Boring health shit with one bit of good news

[clevermanka]

Still coughing (productive cough, gross), but my throat isn't as sore, and energy levels are better. I usually have a sinus pressure headache by evening, though. mckitterick started feeling a sore throat last night, poor guy.

I've determined our mysterious skin-nibblers are pin oak mites. I didn't get a single bite during the four days I spent indoors during my convalescence, but after my walk home from work yesterday, I have four. Two on my neck (ugh), one on my right side near the bottom of my ribs, and one just under my left armpit. I hope the one on my neck doesn't bruise like the one on my right arm, which is still a two-inch across discoloration two weeks later. They all itch so bad. Even the old, bruised one still itches occasionally. Lucky me, I get to walk to and fro across campus twice today, and then walk home. Can't wait to see what I wake up with tomorrow. I'll try showering as soon as I get home. See if that helps.

Despite my comparative non-compliance with the prescribed exercises this month (too tired to do them twice a day), PT guy Tim was happy with my progress. I tested negative for both labrum and SI joint/sciatic inflammation. We spent a lot of time (drumroll, please!) working on setup for deadlift. He showed me some small adjustments I can make to allow for tight hips and ankles that will protect my knees and back.



But before I start lifting anything, I'll be working on increasing my general stamina by...walking. PT guy Tim told me to limit walks to a half mile at first and pay close attention to my gait. When it starts to change/falter, I need to slow down or stop. I heard there was a small indoor track at the free (old, cheap) gym available to faculty/staff, but I've never seen it and I don't know if it's still open. Waiting on a call back about that. No way am I taking outside walks any more than I need to. If the indoor track thing falls through, I might just use my lunch break to walk around the upstairs part of my building (where I do my hourly walkabout). It's only 1/6 of a mile so gets kind of dull, but it's better than being eaten alive.

I'm also feeling a little more confident about resuming yoga after the all-clear. I won't be doing anything fancy. None of that wonderful prep for hanuamnasana for a while, but some nice, gentle hip-openers with basic strengthening poses will be good.

Movement in general will be good. Not being able to exercise/feel strong has a negative influence on my eating habits. I don't like to police my eating, but with an eating disorder, I do have to be aware of my eating habits. I let those slip somewhat egregiously over the last six months. I'm honestly a bit concerned about fitting into last year's winter clothes so it's time to reverse that trend before I switch out the seasonal wardrobes.

Current goal: Fitting back into the jeans I'm wearing in that icon.

Comments

[zitronenhai.livejournal.com]

Yay on getting closer to lifting heavy again! And yay movement. BOO PIN OAK MITES. I am glad your infection is progressing apace. You should be free of it soon, yeah?

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

God I hope so. I am not at all pleased at how certain recreational activities of mine have been curtailed for the past week.

[1-rhiannon-1.livejournal.com]

Hoorasy for the good workout news! All kinds of good luck to you so you can get back to lifting soon! And yay for increased energy levels and a less-sore throat!

Boo to the mite bites though :(

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

They are so itchy it's HORRIBLE. I have pretty good willpower when it comes to not scratching, but the ones on my neck are just killing me.

[1-rhiannon-1.livejournal.com]

I don't know how you do it! I'd scratch myself bloody :(

[mundungus42.livejournal.com]

Those mites sound horrid, I'm so sorry they're being a pest now (seriously, it's enough to make one carry an umbrella AT ALL TIMES). Hooray for productive (if gross) cough and PT progress! Best of luck with getting your stamina back and returning to the activities you love!!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Rawr! Thank you!

[splix.livejournal.com]

Of course I had to look up a picture of a pin oak mite. AAAAAAAAAAAA.

I'm glad you're feeling a bit better!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Not only are they ugly, they're ASSHOLES.

[msmitti.livejournal.com]

Those bugs sound terrible. Have they been there in years past?

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

The articles suggest there have been past outbreaks, but they've never made it to Lawrence before. Looks like Wichita is getting hit, too, so watch out.

[msmitti.livejournal.com]

[sherwood21.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad to hear there's some forward progress on movement!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure I got my half mile in today walking back and forth to the union and of course my left hip is starting to twinge. OF COURSE.

[sherwood21.livejournal.com]

Then it sounds like Tim's suggestion to start at half a mile was spot on. Sucks that you can't do more right now, but at least you can do that half mile.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Tim's a pretty smart guy, I've decided.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Most of this is great news!

I know a couple years ago Rikki got eaten by the mites running trails here, so I imagine they've been around in the countryside. Between those and chiggers, I am about done with KS again.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Just fuck this state, for real. If it weren't for mckitterick, I think I'd be ready to pack my bags along with you.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

I know exactly the feeling. Maybe when we all get old, we can pack up and form a mini community somewhere relatively unspoilt and cheap. Way the fuck out of there.

[write-out.livejournal.com]

Fuck those bugs! Gross.

I'm glad you've got good news on the movement front! Slowly but surely, you will be able to do the things you miss. I'm excited for you!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

[kazoogrrl.livejournal.com]

Yay movement!

Whoa, what the fuck biting bug weirdness?!?!?!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

They are TERRIBLE. I mean, I already hate nature/the outdoors. This is Not Helping.