Because of Christmas, my Wrap-Up is a day late. I’m sure many of you were unable to sleep last night as a result.
Mood
Finally, a real good week! No depression, no mania, no hypomania. I did have a little anxiety a couple of days that felt like they were going to manifest into panic attacks. On each of those days I took half an anti- anxiety pill which put me in a nice balanced state. I can’t take whole pills because they knock me out. Sure, being asleep avoids the panic attacks, but it doesn’t make it easy to get stuff done.
I did have some down points. A little sadness more than depression. In almost all these cases it was while I thought about Trump and his cabinet choices. Fortunately, I was clear headed enough to understand my feelings were situational and not chronic.
To put it simply, I’ll take as many weeks like that as possible.
Weight and Fitness
My weekly weigh in day is on Saturday, so I can’t post my weight. Maurice and I drove up to his parents’ home that day so I didn’t have time.
I was able to get some walking in. My goal each week is to reach 50,000 steps. For me, 10,000 steps = about 5 miles. Last week I walked over 73,000 so I’m very happy about that.
Eating wise I can’t recall, but I think there were several days that I went way overboard. My memory is just not all there. If I did overdo my eating, I hope my exercise compensated for it. We’ll see next week.
After two years I’m back in physical therapy. I’m having all the same problems. Pain in my shoulder blades and down my right arm. Two of my fingers are constantly numb, making them nearly impossible to manipulate. I’m currently seeing two neurologists and a physical therapist and just like two years ago, they have no idea why I have this. Hopefully they’ll figure it out this time.
Writing
Things are better. I’m still struggling with changes that must be made early in the novel and have considered finishing the novel and then make necessary changes later. At this point I’m leaning against that. One reason is because I’m starting with a new writer’s critique group in a couple of weeks and it only makes sense to have them read the newer stuff.
The changes that must be made involve adding a lawyer to the story. Originally, she was supposed to be a minor character, but she needs a larger presence to add believability to the story. I’ve done a lot of work weaving her in, but I’m not happy with the changes at all. I’m back at the drawing board.
Despite the frustration I’m having, I’m thrilled overall. If I wasn’t frustrated it would mean I’m not writing. I’ll take all the frustrations I can get.
Synopsis
It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to say this, so I am thrilled. Last week’s score is a good solid A.
Yay for the A! My husband has the same pain you described with the numbness in his fingers. He went to an orthopaedic surgeon and was told he had spinal stenosis–fancy word for disc degeneration causing a nerve to be pinched. He uses a home “traction” kind of contraption which seems to help when it really flares up. I hope your doctors find the source of your pain. Chronic pain can really have an impact on the mood, can’t it?
Hi April. The original assumption was that it is a pinched nerve, however the damaged nerve runs into perfectly healthy nerves which are then the ones that they assumed would be pinched. As always, I’m a mystery.
ugh. I hope you find some relief.
me too
Yuppie for the A Bradley my Lose It Team buddie… hurray… Keep It UP 🙂
Thank you, Marie
I’m also thrilled about your A, my dear! I’m sorry you had tp resume physical therapy, but it’s good you’re taking care of it!
The good news is that everyone at the physical therapy office is friendly and helpful and patient. Of course, I’d rather not have to go, but since I must…
I’m very glad about your “A” week! Wonderful! I’m sorry you are having so much pain. I hope your doctors figure it out soon. It’s hard to focus when in pain. But in spite of it you are writing–awesome!
Yeah, the pains not fun, but I’m fortunate that I just need to adjust my arm here and there and the pain goes away. It’s all a matter of finding the right spot to hold it.
Excellent! I went three days without leaving for work, so I went three days without the panic of leaving for work. The shopping mall got me yesterday, though, PHEW!
Good luck finding out what’s causing your numbness and whatnot, it does sound like a pinched nerve. My husband had spinal surgery, so I can imagine your frustration. I’m very sorry about your pain.
I have to be in a really good space if I’m going to the mall, otherwise it’s just too much for me. Sorry it was tough, but glad you made it.
Thanks. Yeah, the bigger mall was fine, but the littler mall was too crowded, by far.
I hope you have another A week. 🙂
I am glad to hear you have had a good week! I hope you have a positive repeat! 🙂
Carrie Fisher’s death wasn’t the best way to start the week, of course, but I’m still feeling positive overall.
Spinal stenosis is not only about pinched nerves, but also about the narrowing of the road on which nerve signals travel. Lost connections. Other than that, this post made me smile. 🙂
Thank you about the info regarding the nerves and, of course, I’m glad I made you smile.
Good for you!
Thank you!
Hey Bradley, if I were you I would get the novel finished then leave it for a bit and come at it with fresh eyes. Hope your pain subsides soon.
That’s a good idea, Daisy. Something I seriously considering. Too many unfinished manuscripts in the world. I don’t want mine to be one of them.