New Work

First day of rehab:

Got lost *aaarrrgh*

But, I got myself found and was able to complete all that was required today. It was basically an orientation to the facility and staff, and the establishment of some baselines. Blood pressure, weight, waist measurement, and oxygen level were taken. I was given a quick quiz to learn what I didn't know about the pulmonary system and filled out a few more forms.

That was followed by a 'six-minute walk' while attached to a physical therapist who ran the stopwatch and monitored my vitals. I forgot to wear my pedometer this morning *thwaps self* and she wouldn't tell me how far I walked. But I know I did alright because I could tell that the therapist was moving much faster than she's accustomed with rehab patients. *grins*

The space looks like many health clubs except that all the people using the equipment are older and more infirm than I. I got some funny looks as I breezed by them on the six-minute walk; one man commented that it seemed like I was 'flying by.' *shrugs* There are treadmills, pedal and push bikes, arm ergometer, steps and therabands (rubber bands of varying resistance); the standard program is eight weeks. The staff was warm and welcoming.

I get the feeling that doing rehab prior to surgery is a new idea. We all think it makes perfect sense, yet everyone at the hospital seems surprised that I'm there and for only three weeks...Mon/Wed/Fri for two hours every morning.

In the meantime, we meet with the primary surgeon tomorrow morning to discuss taking a biopsy of my lymph nodes. Tomorrow afternoon I'll be assessed by the anesthesiology department (for both the biopsy and surgery, should they be done separately) and will have another respiratory stress test following that. Just learned of the stress test this morning, so we'll know more about that tomorrow evening.

Then Friday it's back to Resp. Rehab. I'm needing to schedule and calendar -- much like having another full time job...

Did manage to spend a couple hours with Mom on her porch while we pruned the juniper so that she'd be able to see her waterfall and pond. I expect I'll be able to find a couple hours of yardening to do every day, especially now that it's a part of both my rehab and relaxation program *grins bigly*

Today we saw pulmonaria, Virginia bluebells and tulips in bloom. May you blossom as well.