Well, this week has been a really good one thus far...but I'm tired! With the hubby out on business, starting a new job and keeping up with the workouts, I think I am going to need some recovery time this weekend! First, the new job. So far, so good! I had my first home visit Tuesday with a Nursing Supervisor from Alliance and myself. The patient is my age (27) and had to have some minor surgery to remove a hair follicle gone bad. I generally do not like wounds (I've found that over the last couple of years of experience, even us nurses find stuff that can be a little too much for our stomach's). Wounds, are not my thing. BUT, it is part of the job and learning about the new equipment and treatment that is available is always interesting. Thankfully this patient is very independent and can do some things on his own. I learned how to initiate the "Wound-Vac" on someone (we always had special wound nurses in the hospital take care of that), so it was a good learning experience. My supervisor is going with me tomorrow to visit him one last time before I take over on Monday.
My second visit this week was solo and for an elderly woman who has hypertension and arthropathy. She is basically admitted for some rehabilitation at home per her son's request as she has progressively gotten weaker. Really cute lady, really nice and very cooperative. Due to some mix up with the primary care doctor and their lack in getting back to me with complete orders, the patient has still not been seen by PT. I am going to make sure they get there tomorrow and I will see her again. On the humorous side, the patient (who mind you, is 71) was "dipping" the entire time I was with her. For those of you who are like me and do not know the difference between "dipping" and "chewing" my husband clarified. This patient was dipping. :) Hey, they are in their home on their time...who am I to tell them they can not "dip".
Today I met with one of our marketing reps that works in the same area as me, so that I could meet the Suburban Surgical Center nurses, staff and doctors. All were really nice, and it will be nice to be able to put familiar face with the name as they are a big client that will be giving me a lot of patients.
Workouts have continued this week and are going pretty well. I've had a little lack of energy getting to the gym just because I have been working and the dogs were ready to go outside at 6:45am every morning this week. I learned that the dogs will wake up around 6:30-7:00 regardless of when they go to sleep, so if I can get to bed earlier (rather than taking them out late at night in hopes that they too will want to sleep in), Ill get more sleep. Each morning I was greeted with a paw on my chest and lick in the face, followed by a tail whack and then some barks to let me know they really had to go!
Back to the workouts, they were as follows.
Mon-Walk 5min, run 2mins x3 sets (and I added another couple mins of walking) total -25mins cardio, 1.85miles
Tues-off
Wed-First I walked the dogs for 30mins in the am, then at the gym ...Walk 5mins,run 2mins x3 sets (I didnt really follow this as I felt pretty good and basically walked 3 mins, ran 2mins-total time 35mins, 2.75miles. (weights-thighs, quads, glutes)
Thurs-elliptical 2miles, 22minutes (weights-biceps, triceps, lats)
Tomorrow is a running day and I've got a couple patients to see, so I might try to do it in the am.
The journey continues, the runs progress, the job takes form...I am glad to get back into nursing as I missed that sense of contribution and accomplishment during my months off. Nursing, is definitely my calling as I love what I do!!
-R
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Time for the real world!
Wow...after a fabulous weekend of surprising my husband for his 32nd birthday, it is time to get back into the reality of the working world. I'd like to share a recap of the birthday surprises first and foremost though!
Thursday night, I told Bob I had dinner reservations for he and I (and he figured out that it was at our favorite sushi spot), but he had no idea that behind the door upon our entrance sat 16 of our great friends!! Upon entering I turned him around and "SURPRISE"!!! We had a great dinner, great conversation and well let's just say the Friday 8:30am meeting for Bob was a little rough ;). Next was Friday, we made homemade pizza and had a relaxing night in. Lights out by 10pm so we were ready for the next surprise Saturday.
Saturday morning I woke up and went for a 30min walk to get the lungs moving and then came home, packed and dropped our pups off at Wicker Pet. Bob had a minor hiccup in that he left his wallet at work so we made a trip downtown to pick that up before heading north to Milwaukee. About 10 minutes prior to our destination I blindfolded Bob with a pink bandanna (actually it was Bella our dogs bandanna but that was all I could find in a hurry Sat am)...so with a furry bandanna at our destination, out popped his grandfather Ed!! Bob was surprised we were at his grandparents but happy to see that we were. The surprise wasn't over as Brian and Kari and Bob's parents were all waiting inside to give Bob and big birthday hug!! We had a great brat lunch and spent some time just being with his family before heading into downtown Milwaukee. There, Brian, Kari and I had a great time (and participated in a mini bar crawl) and ended the night with a nice Mexican dinner. Bob and I made a stop at the cheese castle south of Racine, WI yesterday and bought some cheese for the road.
After a fun weekend, I am ready to start the new job! Today I will be seeing my first patient.
Wishing all a great week!
6PM- workout details- walk 5mins, run 2 mins x3 sets, 2 more laps = total 2.07miles, 30mins.
Thursday night, I told Bob I had dinner reservations for he and I (and he figured out that it was at our favorite sushi spot), but he had no idea that behind the door upon our entrance sat 16 of our great friends!! Upon entering I turned him around and "SURPRISE"!!! We had a great dinner, great conversation and well let's just say the Friday 8:30am meeting for Bob was a little rough ;). Next was Friday, we made homemade pizza and had a relaxing night in. Lights out by 10pm so we were ready for the next surprise Saturday.
Saturday morning I woke up and went for a 30min walk to get the lungs moving and then came home, packed and dropped our pups off at Wicker Pet. Bob had a minor hiccup in that he left his wallet at work so we made a trip downtown to pick that up before heading north to Milwaukee. About 10 minutes prior to our destination I blindfolded Bob with a pink bandanna (actually it was Bella our dogs bandanna but that was all I could find in a hurry Sat am)...so with a furry bandanna at our destination, out popped his grandfather Ed!! Bob was surprised we were at his grandparents but happy to see that we were. The surprise wasn't over as Brian and Kari and Bob's parents were all waiting inside to give Bob and big birthday hug!! We had a great brat lunch and spent some time just being with his family before heading into downtown Milwaukee. There, Brian, Kari and I had a great time (and participated in a mini bar crawl) and ended the night with a nice Mexican dinner. Bob and I made a stop at the cheese castle south of Racine, WI yesterday and bought some cheese for the road.
After a fun weekend, I am ready to start the new job! Today I will be seeing my first patient.
Wishing all a great week!
6PM- workout details- walk 5mins, run 2 mins x3 sets, 2 more laps = total 2.07miles, 30mins.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Exercise and Birthdays.
As I mentioned in my last blog, I have started working out again and am attempting to get my running legs/lungs back. It is hard work, but well worth the pain and discomfort as I always breathe better "post workout". Below you will see the cardio I did this week, and I still have tonight's workout and hopefully one in the morning before celebrating Bob's 32nd birthday. Since today is Friday, I am going to start with last weeks Thursday (8/5/10)...when I decided to take the plunge and get back to running.
Thurs (8/5)- Walk 6 mins, Run 1 min - 30 mins (outside)
Friday - took the day off as I had a CPR class that took up most of the day
Sat-walk 6mins, run 1min x21 mins, then walk 3mins, run 1min x 10 mins - 36mins (2.5miles)
Sun-off
Mon-walk 6mins, run 1min x 25 mins - 1.77miles
Tues-elliptical 25mins/weights
Wed-walk 6mins, run 1:30min x 24 mins- 1.65miles
Thurs-off
So there you have it. While I would love to say that I went out and ran 3miles...that is just not happening yet. Some days are really good workout days and others I feel like my heart might pound right out of my chest. Some days I feel like I can keep going, others I feel like I can't get going. One thing is consistent, I ALWAYS breathe MUCH better after doing some sort of cardio workout. The trick is increasing the cardio while not loosing any weight (in fact I would love it if I could gain a few solid pounds). Tonight (hopefully soon) I will be grabbing the birthday boy from work and we will be hitting the gym. Since I have a little surprise planned for him this weekend, I really need to get a workout in today and possibly in the morning.
On a completely different note, I will be starting my job in the field next week....which is very exciting but also a little nerve racking. I am ready to start and I hope that it provides that level of satisfaction and fulfilment that I got from my last job...but proves to be less stressful and easier on my body. This is a totally different kind of nursing, going into one's home. Seeing a patient in the comfort of their home and in their element will (hopefully) be a nice change from hospital nursing. Time will tell and one can only know if they like or dislike something if they give it a whirl.
Thought of the day- "Consistency for longevity".
Thurs (8/5)- Walk 6 mins, Run 1 min - 30 mins (outside)
Friday - took the day off as I had a CPR class that took up most of the day
Sat-walk 6mins, run 1min x21 mins, then walk 3mins, run 1min x 10 mins - 36mins (2.5miles)
Sun-off
Mon-walk 6mins, run 1min x 25 mins - 1.77miles
Tues-elliptical 25mins/weights
Wed-walk 6mins, run 1:30min x 24 mins- 1.65miles
Thurs-off
So there you have it. While I would love to say that I went out and ran 3miles...that is just not happening yet. Some days are really good workout days and others I feel like my heart might pound right out of my chest. Some days I feel like I can keep going, others I feel like I can't get going. One thing is consistent, I ALWAYS breathe MUCH better after doing some sort of cardio workout. The trick is increasing the cardio while not loosing any weight (in fact I would love it if I could gain a few solid pounds). Tonight (hopefully soon) I will be grabbing the birthday boy from work and we will be hitting the gym. Since I have a little surprise planned for him this weekend, I really need to get a workout in today and possibly in the morning.
On a completely different note, I will be starting my job in the field next week....which is very exciting but also a little nerve racking. I am ready to start and I hope that it provides that level of satisfaction and fulfilment that I got from my last job...but proves to be less stressful and easier on my body. This is a totally different kind of nursing, going into one's home. Seeing a patient in the comfort of their home and in their element will (hopefully) be a nice change from hospital nursing. Time will tell and one can only know if they like or dislike something if they give it a whirl.
Thought of the day- "Consistency for longevity".
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Rubber Band Girl...
After a busy week, a little downtime on the weekends is always much needed. One of our favorite activities to do on the weekends...curl up on the couch and watch movies. Currently while I am writing this, the hubby and the two dogs are all horizontal watching the movie "Surrogates". While we need the relaxation, we also need the activity.
This week I started a new running program, much thanks to a new found "Internet friend" who battles Cystic Fibrosis. After doing some Internet research looking for a portal of information and communication I came upon a website (http://runsickboyrun.blogspot.com). This is a very nice blog developed by a guy who battles CF everyday. His attitude and outlook is amazing and it has been with his encouraging words and inspiration, that I have decided to attempt running again. While I do not have CF, I can relate to their symptoms, treatment and challenges. Along with the creator of RSBR website, I believe that physical activity plays a crucial role in the health of anyone, in particular those who battle (for lack of better words) "crappy" lungs.
As a child up until college I played competitive soccer. Of course, I was always a little "different" than my teammates in that I seemed to be just one step behind with running. I would always seem to run out of air much quicker than my teammates, but I pushed through it and always managed to hold my own. During my freshman year of college, I...well, let's just say I had a really good time. Not only did I seem to spend more time reading magazines than textbooks and in the bars than class, but I had gotten to a point where I was SO TIRED of HAVING to exercise. Up until this point, I had been on a schedule of practice 2-3 times a week, with games, tournaments, scrimmages on the weekends. Along with practice and games, we had conditioning camps, tryouts, mini-tournaments....soccer, was my life and it was extremely intense for many, many years. I actually was recruited for a D3 school and offered a full-ride scholarship to play soccer...after much consideration,I declined respectfully. Looking back, I probably put a pit in my parents stomach...full-ride vs. full tuition??? Well, thankfully they respected my decision to not continue my competitive soccer career, and I chose University of Iowa.
After taking a semester off from working out...it was with the support of my good friend Ellen Davis, that I hit the gym again...and a lot...in fact I would run 7 miles a couple times a week. We were workout buddies and got each other to the gym when the other person was feeling less than motivated. My lungs always seem to feel better after a workout. I can't tell you the last time I ran 7 miles, but I do know that working out is crucial to my health and well-being. Most people might think..."okay, so just workout and you will be fine"...not the case. It's just not that easy...working out has gone from something that I LOVE, to something I dread and fear, and I have slowly gotten back to my affection for a good sweat again. Actually, I love the feeling after a good sweat, but it's hard. To try and best explain it...take a very thin, large rubber band with a big diameter and stretch it out and let it recoil to it's original size...pretty easy? Now imagine taking a very THICK, SMALL diameter rubber band and try stretching that out...not that much "give", lots of resistance, harder to expand...add some wheezing, inflammation and.. (sorry for the gruesome details) mucous...that's my lungs in a nutshell. So...step on a treadmill and try running. Extremely hard!!
Studies have shown that exercise can increase one's FEV1 (basically a test that evaluates one's lung capacity and functionality). A normal person should have a FEV1 around 100%. Someone with CF, Bronchiectasis, Asthma, COPD...on a good day could be in the 50-60% percentile range... and in reality its often much lower (depending on the severity of course). So for someone like myself, increasing the FEV1 is extremely important. Some damage is irreversible, but I believe there is always room for improvement. This is why I am committing to getting back into running. Why running?? It is one of the hardest cardiovascular/whole body challenges one can partake in. It is not easy, it's painful, it's challenging, it can be ugly...then eventually, your body accepts it and your lungs become stronger. This is the end goal...to become stronger and breathe easier...no drug can build up lung strength...running can be my drug of choice.
The running program is 8 weeks and a continuous increase in the time spent running and less time walking...but all at a very respectable pace to build up to running consistently for 30-40 minutes. This past week I started with day one which included lots of high paced walking, and a few quick runs...let me tell you, as easy as it sounds and probably is for the "normal" person...it was a breath-sucking workout for me...I also did a couple days of elliptical workouts for about 25 minutes each time and included some weight lifting and too many lunges (I was sore all week!!).
The way I see it, I only have one choice and that is to better myself and press on against the pain and discomfort. The stronger I am, the better I am for myself, my husband, my family and friends.
Now, time to peel myself off the couch and get the lungs and legs working a bit!
Thought of the day..."To better oneself can only come from within"
This week I started a new running program, much thanks to a new found "Internet friend" who battles Cystic Fibrosis. After doing some Internet research looking for a portal of information and communication I came upon a website (http://runsickboyrun.blogspot.com). This is a very nice blog developed by a guy who battles CF everyday. His attitude and outlook is amazing and it has been with his encouraging words and inspiration, that I have decided to attempt running again. While I do not have CF, I can relate to their symptoms, treatment and challenges. Along with the creator of RSBR website, I believe that physical activity plays a crucial role in the health of anyone, in particular those who battle (for lack of better words) "crappy" lungs.
As a child up until college I played competitive soccer. Of course, I was always a little "different" than my teammates in that I seemed to be just one step behind with running. I would always seem to run out of air much quicker than my teammates, but I pushed through it and always managed to hold my own. During my freshman year of college, I...well, let's just say I had a really good time. Not only did I seem to spend more time reading magazines than textbooks and in the bars than class, but I had gotten to a point where I was SO TIRED of HAVING to exercise. Up until this point, I had been on a schedule of practice 2-3 times a week, with games, tournaments, scrimmages on the weekends. Along with practice and games, we had conditioning camps, tryouts, mini-tournaments....soccer, was my life and it was extremely intense for many, many years. I actually was recruited for a D3 school and offered a full-ride scholarship to play soccer...after much consideration,I declined respectfully. Looking back, I probably put a pit in my parents stomach...full-ride vs. full tuition??? Well, thankfully they respected my decision to not continue my competitive soccer career, and I chose University of Iowa.
After taking a semester off from working out...it was with the support of my good friend Ellen Davis, that I hit the gym again...and a lot...in fact I would run 7 miles a couple times a week. We were workout buddies and got each other to the gym when the other person was feeling less than motivated. My lungs always seem to feel better after a workout. I can't tell you the last time I ran 7 miles, but I do know that working out is crucial to my health and well-being. Most people might think..."okay, so just workout and you will be fine"...not the case. It's just not that easy...working out has gone from something that I LOVE, to something I dread and fear, and I have slowly gotten back to my affection for a good sweat again. Actually, I love the feeling after a good sweat, but it's hard. To try and best explain it...take a very thin, large rubber band with a big diameter and stretch it out and let it recoil to it's original size...pretty easy? Now imagine taking a very THICK, SMALL diameter rubber band and try stretching that out...not that much "give", lots of resistance, harder to expand...add some wheezing, inflammation and.. (sorry for the gruesome details) mucous...that's my lungs in a nutshell. So...step on a treadmill and try running. Extremely hard!!
Studies have shown that exercise can increase one's FEV1 (basically a test that evaluates one's lung capacity and functionality). A normal person should have a FEV1 around 100%. Someone with CF, Bronchiectasis, Asthma, COPD...on a good day could be in the 50-60% percentile range... and in reality its often much lower (depending on the severity of course). So for someone like myself, increasing the FEV1 is extremely important. Some damage is irreversible, but I believe there is always room for improvement. This is why I am committing to getting back into running. Why running?? It is one of the hardest cardiovascular/whole body challenges one can partake in. It is not easy, it's painful, it's challenging, it can be ugly...then eventually, your body accepts it and your lungs become stronger. This is the end goal...to become stronger and breathe easier...no drug can build up lung strength...running can be my drug of choice.
The running program is 8 weeks and a continuous increase in the time spent running and less time walking...but all at a very respectable pace to build up to running consistently for 30-40 minutes. This past week I started with day one which included lots of high paced walking, and a few quick runs...let me tell you, as easy as it sounds and probably is for the "normal" person...it was a breath-sucking workout for me...I also did a couple days of elliptical workouts for about 25 minutes each time and included some weight lifting and too many lunges (I was sore all week!!).
The way I see it, I only have one choice and that is to better myself and press on against the pain and discomfort. The stronger I am, the better I am for myself, my husband, my family and friends.
Now, time to peel myself off the couch and get the lungs and legs working a bit!
Thought of the day..."To better oneself can only come from within"
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Fighting for Air.
New beginnings are upon us all the time, and for me August marks a new beginning. Having had a rough couple months with health issues, things are slowly but surely getting back to normal. Everyday is a continuous fight for air, but one that I will continue to fight until all the air is gone. It's unusual to find someone that understands what it is like to be in the shoes of someone with lungs that don't function like they should... not to fault anyone for that of course. Not even upon my worst enemy would I wish for them to experience a day in my shoes, it is just not right. While I could cry (which I sometimes do) and complain (which I sometimes do), I try to embrace what God has given me. There is a reason why I have lungs that challenge me from the moment I wake up until the moment I go to bed...and often while I sleep. There is a reason why I have to fight so hard, and it only makes one stronger when things aren't easy. Everyday, I become a stronger person, because I have to.
This summer has been one that continues to prove eventful, relaxing and hot! Chicago has had heat like I used to feel in Dallas and Houston and I am ready for some cooler weather and football games galore. Not to say we have not enjoyed the summer, in fact we have. Our trip to California was simply blissful. Relaxation combined with the company of family and friends, rejuvenated us to face the "real world" upon our return. Bob became smothered in work and travel and my acceptance of a new job (yay!) has proven that reality is upon us. Too bad vacation doesn't last forever!
I must say after these past few months, I've come to lean on others for their continued support and guidance. We all know family and friends are important and not until we find out how important they are, do we appreciate them like we should. Until something is taken from us, we don't miss it. I'd like to thank all of those who are in my life, who provide unconditional love and support, who love me for being me. Thank you to my wonderful husband who is my backbone when I need him to be and my personal masseuse everyday :) Thank you to my wonderful Mom and Dad who are always and have always been there at the drop of a dime. Thank you to all my friends who check in on me just because they care. Life is what you make it, and with the help of all of my family and friends, life is wonderful.
Thought of the day..."Love those who love you and never take one breath of air for granted".
This summer has been one that continues to prove eventful, relaxing and hot! Chicago has had heat like I used to feel in Dallas and Houston and I am ready for some cooler weather and football games galore. Not to say we have not enjoyed the summer, in fact we have. Our trip to California was simply blissful. Relaxation combined with the company of family and friends, rejuvenated us to face the "real world" upon our return. Bob became smothered in work and travel and my acceptance of a new job (yay!) has proven that reality is upon us. Too bad vacation doesn't last forever!
I must say after these past few months, I've come to lean on others for their continued support and guidance. We all know family and friends are important and not until we find out how important they are, do we appreciate them like we should. Until something is taken from us, we don't miss it. I'd like to thank all of those who are in my life, who provide unconditional love and support, who love me for being me. Thank you to my wonderful husband who is my backbone when I need him to be and my personal masseuse everyday :) Thank you to my wonderful Mom and Dad who are always and have always been there at the drop of a dime. Thank you to all my friends who check in on me just because they care. Life is what you make it, and with the help of all of my family and friends, life is wonderful.
Thought of the day..."Love those who love you and never take one breath of air for granted".
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