RT

I didn’t blog yesterday. I just needed some quiet time to reflect. I ordered pizza and was snoring by 8:00 PM. Pizza is a no-no according to the foods that I am allowed, so maybe that’s why it tasted so extra good. My schedule at the PRC was really changed on Friday. Other than lunch, I didn’t do anything that was on my original order of the day.

In the morning, my best time of day (ha-ha), I was pulled out for a LONG memory test. I was timed on saying the alphabet backwards, remembering factual information from a story, and completing a dot-to dot with alphabet and numerals. Of course, that had to be backwards for letters and frontwards for the other. Oh, the numbers had to multiples of 7. When one of the tests toward the end of the session began, the examiner mentioned the word “backwards” and I turned my chair to face the door. Although she giggled, I’m not too sure how she appreciated my unique sense of humor. My spelling was pretty good, but my hand was shaking pretty badly so I’m not sure how much was legible. At that point, I was just proud that I could remember my name and birthday. How far can you list the presidents (full name) backwards?

I also had “group”. That entails 43 people seated around the table staring at you and checking on your progress. This is held twice a week. This time,I had the clinic’s head honcho and I was not intimidated. I was considering having him sing the National Anthem backwards but kept a moderate level of decorum. At one more emotional point, the Kleenex was passed my way. After taking a tissue, I commented that another $400 would be added to my bill now. At least that brought laughter. The “big guy” offered me the box at the end of our gathering and told me it would not be added to my bill. See, life is good.

After lunch, I got to see a woman with a great deal of experience in spinal cord injury. I wish my Bobby could have been beside me. I’m praying that I can also receive information that will help my guy.

I had about ten minutes of OT. We were encouraged to get out this weekend instead of spending all the time in our spacious hotel rooms. One suggestion was RT. What a wonderful recommendation from medical staff that I strongly support. It was a super part of my day up to now. Oh – for those of you not enlightened in this new medical break through, RT stands for retail therapy. I just love to help the economy.

I just watched an inspiring movie that you have to watch. Check out Listen to Your Heart. It was free on Netflix. I clung to my laptop and went through about six boxes of Kleenex. (I should have snuck more from PRC!) Maybe I lost a pound or two in water weight. One of the best quotes was “You have to try the hard things. That’s where most of the dreams hide.” It was kind of like Love Story from decades long ago. I was deeply engrossed when the Internet stopped the film at the climax of the action. I decided that I didn’t like that interruption, but I guess you can’t complain when the Internet is free.

It’s funny how life has so many interruptions. There’s seventh inning stretch, intermission at the theatre, and half time in football. Take Me Out to the Ballgame” lets me stretch those sore muscles. Intermissions let me mingle around, and half time gets me out of the cold. Commercials allow viewers to dash to the bathroom or hit the refrig. Stand next to me at a Cub game, and you will be searching for beer vendors. This whole trip to Mayo has been an interruption to all of our lives.

I’m trying to view my Mayo interruption as a chance to feel better. Mayo is interrupting our lives for three and a half weeks. I couldn’t be closer to the wonderful friends who sit beside me daily. Each of us has pain wracking our bodies in different ways, but we have banded together all the stronger. When I walk sideways, two of the guys just play volleyball with me as the ball as we go down the hall. This trip will help me learn to deal with the pain. It’s not going away so I must learn some “tricks” that will help the problem, that’s where that retail therapy comes in handy. I keep hearing one of the doctors chanting “head back, shoulders down, deep breath, self-talk, smile” repeatedly during the minutes. It does have a certain beat to it.

We try to keep spirits up. A highlight of Friday was when we decided to switch nametags. We kept our giggles hidden until the speaker looked at one of the males who was now named Janet. (I wonder where he got that nametag?) I love when we start each class with a joke and pass each other Bible verses. This is a tough program, as my multi-colored legs show, but we complete things as a group. I’ve sat on the cold bathroom floor as the migraine nausea came to visit. I’ve given hugs to many when bodies shudder with the pain. We share our lives, barren to the bone, and then hug good-bye as the weekend begins. The week does end with a smile. Can you picture me doing tai chi or a 300-pound man trying to assume a yoga pose? We all care for each other, so life is good.

Thanks so much for the interruptions in my evening, making me run (not meant literally) to the lobby to pick up letters of love and encouragement. I appreciate all the fabulous cards and emails, but most of all, the many prayers I feel surrounding me.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Maybe try RT. That retail therapy is pretty good.

Today’s Advantage of the Mighty Three

• Where else can you get permission to shop away for the benefits of retail therapy?

Reality

The frosty morning came to an abrupt close as I walked into Day 4. I had completed the two-day orientation bursting with tests, quizzes and lengthy evaluations. On Monday I became an official member of Team 1, Group A, Set C. Although I knew the letters and number attached to my name, I really had little concept of what that entailed. The honeymoon is over: we’re down to the reason we have all gathered in Rochester, Minnesota.

There has not been a day during the past 96 hours that I have not sobbed, laughed, questioned, prayed and encouraged. Although I am blessed with fabulous friends who live far closer than those people who gather with me each morning, a unique bond has been built with the latter. We all truly know chronic pain. We all beg for changes. We long for a life without drugs and doctor appointments, but also dread that those days have been dashed from our futures.

Formal topics of Positive Mental Attitude, Reduction of Pain Behaviors and Moderation and Modification for Personal Well-Being line our schedules. Yet once the door closes souls are bared to our fellow prisoners of pain. We’re confronted with reduction and elimination of narcotic drugs. We sit next to new friends who shake with withdrawal. We read of a place of hope, but not one where pain is chained away. Instead our time is occupied with ways to manage our broken frames. The physical therapists stretch our unused muscles and remold our brains to the breaking point. We watch new friends crumple to the floor and must stand aside while reality shatters any rose tinted glasses. The seconds tick by until we can rush to these friends who were strangers just seven days ago. We bear secrets that have been stuffed into corners of our hearts, hidden from all, even ourselves. The past is forced into view as we delve into the real culprits of our pain. We know each other better than we know ourselves.

Despite the harsh awakenings, we lift each other up to heights never thought possible. We tell corny jokes, say private prayers and share special gifts. We learn catchy phrases and whisper Bible verses as we beg for ways to endure our pain. We must face the cold fact that our pains will still stain our bodies but we can build sanctuaries to save our spirits. Hurting bodies and broken souls must be honestly faced if we are ever to live in internal peace.

We have learned new skills, but we must take them from the city limits. We must continue the exercise and squeeze in relaxation into our bulging schedules. We all look to the Lord and pray for peace and understanding. We have become one unit, one mass of understanding and love. It is good.

Advantage of the Mighty Three

Lots of people love us even though we are too busy to recognize the devotion.

Thanks to the challenge to be honest and open!

Poor Little Robin

This time I promise, the blog will be shorter.

This morning was a short reminder of last night’s fun. Rochester did not get a lot of snow while I slept, but Jack Frost stopped for a long visit and left everything covered with ice. My car door was frozen shut, but no problem, I managed to get in the passenger door and climb over the console. Not a pretty sight. At least I finally got rid of the cameraman though. I think I saw him rubbing his eyes and dashing down the interstate screaming words I can’t print here. I just put ice skates on the tires and set off. Although quite a few cars decided to do cute little spins or visit the ditch, my vehicle didn’t have vertigo.

I made it to PRC with time to spare. As I rose from the car though, my chubby thighs had trouble standing. I sashayed to the clinic and was doing relatively well until it was time for PT. I got a different therapist than normal. She decided to push me way more than normal. I quickly found the floor and managed to acquire some new beautiful bruises. I’m confident that the colors will be more pronounced tomorrow.

My classmates proved the Atlas strength that has expanded these few days. We have already created a protective shell to guard our hurting friends. It’s nice living in this bubble.

I staggered into church for midweek services and was strengthened by the wonderful service. I even stayed for chili and some home-baked goodies. After all, there aren’t any calories of food eaten under the auspices of a church.

So far this evening, I have received beautiful flowers from home and a long phone call from my daughter. Life is good!

Oh, by the way, a life-long resident of Minnesota told the class today the following:

It’s not spring in Minnesota until you see a frozen robin on your driveway.

Stay warm.

Advantage of the Mighty Three:

• The buttons in the elevator look really cool when you have vertigo. You don’t get to the right floor very often, but you get to experience new places.

You HAVE to Read This One

The original plan of today’s blog was to be short and sweet, concise in my descriptions, and apologetic about the length of this week’s blogs. Well, you know what everyone says about the best-made plans.

Things went well at the PRC today. There was good sharing during the group times, deep friendships were being engraved in our hearts, and I worked hard to stretch my skills in physical therapy. I even followed Bob’s advice! The last thing he said to me this morning was “Try to have only one somersault today!” Although I once again compared the flooring in multiple rooms, I was the one going down to either a sitting or prone possession. I loved it in one group. I was lying on the floor and everyone just bent and peeked under the table when I thought I had something to share. Can you imagine me having something to say?

I was amazed to see the strong religious faith in the fabulous people who surround me every day. We are at the point of sharing Bible verses each morning! Promises of prayer are sincere. Where would we ever be without that faith? I don’t want to know. The Bible verse we chose today was “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That says it all.

I made it home safe and sound, looking forward to a calm evening and short blog. I soon learned that the fun had just begun. Throughout my stay here, a black dust was mysteriously appearing overnight. I awoke one morning with a black mustache seeping through my C-pap. I scrubbed my face to remove this black grit. It actually was hard to get out of my hairline. When I lifted up a glass, you could clearly see its imprint. It reminded me of what bulletin boards look like at the end of the school year as teachers remove those clever, never changing boards. Remember now that for me to even see anything in the morning is pretty darn miraculous. While conferring with a nurse at my pulmonary/allergy office, she told me to get a new room. My C-pap could not be the naughty culprit. I had to admit my breathing was getting more difficult. This was not the place to stay for a person allergic to dust.

After some finagling, my room was changed to the second floor. The first room the desk clerk suggested was WAY at the end of the hall. I knew there was no way I could walk that far. This fat body could not daily traverse down the halls whistling some happy tunes. I would most probably resemble that thirsty man in the desert crawling to his mirage of water in the distance. I used my assertive skills (Do I hear applause out there?) to say that the room wouldn’t work. Miraculously, the desk clerk could now find another room a little closer to the stairs and elevator. The fun was beginning. I now had to move all of my stuff out an up. There was only one person behind the desk, so it was up to me. I began with positive thoughts and a go-get-‘em attitude. I quickly realized that among the pouring rain, tough PT workout, and movement of multiple items was way past my capabilities. Things were suddenly much heavier than they looked. Plus, who would ever be so hair-brained as to put Easter cling-ons on the window?

I was working hard gathering up my goodies. Those goofy carts have a mind of their own. On trip two,I discovered the hotel room key was not in my pocket. I had inadvertently left the keys downstairs. Oops! Both doors were firmly locked. The person on duty at the desk was gone and I plopped into a lobby chair. Seven hours later, she was smiling at the desk. I explained the situation and got a new key.

As I loaded up another cart, I reached my upper limits of pain and stress. The tears rolled down my plump cheeks. I could take no more. My poor hubby got an earful, but I was at the point that I needed to vent. Wiping tears and forming a tough outer appearance, I took up the third load and noticed the strength of the rain. Some people from upper floors even came downstairs to watch the powerful lightning slice the dark sky. They told me that we were in a tornado warning. No problem. I’m too heavy and stubborn to blow away. I got my unwilling cart into the elevator just in the nick of time. As I pushed the upper limits of my sanity, the elevator slowly started to elevate. THEN, a loud bolt of lightning hit something and we lost power. Mind you I was in the elevator at the time. Luckily the outage was short, so after 27 hours, I could feel the elevator slowly moving to the correct floor. One load to go and then I would be finished with this task. One problem, as I started to move, I noticed both feet firmly implanted. The pain was getting bad. The hotel employee saw that I needed help and wanted to rush me to the emergency room. I insisted that I always walk with a swagger, and stuttering was a great conversation starter. She warily looked at me, but came to my room and loaded up the last cartful. I plopped on the bed, just needing some time when you’ll never guess what came to my wandering mind. I heard the loud shrill of the fire alarm. Everybody out? Don’t worry about the storm warning or that torrential rain. Lightning pierced the sky and the wind grew cold. We squeezed as many as we could under the limited covering. The all clear seemed years away, but we made it.

So suitcases litter my hotel floor as I can now giggle about my situation. This is definitely the same God as who invented the giraffe. I sit in my hotel room and listen to the classical music on my computer. Two of the best-looking grandsons in the whole wide world snicker from their pictures taped to the mirror. (Did you know I was a grandma?) My flowers are still blooming, other details of the room can wait, and I contemplate my many blessings. I thank God for my support as I struggle through some tough days here in Minnesota. I have a hubby who loves me. That works out pretty well since I love him too. Church friends are checking on both of us, and my sisters are only a phone call away. God is good.

It’s time to call it a day. I need to get off these moist pants and read tonight’s devotions. Our Bible verse was perfect today: “(I did) do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Advantage of the Mighty Three:

• Those silly hotel carts used for luggage can go pretty straight if you have vertigo!

The Novel

I’m writing earlier than normal, and that probably says something right there. It started as a pretty good day. I made it to the first group session. I inadvertently sat in someone else’s chair although the few people in the room indicated it was fine. Whew! Some people are pretty touchy about those things. I moved.

We then went to morning stretching. This was held in the atrium with a domed skylight three stories high. The room was gorgeous; a bright room complete with trees and comfy chairs. There was one problem. I don’t do well with big spaces. I stumbled to a chair and the room was starting to slightly spin. Then, an energetic nurse came dashing into the room, ready to share her love of mornings. I knew I would have to modify the moves by remaining in a seated possession. The room increased its speed and started to make some flips. I borrowed a simple, black purse to change my focal point. Things were better for almost one minute until we stretched our arms forward. Well, I stretched and kept on stretching. To put it simply, I did a perfect forward roll. Luckily two people jumped out of the way to avoid any injury. I decided to finish the exercises while seated on the floor.

An hour later, I went to a class entitled “Medical Aspects of Chemical Use”. The nurse began with a simple introduction and then began a half hour video stating fact about what happens to your brain with narcotics, tobacco, yadda, yadda, yadda. The director presumed a somewhat dry topic required a boost. I think he must have used LSD as a child. About 75% of the background was a mixture of a lava lamp on speed and a morphed, psychedelic screen saver. Although I tried to focus on the speaker or the head of the speaker, but the rapidly changing background was the winner. I put my head down, but I felt like I was on a roller coaster. I knew it was time to go sit on the floor so I wouldn’t be sprawled on the floor a second time. I started sitting with my back against the wall right around the corner of the room. My knuckles were white and my pulse was racing. I chose to lie on the floor and just listen to the film. As the room spiraled, I flopped headfirst on the floor. Maybe since it is Lent, my pose quickly resembled a cross. Then I got the shakes. Then the sobs came. After what seemed an eternity, a nurse rescued me and threw me in a wheelchair. I was taken to the “quiet room”. After some prayers, deep breathing and an overdue box of Kleenex, I thought I could return to the class. They clapped and high-fived me for my perseverance. I love these people. A more experienced classmate made sure I could follow my schedule. She even arranged for an escort to watch over me.

Despite a less than ideal start, my day improved. When you flop on the floor and begin to smell the carpet, people realize the extent of vertigo. I could feel the prayers of my faithful readers and the Holy Spirit surging my soul. There is nowhere in this world where I could have more support.

I ended the day with tai chi and felt like a magnet was pulling my forehead back to the carpet. It was just a 30-minute class so I kicked those darn magnets out of the way. A few of us stayed on the chairs talking about our evening plans. I was invited to join them for a night in a hot tub and Amish pies. That hotel is kind of far away, so I gave my regrets and headed to the car. Even so, it felt marvelous to be included.

My walk was what you would expect. I was wiggling and wobbling but somehow heading in a relative straight path. My angel from class remarked that I reminded her of a classic TV show. She began singing the theme song from the Monkees. I soon joined in. You could probably hear us three blocks away.

Then I realized that Casper came to see how I was doing. He slipped my coat, with my car and hotel keys in the pocket, and hid it. Maybe he is a wanna-be Easter Bunny and wanted experience hiding items. I headed back the 52 miles to the locked tai chi room. No problem! A half hour later, I retraced my path and headed to the parking lot. That darn Casper has a poor sense of humor, but I found my car even though he moved it 22 times.

I decided I needed a stop at the mall to help the economy. I giggled as I saw a security guard whom I could pin in less than 9 seconds. Why are all mall security guys less than intimidating? Think about it!

I better stop here. Previous comments regarding my lengthy posts echo around my hotel room. Sorry for the novel.

Today’s advantage of the Mighty Three:

• When you start the day cruddy, the only way left is up!

Oh yeah. I began the counter at the bottom of the page on January 26. It looks like it will hit 1000 by the morning. Yippee!

Look Out for Casper

I admit it. I was wrong. I know that might surprise many of you. Instead of a cameraman, there is a ghost. He’s not spooky or anything, but he likes pranks and lucky me is the recipient of those jokes.

I went to a nice church this morning and sat in the parent’s room so the organ wouldn’t put me over. I did have my “tremors”, but the pastor helped steady my hand for communion. I walked kind of wobbly heading back and a few people were overcome with my natural beauty. You can’t blame people for staring. I just gave a little smile and felt like saying that I just had a REALLY big communion glass.

I made a quick stop at Michaels and miraculously bought nothing for the grandsons. That has never happened before! (Ignore the fact that they got two bags of goodies yesterday.) It’s a grandma’s prerogative.

Then, Casper came to say hi. I waddled into my hotel room, dropped my bag, and changed my slacks that were real wet from the pouring rain. Bob called about the trouble with my XM radio. He said that I needed to go back out in the rain, turn on the car, and sit there for five minutes or so. I looked for my room key, but Casper had struck. I KNOW where I set the key and it wasn’t there. I still ran outside because the XM lady was listening. Despite the rain, I dashed to my car. Other guests at the hotel were slightly confused when I wouldn’t leave this good parking spot. After what seemed eternity, I dashed from my car and ran (ha-ha) to the front door since the room key was required to gain access to the hotel. I had propped open the door to my suite so I could stumble in my room. The key was still gone.

Since then, that goofy little phantom has been playing hide and seek. He’s hidden the remote, my magazine, the remote again, my phone, my glass, the remote, my purse, the remote, my scissors, and then the remote again. Plus, I still can’t find my key. I think I need a glass of wine because that strange spirit has taken what was left of my brain.

I’m grasping my pillow so Casper can’t get that. I kind of exaggerated before when I described my suite with all those rooms. This place isn’t that big to keep losing all of these things. My ghost must be pretty fast. I’ll be on watch though, so I better get off the computer. Thanks for checking in on me. Hey, the son-of-a gun just blew the power.

Today’s advantage of the Mighty Three:

• · You get visits by Casper. He is a big blog fan.

Those Darn Carts

Howdy! I sit in my hotel room, relaxing in the “living room” and reflecting on a good day. I talked with my hubby bunches including a half hour on Skype. Can’t forget those grandkids. My daughter sent me four astonishing pictures of the dynamic duo. You are hereby warned if you come within 14.2 feet of me, be prepared to see my astonishing grandsons. I got to Skype Teddy where I made up silly stories such as a scary lion named Teddy and his little brother Ollie whose roar was very tiny.

I did journey out to Target where I made an astonishing discovery. The sound of those carts you can borrow in stores if you have trouble walking have the remarkable ability to instantly begin vertigo when it beeps while backing up. It might be a hidden plan of my husband to prevent large credit card charges. Usually, a trip comes close to that three-digit mark. Not this time! I clung to my cart and dashed, well maybe waddled, out the store.

Back at the hotel, I put a Netflix romantic comedy on my computer. It was taking quite a while to load. Approximately 19.3 minutes later, you could hear snoring coming from my room. I did wake up to the last 3.6 minutes of the movie, but I think I will have to try it later when I am sitting up in the in my suite.

I wanted to tell you something fascinating that I found out during one of my tests on Thursday. This is cool! Ok, sit down! Yes, I mean you too! This is a free blog, what do you expect? OK! Fully relax your body while you are sitting. Then tense your right shoulder as tight as you can. Unknowingly, I also tensed my left side, neck and back muscles. The OT explained that this reaction occurs in 100% of fibromyalgia patients. That’s why we get tired more easily. Our whole body works instead of just one muscle group. So there! You learned something!

Going to go do a little biofeedback and imagery before I hit the hay. Thanks for reading. Could you please, note the whining, jot me an email if you ever read this silly blog? My email is cheta(at)sbcglobal(dot)net. A wonderful friend of my sister and confidante of my mom sent me a perfect email stating she frequently reads these heartfelt words. That meant a great deal to this ditzy blond. You don’t need to make an online comment, but your emails would mean a great deal.

Happy dreams everyone.

Advantage of the Mighty Three:

• Your credit card bills are less due to those confounded beeping carts.