lifelong knitter

Second Sleep Study, Sunday!

I know it has been awhile since I've posted on the blog, but I'm making some progress, and now is a good time to share....

One of the most important factors in readjusting my wiring to allow for more SLEEP (and therefore less pain) is to have a consistent bedtime routine, which includes shutting down all electronic devices by 8pm.

I've been pretty good about adhering to that schedule and it really is helping me fall asleep. Staying asleep is another kettle of fish altogether.

I'm wearing a fancy device on my wrist for 10 months, which keeps track of how active I am by means of an accelerometer, and records my pain levels, which I input morning, afternoon, and evening. Four days in to the 10 months, it stopped *reminding* me to input my pain levels. As with every watch I've ever worn, it didn't last long. sigh.

I called the administrator of the study, and she said to just remember to input the levels, unless I wanted to drive all the way over there and get another device, which would probably do the same thing. Guess which plan I opted for....

The nutritional supplementation seems to be working well. I'm prepping the house this weekend for the window replacement job coming up in just over a week.  I'm working slowly and steadily, taking a break when I'm in too much pain to continue. Learning to go against my natural tendency to push myself WAY too hard isn't easy, but it is possible!

I'm also taking my pain meds twice a day, every day. I don't LIKE it, mind you, but I have to admit that the doctor is exactly right. I've got about 40% less pain and significantly less inflammation.

Instead of my usual to do list (which ran about three pages, single spaced) I'm focusing on the THREE most important tasks to do each day and breaking them down into doable time slots. Scheduling something for early morning when my brain is in high gear means there is a much higher likelihood that I can complete it accurately and cross it off my list. 

Writing things down instead of worrying about them is helping a lot, too.

Learning to let go of what I cannot control is my biggest challenge.

My sister and I had a long talk last night....the first one in five weeks since she finished the radiation. It has been REALLY rough on her, and so hard to be so far away and not be able to do anything to help.  I'm praying that her upcoming visit with the oncologist will bring some encouraging news.

Sunday night I go into the hospital again for the second sleep study. Two nights this time, back to back.  I'll get up each morning and go to work, so it should be manageable.

That's the news from here.

Hope you are well and feeling fine and finding JOY in each of your days.

Lots of LOVE to you and yours, as always!

xoxox

I passed the test.

I got the results of the initial sleep study on Friday.

I don't have any sleep disorders that would keep me OUT of the sleep study, so I get to continue the process. I am quite relieved, actually.  I'll be interested to see the results for myself, of course....

Meanwhile, I've actually seen a marked improvement from the natural light initiative.  I didn't realize how much time I was spending peering at electronic devices before and after hours of Natural Daylight.  Cutting back on the caffeine intake is helping as well.

I spent a lovely day with the Daughter bird today.  She is an amazing young woman, and I am so proud to be her Mom.

The Boybird is doing well these days, has spent the week at Camp, which he LOVES, especially Arts and Crafts.

My sister has finished the radiation treatments and is slowly trying to get her strength back.  I am praying that she will have some pain relief once she gets over the side effects.

Starting to think about Fall and the rituals of Back to School....I just love the smell of fresh school supplies, don't you?

Lots of LOVE to you and yours,

as Always.

xox

Sleep Study

I'm going for the first overnight at Duke so they can rule out any additional sleep disorders.

After keeping the sleep log, I've discovered how little I really sleep. No WONDER I'm so exhausted.

Turning off all electronic devices at 8pm every night has been quite a challenge, but having the hour or so of knitting has been WONDERFUL.

My sister has finished her Radiation treatments and is trying to regain her strength.  After speaking with the Nurse, she discovered that her symptoms are normal and expected after the type of Chemo and Radiation schedule she has been on.  We are all hoping that she will have some benefits from these treatments and feel more like herself in a few weeks.

I've been doing a lot of little projects around the house with the time I used to spend on the computer....and this weekend finally got the order placed for the new windows.  In addition to the tax credit and the reduction in energy bills, I'm really looking forward to clearer views of my little woodland sanctuary!  The upheaval of the house during the installation, not.so.much. 

As always, one project leads to another. The blinds will have to be reworked to fit the new configuration, and as long as I have to move everything away from the window walls, a new layout of my office is in order.

I usually make my resolutions for the year ahead on my Birthday, only a couple of weeks away.

This time the focus will have to be learning to rewire and retrain my brain to slow down and pay attention to the scenery along the journey.

It is my great pleasure to have so many dear friends along for the ride....

My deepest gratitude for all of your love and support.

May the Blessings be returned to you a thousand fold.

Peace be with you.

xox