Day 3 – What a Pain

Log: Day 3

A diversion from the diet (not literally, just in the blog)

I mentioned my health issues in my first blog. It’s really hard to be constantly confronted by how I’m feeling – a level of pain interfering with everything. I can’t get around very easily. The circle of exercise is daunting. The doctor says I need to walk more, walking makes the pain unbearable, I feel worse … and on it goes. I’m so fortunate to have friends and family who understand, a sainted roommate who shows so much patience in our redefined world, and a reasonably good doctor. But what I don’t have is a happy life. Oh, I’m happy enough doing certain things and being with people I care about. However, I’ve allowed my body weight to be in charge of everything, and I’m certain that isn’t the right path. I’m 61 years old, and it’s time to take back the reins (I know you’re laughing that I used a horse metaphor).

I don’t honestly know what will change when I get thinner (did you catch the when?), but I’m pretty sure it will have to improve the pressure on my spine. Sleeping is also really difficult. To relieve pressure, I have to sleep on a soft mattress. Otherwise my morning pain and stiffness is overwhelming. My mattress was 20+ years old and showed it. So … I went on the hunt. This was NOT fun. After much research, I narrowed it down to three brands that made a pillow top with coil-on-coil support for a person my size. I went to the mattress store that had all three and laid on them, then laid on them again, and again, then made my choice.

The mattress was delivered last week … I was SO excited … laid on it …. and OH NO … it was so hard. Are you wondering why I thought this was the right one? Me, too. But I gave it a try. One night only! FitBit report: sleep – 2 hours 36 minutes, awake – 4 hours, 22 minutes, restless – 38 times. The warrantee said I had to keep the bed for 30 days prior to an exchange. So I called … I said,

“Sure, I can let the mattress be my roommate for 30 days, but I’m definitely never sleeping on it again.” He said, “let me see what we can do for you.” I’ve been sleeping on one of our blow-up beds. Not horrible, but not great, either. Sadly, no new mattress until Friday … so still on the blow-up.

Oh and about the other thing …

It’s been a pretty good day on the plan. One of the joys/stresses in my life is being the WMEA Exec. It keeps me connected to life-long friends and also keeps my brain working. Our May board meeting is on Saturday, so there’s quite a lot of preparation. I’ve been in the habit of snacking as I work. A long-standing habit, unfortunately. To avoid that pitfall, I try stretching out my snacks. Same calories, longer enjoyment, right? That probably won’t always work, but good for today. One of my favorites is the fruit salad snack. I can also add in popcorn pretty freely, as long as there’s no butter involved.

You’ll notice I figured out the comment issue. You have to be on the blog page rather than the feed (so technical), hence the “read on” feature, which takes you to the post. Goodness!

For you fruit eaters out there, here’s the recipe:

Fruit Salad  1 cup = 1 serving

1 apple, cored not pealed, chopped

1 pear, cored not peeled, chopped

1 orange, peeled and seeded, chopped

1 cup raspberries

1 cup blueberries

1 pint strawberries, hulled

combine and chill