Damage Control

Have you looked into the psoas muscle? It's under the ribs and connects back through leg in the front. Mine had a charlie horse in it and Monday at therapy he got that out and I felt a lot better. Unfortunately, I tried a 10 minute treadmill walk last night and ended up throwing both the SI joints out of alignment. I woke up to spasms and severe pain. This morning I had PT and he has ordered a brace for me. He's off next week, so it's just stretching until I get the brace.

You need to get away and relax! Your condo is the perfect spot for that! We having no plans to travel until December to see Aaron. I talked to him this week and he's good. He said he's moving the weekend after our visit. He had thought he would be sharing his current place with the last girlfriend and has decided it's too expensive. He wants to go somewhere that has good Asian food. I worry about him driving out there, but have to let it go.

I'm thinking about taking $1000 and trying some professional mental health therapy. I need to come to grips with my parents.

Anyway-check out the psoas muscle trigger points and see if that could be contributing to you abdominal pain.

Beth
 
Well DH didn't feel like going to the Condo, and DS1 had to take the girls to and from work on Friday and Saturday. I'm a little disappointed that we didn't go. I still took the time off though. I go back work on Friday, and we have to work Saturday at 6am also.

I've been doing much better with my workouts. I did 4 days of weight training last week and walked around the lakes 4 times. Yesterday I just walked around lakes and today I did lower body weights. It was a toughie. It consisted of squats, lunges, bulgarian lunges, deadlifts, wide goblet squats. The reps were 20,15,10,8,8. I'm beat. Hoping to start getting my strength back.

I don't think think it's the psoas. I thought it could be a hernia, I don't know. Some days its very visible. It just under the sternum on the right side of my body.

I'm struggling with what to do with 2 adult kids living here. I'm trying to get the younger one to pay rent, but they both need to. We've been in this house for 4 years, if they were saving up money to move out, they would have. I'm just contributing to the problem by letting them stay here. I also worry about how we can make this fair for our other kid. Its like he's being punished because he is more successful. I want the youngest to move out because he has never lived on his own. He needs to experience that, and all the bills that go with living on your own. He really can't afford it, but he is young and he can work 2 jobs if need be. I know DH and I both did at different times when the kids were little. At this point, we are starting to feel like we are being taken advantage of. We are trying to plan for our retirement, we never thought we would be supporting a family of 6 at our age.

bbl
 
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Well it was nice being off for a week, even if we didn't go to the mountains. I've been able to get back on track with my workouts which makes me happy. I've been doing GS for upper body and the other platform for lower body. I plan to stick with those for awhile. Once I can start increasing my strenght with these, then I'll try to go back to some heavier weight programs. I've been getting in lots of walks too.

My sweet mother in law is not doing very well with chemo. Her regimen is 2 weeks on, 1 week off. The first week wasn't too bad, but she really struggled after the second. This was her off week, but she has another treatment next week. She was really sick after her last treatment. I fear it is only going to get worse as her treatment continues.

How was your week? Are you feeling any better? Have you considered a chiropractor? It sounds like you need some sort of maintenance to keep your SI joints from locking up. They can usually unlock the SI joint in one treatment.
 
Wow-you are up early today! I had a pretty good week. My mental health is tied to my lack of being able to exercise like I'd like to. I need cardio for stress and weights to feel stronger. So, I did a pool workout and a bike ride last week as well as two upper body weight workouts and two lower body (sort of-just 30 squats holding a 10 pound weight and abs). I also did my 20 minute bone walks-not too fast, not cardio at all, but at least walking a bit for my bones. Saturday I did a ton of foam rolling and am feeling pretty good today.

I am officially off my antidepressant/nerve medication for my foot after 30 years! I'm sure that factors into my mood and sleep difficulties as well. Aging is playing a role too. Sometimes I wonder what the point of anything is and then I start spiraling.

I go back to PT tomorrow and am to get a brace-I'll let you know how big it is and what it feels like after I've worn it a bit.

I feel your struggles with your kids launching. DS1 is still living in his childhood room upstairs and goes out to get food for himself. He's 31 now and very private-rarely talks to DH or me. He did say he'd rather take care of the cats when we go see DS2 at x-mas instead of us having someone come in-3 cats is like 2x more litter box work than 2 were! So he will help us when asked anyway. He pays a small "rent/utility" amount each month. Unfortunately, we usually have to ask and bug him for it. I would like him to have consequences for not paying on time, but DH thinks I'm being a hard ass about it and just wants to wait. In the real world though there are consequences!

I'm sorry about your MIL. She may need a driver sooner than she thought to help her out. It's exhausting getting chemo. I hope this week goes better for her.

Planning on watching Liverpool today and going to the pool. I made some cookies this morning and am hoping to stop in and see my parents sometime today or tomorrow. Have a good week!

Beth
 
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How was your week? I had a short one since I took Friday off. I've been wearing the brace. It goes between the hip bones and the greater trochanter crest. It's not too uncomfortable and I think it's helping a little. Still a work in progress trying to get to walking without pain. PT has added strength work which is nice and I bought an indoor bike to get some cardio here.

Our newest Sammie girl got fixed this week. She's tender, but doing ok. She has to wear one of those cones around her head for two weeks which is driving her crazy. She's on my lap a lot!

Our newest car got run into yesterday at Wal-Mart. The back bumper fell mostly off. The other driver just pulled out from another parking area without looking. So frustrating! DH is getting body work estimates next week.

Any weekend plans? I might go see a play tonight. Also, Penn State plays Ohio state at noon today so we "have" to watch that?! Otherwise I'm just dong the usuall household chores and watching soccer.

Have a good one!

Beth
 
Looks like I've been MIA. Sorry about that. I'm just struggling working out consistently. The stress of potentially losing my job and not sleeping, I just don't have any energy. Yesterday was Muscle Max and today I did legs from the other platform. Wednesday I did full body from the other platform. Those have things like kb swings, clean & press, squat and press, snatches etc. Today I was only able to use 94# for squats. I've lost so much strength because I have not been consistent.

We were supposed to get 3-6 inches of snow. It didn't materialize and is supposed to be 60 today. I'm going to walk around the lakes after I finish eating.

My sweet MIL really struggled after her second chemo treatment and has decided to stop. At 86, I felt the chemo was doing more harm than good for her. They are recommending she go back on the immunotherapy. They want to put her on Keytruda, this is different from what she was on before. I think she will give it a try. She is losing her hair and is getting it shaved today. My heart breaks for her.

How do you like your bike? There a free w/o's on youtube. I love the peloton. Is your SI joint feeling better with the brace? Were you able to get your car fixed? Hopefully the other person stayed and you got their information.

ttyl
 
Hello! Hopefully exercise is helping with your stress. I have been sleeping terribly and have gotten up before 5 a few times to ride bike or do upper body. 94 pounds! I understand that's not your PB, but dang that is a lot of weight! Keep at it. Even 20 minutes here and there will help.

I will have to look up some of those rides on youtube! The bike is good. I feel like I can do something anyway. I've been using it to warm up and just do 30 minutes when I need cardio. The brace is helpful and PT continues...I think I might be done soon and am planning on seeing the foot doctor when I'm finished. I tried taping up the outer aspect of my foot and felt like it helped (got the idea from the SI brace!).

Prayers for your MIL. At some point you might consider palliative care. It's not hospice and the goal is quality of life for as long as possible. Keytruda is a good medication and I hope it helps.

We are in the midst of appointments and estimates. Hopefully in January they can get the car fixed. What a pain! Good thing DH is retired and has time to do it all.

What are your Thanksgiving plans? We are hosting 8-us, my parents, and 4 bachelors! I should try to find some single ladies! Got a 20 lb turkey and will do my best. I don't really stress about it anymore-not worth it!

Beth
 
I'm off today, but need to work tonight. I hate when my night work falls on my off Friday. It happens from time to time though. My boss is recommending me for leadership. That sounds even more stressful to me. It would be more money though. We'll see what happens. We have possible layoffs coming. Just all of it is stressful.

DS2 took a job in Washington D.C. He has to be out there by Dec. 3rd. He's already secured an aparment. He's rented a storage unit near is current apt and is starting to move stuff over there now. He said he's only taking what will fit in his car. I'm a little sad that he is moving so far away.

I have a pedicure this afternoon. The girl I go to has a new space and I'm not sure I like it as much. The salon she was at closed. This will be my second time there, so I will decide if I want to continue going there. The place itself is kind of neat though. It has many small suites if you will with glass fronts to them. Most of the services are Hair, Skin, nails, massage. The rooms are tiny, like 8' x 10' or so.

I've walked around the lakes 4 times this week so far. Sunday was legs, Wednesday was RWH CST and abs, today will be back, biceps and core. Something is better than nothing.

My SIL is hosting Thanksgiving for her husbands family and her family. She does the turkey and assigns out the other dishes. It works out really well. I talked to my MIL last night and she sounds so much better. She is going this weekend to look at wigs. She seemed very upbeat which makes me so happy.

Have a great weekend!
 
Yesterday was a lazy day after working until 2:30 am. I went to bed early last night and slept pretty good. I feel so much better today. I'm doing legs today and will probably walk around the lakes afterward. Temps are in the mid 50's for the afternoon. After that I need to rake the leaves and go grocery shopping.

What are your plans?
 
Not much going on here. Starting to have a new crop of staff leaving the office so it's getting more hectic there. I've been wrapping my ankle/foot with good effect. I did make an appointment to see podiatrist Monday to get some advice. Been doing upper body weights, pt, and bike.

Your DS2 is moving to D.C.! That's exciting! At least he'll be home for Thanksgiving and you guys will have to visit him on the East coast.

I'm in a pretty good frame of mind. Decided to not let other people's decisions affect my happiness. Because I am happy and grateful for everything and everyone in my life. Trying to focus on the positives!

I'm just trying to get organized for Thanksgiving. I've been cleaning and making lists of what needs to be done when.

Beth
 
I worked out yesteday, an old cardio and abs from the other platform. It was nice to do something. I might ride the peloton after I get the housework done.

The girls and I are cleaning the house today. We cancelled the cleaners for this week, and I would like to switch to monthly service. Everything is just so expensive now, just going to the grocery is so much more now than it used be. Our property taxes have increased significantly. I feel like it's just one thing after another.

DS2 is staying with us for a few days, until he leaves on Friday. He had to be out of his apartment on the 25th. I'm not very excited about him driving all that way by himself. He should be able to come home for Christmas. He's not sure what his days off will be around the holiday yet.

We are going to my SIL's for Thanksgiving. She does the turkey and assigns everything else out to the rest of family. It works out very nicely.

Do you have any big plans for this weekend. I don't really need to do any shopping. Should be pretty low key for us.

Catch up with you after Thanksgiving.
 
I'm loosely doing two upper body weight and two lower body weight/pt work a week. Other than that just 20 minute walks and 20 minute bike rides when I can fit them in. I feel pretty good with my ankle taped and will continue to do that for a while. The podiatrist said I could walk and that the outside of my foot seemed ok. It just hurts after I walk unless I tape it. So-doing what I can and calling it good. This may be my new normal.

We had a nice Thanksgiving with the family and our neighbor. I'm glad you had DS2 with you for the holiday!

I clean all the time at my house and consider it functional fitness! Also-my DH likes to clean so that helps. A lot of the ladies in my book club have a house cleaner that comes monthly. They feel like it's enough to keep the house up.

We just recovered on Friday from the cooking and clean up of Thanksgiving. Today is some soccer and I'm going to make a vegan enchilada recipe from the McDougall cookbook I have. You take mashed potatoes and mix them with salsa. Then soften tortillas, put the mash in, cover with sauce, and bake. They turn out pretty good! You can add bean if you want, but I have quite a lot of mashed potatoes left so don't need to.

I have just 9 work days until our trip to California!

Beth
 
I started doing the countdown to New Years challenge on the other platform. It's a nice mix of weights and cardio and so far I am enjoying it. Tomorrow is a rest day as I have a dentist appointment instead.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our family. My MIL started her immunotherapy and did not have any side effects after her first infusion. They will be every 6 weeks for the next 2 years. I took her to lunch for her birthday on Saturday. It was nice to just have us girls. Usually DH comes and is always bored of all our visiting. I also brought some of her Christmas decorations up from the basement for her. She wants to start decorating.

DS2 left on Saturday instead of Friday. He wanted to have his snow tires put on before his cross country trek. He started work today. He wasn't able to get into his apartment yesterday, but hopefully today. I'll be checking in with him shortly. He said everything was expensive in Virginia, and it was very cold.

Our lives are just as busy now as when our kids were teens. Picking up the girls from school, taking/picking them up from work, friends and so on. We do try to have everyone pick up after themselves, but the house does need cleaned at least every 2 weeks. We try to hit the bathrooms in between the housekeeper coming. I think we need to drop that expense for a while. DH already does all the cooking, I think everyone needs to pitch in for cleaning.

DH's uncle passed away on Thanksgiving. So sad. Him and his son were here in September visiting. It was so nice we had the chance to visit with him. They are doing a memorial in January in Boston. We will probably go out there for that. I'm also thinking of flying from Boston to VA to visit DS2 and make sure he has everything he needs. He only took what would fit in his car. He doesn't have a bed, furniture, dishes etc. I also told him I would fly him home for Christmas.

You could also make beef stew to put over your potatoes on a cold night. We make a chicken enchilada casserole at least once a month. Everyone here seems to like it. Your vegan enchiladas sound pretty good.

Will you be staying in CA for Christmas, or coming home before that? It is so nice in CA, I wish I could afford to live in San Diego. That is my dream location. It just doesn't make financial sense for us.

ttyl
 
How is December going?! I hope your son in VA is doing well. Does he like his new job so far? I can not even imagine driving across the country. A friend of mine from book club who moved back to Cleveland last year drove from Cleveland to Oregon this past summer to sight see and her son lives in Oregon. They took their time and the trip was about 6 weeks long. We would have to be pet free to do that. DS1 will help for a few days, but they are not his cats.

It sounds like a fun month of workouts for you. I love challenges. I'm still doing my two upper, two lower, and then whatever cardio I can fit in. Yesterday was just biking during soccer. My watch said it was moderate intensity-I can live with that. My foam rolling is helping a lot.

My mammogram was good for another year. I'm still waiting to hear on the dexa scan. DH wants me to embrace aging and not get too worked up about my fitness level. It's hard, but I'm trying. Listening to my body tells me that my muscles are taking longer to recover from weights. They also tire out and when they do I'm stopping.

We'll fly out the 21st and back on the 26th. I have to work the 27th, but plan on Christmas that weekend with the crew here. DS2 is moving today so he'll be in his new place when we go out. We're staying relatively close to him. I don't know how much walking I can do yet. I can't wait for some warmer temps! He said he was in short sleeves yesterday.

I decked the halls a bit yesterday and baked cookies on Thursday so the Christmas spirit must be here.

Have a good week!
 
I'm off today and tomorrow. My job is so stressful this time of year. I have my 80 hours so I'm taking a couple days off. I hope to get the Christmas tree up today, and clean my office that I have been putting off for weeks.

Those are the dates DS is flying also. He has to work Friday as well. I'm also hosting DH's family for Christmas. My MIL isn't feeling up to it, and I offered to host. My SIL always does Thanksgiving, and it is my turn to host. My sister is hosting our family on Christmas Eve. It does sort of put a wrench in our own family Christmas. I might see if we can do ours on the 23rd. I'll see what everyone says. They may not go for it.

We haven't had much snow, but it is too darn cold to go outside and walk. I finally rode the peloton yesterday. It was great to finally get away from my desk. I plan on working out the next 4 days while I'm off. I'm behind schedule on the challenge I'm doing, but will be doing them all as I can.

I'm still having that pain under my ribs and sometimes in the back now. I know the ultrasound didn't show anything, but there is definitely something wrong. I'm trying to make an appt for the week after Christmas to get it checked out further. It doesn't really impact my workouts though.

I'm not happing with changes that come along with aging. My skin is losing elasticity, noticing looking older every day. It's better than the alternative. One of the women I work with, close to my age-had a stroke at her daughters college field hockey game back in Nov. She spent a week in the hospital, and another week in rehab. She is out on disability now, not sure for how long. You just never know what can happen.

ttyl
 
I'm enjoying my time off. The Christmas tree is not yet up and I haven't cleaned my office either. I am working out everyday though and feel good about that! Today I did GS C&T and my own biceps/shoulders. Yesterday was a fun workout, more like a gym class. Burpee/tuck jump, cleans/press-squat/press, ball slams, step ups, stop squats etc.

Today I'm going to Target and hope to finish up all the shopping.

What are you up to?

ttyl
 
I had a good week. Went to see a show in town on Friday night and have been doing my stretching and workouts with consistency. I actually cancelled PT for tomorrow and didn't have it last week. I feel like I'm as good as I can get for now.

We just did online shopping for people-lots of perishable items. Everyone has or gets what they like so we figured some special treats would be nice. We got DS2 a big box of meat and my parents some premade dinners from Omaha. My mom hates to cook so it'll help her out.

Today I made bread and did some wash. I'm starting to pack. I really want to take my foam roller!

Tomorrow night is our office Christmas party. It's at a really nice spot downtown-same one as last year. So that will be nice.

Good to hear you are prioritizing your workouts! So good for stress and sleep. I tracked my sleep for a week on my watch-average is 7 hours. I hope that's enough. I can't stand wearing the watch all night so will just do a week here and there to see.

Beth
 
We leave tomorrow morning to see Aaron! I ended up taking today off to ease some of the stress. I'm planning on cleaning today and getting the cats all set, getting gas in the car, etc. Feeling pretty good in the hip/leg/foot area (about 80%). I have not gone to PT in two weeks and am just doing my stretches, foam rolling, and strengthening moves at home. I might go see him after the trip depending upon how it all feels.

The only activity we have planned is to see the Liverpool Game at his local Liverpool bar on Sunday morning. It will be fun to watch with other fans even if it will be 8:30 AM!

I hope you have a great holiday and I'll check back in after we get back.

Beth
 
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