How smart am I?
I'm so smart that the week before my knee surgery I double-paid all of my bills. Now, a month later, my mind is scattered and I can't seem to focus on anything. I finally got around to paying my bills (several days late) and look! they've already been paid.
That's how smart I am.
Computer Resources is still in debt, and I'd normally welcome the business leads that have been coming my way, but currently each one seems like a burden that I cannot possibly lift. Ah well: I'll persevere, will I not? And I'll be a stronger man for it.
My recovery continues apace, with two exceptions:
- Exercise
- Sleep
I'm doing my exercises as prescribed by the physical therapist, but they're beginning to take their toll. I spend one hour three times per day doing the following (two sets of fifteen on each exercise, except as noted):
- Leg lifts from my back.
- Leg lifts from my left side — these hurt.
- Leg lifts from my stomach — these don't seem to do anything.
- Leg lifts from my right side.
- Towel pulls — I extend my leg, wrap a towel around my heel, and then pull the knee into a flexed position until there's plenty of tightness (but no pain).
- Quad sets — I flex my right quad and hold for five seconds, that's it (but it's more difficult than it sounds).
- Knee massage: I spend several minutes massaging the four scars and then moving the knee cap from side-to-side. This is painful when I do it, but feels great when the therapist does it.
- Squats, which are tiring.
- Toe-raises: from a standing position, I lift myself onto my toes. These hurt my calves.
- Closed-eye balance (ten total): I close my eyes and balance on my right leg, with the knee slightly bent, for as long as I am able. This is very difficult.
- Weight shifts, two types. I practice taking a normal stride, shifting my weight from my good leg to my bad leg.
I visit the physical therapist three times a week, at which I complete the series of exercises listed above, but under supervision of a therapist. I also get to do several exercises I'm not allowed to do at home: ride the stationary bicycle (slowly, ten minutes at a time), do the "shuttle" (basically horizontal squats), perform knee curls while lying on my stomach.
I'm weary of the exercises, but recognize they're the primary factor in my increased strength. I need to keep doing them, regardless of the tedium.
I can't wait for the time I'm allowed to get on my own bicycle and pedal, even if it's just around the neighborhood.
Sleep
My sleep patterns are more problematic. I have little pain in my knee (and what pain I have is due to sitting in a cramped position for several hours, from walking on it too much, etc.), so that's not the reason for my inability to sleep. It has been hot, yes, but not that hot. I still should be able to sleep.
I think the main problem is that my leg is in its brace, locked at full extension, when I try to sleep at night.
Whatever the case: I'm not getting enough sleep. And what sleep I get isn't deep and restful. I wake at 5:30 — to spend an hour doing exercises before work — and I'm a shambles.. When I get home from work I try to nap on the couch (and usually this is moderately restful, actually), but I'm only able to get an hour of sleep before Kris comes home.
I had hoped that last night would break the pattern. We had dessert with Jeremy and Jennifer, during which I had a couple glasses of wine. Then I sat in their hot tub for half an hour, exchanging pleasant chit-chat. When we left, I felt ready for a long night's sleep. Only it was 11:00 by the time I got in bed, and 1:00 before I was able to fall asleep. And I woke at 2:00 and at 4:30 and then again right at 5:30.
Argh!
I'm going to explore over-the-counter sleep aids. Any of you have advice for an insomniac?
On this day at foldedspace.org
2004 — This Old House I've considered building a weblog about our house. I know that if I didn't I'll end up devoting copious space in this weblog to stories about the care and maintenance of our new house.
2001 — Shared Links Some links of interest.
A little Proust, perhaps?
Ha! I slay!