The New Normal

Still finding my way in the morass of paperwork, tests & appointments linked to a traumatic illness. Still making mistakes along the way because I overestimate my stamina. I have to get a kick in the ass learn the hard way that some things can't be ignored or bypassed. The other day I had to return equipment to the Hospital after wearing it overnight to record my oxygen levels as I slept. Was already tired when I parked in the drop-off area, took off my oxygen & decided NOT to go to  the hassle of hauling it with me for the 'short' trip in. Not too bad to the elevators but had to hold them for several people, got one old immigrant senior thrust at me by his relative who was also parked in the drop-off with the announcement that HE was going to the 2nd floor - I was going to 1, AND I was getting light headed from trying to breathe deeply. Took the elderly man to his floor, pointed him down the hall & returned to my elevator to go to #1. I'd forgotten how L-O-N-G the corridor was all the way to 1C. Had to sit down to rest before I got there. Trying to hurry without hurrying, I had to sit down before I got back to the elevator. Then I had to lean against the wall in the lobby after I got off while deep breathing. Made it back to my car on wobbly legs, cranked up the oxygen, sat down & breathed deeply. Made a bee line to Church's Chicken for a big cup of ice water & some chicken tenders when I felt I could drive. Ate & drank slowly in the shade while I breathed deeply & read my book. Picked up salad & cold meat pies at Safeway for supper. I was too tired to go beyond the Deli. Came home exhausted - yeah, hardly did ANYTHING - and went to bed. Slept like a dead person until almost 8:00. I can do several small things or one big thing before I'm worn out & have to sleep. It's frustrating. But I'm learning to keep the Oxygen on at all times.

And how are the Roomie & I working out?? We have our ups & downs. If this were a two bedroom/two bathroom house with a family room & a living room/kitchen, we'd be a whole lot better off. But it isn't. And we sometimes want different things at the same time. But, I'm in charge of food & he does the dishes. Most of the time he listens to talk radio - I shudder - and I work on my computer or listen to audio books while knitting or working a jigsaw puzzle. It could be a hellofa lot worse & I'm not sure it will last in the long run. For now, we're making it work because I realize I need a lot more help on a daily basis than I ever suspected. I look strong & healthy but this heart injury has left me weak & fragile which I don't like at all. Maybe things will improve with time & maybe I'll just get used to it. Eventually. My Roomie doesn't always notice when I need help but has no problems helping when asked.

Knitting/Spinning - still working on that sock with really sore hands. Finally got the prescription strength Tylenol for my hands & knee. We'll see if this does any good. I am not allowed Ibuprofen at all.  Tomorrow I'm going to buy a lock for my storage locker & will be able to root around inside for that dry dry Romney to spin .   .   .