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

Comments

[Susan Harris]

It was so good to chat with you this morning! Glad you are making some progress:)

[greta]

Susan, you have been such a wonderful help through all of this! Always good to chat with you, it always makes my day a little brighter!

[Jane]

I'm so happy to see that some progress is happening. Learning to retool your entire life cannot be easy, but with your determination, I know you'll make it.