sick, either. Or get colds. Or anything like that. I just keep perking along, at a slower pace than a lot of people (especially my DH, who's an energizer bunny and drives me crazy, but he always seems to catch "something" ... ). I had a knee replacement about five or six years ago, after "pain" for one day, but nothing I couldn't handle, and the DR then told me I have a very high pain tolerance. Apparently I have a high discomfort tolerance as well. I don't know why. I live in fear that something, some time, is going to "get me" and I won't know how to handle it ... ?????
To the OP, I was going to suggest Tai Chi to restore balance, energy and flexibility. There may be classes nearby or you can rent a DVD from the public library. I almost suggested acupuncture but if you have money concerns, it may not be affordable. A good acupuncturist will want to treat you weekly or bi weekly to start with, depends on treatment plan.
When you go home, elevate your feet for about 15 minutes at the end of the day. Rest back. You've probably thrown the rest of your body out of kilter for compensating on a broken toe. Bones heal slower as we get older and the lack of rest might be aggravating the healing process. Take calcium rich foods and a mild pain reliever as others mentioned.
Teacher Terry
10-8-15, 12:35pm
YOur back is probably out of alignment from having to walk funky so I would recommend a good Chiropractor to realign you. I use one occasionally with great success. Acupuncture has worked well for me too.
Tussiemussies
10-8-15, 3:11pm
Also contributing to inflammation is eating sugar...Just fyi
Check, check, and check again! I have been to the chiropractor, did some PT, and had massage just the other day.I'm also getting to the gym when I can fit it in, stretching at home, icing my foot after work, got an exercise ball too :) Things are slowly improving, I guess. I am working on adding hours at work each week - this week I did two eight hour shifts in a row, today was only six, as will be tomorrow and Saturday. I am pretty dang tired when I get home but I am pushing myself when I can, and taking it easy when I reach my limit. However, it feels like both feet are developing arthritis; they sure are looking knarly and knobby.
At least I got a little pay raise today, finally :)
Now about that little sugar problem I have...I can't quite face it right now to do anything about it. It's not like I add sugar to stuff - I don't have sugar or even honey here at home, but I know it lies hidden in some of the things I purchase. Plus I work right next to the bakery counter...I am weak when it comes to having ready samples of yummy things all day long. Though to my credit, I have not succumbed to the donuts that one of my co-workers brings in on a regular basis.
awakenedsoul
10-8-15, 10:09pm
Oh dear...that does sound like your feet have arthritis. No wonder you are in so much pain. Do any of your relatives have it? My mom had it. Her feet had bumps on them too.
Congratulations on the raise. I hear you about the sugar. I have a couple of cookies after lunch, and a couple more after dinner. They are small, and homemade. Today's variety is Nestle's Toll House. It would be very hard for me to give up sugar. I have switched to Agave in my coffee, though.
I'm impressed that you haven't been eating the donuts. I love donuts, but I don't buy them.
I've read that PMS teaches you everything you need to change in your life. I hope you can change your career. (or at least switch depts.)
I always thought of PMS as "the week the blinders come off". Going through premature menopause and then HRT, it's like the blinders are always off, and I veer between "OUCH, how have I lived like this", and "deep breaths, girlfriend, it's only hormones." But I agree it's a good litmus test for finding the sore spots in your life, and it sure seems like you have done some examination there! Good luck with your journey. :)
awakenedsoul
10-9-15, 10:50pm
[QUOTE=Oddball;217059]Hi, AwakenedSoul. I hadn't heard about your hip surgery. I hope you're healing well!
Thanks Oddball. I am. I love Dr. Edward Bach. I started a thread on the hip replacments. I'm going to bed now, but I'll update it soon. I actually did the opposite. I kept trying to heal myself with yoga, meditation, and exercise. In my case, I needed surgery. I had no idea! It was totally worth it, though.
How are you doing SQ? I feel for you.
I know what you mean kib. It's intense.
AS, I had a really great day at work yesterday, thanks for asking. I even had enough energy to get myself to the gym right after and do my workout, AND go home and totally reorganize and move stuff around in my jewelry studio! I haven't had a day of energy like that in a long, long time!
So I have to go to work today, the fifth day in a row. My foot hurts a little right now, but I am sure I will be just fine. Now about that sugar thing - last night after all that activity, I was DYING for a Dairy Queen Blizzard, so I succumbed and allowed myself to get one. And guess what - I woke at 1:30 am with indigestion...duh, do you think that might be the culprit? Too much sugar and dairy when I am not used to it. But it was SO good going down the gullet!
Oh, and before I forget - after my work restrictions run out on Nov. 1, there is no way I can reduce my hours at work and still hang onto all my healthcare benefits. You are either full-time at 38 hours per week, or you are part-time with under 30 hours and have to pay bucco bucks to keep the insurance. So I guess that answers my question. I am not ready financially to go that route; I'll be working full-time for many years to come I guess...
Gardenarian
10-10-15, 4:31pm
My doctor prescribed Voltaren gel for my foot pain. It is basically ibuprofen in a topical form. You rub it in several times a day - it's works pretty well for me, and no side effects. It's not available in generic, so it's kind of pricey if your insurance doesn't cover it, but you might want to look into it.
Just a vent for now, but I am having a hard time this morning getting up and moving around after a four day stretch at work. I've been back full-time for a few weeks, running around all day in constant motion, and we are heading into the holidays. Some days (like this morning) I swear I don't know how long I can work this kind of job. The physical cost is just TOO high. My feet and legs ache, my lower back hurts, my energy level is sapped, and I can scarcely get anything done other than go to work and make sure I have food in the fridge. Per usual, the Wholefoods schedule is kind of all over the place, inconsistent shift times, random days off...I am doing more opening shifts than not, but then they'll throw in a 12-8pm shift, with an open shift the next morning. My body doesn't respond well to these shifting times, then throw the end of daylight savings time in to the mix. And my social life, while always pretty limited, has been nil. I cannot even drag myself to an open mic lately.
The fact is, right now all I can do is try to get through the holidays until I can figure something out for my next move. It's a tough one; I don't know where I would find a job that pays $12.50/hr with benefits to start, plus the PTO that one can acrue pretty rapidly. And just as a reminder, when one is full-time at Wholefoods, you agree to open availability. I have very, very little control over my schedule.
Sooooo, my formerly broken toe update is that most of the time it doesn't bother me too much anymore (though in the past few days there has been some aching) but I don't limp anymore. I've been trying to get to the gym two to three times a week to lift weights and do the elliptical. Fast walking is still hard, but I'd say I am up to a moderate pace. Previous to the broken toe incident, I used to go to the gym right after work in the mid-afternoon on the way home, but lately work has made me so exhausted that that is out of the question. I am determined to get there today on my day off.
I guess I am just venting because I feel grumpy and sad about my situation of these chronic aches and pains. It is really hard to get up in the morning, just putting my feet on the floor is very painful at first, and getting down the steps to go make coffee is a very slow, gingerly process because my knees on the stairs are so stiff and sore. It takes a good two hours before I feel like I am not 95 years old. I am a little sad because some people in my life are not very supportive to me in general. They don't like it when I have feelings or complain too much, so I feel like I really don't get much understanding or sympathy.
So these are the things I am doing to get through this holiday season ~ trying to get as much sleep as I can, even if it is at weird hours, taking lots of hot, Epsom salt baths, exercising/stretching as allowed, ibuprofin when the aches and pains get to be too much. I've been trying to work on some jewelry when I have the energy, but I am not getting much done these days. The main thing for me right now is going to be the MENTAL fortitude to be able to switch from focusing only on the pains. Acknowledge it, then move on, acknowledge it, then move on and get things done. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. it is what it is, deal with it and move on....
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