Day +42: Roller coasters and peach fuzz

I couldn't MAKE UP the events of the last week, it's rediculous to be honest. The good news is that I feel really great today so I will be focusing on that wonderful gift.

Early last week I had a fall while carrying in mail. I stepped into the house with my weak leg, and it decided that it was not interested in carrying my body weight. Down I went. No injuries, just quite a scare.

Later that same evening Duke got skunked. My whole house and my dog reeked. My lovely beau came over to help me bathe the poor dog, and in doing so I fell again. Only this time, it was ungraceful, violent, and left marks. My knee, shoulder and forehead took the brunt of the fall. Head has healed, but I think the shoulder may get added to the PT workout list.

Luckily the next day I was able to get a ride (thanks Dad!) to my pet store that has a bathing station. Duke now smells more like a petunia than a wild critter I mostly associate with a cartoon when I was a child.

The whole week I was battling some breathing issues that started the previous Friday. My doctor called in an albuterol inhaler for this past weekend to see if it helped. Not so much. I am being referred to a pulminologist and they want to see me this week.

Every few years I experience a temporary (allergy or illness induced) asthma event. Typically after bronchitis, sinusitis or bad allergy season. However albuterol has always helped me, so this is a bit of a mystery. I'm wondering if the fire smoke in the air is a trigger. I just spent three weeks in a HEPA filter bubble at NorthWestern. Perhaps my lungs are not ready to go back to reality.

My hematologist said my labs have been excellent and my blood has shown a strong recovery. With that comes some small restriction lifts. I don't have to be so "bubble" focused, just cautious. Already sent a bolo out to some girlfriends to come pick me up and sit with me outside somewhere that isn't my house. I'm getting a wee bit stir crazy to be honest.

The beau and I did a toe test the other day. I now can feel the touch on 3 of my 5 toes on each foot. This is kinda a BIG deal. Not getting my hopes up, but hoping it sticks around. It really is quite helpful to feel your feet and toes. I still experience a lot of nerve pain and cramping in both feet, but Alpha Lipoic Acid and my homemade coconut oil/tea tree oil rub seem to be helping at night so I can sleep.

By mid week I also noticed peach fuzz on the noggin. My hair did grow fast before, and my hematologist said it would continue to grow fast. Sunday I noticed some long "ostrich hairs" that are growing past the peach fuzz. We shall see what is growing a month from now! Hoping for at least a 1/2 inch a month.

 

Knit  hat from my Auntie M......

Woke up today feeling good. I have been strict with my PT regimen and just added some modified Pilates. I can't do all the moves, but what I can accomplish really help with my balance and leg strength. I also got approval from Chicago to do rehab in a pool at a rehab facility. We can't do public pools or the ocean for a year I think. Walking laps and leg workouts in a pool alleviates two of my challenges: nerve pain in the feet and balance/falling. All the while getting stronger and building up my endurance. Unfortunately I cannot find a single pool rehab facility within 20 miles of me. If you know of one, let me know.

Received this gem of a card from my Product team at work.  I laugh every time I look at it. It's on the fridge, forever.

 

Scrabble is a frequent activity. This was my luck the other night. Really!? Ended up passing my turn to dump some letters.