This weekly ( I hope) blog is going to reveal a lot of personal information about me. I am not proud of much of it, and am embarrassed that I have let myself go to this point. Perhaps it is part of aging, but most of it is on me, and a desire for quiet comfort over strenuous activity. I ask that if you read this, please keep it to yourself, or between you and I only if you want to discuss it. I know there are some who will see some of what I post here and perhaps be disgusted or humored. I ask that you walk in my shoes and reflect on that. If you want to point and laugh because you find humor in others' struggle, just go fuck off and die. I do not want you in my life if I can avoid it. There you go.
So...a lot has happened since '15. I had a busy 2016 that kept me away from home (read: eating road food and sleeping like shit) about 210 days last year. To some, that's light. But to me, that is my Danger Zone. Winter was not much slower, but work changed in a big way this spring. Fewer dates, but bigger events with more stress. The heart is feeling it. But I've been away from work for three weeks now, and it's time to go back in about 48 hours. I can't say I am eager.
Weight gain has been an issue for me since about 2004. I have gained an average of about 3 lbs/year since then according to my record. I have lost 30 before, and I have gained back all of it plus some. I have used the lame excuse of being too busy or on the road too much to justify not exercising. As a result of the weight gain, I have noticed pain in my legs has increased gradually to the point where I feel discomfort after walking my dogs, or mowing my lawn, or working in the garden, or taking a hike with Flo. It is diminishing my quality of life and slowly killing me. Time to Make Regie Great Again.
My left knee really began flaring up again in January, significantly impairing my ability to walk more than a couple of miles without pain, with increasing intensity descending hills, steps, trails, ramps, or any other uneven surface. The day after Flo and I walked 8 miles in Paris this spring nearly kept me in a chair for two days. I don't like to take meds like Advil, but it is the only real option to keep moving unless I get the knee fixed. I put off a doctor's visit for far too long, and finally saw one last week that told me I need to get the knife. There's a "mouse" in there ( a bone chip as a result of a childhood growth disease) causing me to favor the limb and walk with a slight limp, which affects all the supporting muscles. That explains the lower back aches, and hamstring tightness. It has to come out or at least be minimized to reduce the pain. The main side effect of all of this is increased inactivity and a weight gain of about 25 lbs since January 2016. My BP is up, my stamina is lower than normal, and I generally feel like shit. It negatively affects my disposition, which was brought to light about three weeks ago by a good friend looking out for me. I thought self-denial was working, but they were spot on. Hell no, I ain't happy. This hurts. Something needs to change.
As prep for the knife, my doc advised that any exercise I can begin will benefit me during recovery. I have been working my VMO muscles and glutes pretty much daily since Aug 5 and have not experienced backache or hammy tightness. The stretches before exercise have helped a lot. I have been giving my road bike an inspection to prepare it for action as part of my therapy. The biggest obstacle I face in cycling around my area is that any direction I go means an uphill return. I guess I should embrace it. It's going to take some time to get my overall stamina up to the point of riding on anything more than the slope of my street, but I am committing myself to hammering on until the snow flies to rehab my knee and try to become healthier.
Finally, the doc told me that some of his patients that are having weight-related joint problems and rehabbing to lose weight feel it helps to appeal for the support of friends and family. If you've read this far, I know you're in my corner. Thanks. He also mentioned that accountability and transparency can help too. Outlining goals and current status are an important part of that. I am looking for partners in the journey.
So in the spirit of transparency, the current stats... GULP...Be kind.
Date: 8/22/2017
Waist: 44 I look like a freaking pear.
Weight: 283 I have lost 5 since Aug 5, but I still feel like Fat Bastard
BP: 130/82 at doc appointment on 8/4
Oxygen during sleep: Lower than normal (apnea related, I use CPAP)
Next physical: October 2017
Here are the 10 goals I hope to achieve by Dec 31, 130 days (19 weeks) from now, just before a follow up with my GP.
- 35 lbs lost (1.8lbs/week)
- Waist : ≤ 40 ( I want to need new jeans)
- Change diet to cut carbs and dairy significantly, especially on the road.
- Walking pain free for 60 min, 5 times a week.
- Sleeping 7-8 hrs/night consistently instead of 5-6.
- Cycling 60 minutes 3-5 times a week.
- Begin strength training with trainer at the gym.
- Weight recorded weekly (Wednesdays)
- Back on track with any meds I have stopped taking for cholesterol or other issues.
- Learn to play some other Zeppelin songs on bass.
Thanks for the support, and see you next week after surgery.
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