I went back to the gym this morning. First time in almost two months.
For those just coming upon this site, I suffered an attack of appendicitis on August 10th. Three weeks later, there were complications resulting in another hospital stay and further weeks of recovery.
The surgical wound is now, for all intents and purposes, healed. So sayeth my primary physician.
But the doctors at the hospital said no lifting anything over 10 lbs for six weeks. Donna decided that the second visit for the complications reset that clock, though most of the physicians involved disagreed. Well, I have to live with Donna, so…
But this morning we walked the dog—one mile (we have a pedometer now)—and went to the gym. Donna watched me like a hawk.
Yes, I lifted more than 10 lbs, but not by much. Compared to what I was doing in July, today’s workout was pathetic. But I got through a truncated routine without injury. We aren’t going for records here, folks, just reestablishing a routine and carefully, oh so carefully, working my way back to something like good shape.
It hasn’t hurt that I dropped 21 lbs since surgery. My stomach has shrunk as well, so I’m eating less, and I intend to keep it that way.
It’s hard. I’m feeling better, so naturally I feel like I can do more. And my appetite has definitely returned. Keeping myself inside new limits is difficult. The urge to do more, do as much as I think I can, is very strong, and I know I should not. I should listen to Donna, who has been very good about taking care of me. And I am. I held back. I restrained myself.
This is not natural for me.
I’ve been told that it takes the better part of a year to fully recover from major surgery. There are times I believe it. But I also believe that you have to push yourself a little. Becoming comfortable with limits that should only be temporary is a sure way to lose ground, to settle for less.
Not gonna do that.
But, hey, I went back to the gym today and nothing hurts!
It’s a start.
