#my weekly therapy was cancelled 3 weeks ago

[spicyizuku]

—𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 | 𝙠.𝙨.

genre: fluff

pairing: sugawara kōshi x gn!reader

warnings: none

summary: your fiancé is one of the many that have to teach during a pandemic. It's caused him to overwork, so you try to get him to relax.

word count: 1.4k

The pandemic has been hard on him.

Every night he crawls into bed later and later, exhaustion visible in the tension of his body. It worries you, but Kōshis efforts with online learning will not be stopped by your concern.

Trying to teach elementary students through a screen is probably the hardest thing Sugawara has done in his adult life. Every week he tries methods to increase retention and every week he fails. Kids can't sit still for hours and it's unfair for a school to think they can- it frustrates him to no end. A few times a week you have to listen to your fiancé rant about how unsustainable this method of teaching is- he always gets red in the face when he thinks about his students that don't have access to functional internet. You help him as best as you can- figuring out ways to get his kids access to education, going on countless runs to drop off school supplies at every home- but you have a job too, so you can't put in as much time as you want to.

And the worst part is watching him tire himself out and succumb to irritation when he so dearly loves those kids. You thought maybe teachers would be able to have more breaks during quarantine, but you regularly find him working on lesson plans well past midnight.

The kitchen lights are dimmed as he sits at the island. Elementary Education textbooks and lesson plans litter the countertop. You cleaned the kitchen earlier so he didn't have to worry about the mess. You both had home offices, but Suga's favorite workspace has always been the kitchen. In the afternoon, He'll usually work on plans while you busy yourself by making mapo tofu.

Depending on the day the kitchen could be filled with laughter and conversation or comfortable silence. Its been more quiet, lately. It's hard for the two of you to be excited about life when you can't even go outside. Your weekly grocery shopping together has been replaced by delivery, movie dates cancelled, meetups with old friends rescheduled months out. You two had planned for a vacation, but that was easily forgotten about when cases suddenly went from dozens to thousands. Hell, even wedding planning was abandoned.

You watch him shuffle in his seat, busying yourself with getting him a glass of water.

Even when tired, he looks beautiful. His long eyelashes flutter as he tries to stay awake, his chin resting in the palm of his hand. He looks soft- contacts abandoned for large rimmed glasses. He's wearing a faded crewneck you got him a few years ago, sweatpants too big for him and mismatched wool socks. When he looks up from his laptop, greeting you with a tired smile, your heart lurches. Whether in sympathy or adoration, you don't know.

You make your way over to him, slippered feet shuffling quietly.

"You know what time it is, love?" You say softly, placing the glass of water down before leaning over him and pressing into his back. He whispers a small "thank you" and you hum. You wrap your arms around his shoulders and run a hand down his chest. Its nothing more than grounding, just present, a reminder to him that says hey, i'm here. He relaxes and leans back into your touch.

"Time for you to get some rest." He responds. It almost sounds like a command.

"Not without you."

His shoulders shake as he huffs in laughter. Something about it tells you that he already knew exactly what you were going to say.

"I've gotta get this done."

"It'll be there when you wake up."

You press your face to the crook of his neck, leaving a few soft pecks. His shoulders droop and he lets out a barely audible sigh. He doesn't want to lose to his exhaustion, but you're the only one in the room that knows him going to bed is nothing if not a win.

"I'll lose momentum." He turns his head slightly to acknowledge you.

"Never in my life have I seen you lose drive. Your energy is unparalleled."

"So you know that I can't give up now."

"You're not giving- Thats not what I meant and you know you're exhausted." Your reply sounds exasperated.

"Yes, beloved. But-"

"Kōshi."

He pauses. You run your hands down his arms as you continue.

"Don't mistake hard work with overworking. 'nd don't mistake taking a break with giving up. You gotta relax, baby."

He stays silent, still leaning into you. You take it as your cue to continue.

"How about we both lay down 'nd I help you relax, hm?"

Suga's eyebrows raise almost involuntarily. You let out a half-suppressed laugh.

"Not like that, you absolute horn dog. Just a back rub- in the morning I'll make you miso soup and you can go back to work. I just want you to rest. You've been so tense for so long, Kōshi- It's worrying me."

He pulls away, but your separation only lasts for a few seconds as he turns completely to face you. He brings his hand to your face, lightly running a thumb along your cheekbone.

"I don't want you to worry. I'll come to bed- just let me clean this all up, okay?" He almost sounds guilty.

You smile, "Don't, then you'll have to set everything back up in the morning. C'mon-"

You pull him out of his chair and the two of you quietly make your way to your bedroom. Kōshi all but collapses on the bed, burrowing his face into a pillow and groaning in relief. He grunts lightly as you climb into bed and on top of him, straddling his back as you lean over and press a kiss to the top of his head. He lifts off the pillow to rest his head on his arms, face turned enough to find you in his peripheral.

"Close your eyes, dearest." You say as you raise his shirt up slightly, just over his lower back. You run your hands up and down his back, he hums.

"And what if I want to see your pretty face? You're enchanting-" When he responds your face starts to heat up. It's crazy how he still knows what to say to get your heart racing.

"Sap-" Your response is quiet, and he does as he was told earlier.

Your hands slowly make their way up his back as he melts into the mattress. All that can be heard is the soft whiring of the ceiling fan and Kōshis sounds of contentment. You try to work through knots as gently as possible, but he groans in discomfort as you press your thumbs into his skin. His grunts quickly turn into sighs of relief when you finally work through tense muscle.

You get the opportunity to watch him slowly relax. His breath deepens slowly. When you work over his spine he struggles to hold in a whine.

"Y/n"

"Yes, baby?" You go back to running your hands up and down his back. He sighs as you press a kiss in between his shoulders.

"love you,, so so much-" He slurs, and you know you finally got him where you want him.

"I love you too, Koshi."

"Can't imagine life without you- y'make me so happy." His voice is barely above a whisper. Your heart swells in adoration. He's always been such a sweetheart- but its almost maximized when he's at his most relaxed. You're suddenly reminded of how lucky you are to have such an affectionate partner. A life partner.

"Please don't waste your talent."

"Hm?"

"By not becoming a masseuse- you're a god at this."

His comment makes you snort. "Go to sleep, love. We'll talk about my future in massage therapy in the morning."

"Over miso?"

"Over miso."

He gives you a small grin, his eyes still closed. You didn't know he could melt into the mattress any more- his breathing deepens and his facial features slowly relax. Before you know it, He's finally asleep.

You roll off of him as gently as possible before curling into his side, finally noticing your own exhaustion as you force your eyes to stay open. You pull a blanket over the two of you and sigh, listening to your fiancés soft breathing and letting it finally lull you to sleep.

The love you two shared over this night will not be forgotten.

Thanks for reading bestie ❤️ requests are open nd id appreciate feedback!! have a lovely day <3

#sugawara koshi x reader #sugawara koshi imagine #sugawara kōshi #hq x gender neutral reader #sugawara x reader #sugawara x you #sugawara koshi fluff #koshi sugawara #koshi sugawara x y/n #koshi sugawara x reader #sugawara koshi x you #sugawara x y/n #sugawara x gn reader #sugawara koshi x gn reader #chili writes #hq imagines #hq fluff #hq x you #hq x reader #sugawara fluff #koshi sugawara fluff #sugawara koshi

[gleeblaineislife]

Spaceorphan’s Sophisticated Challenge: Ubiquitous (day 3)

     “Whatcha doing?” Kurt asked, sitting on the table Blaine was filling something out at. “Just doing my weekly schedule. You should start yours too,” Blaine said. Blaine had always been super organized. He liked having everything planned out and change gave him a lot of stress. “I will soon.” Kurt checked out what Blaine was writing. His jaw dropped. “You are filled to the brim with stuff to do. You know you can’t be ubiquitous, right?” Blaine frowned.  

     “I can make it. It’ll just be a busy week,” Blaine said in a higher voice than usual. “You have a shift of playing the piano at the cafe and a tutoring session with Elizabeth both at four o’clock on Tuesday,” Kurt pointed out. Blaine abruptly stood up and walked over to the window. Kurt followed him and put his hand on Blaine’s shoulder. He was breathing faster than usual. “Blaine?” Blaine looked over at Kurt with tears in his eyes. “Honey, what’s wrong?” Blaine shook his head. “I can’t. I can’t cancel on anyone. I promised,” Blaine choked out. “Yes, you can. Remember what you learned in therapy?” 

     “Yes, yes. I know! I’ve been doing so well at not worrying about disappointing people all the time but I promised Kurt! I promised and it’s on the schedule already and I have to do it.” “You physically can’t do it, Blaine. You can’t be in two places at once.” Blaine started pacing. “No, you don’t understand. I can’t cancel. I am not going to let them down. They’ll hate me if I do! Do you want them to hate me?! I am not a failure!” 

    Blaine grew more hysterical with every word. His breathing and pacing got faster. He kept on repeating “I can’t” over and over again. His chest ached and everything felt like it was falling apart. He grabbed a fistful of his hair. He needed a release. Kurt jumped into action and embraced Blaine while holding his arms down. Blaine sobbed into Kurt’s shoulder. Kurt breathed against Blaine and encouraged him to match his pace. 

     They stood there for a long time while Blaine calmed down. “I’m sorry,” Blaine said. “It’s okay. Now tell me what’s wrong.” Kurt took Blaine’s shaking hands in his own steady ones and made his expression as open as he could. “Things have just been hard. Two days ago I woke up and I felt like I used to. It was so scary, Kurt. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I thought I was getting better but what if I’m not? Everything just feels so out of control and I don’t know what to do,” Blaine’s voice broke. Kurt processed Blaine’s words. “Let’s call Dr. Rodriga and see what she has to say. Make sure you tell me the next time you feel like this.” Blaine nodded. Kurt hugged him and kissed his forehead. Everything would be okay. 

#glee #tan hands and tan lines #spaceorphan's sophisticated challenge: ubiquitous #(i have no idea what this is even supposed to be) #klaine

[findingmypeace]

9/14/2019

I went to a college 6 hrs away from my home so when I moved there I was very lonely and scared. A couple of weeks into the first semester I met B. B was the director of the Health and Wellness Center on campus. B became like a mentor/second mother to me. She changed my life. Two years later, at the start of my 3rd year of college, she introduced me to S, her daughter. S was/is a therapist and had just moved back to where I was going to school. I started seeing S for both individual therapy and for a DBT group. S also changed my life. I saw S weekly for 3 years. I grew so much because of the therapy I did with her. After I stopped seeing S regularly I kept in contact with her through e-mails and later through Facebook and the occasional text. Perhaps our relationship was a bit too close for a therapist/client relationship but regardless, she and B were/are very important to me. It’s been 18 yrs since I met B and 16 since I met S. At one point they meant everything to me. They were like the family I never had.

S is married. Her husband was married before they got together and had a son with his first wife, S’s step-son. Last summer S’s step-son killed himself. Extremely tragic. It was a total surprise. Nothing seemed wrong at all. The reason I’m saying all this is because I have deliberately not told S and B about my own suicide attempt because of what happened with S’s step-son. This is the first time I have ever kept something from them. I feel like telling them would be unfair. What they went through is tragic and telling them that I did something similar would only make it worse.

But I also feel the distance not telling them has created. I miss the closeness I used to feel with them. I know some of that distance is due to the literal distance of me moving back home 9 yrs ago so now we’re a 6 hr drive apart. It’s also been 6 yrs since I’ve visited and physically seen them. I want to tell them about the attempt, I just think it’s wrong to do so. While I think it’s wrong to tell them I also feel like I’m betraying them by not saying anything. I talked about this with my current therapist and she agreed that it’s not a good idea to tell them about the attempt. But it remains something I debate about in my head. I probably won’t tell them. I want to do what is right. They mean too much to me. I don’t want to hurt them.

The reason I’ve been thinking about this lately is because it was this time of year that I met both S and B. Also the 9/11 anniversary will always remind me of where I was when I learned about the attacks: in B’s office watching it unfold on the TV she had in her office. I spent most of the day in her office as all of my classes were canceled. I miss S and B. I wish I could be honest with them.

#personal #tw: suicide #S #B

[savrecovers]

Therapy 12/3

I was close to canceling this session because of the letter I gave her, but I remembered (or was reminded by my mother) that I am mandated to attend therapy by the school (I kind get kicked out if I don’t go), so I went.  It’s the week before finals, so as soon as I walked in I told her I needed to take five minutes to rant about finals.  She reminded me that we needed to talk about the letter I gave her about the Thing and I didn’t object as much as I thought I would.  I said what I wanted to about finals, explaining that logically I know I’ll be fine, but emotionally, I’m really stressed.  We talked about that for a bit and talked about how in school a teacher helped me get over my fear of messing up some.  We talked about some smaller things and how I have good insight and am good at thinking logically about things when they involve other people but not me.  After that, we talked about the weekly form they have me do to see if I’m making progress.  For awhile, I was, but things have gone back to being pretty bad since I got out the hospital.  There’s still a reduction in it though, especially looking from what happened with me being in the hospital on from there.  She asked me what it was I felt like we needed to do to get things back to where they were when my scores were lowered.  I told that even though I really don’t want to I think I need to learn to deal with the Thing and everything that’s been getting brought up.  She said she was happy that I can see that.  I have a lot of holes in my memory of this session (even though it just ended) and I know she was talking about stuff related to the Thing, but I don’t remember exactly what she said.  We were talking about how what happens to me happens more often than I think and I immediately jumped to thinking that it was my fault then and that I shouldn’t be upset by it.  I started spiraling and ended up dissociating.  I don’t know how long she kept talking, but I know at some point she moved a hand towards me and snapped my attention back to her by startling me a little because I was dissociated.  I came back for a minute but started to get upset as she talked more and then I kept alternating between dissociating and bringing myself back.  At one point, I was just staring at the pillow in my lap, remembering stuff that’s happened and she asked me to look up and make eye contact with her.  I did and she started talking about how it wasn’t my fault and that it’s understandable that I’m upset and that what happened was bad.  Then her fridge made a weird sound and I jumped and we both laughed a little, her saying that when she sees me she notices every sound in her office and that it seems like I’m the kind of person always looking over my shoulder, watching for something.  And I dissociated again, remembering something that happened a couple weeks ago that triggered me and has since had me even more scared than before.  She asked where I went and I couldn’t speak for a minute, but eventually I said that what she said made me think of something else and it upset me and made me feel like I’m not safe on campus.  She challenged that, talking about how I’m in one of the safest places I can be with help literally at my fingertips, and that I knew how to watch for and get out of unsafe situations.  I teared up and said that I feel like I’m 15 all over again.  She said in a way I still am because I haven’t been able to grow/develop past that point, so some part of my brain is just stuck there, reliving what happened over and over again, which. Accurate, I guess.  We started talking about how hard it all felt and how scared I was.  She explained that I was feeling like this because a part of me was still living in the past, letting this Guy torture me.  I snapped at her saying that I didn’t want to feel like this.  She said something I don’t remember and I kept dissociating and I started hearing the Guy from the Thing’s voice in my head saying something really disgusting.  We moved through me getting ready to leave, completely out of it still and still hearing the Guy’s voice, then she asked me where I was in my head and if I wanted to say anything before we finished.  I tried to tell her I was freaking out and hearing him, but couldn’t speak.  She told me to take a deep breath and sat closer before asking what was going on.  I don’t remember how I told her I was hearing him in my head before she asked what exactly I heard.  I broke down crying and she held my hand while I told her.  Our time was already up, but she reassured me that I was safe and that it was just a memory and that a memory couldn’t hurt me.  I couldn’t stop crying and I said that I was being stupid and she told me that it wasn’t stupid and that she wouldn’t let me talk bad about myself in front of her and that I had every right to be upset about it, but I needed to turn my attention to the present.  She got me to hold eye contact and, still kind of crying, we talked about something completely unrelated that I can’t really remember either before I finally left, still upset and really emotional.  I’m sitting in the library with a Post-Therapy headache and burning eyes, thinking about doing homework, and trying not to talk myself out of going to yoga though I’m not sure how safe yoga feels right now.  In the midst of all this, she said that she’s probably going to end up referring me to one of the two EMDR therapists there since I keep dissociating and having flashbacks (which before this session I didn’t know was what was happening when I heard the Guy’s voice in my head) every time we try to talk about it.

#recovery #therapy update #trauma tw #tw trauma #PTSD #flashbacks #emotional #EMDR #has anyone done EMDR #please let me know what it was like #exhausted #anxiety #depression #mental health #mental illness #I don't see how I'm making progress #but she says I am #I've never felt like this after therapy #what's wrong with me?

[imagrownup]

Credit Card Repayment: The Plan

Ok... I now have 3 cards that I’m paying off. I opened up a new account a couple of weeks ago to do another balance transfer.  So 2 of the cards are 0% for the time being because of balance transfers, the 3rd is a Chase Sapphire Reserve at 18.24%

Whoa. 

I have $6666 left to pay off on the CSR card. My goal is to attack that as much as possible and then focus on the other 2. My issue is that even after taking out my first balance transfer, I added more debt onto my CSR card. I’m paying the minimums on the other two cards now. I’m getting a raise that will be backdated to August in June and a bonus in July.  I’m predicting that after taxes the total of the two could amount to about $1500-2000. Of course it would be great if it were even more, but I know it won’t be $6000. 

My Chase card is linked to my therapy sessions which are $175/week. I could just change it back to my debit card but I’ll just rack up points and set a weekly autopay in the same amount from my bank account. I will not cancel on the weeks I don’t end up going in for therapy since the extra payments will help. I also have an automatic payment of $219/mo which is leftover from when I had an unlimited pilates studio membership.  If I have money leftover each month (I probably won’t for June, July, and August) I will use it to pay toward this card.

I’m removing this card from my Google autosuggestions and from PayPal. I already switched my internet bill to withdraw from my bank account instead of the Chase card. I’ll be doing the same for my alarm system today. I will continue using this card (or a card) to pay for gas since I’m paranoid about my debit card/checking account getting skimmed.

#consumer debt #millennial money #credit cards #credit card debt #Chase Sapphire Reserve #my debt free journey #my debt journey

[whimsysgeekery]

My state is on fire, the air is unhealthy, and I can’t sleep cause of gastroparesis.

And that’s just like the tip of the iceberg. Guess I really needed to vent...

We have cockroaches, and instead of dealing with it our roommate won’t resign the lease that’s ending. So we have to move, which literally royally screwed my very busy summer plans. I’ve had to cancel multiple engagements. First to go was D&D. My life and career have been put on hold for this. This just after my hours were cut a month before the whole mess started.

So I’m flat broke. Meanwhile roommate is throwing out almost everything she owns because she’s worried roaches will be in them, even when physically impossible for them to hide. So she’s buying all new shit. Husband and I have been getting in fights weekly, separation was even brought up. Usually fighting about money, sometimes about how he thinks my EDS isn’t as debilitating as I say. Yeah, I just love having to sit down after packing one box. I love having to call out of work every few weeks even though I only work 3 days a week as it is. But apparently I could still work a “normal” job if real estate doesn’t pan out. I’m lucky that my boss is understanding, but minimum wage isn’t sustainable.

I had just bought the first section of real estate classes to start working towards getting a license, but haven’t been able to work on that thus no longer meeting my goal of having my license before my upcoming high school reunions. I have been working on a huge painting commission that is overdue after this ridiculous heatwave making it so I can’t hold the paintbrush with my sweaty hands. Third floor, no air conditioning sucks. Oh, and we’re moving to another third floor - even though I wanted the first floor same floor plan that was ALSO AVAILABLE.

Then roommate and husband keep expecting me to organize and plan shit. Drop whatever it is I’m doing to make things happen. Roommate has had a spare bed that used to be mine and because she was thinking she was going to have to be on her own she’s decided she doesn’t want anything that isn’t hers anymore despite the fact that we are moving together still. (Cause she’d have to move to low-income housing, while my husband makes too much for us to move to low-income but not enough for us to afford a place to live.) So that meant working with my parents to get it taken out of our apartment. She also decided to move everything herself instead of using the movers that we’re hiring - not because she’s worried about her stuff but because she thinks she should be doing it herself. So instead she’ll move everything herself and get exhausted and grumpy and hurt herself for something that my husband was going to pay for already.

Oh, and apparently I bought the new trashcan (with a fully closing lid) too early because the cockroaches might still travel with us in a trashcan that we empty and clean out before taking to the new place - according to roommate. I’m tired of buying all this necessary household stuff and nobody caring that the person making the least amount of money spends a fair amount on the household. At least my husband pays more than his fair share of rent and utilities.

And just like with household items, I have to take care of like all the household management. If we need to deal with management, it’s on me. Husband was in Germany when the cockroaches started to show up, and roommate did not help at all with clearing out the kitchen. I had to cancel my plans for a day to clear everything out by myself. I didn’t sleep and then had to cancel more plans. And like, I’m super open about sharing my things. I was an only child, fairly well off, so I have a lot of furniture and dishes (my mom also likes to garage sale). I never hold it over anyone. I’d just like some help you know? Like as soon as there’s anything remotely like work related to my furniture, dishes, etc. suddenly it’s my stuff, not our stuff. It’s like pulling fucking teeth to get help with anything.

Really I haven’t slept. Like I’m awake for 3 days, then asleep for 4. Depending on the day it might be anxiety, depression, ADHD-stuck when my meds aren’t working, too much shit to do, or one of a variety of pains! Having to pack is really making the pain so much worse. I can’t afford physical therapy right now either, which I need to keep my SI joint from going out every day. But nope, all consuming pain it is.

Aaaand my husband has decided more firmly that he will be joining the Peace Corps in 2 years, which means he’ll be gone for 2 years and I don’t even fucking know how to process that. If real estate doesn’t work out for me, or doesn’t work well enough for me that means I have to move back in with my parents. Which like, I love them and appreciate them, but I don’t want to do that. I don’t want to lose the little freedom I have. He’s doing it to get his masters covered, which is legitimate and I’d hate to keep him from pursuing his goals. I just don’t want to be alone... for two years. I already feel too alone with conflicting schedules and his long hours.

Oh oh, and the fundraiser that I spent way too much time and money trying to put together over the last 3 months is failing to make more money than was spent on it due to me not being able to follow-up on my zero-budget marketing while so busy. So fuck me.

I’m just... so tired of life almost getting better before getting screwed over again. Every time I stop thinking about how shitty things are think that things are okay, it only takes a month or so for it to all go away. So many fucking things outside of my control. Last time this happened was two years ago. I was laid off and had to try and crawl my way back. I was just starting to make strides but now... fuck.

#personal #shit sucks #vent

[healthyworthyofficial]

10 Ways to Make Life With Hidradenitis Suppurativa Easier

Getting thru the morning has end up greater intricate on the grounds that I was identified with hidradenitis suppurativa seven years ago. I typically wake up to discover pus or blood on my pillow and/or sheets. I groan as I observe my arms, breasts, and groin vicinity to see what new lesions and boils have burst or formed. I may then spend an hour in my closet trying to determine out what to wear. What I virtually prefer to do is throw on some sweats so my lesions and boils aren’t aggravated, but that isn’t usually realistic, specially on the days when I want to go out in public or go to work. I may have a breakdown in my closet while my dog stares at me, waiting for his walk. After giving myself a pep talk and telling myself that I’m going to make it via the day, I settle on an outfit, then seize some pain medication in case the soreness will become too much. Then I forge on with my day. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a continual situation that causes lumps to form beneath the skin, usually in areas the place the skin rubs together, like the underarms, breasts, and groin, according to the Mayo Clinic. As all and sundry with the circumstance can inform you, these lumps can be agonizingly painful, and they can rupture or create interconnected tracts of abscesses below the skin. This illness appears to happen when hair follicles emerge as blocked, but experts don’t know the genuine motive in the back of these blockages, the Mayo Clinic explains. (They do be aware of hidradenitis suppurativa is no longer a end result of bad hygiene or infection.) There are pretty a few threat factors, though, such as biological intercourse (it’s extra frequent in female than men) and hormonal fluctuations. In my experience, I’ve discovered that my hidradenitis suppurativa tends to get worse earlier than my period. Age is every other hazard thing in that the sickness most regularly develops when girls are between the a while of 18 and 29, the Mayo Clinic says. (Symptoms once in a while emerge as less intense after menopause.) I was once 22 when I commenced to show symptoms. I was once extraordinarily lucky that a doctor at my nearby urgent care knew about hidradenitis suppurativa and was in a position to diagnose me within a year. Hidradenitis suppurativa takes a toll on both my intellectual and bodily health. I typically have to nap at least once a day due to fatigue, and I’m so uncomfortable with people bodily touching me because I feel embarrassed about how I look. Both the physical pain and the disappointment that my body will never look the same convey me to tears on a weekly basis. I comprehend I’m now not on my own in regularly feeling ashamed, anxious, angry, and sad. Dealing with all of this requires some stable coping mechanisms, and there are a lot of commonalities in how these of us with this circumstance handle it. So if you’ve these days been identified with hidradenitis suppurativa, right here are 10 small however impactful hints from humans who have been there earlier than you. We hope it helps. 1. Find a therapist, if you can. This sickness has taken a essential toll on my mental health. Going to remedy weekly offers me area to discuss about my emotions. I have additionally learned super coping techniques from my therapist, consisting of connecting with my physical being through body scans and navigating the guilt I sense when I want to cancel plans because of my illness. If possible, try to discover a therapist who specializes in chronic illness and/or chronic ache so they are higher in a position to help you and understand your experiences. 2. Take gentle yoga classes. Moving my body is really important to me, but workout can exacerbate hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms. This is particularly genuine for high-intensity activities, like cycling. I fell in love with biking training a few years in the past and would attend periods four to five instances a week. It felt so suitable when I used to be in the class, but in a while I would discover myself in intense bodily pain. I ultimately talked to my doctor, who recommended I strive some thing else. Most Popular For some time I struggled to locate an endeavor that didn’t make me experience worse. Enter restorative yoga. My friend took me to a class, and the teacher taught me how to listen to my body and only do poses that felt comfortable. I realized how to take breaks and go at my own pace. I left that type on such a high. Now I frequently attend restorative classes, and on my good days, I will even take a vinyasa class at a local yoga studio. 3. Meditate. I’ve been meditating on a day by day foundation for six months, and I’ve discovered it to be so beneficial. It helps me get in contact with my physique and grow to be more attuned to its needs. I additionally work via a lot of feelings throughout meditation sessions, like the health anxiousness that hidradenitis suppurativa has precipitated to end up greater intense. If I’m feeling overly anxious or in a lot of pain, I’ll meditate to ground myself. It reminds me that I am respiratory and will be okay. When I started, I would simply do a rapid five-minute session. Now I’ll both go to a classification (the Den and Unplug are two of my favorites in Los Angeles) or use the Headspace app for 10 to 15 minutes. I’ve additionally been able to locate drop-in, donation-based instructions all over the city. This is a exceptional way to supply it a attempt earlier than committing or spending a lot of money. 4. Connect with others who have the condition. I first shared my story in 2017, and I observed the response to be overwhelmingly positive. I nevertheless get emails weekly from other hidradenitis suppurativa warriors who say they feel much less alone because I’ve talked about the condition, or who favor to share a new coping approach with me. If you’re not prepared to share your story with the world, discovering any individual else who has hidradenitis suppurativa can nonetheless help. When I’m feeling in reality isolated, I’ll DM with other humans who have hidradenitis on Instagram. All of this reminds me that I am no longer hostilities this hostilities through myself. Krystle B., 38, is involved with hidradenitis suppurativa companies and finds that collaborating in activities with different humans evokes her and makes her sense much less isolated. “I have been a big section of giving back to the community via helping others who suffer from hidradenitis suppurativa,” Krystle tells SELF, including that she’s in her second year on the annual #Walking4HS committee in Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. “Finding other sufferers who also have hidradenitis suppurativa and connecting with them epic.… That immediately connection and aid machine was once life-changing.” It would possibly even help to connect with any individual who has any other persistent illness. My exceptional friend has Hashimoto’s, and whilst it’s very exclusive than hidradenitis suppurativa, she can relate to the fatigue and unpredictability. I find myself in deep conversations with her often, and they help preserve me going. 5. Surround your self with a sturdy support system. I’ve been absolutely lucky that my friends and household are, for the most part, supportive and understanding of my condition. They help with both my emotional and physical needs. My mom flies out for any surgeries or intense treatments, and my friends take my dog for a walk on truely awful days. My dermatologist is additionally a crucial phase of my assist device and continues to offer help and encouragement. Finding a professional who is knowledgeable about hidradenitis suppurativa is so important. At the hidradenitis suppurativa medical institution at UCLA, I’ve observed docs who understand more about the disease than I do, which hasn’t constantly been the case. I’ve additionally realized to advocate for myself and ask for assist, reminding myself that I do know my physique greatest and am not weak for needing help. Pooja P., 31, has additionally discovered that asking for assist has been immensely useful in coping along with her hidradenitis suppurativa. “The people who love us want to support us, but often don't know how they can help—they feel helpless, too. Asking for help can bring you even closer together, and in turn, make you feel less isolated,” Pooja tells SELF. She’s leaned on household and mates for all the pieces from accompanying her to physician’s appointments to stocking her fridge and washing her hair when she hasn’t been in a position to accomplish that. “There is nothing weak about asking for help,” she says. “On the contrary, there is extreme strength in vulnerability.”

6. Use very mild cleansers and moisturizers.

I’ve tried quite a lot of cleansers which can be made for sensitive skin, however they normally brought about intense burning ache when used on my lesions. Then my dermatologist advisable that I exploit an antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaning soap referred to as Hibiclens each time I bathe. It comprises a four p.c chlorhexidine gluconate resolution, which helps scale back the chance of an infection. This is particularly vital when taking a biologic that suppresses your immune system, which is a typical type of hidradenitis therapy. I additionally simply really feel actually clear and good after I exploit it as a result of it doesn’t irritate my situation. The Mayo Clinic additionally recommends utilizing antibiotic or antimicrobial moisturizers for further safety.

7. Create a wardrobe filled with cozy garments.

Having the fitting garments is so vital for making certain that I really feel comfy and assured. I've tons of joggers, sweatshirts with enjoyable sayings, tank tops, and looser shirts, too. I really like purchasing at Old Navy, Target, Madewell, and Walmart. Since my garments can get stained or moist simply due to my signs, I like to purchase issues which can be cheaper so I don’t really feel as dangerous after they get ruined.

8. Try to determine potential meals triggers.

Pooja discovered that nightshades (like tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers) made her hidradenitis suppurativa worse, so she avoids these meals. “If I do eat a nightshade, I will get a hidradenitis suppurativa flare within 48 hours, 10 times out of 10,” she says. But as she factors out, “Just because they were my trigger doesn't mean they are yours.” Research hasn’t clarified what potential hyperlink might exist between meals like nightshades and hidradenitis suppurativa flares, however a 2019 assessment within the International Journal of Dermatology means that nightshades are thought by some to have an effect on the skin-gut axis, or mainly, how the intestine and pores and skin are biologically related. Other meals which can be identified to set off hidradenitis suppurativa embrace dairy, pink meat, and meals with a high glycemic index, in accordance to the Mayo Clinic. While I haven’t discovered any meals that undoubtedly set off my hidradenitis suppurativa, if I’m feeling okay, I really like to get within the kitchen and check out a brand new low-glycemic recipe. On my dangerous ache days, cooking isn’t possible, however in any other case, I really like to know what’s in my meals. Cooking provides me an actual sense of accomplishment.

9. Use scorching water or a moist, heat compress to relieve itching and ache.

Starla M., 33, runs scorching water on areas of her physique which can be itchy. (I presently take antihistamines to cope with the itching, however I’m wanting ahead to attempting this method.) If I've a brand new boil or one that's about to burst, I’ll use a heat, moist washcloth to assist relieve the ache and swelling. I discover it particularly efficient when I've boils in my groin space since these have a tendency to turn into golf-ball sized and make it onerous to stroll.

10. Find a passion you are able to do even in your worst days.

Krystle says that on her dangerous days, she focuses on discovering issues to try this distract her from the ache. “On some of my worst days or when I'm recovering from , I enjoy Netflix in bed with my two Cocker Spaniel fur babies. I'm also obsessed with antiques and spend a lot of downtime surfing the web for amazing treasures.” Source link Read the full article

#anxiety #ChronicPain #depression #dermatology #hidradenitissuppurativa #mentalhealth #painmanagement #skin #SkinCare #skinhealth

[passportrequired]

Blood Clots & Traveling: Staying Alive While Living

Every March, I fly to Charlottesville, Virginia to see Dr. Mann, my hematologist, in the Emily Couric Cancer Center because she wants to make sure I’m fine. Because I tell her everything that’s happening in my life, her first question is always about some ridiculous thing she knows I’d do between seeing her. This year, her question was, “Are you still diving off cliffs in the middle of the ocean?” “Not this year. Not yet.” Then we begin the examination.

It was September 2004 and me, Dennis, and Eddie were at a downtown Daytona Beach club, drinking whatever was cheap, and listening to that squeaky box spring intro on “Some Cut” by Trillville, eyeing the room to see whose daughters we’d creep up on in some college boy club grinding motion. Strobe lights were bouncing off the mirror in the not-so-dark club, hiked skirts were being shifted down, hands were mixing with the liquors spilled on the floor, and everyone’s guard was down, vibing with the music. Some even had their eyes closed and I wondered what they were thinking. “On my mama!” one man screamed out, much louder than the song. Without thought, everyone scattered. We knew what always came after that southern war cry. We found out weeks later that bullets hit the ceiling, a few columns and the walls. I made it as far at the curb just outside the entrance before I could no longer breathe. “Y’all keep running,” I told Eddie and Dennis. “I’m so out of shape.” They stayed with me until I could breathe and we walked swiftly to the car. No one died that night.

I flew home to Woodbridge two days later. Walking through the airport, I stopped several times, cursing my lack of cardio in the past. Shauna, my son’s mother, was 8 months pregnant at the time and we lived in a 3rd floor unit. I could barely make it up the stairs. Two weeks passed and in the shower, I couldn’t breathe and thought I was having a panic attack. I stepped out and laid on the floor, naked, thinking, “this is now how I thought I would die. At least let me put my clothes on.” The following day I woke up unable to walk without pain in my groin and blamed it on a possible muscle pull from running during the gunfire. Shauna told me I’d have to go to the doctor the next day if it was worse. I woke up, put my feet on the floor and collapsed. The pain was unbelievable. Cameron picked us up and we went to the hospital.

After telling the doctor why I believed I had pulled a groin, she nodded slowly and said, “Well, we’ll see soon.” She patted my hand as if to say, “this is definitely not a groin pull,” and left me on that cheap gurney in the room with the two people I came with. Always one for jokes, I kept the mood light, and made Shauna promise not to call my very motherly mother, who I knew would jump in the car and make the two-hour drive to Woodbridge. With a half-cocked smile and right-tilted head – the kind that’s always titled to provide an extra cushion of bad news or comfort – she asks, “how long have you been short of breath?” I told her it had been a couple weeks, but it only happened when I was “doing too much.” She said, “You probably should have been dead two weeks ago. You have three clots in your lungs and 13 in your leg, from your ankle to your groin.” Shauna called my mom. Cameron, in true fashion, said “damn,” and I sat there, waiting to find out what it all meant.

They kept me for eight days in that hospital. After release, I spent three weeks trying every pain medication a human could handle until finding that only fentanyl while sitting in a tub of hot water worked. Once the pain was relieved a little, I had to straighten out my leg because the clot behind my knee left me looking like a flamingo. The fourth week found me limping for a few seconds before having to sit to avoid extreme pain. November 22, 2004, I woke up determined to push myself to the limits. I did. I walked down the stairs, around the stores, to the mailbox, and all through the house. Around midnight, I walked into the bathroom and found Shauna on the floor, in labor. I still tell the story about Cameron pushing both of us into the hospital in wheelchairs.

That was the beginning of my blood clot journey due to a protein S deficiency.

I’ve gone through the medications and to the appointments. I hated so much of it, especially having to go in weekly for almost a year to make sure my blood was as thin as it needed to be. Dietary restrictions for a foodie like me are murder. What killed me most was when the doctor told me I wouldn’t be able to travel as much as I wanted because sitting for long periods of time in a cramped space can absolutely cause clotting. “The longer the flight, the more at risk you become.” I remember sitting in a doctor’s office just days before a trip to Hong Kong and listening to him say, “if you get on that plane, you will die.” Like Rachel Green, I canceled my flight.

Traveling, exploring, adventuring, truly living are true passions of mine and the universe decided to throw a wrench. I caught it. It was 2012. I sat my doctors down and demanded that they help me find a way to live the life I want. They were hesitant in the beginning, saying things like, “I think you just have to do less of a lot.” After our apparent standoff, which consisted of me being foolishly defiant, they agreed we could exhaust the possibilities in finding what would work.

I’ve taken almost all the pills someone with my condition would take; Coumadin, Eliquis, Lovenox, Pradaxa, and during the hospital stays, Heparin. Some worked better than others, and one not at all. Mostly, they kept me alive, but they each came with things I didn’t want such as frequent doctor visits, restrictions that would be impossible for me to adhere to. After Eliquis gave me my first experience with anxiety and had me hiding under the covers at home, I called the doctor and told them I could no longer take them. I was traveling through Guatemala and had no other options with me. I developed a pulmonary embolism on that trip, and when I returned to the states, I booked a flight to get to the Charlottesville to have a thorough check. I arrived unable to walk with a straight gait, and they found 16 clots, some new, some old, and some sketchy. This was 2016. This was maybe the 15th time I’ve been hospitalized for a clot. This was the first time they suggested surgery. The pain said “yes.”

I moved to South Africa shortly after surgery, against every doctor’s wish. “How will we monitor you,” they asked. “Do you know any doctors over there?” They only ease I could offer was promising to never miss an appointment, and I didn’t. “You’re young, you’re active, and you’re pretty healthy other than these clots. There’s a medicine I think will work great for you,” my nurse practitioner said. And with that, they sent me on my way with Xarelto.

And here we are in 2019 with once-a-year visits with random phone calls in between, a dope collection of compression socks thanks to friends who know both the struggle and my love for conversation starting socks, and hundreds of thousands of air miles at my disposal. My relationship with my health team is great, and we’re at the point where we can laugh when I answer her “what have you been doing” with “last week, I was in Pamplona running with the bulls.”

We found a way to keep me alive while I’m living. There’s so much more to do, see, taste, and experience. The Inca Trail waits for me like a German Shepherd for his best friend. There’s a cliff in Amoudi Bay, Greece I haven’t yet climbed and there are the waters just below into which I haven’t jumped. So much living to do.

Funny enough, I sat out to write a few tips on how to keep your blood and legs and body in a good space while traveling, and it turned into a story I haven’t shared often and possibly even an ad for Xarelto.

Since you’re here, here are a few tips to keep your blood flowing while traveling:

1. Get you an amazing collection of compression socks and compression tights even. The basketball players are always in what looks like compression tights and I’ve been trying to convince myself to buy a pair. One day soon!

2. When flying, get up every 1 – 2 hours and walk the aisles to get your blood flowing. Stretch your legs a bit.

3. Elevate your legs when you reach your destination and while you sleep. I put mine on the wall.

4. If you’re at risk for blood clots, talk to your doctor prior to traveling. These factors increase the risk: a. Varicose veins b. Pregnancy and the postpartum period c. Hormone Replacement Therapy d. Obesity e. Age 40+ f. Use of contraceptives containing estrogen g. Active cancer and recent cancer treatment

Stay healthy, my friends.

Blood Clots & Traveling: Staying Alive While Living was originally published on Passport Required

#Blood Clots #blood thinners #Cancer Center #Compression Socks #coumadin #DVT #Emily Couric #flying #pradaxa #protein s deficiency #Pulmonary Embolism #Travel #Travel Tips #Traveling #University of Virginia #xarelto #Tumblr Travel Photography #TumblrTravel

[major-artery]

Today is Rheumatoid Disease / Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day. You are in for a long read; feel free to skim through, read the entire thing, or skip it entirely. There are times it may be “TMI”, but I feel it’s all a necessary part of my journey. <3 

I’m sure everyone knows at this point, but I have this “invisible” disease. I have been officially diagnosed for a few years at this point, but tested borderline for JRA when I was young – I believe I’ve been suffering with it silently for most of my teenage and adult life.

When you get sick, you go to the doctor; you’ll get some antibiotics, maybe a cough syrup. They’ll tell you take it easy, and in a few days you’ll be better. You will never hear those words as someone with RD/RA – or most invisible illnesses, for that matter.

At my first Rheumatologist appointment, I didn’t know this. I had come to see the Rheumatologist after a hospital visit; I’d had debilitating pain in my knees and ankles – they were so swollen I couldn’t move and the throbbing was agonizing. As I sat in the office, my doctor assessed me the best she could – asked me all the personal questions, gave me a physical, squeezed my joints, and checked my blood.

There was no immediate diagnosis. She didn’t want to assume the worst until there was nothing left. I was sent for more blood work, x-rays, and thrown on prednisone. We discussed the possibility of other medications that may be needed down the line – their positives and their negatives. It mostly went in one ear and out the other side. All I kept thinking was that it would be over soon.

While I was on the prednisone I felt like I could bench a tank, but it also made my sick to my stomach. My next visit to my doctor did not go as I planned. Far from it, actually… I felt I had made progress, but my blood work showed degradation. There was more inflammation in my blood than before – even though the prednisone felt like it was helping, I was getting worse. By this point I had been tested for many different things, all coming back negative.

The official diagnosis came – I had Rheumatoid Disease. I had done some research on it, and through work I had learned a lot about it and the different types of drugs that are on the market. Everything I had ever heard didn’t matter though because now I was the one wearing those shoes.

My Rheumatologist asked me if my husband and I were planning to have kids. “One day, I’d like to, sure.” The whole reason why she was asking was because she was going to put me on Methotrexate (MTX.) It’s a drug that is used in the treatment of patients going through chemotherapy – it takes your immune system from “hero to zero.” What I learned was the real truth about RD/RA – that your immune system has gone “haywire” and it views your joints (and at times other parts of your body as well) as an infection, something that needed to be illuminated. This is what causes the swelling and painful joints.

All of a sudden, in the span of ten minutes, I could no longer have children (unless I came off my medications for at least six months, would mean I would be in pain,) I could no longer go to hospitals to visit sick friends and family without it being a detriment to my health (or be around anyone sick for that matter), that a common cold could actually land me in the hospital. Hand sanitizer, religious hand washing, and birth control were absolute musts.

--Medication Rant Here--

Bi-weekly visits to the Rheum began with repeated blood-checking. The small dose of MTX was not working efficiently. I was bump from 4 pills a week to 6, then from 6 to 8 (a “maximum” dosage.) More visits, more unfortunate news. My doctor started me on a combination therapy of MTX and an injectable medication – Humira.

A few months passed, things seemed to be working well with Humira. My poor husband – as much as I was suffering, I put the pressure on him. I found that when it came time to give myself the injections I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t bring myself to press the plunger on the auto-injector. (As an aside –the auto-injectors look like really thick pens. You push the trigger button on top, and it plunges the needle into your skin and automatically administers the entire dosage.) The loud click scared me, and the pain of the medication being administered so quickly by the syringe scared me even more. Like clockwork when it came time for the next dose, I’d go into a full meltdown and anxiety attack. I found myself literally biting onto pillows, crying my eyes out, and begging him to not do it. It sometimes took hours for him to talk me down.

Through the months, almost a year, I was taken off of MTX and left on Humira. Blood work throughout these passing months showed there was no real improvement. My prescription ran out for it and my Rheum wanted to move me onto a different biologic / DMARD (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug). She wanted to move me onto Enbrel. I had heard nothing but positive things about Enbrel, and was excited to begin the treatment.

My doctor’s office called me while I was at work – my insurance would not cover the Enbrel, and I had to come in to discuss other treatment options. I was heartbroken; the idea of being on another auto-injected medication scared me, but the idea of finally having peace overtook it.

The next time I saw my rheumatologist, we discussed something a new drug I hadn’t heard of but had been on the market for a long time. I was beginning to feel like a lab rat. I started Cimzia soon after – which was different than the auto-injectors I had been used. This was a manual plunge-syringe.

I actually took a liking to the Cimzia. I gained a lot of confidence in giving myself the two doses – because I could control how I “stabbed” myself with the needle, I could control how fast I pushed the plunger down.

But like the Humira, the Cimzia worked for a short amount of time then became ineffective. I was switched to Xeljanz – a twice a day pill instead of a bi-weekly injection. I’ve found that I’ve become more “tired”, lethargic even on this medication. It helps keep the swelling and the pain away for the most part. We’ll see where it goes in the next few months.

--End Medication Rant--

I was so angry with the world when I got my diagnosis. I was angry that some people didn’t seem to understand what I was going through was serious. “Oh, at least it’s only Rheumatoid Arthritis.” “You can’t have that – you’re not old…” I exhausted so much time and my precious energy being upset at things that were out of my control. Suddenly everyone was an expert in my illness, everyone know what could “cure” me – miracles.

When someone asks me how I’m feeling, I have to go through an internal monologue of “Do you actually want to know how I’m feeling? Do you want me to put that burden on you?”

I go through periods of guilt when I feel helpless; it makes me upset and makes me feel lazy when I ask my husband to grab me something from the fridge, to cook and clean up afterward, or sometimes (which hasn’t happened in a long time) to cut up my food for me. There are times where just putting on pants is a challenge and I have to ask someone to do the button for me. It’s embarrassing, and it’s heartbreaking.

I recently wrote a letter to myself – and I think a lot of people with invisible illnesses can relate.

“Dear Jessi,

It’s not the end of the world, I promise. I need you to take a deep breath, and really read what I’m about to write to you. Wipe your tears – wipe them off on your sleeves if you can’t reach the tissues, maybe even a pillow. Get comfy, because shit is about to get real.

This isn’t your fault. There is nothing you could have done to prevent this; your body was basically on a self-destruct timer with no wires to cut to stop it. You did not do anything to deserve this. People have crosses to bear – this is yours.

There will be people in your life who won’t understand what you’re going through. You can try to educate them, but sometimes you have to just turn the other cheek. You will make plans, and just as quickly you will cancel them. It is out of your control. Stop being embarrassed. Ask for help. Let people think whatever they want to think, and fuck’em if they don’t want to be compassionate.

They’ll still see you as the loveable weirdo, a little ditzy at times, maybe a klutz who obsesses way too much about RPGs. None of that changes because of your RA.

I mean what I’m about to say in the most positive way possible: you will -never- be cured. I’m going to be blunt about it because no one else will be. But you’ll persevere – you’re a boss-ass bitch. Your pain will be managed for most of the time. I’m not saying it won’t get bad, because it will. And you’re allowed to cry.

You are not the person you were a few years ago. You have all these rules to live by, and you’ll be worried that you won’t be able to go through with plans. There will be tools to help you, even if it’s a wheelchair.

IT IS OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY. Do NOT let anyone tell you otherwise. There will be days where you will roll over to turn off your alarm and you can’t. Don’t panic – take the time you need to get mobility back in your joints. When you’re out, use your handicap placard. You’re suffering. Do not let the dirty looks or comments sway you.

Appreciate your husband a little more every single day. He’s there for you – even if he’s pestering you about your medication, when your next doctor appointment is, or where that bruise came from (followed shortly by poking it.) You may not be able to keep up at times, and he will always change his pace for you.

Have you used all of your spoons today? I think you did; you probably over-extended yourself, and you’ll regret it tomorrow. But are you happy now? Then it was worth it.

Most importantly – at heart, you’re still you, even if your body is weird as fuck. You are not your illness. You are not any less of a person.

I love you. You should love you, too.”

So, this is me. Today I do my best to educate people on what I live with. Welcome to my world. Please, ask me questions, I may not have an answer, but I may have an experience. I’m a member of the #cureArthritis squad – and my goal is to spread information about my disease.

Thank you for taking the time to read; please consider making a donation toward RD/RA Research. It is one of the least funded research topics in the United States.

https://www.curearthritis.org/sponsor-specific-research/

#rheumatoid disease #rheumatoid arthritis #ra #invisible illness #ra warrior #autoimmune disease

[mrmarioallman]

Last Week’s Workouts

The good news is that I did NOT hurt myself at all last week.

Can we just take a moment to appreciate that since it seemed like I was on a never ending streak of bad luck?

I hope that I’ve got all that out of the way and my accident prone ways are tamed.

Last week’s workouts were good.  I got a lot of variety and even made it to the pool one day. I’m really missing yoga but my appointments that conflicted with my fav classes are over with so it’s back to the mat next week.

Still not running (yet!) but that should change soon as I get on the Alter G at physical therapy.  I’m not dealing with any pain just a lot of tightness.  I feel like I want to run but I know running with that much tightness will just lead to more tightness and I’ll be back at square one in no time. Trying to be smart about things is hard when the fall weather arrived late in the week. I want to hit the trails so bad!

Monday

Basement workout – Remember when I used to do these all the time?  It was nice to head downstairs immediately after waking up but I’m so glad I joined a gym.  There’s just so much more variety.

40 minutes recumbent bike

30 minutes upper body and core

Tuesday

20 minutes Arc Trainer

20 minutes Step Mill

40 minutes lower body and core strength

Physical Therapy

Agility drills with the ladder

Ankle weight inversion/eversion

Heel walks w/ 10 lb kettlebells

Single leg balance on trampoline (eyes open and closed)

Wednesday

40 minutes Arc Trainer

15 minutes Rowing Machine

30 minutes Upper Body Strength

Bench press

TRX push ups

TRX row

Battle ropes

Rope pull

Bar hangs 30 sec x 3 (pull up prep)

Eccentric pull ups

Thursday

30 minutes Lateral X Elliptical

15 minutes Step Mill

30 minute walk at the beach

My Chiropractor told me to hit the sand to work on my ankle strength and mobility.  Started off with wet sand at the water’s edge and walked back on the dry sand that makes you work.

And I may have tried a little snippets of a run just to see how I felt.  So far, so good!

Physical Therapy

More agility work on the ladder – I still sucked

Side step with single leg hop

Stability ball single leg calf raises against the wall at an angle – It was my first time doing these – what a killer!

Friday

I had the day off from work because I was originally supposed to be in Rhode Island with Cabot Cheese touring their farms and running a 10k race.  That is until, I did something really stupid 6 weeks ago (like stepping off a curb the wrong way!).

I had the day free with the kids in school and zero appointments or meetings.  It was heavenly being such a bum.  Well, at least a bum after I worked out.

20 minutes Step Mill alternating 20 steps forward, 20 steps left, 20 steps right

45 minutes pool running

Strength training

Lunge matrix (forward, side, back)

Squat press with 45 lb plate

KB plank rows

Single leg DB shoulder press

Step ups

DB chest press

TRX push ups

TRX pike planks

TRX bicycle planks

Saturday

I skipped a morning workout because of things that needed to be done before soccer (which was cancelled because of the rain) and a birthday party that the kids were attending. I had every intention of working out after the party but I opted for a nap instead.  There were SO many kids and they were SO loud.  It was exhausting just watching it all!

Sunday

45 minute trail walk with Cooper on an absolutely gorgeous fall day.

Workouts to stress my ankle so I can get back to running soon! #runchat #injuredrunner Click To Tweet

How was your week in workouts?

Linking up with Hoho and Triciafor the weekly workout wrap up.

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