Sunday July 31

Supah Sunday you rockin' role models! (That is every single one of us --- have some self-confidence, peeps!)

Weight the same.  Lots of steps yesterday.  Will start the audible version of the brain re-wiring book today.

I spent one of my walks yesterday thinking about how this group is a perfect example of a chronic disease self management tool.  (Danger, danger!  My health care geek flag is flying!) 

This is important stuff.  It puts the patient (rather than the medical team) in the driver seat.  It has better outcomes than traditional medical care but transitioning to self management is difficult....it is hard to even understand what true self management means. 

But, look at us! We actively self monitor weight/lifestyle.  We devlop personally meaningful action plans.We follow our intellectual curiosity to learn more about our chronic disease. We utilize our medical teams for their expertise.

Also very hip is that our shared medical appointments (i.e., our daily posts) include peer helping peer.

Most health care organizations are trying to pivot to self management.  But moving from well meaning lip service to truly putting the patient in the driver's seat requires huge system changes.  

I'll post a link to a JAMA review article that is an easy read for those that are also health care system nerdy.

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/34636021/1512935456/name/Envolv imento+do+paciente+-+JAMA+2002.pdf

Thanks for being cutting edge!  Self management works!  Woohoo us!

Shel

Enjoyed the abstract!  How is the healing going? Much pain? Do you have an anticipated date for back to work?

Pain is improving tho I am still on around the clock pain relievers --- 1-2 doses are oxycodone and the rest are Tylenol.  

The one non-productive drain that was removed happened to be the one that gave me strongest za-zings that were the most painful thing of all.  The rest of the insertion sites don't have the same bite tho I certainly guard them to prevent as much pulling as possible.  2 come directly out of the groin so you can imagine instinctively protecting the area!

At the last appointment they removed the silicone bandage which covered all of the incisions....so all the way around the body and around the new belly button.  They didn't replace it with anything which I found alarming because I was afraid that friction from the garment alone would open something up.

But, like they said, that hasn't been a problem.  I am certainly stiff with a very strong achey/itchy feeling all the way around when pain meds wear off.  (I see from plastics forum that itching signals healing if you believe everything you see on a forum.)

The pain from abdominal tightening (muscle layer and fascia layer, I think) has improved greatly tho I very much still guard that area from sudden movement.

  If I didn't use pain meds, I would be pretty non-functional.  But, with them on board, I can get lots of steps in over the day's time.  Since given the clearance for walking, I am averaging about 18,000 a day.  Energy level has been good and improving even with the increased steps.  However, I have absolutely no problem with sitting on my bum with my feet up when energy lags.

I am thinking I will take 3 complete weeks off work and then return part time (20-30 hours per week) for a week or two then back to full time.

I have learned from past experience I am not all that helpful at work if I return to work too soon.  Being present doesn't mean being productive!  I do have clearance to be off a full 6 weeks but unless there is a new complication I don't anticipate needing that much time. 

I lack the conciseness gene!  But, I know you are looking for details with your own upper body PS coming up and eventually plan lower body work, too.  :) 

182.5 so another half pound down.  Had a BBQ today.  Had a protein drink for breakfast... snacked at the BBQ, ate a burger & brownie, enjoyed myself... will be having nothing or just a protein shake for dinner to offset the cookout goodies.

Busy week ahead... including some work travel which always makes things that much harder.  Will do my best!

Hello family!  115.  My earlier post disappeared so now posting from the road!  Violet is fixed - phew - and we rode through the Rattlesnake Pass to Joseph OR this morning. Absolutely spectacular - one of the best roads I've ever ridden, amazing and ever changing scenery,and unlike the others on the top of the list, no traffic!  Unbelievable. Over 200 turns in 20 miles! Did I mention that I love the twisties?  Lol. Will post some pics later. 

Violet rocks !!! Glad you had such a twisted time !!!

Greetings Great Self Managers

Still at 130.5.  Can almost "taste" 129 and no calories.

Read part of the self management of chronic disease article and it makes sense that its exactly what we are doing. And it makes sense in weight management because you just can't expect your doctor to do everything for you. Minute by minute choices have to be made so we all have to take responsibility for our weight. Dr. C really gets after people if he thinks they are making excuses or rationalizing.  But the concept is a good one to add to our arsenal of weight management tools. Thanks Shel.

Met with the house painter and paint is ordered . I have to go pay for it Monday to get a big discount. Won't start the work for a few weeks. 

Dogs Dogs Dogs, David you have lots right now and we do too. Three is a lot especially with one being a wiggly puppy. Vet visits next week for puppy shots and to neuter the old guy.  

Linda if you want twisty roads through the redwoods try the northern california coast. More than one has made me carsick!

Massage and facial. How fun.  I used to do that a lot and should do it again.  

Gonna see the new Star Trek movie in 3 D this afternoon. 

Made tostadas last night. took a small 4 inch tortilla and nuked for about 4 minutes until it was crunchy. added a bit of cheese and burger and tomatoes and fat free sour cream.  yummy. 

Have a great sunday.   Diane S

Did you know you were a self management pioneer when you started this?  Good job!

We are seeing Star Trek (not Wars like I initially typed) today, hopefully earlier than later to save a few dollars......

The tostadas sound amazing!!  Adding it to this weeks dinner list!