Tag: body

The good news is that last week’s back pain on the right has subsided, but last Thursday I must have pulled something near my left hip because I’ve had severe pain there since then. It’s been a bit better yesterday and today, but still painful to stand or walk. Had to cancel my yoga lesson yesterday because moving around was just too painful. Will try to get back to yoga today.

The left-hand picture is 2 years ago, probably close to my highest weight. Right hand was a few days ago. I can definitely see a difference.

It’s very common during this journey to have “stalls”: times when you’re doing the same thing but weight loss just stops for a while. I’ve heard of these and have been prepared, but it looks like I’m in one right now, which is common at the 3-4 week mark after surgery. I haven’t lost any weight in 5 days. I only weigh myself a couple of times a week so I don’t obsess on it, so it’s disheartening when there’s no movement on the scale. trying to stay focused and positive.

This is what is called an NSV, a non-scale victory.

I stopped in at my office today. (The office is open for optional working there, no masks needed for vaccinated people.) I have never gone into the office without my scooter because it involved walking from the parking lot to the elevator, then across a section of the building to my office; too far for me to do without pain.

Today I went in without my scooter. I had to lean on the wall when I got to the elevator to relieve some of the pressure on my back, but I was able to make it there, and then to my desk. It hurt a bit, but it was manageable. Victory!!

Oh, and haven’t had pain meds for about a day and a half.

I’m starting to think this might actually work…

A few days ago I talked about how my back was doing better. Perhaps I spoke too soon… The last few days I’ve had a lot more pain, mostly on the right side, which is different from my “regular” pain. I had to take some extra strength Tylenol to control it, and ended up not being able to go to a Pride BBQ because it is. I guess my body dynamics are adjusting. I’m trying not to get depressed about this, hoping it’s just a short-term setback.

Remember, the whole point of this journey is about increasing my mobility. Specifically, getting to where I have less back pain. So how am I doing?

Most days my pain level is a bit better than it was before I started this journey. Not massively better, but generally a little better. However….the most amazing thing is that for the last 48 hours I have taken NO PAIN MEDS. Let me repeat that: NO PAIN MEDS.

For a long time, when I woke up, I would sit on the side of the bed, mustering the courage to get up, knowing it would hurt. Over the last few months, every few days I get up, and it doesn’t hurt too much. I’m amazed at this. Most days it hurts, but some days not so much.

Today I’m having a bad back day: I was glad I had a seat in my shower because my back hurt in the shower. I’m sitting at my desk in pain. But this is the worst day I’ve had in a while. I just hope tomorrow is better.

I’m going to synagogue tonight! I’m excited to do this for the first time since last February. I will be on my scooter. I was hoping I wouldn’t need it, but I will. Hopefully there will be a time in the not-so-distant future that I won’t.

I know when we lose weight it releases estrogen which can cause mood swings. I’m wondering about other toxins: I’m having a day when I feel really achy, and wondering if it could be something weird in my system.