THR +27

July 31, 2014

I had more problems sleeping last night. The apartment was stiflingly hot. Even with a fan and no sheets, I couldn't get comfortable. That was compounded by my increasingly sore right shoulder and hand.

I drifted in and out of sleep until 2:30am or so and then popped an oxy. I hadn't taken any on Wednesday, so I felt no guilt. Soon, I was sleeping like a baby.

I woke up at 6 feeling fairly refreshed. I could have slept longer if it was darker. I really don't like these long northern days.

So from now on, I'm going to take one oxy before going to bed. That's 7 fewer tabs than I'm allowed so I doubt I'll become addicted. Once I'm off the crutch, the shoulder and hand pain should go away. I hope.

The day ahead: I have to finish some work, meet an old JHR colleague for lunch and work on the documentary Kickstarter. Busy, but not crazy.

UPDATE:

I got all my work done and took a break in the afternoon for a couple of patio pints.

It was another hot day, and the apartment was brutal. I managed to stay up until 11 before crashing. I took an oxy about an hour before going to bed. I managed to sleep until 2am and then had a fitful sleep after that.

The leg was fine. The shoulder was brutal. I need a solution.

Exercise: ~10 blocks, 10 flights of stairs

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THR +26

July 30, 2014

Finally a decent sleep! I only woke up once and I could have slept longer, but I had to get up and work.

I did take an oxy before going to sleep, so perhaps that's the answer. I was also very tired, so that too could be the answer.

Lots of work to get done today. Plus laundry. Plus more grocery shopping.

No pain this morning, but my lower leg remains tight and tingly.

UPDATE (5:30pm):

I managed to get two loads of laundry done and did a trip on foot to the grocery store. Also, I bought some apple cider for cooling purposes. It's an oven in here.

I got some work done -- finished and submitted one piece (a 25 image gallery). Tonight I will work on and hopefully finish another one. Don't feel like it though.

Exercise: 42 flights of stairs (trips to laundry!) and 10+ blocks.

Also: the business cards for the documentary project arrived!

The new cards!

Interested in knowing more? Visit: deadburiedforgotten.com.  

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THR +25

July 29, 2014

The fear of clots gone, I'm finding myself my much more relaxed. I'm still sleeping poorly due to the inability to get comfortable. Overnight I woke up twice but still managed about 7 restless hours.

The calf is still swollen and tender but there is no real pain in my hip. I didn't take any oxy last night and don't plan to today. I did discover that I shouldn't be drinking grapefruit juice while taking my blood thinner -- whoops. I'll stop that.

Most of the pain I have is my right shoulder and hand. Hopefully that goes away once I'm off the crutches.

I have much work to do today plus I need to get groceries. And maybe do laundry. Busy day ahead.

LATER:

So, I did a bunch of work. Picked up some groceries. Had a pint with an old college pal. And worked some more.

I'm knackered. And sore. And took my first oxy of the day at 10:30pm.

The apartment is an oven again... sleep may be difficult.

Exercise: 8 blocks, 20 flights of stairs

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THR +24

July 28, 2014

It was a rough night. I couldn't get comfortable (or sleep) and had to take an oxy around 3am. The skin on my operated leg remains tight and tender -- although the swelling was down when I got up (5:30).

The apartment is quite toasty, even at this early hour. There's no wind and even the fan is ineffective. Also, it's not going to get better:

Oh, to have some cool rain!

Despite my fears, HandyDart arrived on time at carried me up to Mount St. Joe's for an ultrasound. I had a 9:15am appointment and was getting scoped in no time. It was a painful procedure as there were times the tech had to really push the sensor into my leg.

After it was done, the tech said things looked fine -- no clots. But she had to consult with a physician. A few minutes later she came back with the thumbs up.

I then had to return to admitting where they insisted another doctor had to look at the results before I could leave. An hour later, I finally got the 30 second sign-off.

I was now late for a scheduled brunch with former CTV weekend news crew. I walked up to Broadway and hopped a bus to Commercial. Then walked from Commercial Station to Cafe du Soleil where everyone was waiting.

After brunch, a couple of us went to the Nerd Bar (Storm Crow Tavern) for afternoon pints of cider.  Some future options were raised, including me moving to Toronto. Hmm.

After all that activity, it was time to head home for a long nap. Then some writing work. Then another nap. Then some TV (the BBC series Shetland). Then finally, at 10, sleep.

Exercise: ~20 blocks, 10 flights

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THR +23

July 27, 2014

Morning has broken. Via Katkam.ca

A beautiful Sunday morning and I'm concerned. Concerned about my leg and possible blood clots.

After a fairly decent sleep, I'm up early to get ready to go to the walk-in clinic for 9. The leg is tender but there is no swelling (I elevated it overnight). It does seem warmer than the non-operated leg, but there is no redness.

So who knows? The doctor, hopefully.

My rib pain has returned. Not really pronounced, but every once in a while there's a hint of it. Odd.

And my left calf threatened to cramp this morning. It didn't, but that's a scary thought.

I'm worried. But I've been worried before. And in a couple of hours, I'll know whether I'm being paranoid or if there actually is something wrong.

Cross those fingers and toes.

Before I forget, here's a picture from yesterday (July 26, 2014 / THR +22):

22 days post surgery. July 26, 2014. Photo: Steve Mc.

UPDATE:

Little was resolved at the walk-in clinic. The doctor agreed that I was showing some symptoms and that I needed to get things checked out. Unfortunately, being a Sunday, all the nearby labs were closed.

He suggested going to Emergency at a local hospital. The closest was Mt. St. Joseph's. I figured I'd give it a shot, rather than Vancouver General -- assuming it wouldn't be nearly as busy.

I walked home and called HandyTransit and was able to get a ride to the hospital (emergency!) within about 30 minutes. It only took 10 minutes to get there.

At the hospital the waiting room was dated and vacant:

Hospital waiting room: Not pretty, but pretty vacant.

In no time, the forms were filled out and I was waiting for a doctor. A nurse took some blood and the doctor came by just minutes later. He said I needed an ultrasound to see if I actually had clots. But there is no ultrasound tech on Sundays, so I have to return on Monday.

He did say that if I did have clots, the treatment would be the blood thinner I'm already taking. Likely more of it.

I was done by noon. Outside, I called HandyTransit to see if I could luck out again. The answer was no. I'd have to wait 90 minutes.

I decided to just go home. As I can't ride in a cab (too much bending), the only two options were the bus or walk. And it was too far to walk.

So I did a combo. I walked four blocks to Broadway Ave. where I caught a bus to Commercial Drive. I had a seat at the front, so it was pretty easy.

I got off at Commercial and decided to walk the rest of the way: about 15 blocks. I got home tired, but feeling good. More exercise!

And now I wait for tomorrow...

Exercise: ~30 blocks, 20 flights of stairs

-30-

THR +22

July 26, 2014

I woke up twice overnight. The second time around 4:30 or so. I had a hell of a time getting back to sleep. Eventually I did, sleeping until 6:30am. I tried to sleep with my operated leg elevated.

I took an oxy before going to bed, but it was the only one on Friday.

The operated leg is still tender but the swelling has gone down substantially (this morning, anyway -- it always gets worse). No changes in bruising. But the skin is tight and tender to the touch.

UPDATE

This afternoon I met up with Steve McC, a former CTV colleague. We went for a short stroll, stopping to watch some bicycle polo and other Commercial Drive craziness.

Then we hit The Red Pagoda (Vietnamese) for lunch and a beer. Then we grabbed a table on the deck at Fet's and watched the world go by. And talked about the media. And travel.

Plus, all of the above was done with one crutch! And a backpack stuffed with pillows to sit on.

I came home and had a nap, with my feet up. The swelling and tingling had returned to my operated leg. I've done some more reading and I've got some mild concerns that this might be symptomatic of a clot. Now, the physio therapist said to worry only if it got worse. It hasn't. If anything, the swelling is down overall.

But, I'm concerned enough that I'm going to pop into the neighbourhood walk-in clinic Sunday morning just to be sure.

Turning to weather: the sun is back and the apartment is an oven again. At least the days are getting shorter and there is a bit of a breeze. Thankfully, I have two fans running in the sleeping area.

Exercise: approx 16 blocks + 20 flights of stairs (2 walks). And physio, of course.

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THR +21

July 25, 2014

Today marks three weeks since I went under the knife. The actually anniversary hour is around 1pm.

To say that I'm shocked at the speed of my recovery is an understatement. I thought it would be fast, based on all the reading, video watching and conversations I'd had. But not this fast.

I'm finally getting relatively decent sleeps -- although I still wake up early (today: 5:30am). The pain is minimal -- with the exception of tight skin due to swelling and some tingling in the leg. But no real pain. And certainly not like before.

I'm able to stand unassisted (and have been for a while). I am now down to using one crutch -- although that puts strain on my poor shoulder and hand. The incision still looks nasty but it's clean and healing. It's definitely not subtle!

I've upped water intake, exercises and rests. Today I'll go for a walk to the bank. The funny thing is now, I have no hesitation to go anywhere. Whereas pre-surgery, the thought of walking a block filled me with despair. That's how bad the pain was.

Now, I'm not kidding myself. There's still a long road ahead. LOTS more physio, and at least 11 more weeks of restricted movements.  I won't be driving for a while, but I should be able to hit the gym in August. Swimming will follow, I hope.

But I've adjusted to all the restrictions and I'm happy that I can actually get out and move again. 

Once I'm past the three month mark, the next project begins: dropping 40 lbs by Christmas. I'll do that by exercising and juicing once or twice a day.

But for now, no dieting. I need my food energy.

Time for physio/a nap/water... 

UPDATE #1

Ran errands. 10 blocks walked. 10 flights of stairs.

UPDATE #2

Spent the evening watching the ITV series Broadchurch. Pain was low, but it is still very hard to get comfortable in any position.

Crashed around 10.

-30-

THR +20

July 24, 2014

7:15am

Last night's sleep wasn't bad. I slept fairly solidly but woke up twice. Each time it was hard to get back to sleep. I kept my operated leg elevated on a pillow -- so blood clots don't kill me!

Getting up (around 6:30) was tough. Despite the oxy last night, I was stiff and sore. The swelling was down, but the leg hurt. After a bit of movement, things improved. I also popped an oxy (first morning one in a long time). Relief isn't immediate: it takes about an hour to kick in. Perhaps the stiffness was from all of yesterday's activities.

Today's agenda is fairly full: I've got to get some groceries and vitamins. I have to finish a Shaw piece. And I'm meeting up with my co-producer to work on the Kickstarter campaign for Dead, Buried, Forgotten. And after that we're meeting up with a Global (TV) buddy for a drink at the Nerd Bar.

However, the rain is still falling, so that may mean delaying the trip for groceries. We'll see.

 From KatKam.ca - Rain, rain, go away!

UPDATE:

Well, the rains let up and out of the house I went. First to meet up with a couple of pals at the Storm Crow Tavern (aka Nerd Bar) which is just a block from my house. Then to Fet's for some whiskey and lunch.

It was the first day I left the house with just one crutch. I brought along my backpack stuffed with pillows so that I had something to sit on (my hips have to be 2" higher than my knees).

After lunch, it was off to get groceries and actually carry a bag. No problem at all.

I'd say I'm now officially on one crutch.

The heat is supposed to arrive tomorrow and stick around for a while. I think I'll get out and do some walking/errands. Having one arm free will make all the difference in the world.

Now, if I could just get the swelling under control!

-30-

THR +19

July 23, 2014
6:30am

Finally -- a decent sleep. And on my back, no less.

I retired early last night, taking an oxy about an hour before hitting the sheets. Worked a treat! Solid sleep with one trip to the baño in the middle of the night. Not much pain -- even the shoulder cooperated.

I did roll out of bed early, though. Something like 5:30am. But I love like this time of day and it gives me hours to get ready for physio at noon.

Speaking of which: it's supposed to rain like hell today, but so far... nada. Hopefully the rains hold off until I'm back home this afternoon. It'll make the trip downtown much easier. And drier.

Katkam.ca - July 23, 2014 @ 6:30am. No rain yet!

I find I'm stronger every day, although my calf (operated leg) remains tender to the touch and there is some numbness in the thigh. I'll be asking about that today.

My diminished appetite seems to be gone too. This is good and bad. Good, because food is important for recovery. Bad, because the next goal is to drop at least 40 lbs by Christmas. If I can't exercise yet, then I'll really have to watch the intake. I don't want to gain a bunch, just to have to lose it again. I have my juicer, so I may start juicing 1 or 2 meals a day. There's a fresh veggie market a couple of blocks away -- so perhaps I'll start going out every morning for fresh ingredients to juice.

I'm eating more wheat as well. I have a bit of a gluten issue (I get intolerant if I consume too much). But it's helpful in keeping the system flushed. The oxy and blood thinner were stopping me up.

UPDATE:

Physiotherapy Day!

HandyDart picked me up at the pre-scheduled time. That went well. For $2.75 I was delivered directly to the physio's office downtown.

Physio was fine. The PT said things are progressing nicely and I'm doing well. However, he was concerned with the swelling in my leg and bruising in my calf. He told me that I have to elevate my leg several times a day (which I hadn't been doing, other than at night). He also said to continue with the same exercises, just increase the amount. He did some electroshock stuff, too.

I return in a month.

Getting home was a bit of an issue. First, I'd scheduled HandyDart for 3pm even though physio ended around 2pm (my mistake). That meant I had to amuse myself downtown for an hour. I ended up at Tim Horton's for a coffee and sandwich. I sat outside watching the waves of people trying their best to avoid the heavy rain.

At 3, I received a call from a taxi. When HandyDart gets busy, they send cabs. When booking, the customer tells the reservation office what gear they have: wheelchair, walker, crutches, etc. So, knowing that I just had crutches they sent a cab.

It was not fun.

I struggled to get into the front seat (I'm not allowed to bend past 90 degrees, cross my legs or twist). I'm sure I did all three. At one point I thought I'd dislocated the new joint.

After major effort, I managed to get in. It was awful, and next time I use HandyDart I'll tell them that I can't do cars. Yet.

Once home, the day returned to normal. I had planned to go out with some CTV pals, but it was pouring -- and I can't hold an umbrella when using crutches. Plus I wear sandals because they're way easier to put on the swollen foot. So, going out in the rain means getting soaked.  

I ended up doing some Shaw work, more exercises and generally took it easy. I elevated my foot for a while and went to bed early. I took a single oxy (the only one of the day) just before bed.

Exercise: 4 downtown city blocks, 10 flights of stairs

-30-

THR +18

July 22, 2014

I had a weird sleep last night.

After boring myself with some television, I went to bed quite tired around 10pm. I had to get up several times because I forgot to turn off lights, etc. Then it took forever to get comfortable. Even though my shoulder hadn't been bugging me earlier in the day, it sure was when I got into bed. I finally drifted off around 10:30.

I woke up in the middle of the night, or so I thought. It was only midnight. I had to go to the bathroom, which I did. And by the time I got back into bed, my shoulder was even worse. I popped an oxy.

Next thing I know I woke up at 8:20! I never sleep in that late. Guess I needed it.

There isn't much on the agenda, so that's fine. I see a relaxing day of laundry and writing ahead.

***

UPDATE [10:45pm] 

I spent the day doing exactly what I had planned: laundry and writing. Watched some of the BBC series Sherlock (end of season three). Not much else.

I'm trying to increase my water intake -- so I created a chart to tick off every time I drink 450ml. I managed four today.

I didn't take any oxy all day, but popped one about an hour ago to aid with sleeping.

As for exercise: just 16 flights of stairs and my physio.

Big day ahead Wednesday... best crash.

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