I felt like I was moving slower today. As it happens, I think I may regret going on my little walk in the woods yesterday as beautiful as it was, I think there is a little internal mutiny going on inside. I don't feel miserable, just sore, which I think is manifesting itself in my sluggishness out of the gate today. Yet another little lesson learned in that the body actually needs rest in order to recover. Go figure. In passing, I mentioned this to my Georgia friends and I explained that I was an idiot for pushing myself. She came back that I was not an idiot, but in fact, I was a Toidi (Toe-wee-dee). She didn't like me calling myself such a word, but was fine with pronouncing it in reverse. Many of these little nuggets of information, such as the body needs rest, have zipped right by me in life, or at least they didn't stick as I didn't have a place to file them inside the old noodle of relevance.
I have a friend who has always claimed that "the human body is amazing". She has used it in passing in wonderment, she has used it specifically as the body healed itself from some infestation, it's just been one of those things she carries with her in such genuine form that it is so true to her. I can't get her phrase out of my head. I've always known it does some incredible things, but I can say that I have taken it for granted without question, and I am bearing witness to the amazing things my own body is demonstrating to me now. I know my body is having it's own panic filled moments as I put it to task doing things that have been waaaayyyyy outside my normal scope and range of motion. I have never, ever, ever been so in touch with my own blood pressure. I had really no idea, other than that I was a big boy, of what was working against me. In a week of diet and exercise, reducing sodium intake and hydrating, I have cut my BP med dose in half. They predict that I will be off of BP meds altogether in short order. I was encouraged to say the least....and ....I will agree... as I'm still a load and there is a long road ahead to revert myself, yes the human body is a-mazing.
Today was a head shrinking type of day. As I said earlier, I don't respond well to people trying to poke around inside my melon. I really was not looking forward to a couple of sessions and in one case this proved true, but I began my day in a group counseling session. (Cringe). I was prepared to be disgruntled and put up my usual full defense regimens in place. After working myself up into a little less than 'lather' status, it turned out the question du jour was how we were feeling about how to transition to the jungle again after learning so much while here. Oh the relief...feel like a dodged a wrench. I shared the class with a bunch of returning folks who have been through this before. I truly became a sponge. I lowered my guard and really listened to some of the issues that folks, who have gone before me, have experienced and what I learned surprised me many times over. First, there is no right way. There are a ton of ways that things can be derailed against our best intentions. It becomes a bit about forming new habits, applying new info, being a bit more knowledgeable, making better choices, and knowing when you have derailed so that you can correct. There will be times when you need to be bad. In my case,this may be a dinner of chicken wings and booze at one of my favorite gin joints, or, as what has happened to me prior, Pizza speaks to me. So, my trick is to figure out how these can be worked into my week, occassionally, and not doing it all the weeklong. Life doesn't need to stop, but you need to find a way to mitigate the bad and chart your own course for success. I'll let you know when I find mine. Good info though.
I worked out, my blood pressure stayed in place, and I felt really good coming out of it, knowing how languished I was at the beginning. I was happy I pushed past my desire not be be doing it. I felt like I could take anything on...kind of a cool feeling. Who knew? Exercise...again, go figure.
One of my other fun classes was a virtual trip to a grocery store. Really, this was a nuts and bolts, here's what you need to know about label reading vs. marketing. For example. The FDA does not require food manufacturers to mention small amounts of things we may be concerned about. ( I think it is less than 1% but don't trust me, I don't have my notes.) In any case something that may claim to have no Transfats for example and lists that as such in the nutrition label, may still have that ingredient. You have to roll over to the ingredients and look for that all important "partially hydrogenated anything". Boom. Transfats. Flags were raised for me. I now distrust all marketers, and advertisers. Even things that we perceive as healthy, like a vege burger, may have a ton of salt in it. It is a little unnerving that we don't always know exactly what we are eating... Some of the classics, like butter, may actually be better than some of the alternatives...of course, used in moderation. My grocery store visits are going to be a little bit different than a game of tetris to see what can go where in my cart. Beware....food is evil....so much to know, so little do I.
Kind of a revelation day. Not too many stories of wit and wonderment today, but a good day overall.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Day 7 week one done.
This was a day off day per plan. We still have to show up to eat their meals, but there are no services or staff on hand. The gym is open and the pool is open, should you want to push it. But after being advised to take it easy. I decided to "get lost" with the GPS. I thought it might be fun to bounce from historic site to historic site and see if I could actually learn something. Well, after my third visit to yet another "closed on Sunday's" historic site. I wandered on my own. My first stop was at the Bennett House. This is the site where Confederate General Johnson surrendered his troops to the North, just after Lincoln was assassinated. Apparently, the assassination was a little wrinkle that neither side knew how to react, yet they were able to hammer out a lasting peace plan and surrender. Fun to see, not sure what I missed. Thanks for the sign NC, it was helpful.
I then headed off towards The Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum, closed so I went towards Burlington to find another suggested site. As I drove I found a historic marker for Historic Hillsborough off the highway, so I detoured and found this historic home that had a huge property and had a walking trail called Poets trail. (They actually supply you little pads of paper and a pencil at a kiosk along the trail and ask you to write a poem and put it in their little box). At first I was just walking around the property checking out the house. I had a snack on some Adirondack chairs overlooking a really nice view. You could visualize this place 150 years ago. It was beautiful. This is when my mind left my body and I headed toward the walking trail with my pad of paper in hand, ready to be inspired. Sometimes I wonder if I make these decisions out of boredom or a sense of adventure....I was having a hard time sitting in one place on such a beautiful day. So on the trail and down the hill I went.
I've been very happy to have topography again. Illinois lacks this by a healthy margin. I was reminded of New England, my past experience hiking the Long Trail and the Adirondack trail. This was much less substantial than either of those, but as I neared the bottom of the hill, I reminded myself that I would have to get back up there without over exerting myself given my experience with BP yesterday. Thankfully, I had fluid with me, and I was feeling pretty good.
After walking for nearly an hour, I came across a woman who I was able to ask how long the trail was, and she told me two miles, and I was about a quarter mile to the end....but the end was all up hill. So much for taking it easy today. I was able to cut across a large field back to the house, so that I could avoid sure doom on the conclusion of the trail. The thought did cross my mind that it would truly suck if I had another episode as I did yesterday, so that was why I cut it short and put myself in view of other people. I did make it back to the house and my car with just enough time to race back to Duke to have lunch. Then, I applied the advice from doc and kicked back and watched what football I could find on TV.
Here are some other random photos so you can gain an idea of where I am...they're not that exciting and do illustrate the combination nursing home/gym decor and facilities...
Old...really old.
when I see these fences, I expect Union and Confederate soldiers to be there too.
I've been very happy to have topography again. Illinois lacks this by a healthy margin. I was reminded of New England, my past experience hiking the Long Trail and the Adirondack trail. This was much less substantial than either of those, but as I neared the bottom of the hill, I reminded myself that I would have to get back up there without over exerting myself given my experience with BP yesterday. Thankfully, I had fluid with me, and I was feeling pretty good.
Here are some other random photos so you can gain an idea of where I am...they're not that exciting and do illustrate the combination nursing home/gym decor and facilities...
The back half of the lobby area, Pool Table, Ping Pong, TV, Piano
This is called the learning center, they give cooking demos here as well as other classes and meetings
Each room has recessed screens and projectors, ...it's been power point hell actually
Dining room, Luxury at it's finest. It's fine, just very institutional, they could have done so much more with the deco.
I find this interesting. Flavored water/Still/and carbonated all 0 calorie and really good.
I'm sore. Hello Ibuprofen my friend....good night!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Day 6, a Saturday
It feels a little weird to drive 15 minutes to get to each meal. It's the program, and I get it, but it still strikes me weird while I'm doing it. The one saving grace is that my drive is quite possibly one of the prettiest wooded drives in Autumn that I can recall. Fall is in it's glory here, and it is hanging around quite a long time seemingly. I almost rank it very close to equal to my 10 minute vacation I take as I drive up Lake Shore Drive in Chicago....if you need me to gauge it for you. This is a stunning place. Duke is very picturesque, and Durham just delivers pure, natural elements throughout. I will be checking out the campus and gardens tomorrow at Duke U. While I don't want to workout tomorrow after everything I went through today, I want to be out and about and active rather than sitting around watching tube. I can only wander so far, as I am tethered to the meals here.
Today started out great. I woke up feeling really energetic. After two workouts yesterday, my confidence was super high and I wanted to fulfill my requirements for Saturday workouts early in the day if I could, so I could do something fun this afternoon. Well, it seems my body had other things to say about my plans. I joined a class called Cardio Circuit. It was, as you may imagine, comprised of several stations, 9 in this case. I was really surprised how long I held out in this as I really wasn't sure of what I was getting myself into. Each station had either a strength or aerobic component to it, and we did each in single, double, and quad sets at 20-45 second intervals. I'm completely stymied by what pain can be incurred in such short amounts of time. At the end, I was drenched in sweat, huffing and puffing and I was so relieved to begin the cool down and stretching parts. I soon caught my breath, stretched for a while, and class was dismissed. I stood up to help put equipment away, and the world did a flip. I sat down immediately and just rested a while. Soon enough, I felt better enough to put my stuff away, walk to a friend on a machine, chatted a minute, and then I wandered towards the locker room. Half way there, the world closed in around me, totally dizzy. I sat down on the nearest machine to rest and I told a friend using the machine next to where I landed that things weren't right.
She got the attention of the staff (Brian) and he took my BP right there and discovered that it was 80/50,,,,pretty low. So he fetched me some chicken bullion that actually had salt in it to try and counter. Over the course of a half an hour, I came in and out of this hazy, dizzy sensation. The last consult came with a doc who is on staff and she got me up and walking, got some fluids into me and we decided that I probably should have pre-hydrated before my workout. Coming off of taking my BP meds, eating my low salt, low fat diet, and having a cup of coffee with breakfast, probably was the perfect storm for my situation. Weirdly, this seems all too common and the staff reacts with virtual certainty, even if they don't tell you while they are helping. I get the feeling that they deal with this all of the time. Thank you Brian for not letting me die.
So, my plans changed for the afternoon. I laid low, rested, and per doc's rec, I'll begin taking a half dose of my BP meds. This may be the first step towards getting rid of those which will be very cool. Although, I didn't think it would be as scary to get to that point! I was back at dinner feeling very normal and I had the best dinner of laughter with a group of ladies. Big surprise, right, Blair and a bunch of women. Well two of these retired ladies are from Georgia. Picture Paula Dean times two. They are the type that make the word 'floor' a three syllable word. Hilarious ladies and sweet as can be, but they are my meal time buddies, and I was crying with laughter at dinner thanks to their antics and stories. I wish I could do it justice to explain....just start by trying to say the word floor in three syllables...that on its own is entertaining.
Tonight I found the movie theatre and played my usual movie roulette game where I see the next movie starting. Saw Contagion, then went into The Ides of March. Not bad...I have critiques....
I'll try and post some photo's tomorrow if I can to show you things as its kind of an off day.
Today started out great. I woke up feeling really energetic. After two workouts yesterday, my confidence was super high and I wanted to fulfill my requirements for Saturday workouts early in the day if I could, so I could do something fun this afternoon. Well, it seems my body had other things to say about my plans. I joined a class called Cardio Circuit. It was, as you may imagine, comprised of several stations, 9 in this case. I was really surprised how long I held out in this as I really wasn't sure of what I was getting myself into. Each station had either a strength or aerobic component to it, and we did each in single, double, and quad sets at 20-45 second intervals. I'm completely stymied by what pain can be incurred in such short amounts of time. At the end, I was drenched in sweat, huffing and puffing and I was so relieved to begin the cool down and stretching parts. I soon caught my breath, stretched for a while, and class was dismissed. I stood up to help put equipment away, and the world did a flip. I sat down immediately and just rested a while. Soon enough, I felt better enough to put my stuff away, walk to a friend on a machine, chatted a minute, and then I wandered towards the locker room. Half way there, the world closed in around me, totally dizzy. I sat down on the nearest machine to rest and I told a friend using the machine next to where I landed that things weren't right.
She got the attention of the staff (Brian) and he took my BP right there and discovered that it was 80/50,,,,pretty low. So he fetched me some chicken bullion that actually had salt in it to try and counter. Over the course of a half an hour, I came in and out of this hazy, dizzy sensation. The last consult came with a doc who is on staff and she got me up and walking, got some fluids into me and we decided that I probably should have pre-hydrated before my workout. Coming off of taking my BP meds, eating my low salt, low fat diet, and having a cup of coffee with breakfast, probably was the perfect storm for my situation. Weirdly, this seems all too common and the staff reacts with virtual certainty, even if they don't tell you while they are helping. I get the feeling that they deal with this all of the time. Thank you Brian for not letting me die.
So, my plans changed for the afternoon. I laid low, rested, and per doc's rec, I'll begin taking a half dose of my BP meds. This may be the first step towards getting rid of those which will be very cool. Although, I didn't think it would be as scary to get to that point! I was back at dinner feeling very normal and I had the best dinner of laughter with a group of ladies. Big surprise, right, Blair and a bunch of women. Well two of these retired ladies are from Georgia. Picture Paula Dean times two. They are the type that make the word 'floor' a three syllable word. Hilarious ladies and sweet as can be, but they are my meal time buddies, and I was crying with laughter at dinner thanks to their antics and stories. I wish I could do it justice to explain....just start by trying to say the word floor in three syllables...that on its own is entertaining.
Tonight I found the movie theatre and played my usual movie roulette game where I see the next movie starting. Saw Contagion, then went into The Ides of March. Not bad...I have critiques....
I'll try and post some photo's tomorrow if I can to show you things as its kind of an off day.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Day 5
Well, I made it to Friday. It has been a tough week of being heavily scheduled, and although I still have workout requirements and meals back at headquarters, I am very much looking forward to some down time.
I woke this morning feeling so much better and energetic than I did yesterday with my low BP situation and I was so much happier going to the pool for more water aerobics. (stop your chuckling...). We had a different instructor today and I was amazed at how different the workout became.
This day in the water I was introduced to yet another seemingly benign and innocent looking pair of devices that were quick to reveal themselves and their purpose when used properly. At face value, it is hard to discern that these are created in the devil's workshop and shipped directly here. The first they refer to as a buoy. I made note to myself that I described myself as a buoy on Monday, so I guess I felt a certain kinship with this particular piece of engineering cruelty. Basically, it looks like a dumbell. Instead of steel weights on either side of the handle, this has foam discs stacked a couple deep. There are different versions of these, some with thinner foam pieces for less buoyancy, others such as my innocent "blue ones" that were issued to me have have ratings with the most foam. The second item of water world carnage is a device resembling two ping pong paddles attached at the handles.
I do consider myself to be intelligent and I was not blindsided by the fact that these "tools" were to provide more resistance, hence a better, stronger workout. Apparently, I do not think things all the way through sometimes and I am taking all this very openly and innocently at face value. I am learning to be suspicious of my tormentors or physiologists...whatever they wish to be called. I did say that this would be a different water experience. I wasn't lying. OMG. How to they think of all these things to make you really sore, very quickly and efficiency.... I still like to blame them, even though it is my workout. I did learn a couple of things. Rarely do the instructors seem to take notice that there are waves lapping at your air intake areas, and I swear this guy got just a small bit happier when he saw temporary drowning panic in my eyes. Next, The workout is REALLY effective. Holy crap, who thinks of this stuff? I'm thinking low impact.....wrong, holy sore. Lastly, never trust foam...ever. It will do it's best to hurt you.
I had a class offered by a psych professional entitled "I know what I should do, but I just don't". It was good to see that I'm not alone in this as I've said those exact words for many years. I like that fact that from the beginning of this journey, they are working on a plan to help you help yourself once released back into the jungle as it were. Somehow, I have to leave here and continue the journey without a vast network of professionals within arms reach in Chicago. What I do have is a great support group and network in my friends and family and in those around me at home and I feel reallylfortunate to have the encouragement and energy boosters that I do have as not everyone here has such claims.
Kind of a light day. A couple of other folks experienced what I did yesterday with their blood pressure and I felt like I've blazed a trail that I could then offer them encouragement that they just feel like crap and it will get better.
I woke this morning feeling so much better and energetic than I did yesterday with my low BP situation and I was so much happier going to the pool for more water aerobics. (stop your chuckling...). We had a different instructor today and I was amazed at how different the workout became.
This day in the water I was introduced to yet another seemingly benign and innocent looking pair of devices that were quick to reveal themselves and their purpose when used properly. At face value, it is hard to discern that these are created in the devil's workshop and shipped directly here. The first they refer to as a buoy. I made note to myself that I described myself as a buoy on Monday, so I guess I felt a certain kinship with this particular piece of engineering cruelty. Basically, it looks like a dumbell. Instead of steel weights on either side of the handle, this has foam discs stacked a couple deep. There are different versions of these, some with thinner foam pieces for less buoyancy, others such as my innocent "blue ones" that were issued to me have have ratings with the most foam. The second item of water world carnage is a device resembling two ping pong paddles attached at the handles.
I do consider myself to be intelligent and I was not blindsided by the fact that these "tools" were to provide more resistance, hence a better, stronger workout. Apparently, I do not think things all the way through sometimes and I am taking all this very openly and innocently at face value. I am learning to be suspicious of my tormentors or physiologists...whatever they wish to be called. I did say that this would be a different water experience. I wasn't lying. OMG. How to they think of all these things to make you really sore, very quickly and efficiency.... I still like to blame them, even though it is my workout. I did learn a couple of things. Rarely do the instructors seem to take notice that there are waves lapping at your air intake areas, and I swear this guy got just a small bit happier when he saw temporary drowning panic in my eyes. Next, The workout is REALLY effective. Holy crap, who thinks of this stuff? I'm thinking low impact.....wrong, holy sore. Lastly, never trust foam...ever. It will do it's best to hurt you.
I had a class offered by a psych professional entitled "I know what I should do, but I just don't". It was good to see that I'm not alone in this as I've said those exact words for many years. I like that fact that from the beginning of this journey, they are working on a plan to help you help yourself once released back into the jungle as it were. Somehow, I have to leave here and continue the journey without a vast network of professionals within arms reach in Chicago. What I do have is a great support group and network in my friends and family and in those around me at home and I feel reallylfortunate to have the encouragement and energy boosters that I do have as not everyone here has such claims.
Kind of a light day. A couple of other folks experienced what I did yesterday with their blood pressure and I felt like I've blazed a trail that I could then offer them encouragement that they just feel like crap and it will get better.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Day 4
A little bit more of a mixed bag today.
I went to bed feeling iffy, and woke the same way. Many of my distant advisers confirmed that this can be normal especially when exercise has been heavy. Doc confirmed all of your beliefs, not that I didn't put my absolute faith in you, but I didn't! Ha! After breakfast and one class on vitamins and minerals, I was feeling clammy and light headed, so I blew off water aerobics (I know you are sad about this, as was I) but I thought I should get checked out. It is really nice having medical people instantly accessible to you. Anyhow, It turns out my BP dropped hard to 108/58. It sprang back up to 136/64 which is a lot more normal. Don't let anyone tell you that diet and exercise don't affect this...holy crap!
So, I was told to take an easier day and not push myself, which was perfect as it turns out because the Low BP apparently saps your energy away and all I felt was tired. That, however, did not stop me! I met with my Physiologist for a one on one with some strength training routines that I can perform and put together a plan for me to work on when I'm not doing the cardio stuff. Basically, the cardio is everyday for an hour minimum, (it is pretty easy to do more once you sign up for classes), the Strength training will be every other day.
There are many exercises that seem very straight forward and reasonable. Others, well, quite frankly, there are some that lead your thinking to other "kinds" of exercise. Today there was pelvic thrusting, arching and something called opening the clam (which was the oblique killing event from yesterday, on your side, knees and ankles together, lifting both ankles off the floor and then opening your knees while holding your ankles up and together....pure masochism) Try it and head for the ibuprophen bottle. Needless to say, these are visuals that I'd like to wipe from my own mind's eye...yet sadly, I get to do it in front of a gi-nourmous mirror, so they are pretty much etched in my head. My capable instructor needed to be reminded that I had no pre-ordained definition to a "pelvic scoop". I rarely consider my pelvis, no less scooping with it.
Then I pushed myself against recommendations and took an aerobics class. Holy Crap!! I'm a strong man. Underneath the flab, I've always had a strong frame and large muscle mass (they tell me it is still there), and in certain situations, I can be quite powerful and strong. Now, aerobics I have learned, is a word synonymous with "OMFG, I can't believe how much pain you will be in shortly". Yet, when they say it, it sounds so lyrical and airy, that you lower your guard and agree to participate. Ok. I surrender. Ouch. Ladies, I've always made a gender faux pas in my head as I have only ever known women to participate in such classes. I now know that you are, by far, the stronger sex. Anyone who incorporates this into thier own work out on a regular basis, I am humbled by your strength and I apologize. This class, although littered with people older than I, challenged my being with voracity. I'm sore in places that I am convinced I've never felt prior. Wow. just saying. Wow.
The morning vitamin and mineral class was actually revealing. I am stunned by what they still do not know about what vitamins do and don't do. There seems to be a ton of controversy. What I walked away with is a multivitamin does not always do what you want it to do. Vitamin C, no matter how much you take, has no proven effect on the common cold and the body will only hold 250mg of it...so don't bother taking 1000mg, you'll literally piss it away... There were some things I've leaned. Vitamin D and Calcium are two that we need to take as they are not present in our normal food supply. Vitamin D, surprisingly, not delivered by the sun in November and December above the latitude of Atlanta, and you'd have to drink 6 glasses of milk a day to get the RDA amounts. Same with calcium, just not found in our food supply in enough quantity. Lastly, to you vegans, and you know who you are, you probably know this already, but B-12 is a really big deal for you. I found it interesting.
Got my labs back, and all LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, glucose among the myriad of other all came back stunningly normal, so that was a good thing.
Also, had a weird mind/body class....a little bit too "cum bey yah" (sp) for me, but I'll save that topic for a slow day. Feelings, emotions.... icky stuff... blah.
I went to bed feeling iffy, and woke the same way. Many of my distant advisers confirmed that this can be normal especially when exercise has been heavy. Doc confirmed all of your beliefs, not that I didn't put my absolute faith in you, but I didn't! Ha! After breakfast and one class on vitamins and minerals, I was feeling clammy and light headed, so I blew off water aerobics (I know you are sad about this, as was I) but I thought I should get checked out. It is really nice having medical people instantly accessible to you. Anyhow, It turns out my BP dropped hard to 108/58. It sprang back up to 136/64 which is a lot more normal. Don't let anyone tell you that diet and exercise don't affect this...holy crap!
So, I was told to take an easier day and not push myself, which was perfect as it turns out because the Low BP apparently saps your energy away and all I felt was tired. That, however, did not stop me! I met with my Physiologist for a one on one with some strength training routines that I can perform and put together a plan for me to work on when I'm not doing the cardio stuff. Basically, the cardio is everyday for an hour minimum, (it is pretty easy to do more once you sign up for classes), the Strength training will be every other day.
There are many exercises that seem very straight forward and reasonable. Others, well, quite frankly, there are some that lead your thinking to other "kinds" of exercise. Today there was pelvic thrusting, arching and something called opening the clam (which was the oblique killing event from yesterday, on your side, knees and ankles together, lifting both ankles off the floor and then opening your knees while holding your ankles up and together....pure masochism) Try it and head for the ibuprophen bottle. Needless to say, these are visuals that I'd like to wipe from my own mind's eye...yet sadly, I get to do it in front of a gi-nourmous mirror, so they are pretty much etched in my head. My capable instructor needed to be reminded that I had no pre-ordained definition to a "pelvic scoop". I rarely consider my pelvis, no less scooping with it.
Then I pushed myself against recommendations and took an aerobics class. Holy Crap!! I'm a strong man. Underneath the flab, I've always had a strong frame and large muscle mass (they tell me it is still there), and in certain situations, I can be quite powerful and strong. Now, aerobics I have learned, is a word synonymous with "OMFG, I can't believe how much pain you will be in shortly". Yet, when they say it, it sounds so lyrical and airy, that you lower your guard and agree to participate. Ok. I surrender. Ouch. Ladies, I've always made a gender faux pas in my head as I have only ever known women to participate in such classes. I now know that you are, by far, the stronger sex. Anyone who incorporates this into thier own work out on a regular basis, I am humbled by your strength and I apologize. This class, although littered with people older than I, challenged my being with voracity. I'm sore in places that I am convinced I've never felt prior. Wow. just saying. Wow.
The morning vitamin and mineral class was actually revealing. I am stunned by what they still do not know about what vitamins do and don't do. There seems to be a ton of controversy. What I walked away with is a multivitamin does not always do what you want it to do. Vitamin C, no matter how much you take, has no proven effect on the common cold and the body will only hold 250mg of it...so don't bother taking 1000mg, you'll literally piss it away... There were some things I've leaned. Vitamin D and Calcium are two that we need to take as they are not present in our normal food supply. Vitamin D, surprisingly, not delivered by the sun in November and December above the latitude of Atlanta, and you'd have to drink 6 glasses of milk a day to get the RDA amounts. Same with calcium, just not found in our food supply in enough quantity. Lastly, to you vegans, and you know who you are, you probably know this already, but B-12 is a really big deal for you. I found it interesting.
Got my labs back, and all LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, glucose among the myriad of other all came back stunningly normal, so that was a good thing.
Also, had a weird mind/body class....a little bit too "cum bey yah" (sp) for me, but I'll save that topic for a slow day. Feelings, emotions.... icky stuff... blah.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Day Three
There were still a lot of "firsts" for me today.
Call me Bob.
I found something weirdly fun today as a large man, a feature that will surely disappear over time, but for now, I found funny enough to paste a smile on my face for most of my session. I signed up for water aerobics. The pool here is great, good temps for air and water, no kids, surrounded by glass, it is quite enjoyable. It is a salt water pool, so no chlorine. (I'm told that this is leading edge tech for pools...what do I know) I'm not sure the science of it, but supposedly it is better for anyone with respiratory issues ect. You're still chuckling about water aerobics aren't you. In hind sight, I have to say, I got a really good workout from it, I was huffing and puffing after an hour, let me tell you! There is an evil woman (I'm sure she's quite nice actually) who put the screws to us...very nicely, but I know deep down she has evil in her.
Anyhow, the fun. I have always loved water, loved to be in it, on it, ect. Well, the downfall of being a large man is that perceived body image allows you to make choices that steer you away from public displays of big-ness, not that this is good or bad...but how many of you have seen me in a bathing suit at the beach in recent decades? Not many. Needless to say I have not been in water deeper than what my bath tub will allow in many years. When I entered the pool today, I discovered that at my present size and weight, and in the salt water pool, that I was perfectly neutrally buoyant. Seriously, go ahead, toss me overboard and see if I sink....I won't! I'm not sure why I found this so funny other than I'm in the knowledge that I'm here to reverse my position and the root cause of my fodder for today, but I could not stop laughing. I could be in the deep end, not treading, not touching the bottom, arms raised above my head, and I would just ......float....... like a buoy in the bay, like a log on a river, a respite for sea birds. I tried to defy it, I couldn't make it happen. I went back to my novice scuba training I had in high school telling myself I may need to put on a bigger weight belt if I'm going down! I will say, that the dynamics of swimming change greatly when you mimic a giant floatie, just saying. It was a humorous and adaptive morning.
I then had a couple of classes concerning portion control vs. serving size, which really was the most real world discussion I've had so far. Basically, I'm going to boil this down to easy chunks for myself. I eat out a lot. Think of the last meal you had at a restaurant. Now, when it gets served to you, divide each item into thirds, and discard two of those thirds (in a take home box) The remaining is still probably larger than what a serving size is, but at least you are closer. Lots of other useful data in this course that involved a lot of grams and milligrams and calories and stuff, but you get the gist of what I'm saying. We do the same thing at home btw, but I'm holding back.
Met one on one with my nutritionist/dietitian to discuss my past habits, idiosyncrasies (sp?). Really an encouraging meeting of which I also learned a ton! Smart people work here....and I always thought I was smart! A smart ass maybe....
I took a core strengthening course today before my regular workout (60 minutes of Cardio every day at least). This course had a little Thai Chi, a little balance work, some fitness stuff and really good transitions linking it all. It was fun, involved a mat....never used a mat before... but I have apparently made the oblique gods angry. They are very unhappy with me....I just went ahead and told them that the vacation was over and to step it up. Apparently, I have more than one ab, they've just been shy.
My last class was with a doc who discussed meds and bariatric surgical solutions. The meds are scary, if you need details, go find the Alli web site and read the side effects. I'd rather not discuss here... And surgery still seems radical, but is so very common and shows wonderful results. For now, I'll see what I can do with diet and exercise with lifestyle change and go from there...
Feeling a little nauseous tonight. I may have over worked myself today. Dinner helped, but still lingers, it may be an early night to combat the tummy. Overall a really good day, but exhausting. I'm wiped out!
Call me Bob.
I found something weirdly fun today as a large man, a feature that will surely disappear over time, but for now, I found funny enough to paste a smile on my face for most of my session. I signed up for water aerobics. The pool here is great, good temps for air and water, no kids, surrounded by glass, it is quite enjoyable. It is a salt water pool, so no chlorine. (I'm told that this is leading edge tech for pools...what do I know) I'm not sure the science of it, but supposedly it is better for anyone with respiratory issues ect. You're still chuckling about water aerobics aren't you. In hind sight, I have to say, I got a really good workout from it, I was huffing and puffing after an hour, let me tell you! There is an evil woman (I'm sure she's quite nice actually) who put the screws to us...very nicely, but I know deep down she has evil in her.
Anyhow, the fun. I have always loved water, loved to be in it, on it, ect. Well, the downfall of being a large man is that perceived body image allows you to make choices that steer you away from public displays of big-ness, not that this is good or bad...but how many of you have seen me in a bathing suit at the beach in recent decades? Not many. Needless to say I have not been in water deeper than what my bath tub will allow in many years. When I entered the pool today, I discovered that at my present size and weight, and in the salt water pool, that I was perfectly neutrally buoyant. Seriously, go ahead, toss me overboard and see if I sink....I won't! I'm not sure why I found this so funny other than I'm in the knowledge that I'm here to reverse my position and the root cause of my fodder for today, but I could not stop laughing. I could be in the deep end, not treading, not touching the bottom, arms raised above my head, and I would just ......float....... like a buoy in the bay, like a log on a river, a respite for sea birds. I tried to defy it, I couldn't make it happen. I went back to my novice scuba training I had in high school telling myself I may need to put on a bigger weight belt if I'm going down! I will say, that the dynamics of swimming change greatly when you mimic a giant floatie, just saying. It was a humorous and adaptive morning.
I then had a couple of classes concerning portion control vs. serving size, which really was the most real world discussion I've had so far. Basically, I'm going to boil this down to easy chunks for myself. I eat out a lot. Think of the last meal you had at a restaurant. Now, when it gets served to you, divide each item into thirds, and discard two of those thirds (in a take home box) The remaining is still probably larger than what a serving size is, but at least you are closer. Lots of other useful data in this course that involved a lot of grams and milligrams and calories and stuff, but you get the gist of what I'm saying. We do the same thing at home btw, but I'm holding back.
Met one on one with my nutritionist/dietitian to discuss my past habits, idiosyncrasies (sp?). Really an encouraging meeting of which I also learned a ton! Smart people work here....and I always thought I was smart! A smart ass maybe....
I took a core strengthening course today before my regular workout (60 minutes of Cardio every day at least). This course had a little Thai Chi, a little balance work, some fitness stuff and really good transitions linking it all. It was fun, involved a mat....never used a mat before... but I have apparently made the oblique gods angry. They are very unhappy with me....I just went ahead and told them that the vacation was over and to step it up. Apparently, I have more than one ab, they've just been shy.
My last class was with a doc who discussed meds and bariatric surgical solutions. The meds are scary, if you need details, go find the Alli web site and read the side effects. I'd rather not discuss here... And surgery still seems radical, but is so very common and shows wonderful results. For now, I'll see what I can do with diet and exercise with lifestyle change and go from there...
Feeling a little nauseous tonight. I may have over worked myself today. Dinner helped, but still lingers, it may be an early night to combat the tummy. Overall a really good day, but exhausting. I'm wiped out!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Day Two
Well today was a full day, best characterized by the word 'ouch'.
First Ouch, 7:30 am: medical appointment to draw blood, second ouch, before breakfast, almost as bad as 8am college classes! Why is this normal? I force myself to be a morning person with little success. I don't want to conform.
There are about 75 people in the program at the moment from what I can tell, and this apparently swells and ebbs on the time of year. Each has their own individualized program that they are working on here. Some are here for 1 week return visits, some are here for two weeks, and others are here for the month such as myself. Although I am here for weight loss, as are most folks, there are many that are here utilizing the facility for other medical issues, ie: recovery from surgery. It is fairly amazing that there is as much personal one on one time given all the individualized programs, but they make it work.
I started early today with a lecture by the head doc who was trying to imply the differences in Fitness vs. just weight loss. Apparently, I will be in a much better position, yes, by losing weight, but it is much more important to be fit to do life's activities. This was a concept that I had not considered. Yes, I need to get out of the obese category for sure, but there is little medical benefit from someone who is a skinny, lean person who is not fit, and an overweight individual who is physically fit to do the tasks they need to do. He had science to back it up. I thought I was coming here to crank off the weight, and I will, but it is their focus to work on fitness for mind and body that is more important. I think I can now properly classify myself as 'de-conditioned'. It seems to soften the blow, but it was my third 'ouch' before 10am.
Had to pay the bill. Ouch.
Then I met with my Physiologist...aka, Fitness trainer. He and I discussed my history, and we put together a plan for me during my stay as well as working on ways to incorporate them into life after Duke. The ouch came later when I spent my first day in the gym. If all goes according to plan. I should be sufficiently sore tomorrow morning. I was on the treadmill for an hour, and then worked on this machine that is kind of a recubant step machine that works the arms and has the potential to remove your spleen if activated incorrectly. Ouch. Medicine balls. Why?
Also met with the mind/body social worker to make sure that I'm not binge eating, depressed, or crazy. Apparently, I passed that test too. She has good things to say and had some great commentary on finding support when I'm back home.
I ended the day having a class with the dietician, which is definately my least favorite aspect of this program. It's informative, and yes, I now know what a 1/4 cup of flaxseed will do for me. I'm hoping that this will translate into real world applications for me, so applying myself into it regardless.
I'm going to go enjoy my snack. Two 4" long pieces of celery with peanut butter....the container for the peanut butter is smaller than a coffee creamer. I didn't know they even packaged peanut butter in smaller containers than 'tub' or 'vat'. Learning all the time..... Cheers. Ouch.
First Ouch, 7:30 am: medical appointment to draw blood, second ouch, before breakfast, almost as bad as 8am college classes! Why is this normal? I force myself to be a morning person with little success. I don't want to conform.
There are about 75 people in the program at the moment from what I can tell, and this apparently swells and ebbs on the time of year. Each has their own individualized program that they are working on here. Some are here for 1 week return visits, some are here for two weeks, and others are here for the month such as myself. Although I am here for weight loss, as are most folks, there are many that are here utilizing the facility for other medical issues, ie: recovery from surgery. It is fairly amazing that there is as much personal one on one time given all the individualized programs, but they make it work.
I started early today with a lecture by the head doc who was trying to imply the differences in Fitness vs. just weight loss. Apparently, I will be in a much better position, yes, by losing weight, but it is much more important to be fit to do life's activities. This was a concept that I had not considered. Yes, I need to get out of the obese category for sure, but there is little medical benefit from someone who is a skinny, lean person who is not fit, and an overweight individual who is physically fit to do the tasks they need to do. He had science to back it up. I thought I was coming here to crank off the weight, and I will, but it is their focus to work on fitness for mind and body that is more important. I think I can now properly classify myself as 'de-conditioned'. It seems to soften the blow, but it was my third 'ouch' before 10am.
Had to pay the bill. Ouch.
Then I met with my Physiologist...aka, Fitness trainer. He and I discussed my history, and we put together a plan for me during my stay as well as working on ways to incorporate them into life after Duke. The ouch came later when I spent my first day in the gym. If all goes according to plan. I should be sufficiently sore tomorrow morning. I was on the treadmill for an hour, and then worked on this machine that is kind of a recubant step machine that works the arms and has the potential to remove your spleen if activated incorrectly. Ouch. Medicine balls. Why?
Also met with the mind/body social worker to make sure that I'm not binge eating, depressed, or crazy. Apparently, I passed that test too. She has good things to say and had some great commentary on finding support when I'm back home.
I ended the day having a class with the dietician, which is definately my least favorite aspect of this program. It's informative, and yes, I now know what a 1/4 cup of flaxseed will do for me. I'm hoping that this will translate into real world applications for me, so applying myself into it regardless.
I'm going to go enjoy my snack. Two 4" long pieces of celery with peanut butter....the container for the peanut butter is smaller than a coffee creamer. I didn't know they even packaged peanut butter in smaller containers than 'tub' or 'vat'. Learning all the time..... Cheers. Ouch.
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