RE
I tried to go to the Mall Sunday, but could only tolerate it for a few minutes and had to leave. I had the same experience at Wal Mart today. Even before surgery I felt this way about the mall and more so about Wal-Mart specifically. Today I could not tolerate the shopping scene but this is normal post Christmas as I have had enough of it…I think
many people who have not even had AN surgery feel this way -
right about now.
This is the time of year when schedules really get messed with and people who need routine can really feel thrown off. I know I have consumed more than the allowable amounts of sweets and various fats that accompany the festive holiday making… as I have every year in the past around this time.
RE
I vowed that I was going to get back to exercising as soon as my joint pain got under control, but now my balance is the biggest problem again. It is important, not just for your physical health but also
mental and spiritual, to exercise. Often dormancy can magnify depression. See if you can get hold of a stationary bike to start off with. Today I dropped off a load of “stuff� at the Goodwill and could not help but notice the abundance of exercise equipment on the floor they were selling for cheap ($ 15 – $100 as this is the time of year when people make New Years resolutions and buy the
latest and greatest exercise “stuff� – and are purging their older and often hardly used equipment.) I found that when I was still having balancing issues and could not hike for exercise that the stationary bike was very good for me. My surgeon actually suggested and encouraged me to get on a stationary bike. Being that it does not move I did not have to balance it- giving my brain a break while I exercised. (I got mine for approx $15 at a church garage sale- basic but did the trick). The non weight bearing exercise of the stationary bike is also good for the days I have sore joints.
It is also the time where we, in North America, \have the least amount of daylight (I am assuming you are writing to us from the USA). I grew up in Canada spending hours in the snow with the bright sunlight reflecting back into my ski goggles. It took me awhile to figure why the winters, here in the PNW, are so depressing.
Here is a basic link on SAD
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorderMany of my friends and neighbors who were also transplants here recommended this light to me also.
http://www.northernlighttechnologies.com/index.php?country=us(I am sure there other brands- this is just what my husband bought for me)
I have an in-law who had a stroke leaving him blind in one eye. He suffered from depression that year. His neurologist recommended he uses the light since his ability to absorb light into the brain was reduced in half. Both he and I find our lights to be effective. I only use mine in winter and have my stationary bike set up in front of it. I use it when it is too wet and miserable to go outside for my daily walks (i.e. exercise.) I think there are also precautions for patients with Lupus and sunlight so you might want to read up on that further before trying the SAD light.
I know for myself that the days I do not exercise – I am not a happy camper.
Here are a couple of articles to read this New Year's eve
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=000B0A8E-839C-1C61-B882809EC588ED9Fhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/MH00043I have read your posts- 2007 was a
tough year for you (as me). Try to sweep 2007 out-the-door and welcome in this New incoming Year.
Keep moving forward and know you are not alone here on this AN journey. Try to examine the positive and how far you have come since the weeks just after your surgery.
Hang in there Catflower. You have buddies here on the forum.
Happy New Year 2008!
Cheers and a HUG
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