Thursday, May 13, 2021

Celebrate What You Can Do -

My almost waterproof hiking shoes

Six years ago today, May 13th, is my lucky day.  The day talented neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons removed a rather large tumor, stabilized a section of my spine, and gave me a second chance on life.  

Walking a lot this past year, I think has helped me continue to rebuild strength.  I have walked places I couldn't for years.  I am not up to doing a triathlon today, but I can take a nice walk in the swamp, I can listen to the birds, I can feel the wind on my face, the sun on my balding head. I can venture out onto the rocks and flats, moving over and under fallen trees - to some extent.  

I could talk about the things that will never be the same.  There was permanent nerve damage.  It hurts at times.  But I am so lucky that I can feel the pain, that I can be careful when I walk- mindful of my balance.  It was my lucky day, I saw the right doctor, who had the right hunch, who sent me to the right place for scans, that would send me to the emergency room, that would land me in the care of some of the best doctors in the country.  People who gave me a chance to celebrate what I can do, everyday.  

Thanks for putting up with my annual mention of this experience. People tire of a constant tale of woe, and also are frustrated by vague mentions of health problems with no details. Hopefully my once a year mention strikes a balance.  

If you ever need someone to talk about things you are experiencing, drop me a message.  I am not a healthcare professional, I won't offer advice, but I will listen and encourage you to seek the best care, and then focus on what you can do each day, to celebrate your abilities. 


21 comments:

  1. And we're glad your here to reminds us!!!! You are doing well. It's all about walking and exercise, and the nature is just a reward to it.

    I even have my mother taking walks with her dog these last couples years and she's doing excellent. Once one sits around atrophy, there is often no way back.

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    1. I wonder if walking the dog results in people living longer.

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    2. There might be something to that. but friends my mothers' age have either passed on already, or they are in terrible shape because they are not active enough. She said too many just sit around. One is so bad she in now homebound and she's only 80.

      Keep doing what your doing Travel.

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  2. I can't believe it's only been six years given how far you've come and how well and active you are. What a journey... and an inspiration.

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    1. Time flies when we are having fun

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  3. Being relative newish here, I did not know that story!!
    Congrats on the anniversary and keep on walking!

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    1. @bob - we almost lost the penguin. but the penguin fought back!

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  4. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘

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  5. This is a worthy and worthwhile date to celebrate!

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    1. Time for my walk, headed out soon

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  6. ALWAYS celebrate a second chance at life! 6 years have gone by quickly. and it's what you CAN do, not what you CAN'T DO! and sweet bear gets to spend more time with you!

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    1. I can still get into trouble, if I try

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    2. go ahead, be naughty! :)

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  7. Sounds like you were lucky to get some excellent advice and care. Back surgery is a very serious matter and really requires the very best.

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    1. A couple of brilliant docs, with personalities

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  8. I'm so glad you're still here! Like Bob, I'm relatively new here too. You are a joy to kind of know :) I do wish that I could be inspired enough to git offa my lazy tush and move! Hugs, sweetie.

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    1. Do the best you can, with what you have to work with. One possibility when I was headed into surgery was a wheelchair, and John in Wales made me understand that was not the end, just a change. My outcome was better, but I needed to make the most of whatever the outcome was.

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    2. @duchess deedles - the penguin IS a joy to know! I am proud to call him my friend!

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  9. "come celebrate with me that everyday something has tried to kill me and has failed'

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