Random thoughts...

So, the last couple of days I have had random thoughts.

One was of a facebook post that commented on how back in the day we used to get mad if people read our diaries, out private, innermost thoughts...now we post all that online and get mad no one reads it!  LOL.

Another was as I was watching a running You Tube video of these people running through the mountains in Idaho and BC.  I thought how beautiful it was and how the closest I'll probably ever get to that is doing of virtual run on the treadmill.  But...I can dream.

A few last thoughts....I was thinking about how the earth travels around the sun.  When you're young you don't notice the position of the sun or the way it casts a shadow, how everything looks different from one season to the next.  Running on trails you see this so clearly...a trail you're familiar with, not just because of where it goes, but also because of the way it looks, the way the sun reflects of this rock or where this shadow is.  Getting older and slowing down gives you a chance to appreciate this wonder of nature.  Also, thank goodness, the coolness in the air in the morning and at night, something we haven't had much of this summer.

Take time to notice the world around you!

Grateful for beauty...

My thoughts yesterday as I ran through Sycamore Canyon was that there is hidden beauty here.  When you look at it from a distance, you see brown, dusty, dry...but as you get in you see hawks and squirrels and little hidden streams, trees that grow in the available water, mountains in the distance.  Hidden beauty in the middle of the city.

I am so grateful to be able to get out and run in that environment.

Just an aside, if anybody reading this would like to know more about the procedure, look me up on facebook and shoot me a PM.  I'll be happy to try to answer any questions from my limited knowledge about it. 

Happy running, walking, or whatever you do to stay sane!  :) 

Success and thoughts, latest, on running

I was just thinking this morning that when I thought about having my procedure done I was scared, right down to my toes.  I had read so many horror stories.  I can say now, after two and a half months, I am a success.  I hope that someone will read this and realize they can be one too, by following your doctor's instructions, not doing too much after your surgery and letting your body do it's thing.  Oh, and maybe not read all the negative stuff that's out there!  If I can help just one woman, I feel successful.

Random thoughts I've had lately is why are there so many older men who run, but not women?  Ok, older, mature women...where are you?  Are you hiding?  I get that.  But let's get out there in force, let's do what we love to do, lets RUN!! 

Thought for the day...

Why do I like watching ultrarunning videos so much?  Hmmmm. Not sure.

Inspiring?

Beautiful scenery?

A little dose of reality?

Hmmm. 

Thought for the day.

Slow recovery time

I never took my running for granted, I always felt so grateful to be able to do it.

Well, after having this procedure and going through the recovery process, I'm really not going to take it for granted!  I've never seen time go by so SLOWLY!  It's only been two weeks and I'm wondering how I'm going to make it through the next four weeks!  And even then I don't even know if I'll be able to run.

I see the doctor on July 18, so we'll see how things are by then.

Sling procedure accomplished!

On June 21, 2018, I had my urethral sling procedure or "pubovaginal sling" as they call it.  I was very apprehensive about this in so many ways.  It was, of course, not as bad as I thought it would be.

Now, I'm a pretty private person.  I don't really like to talk about myself, but when I was researching this procedure (it took me eight years), I didn't find a whole lot of information...at least practical.  There was a lot of negative information, which was part of the reason it took me so long to have it done.  So I hope someone will read this blog and benefit from it. 

So, I am four days postop, feeling pretty good.  I am a little sore with a lot of bruising and a feeling of pressure "down there", which I'm hoping will subside after a couple of weeks.  Nothing major.  But I have made sure to take it easy and not overdo it...when they say not to lift anything heavier than 10 pounds, I've done that.   They said not to bend or stoop, etc, I've done that.  I think we women don't like to give in to the idea that we might need help...I definitely don't like that...but I've taken advantage of my family's help and they have been great. 

I did go home with a catheter on board, but removed it the next day without any problem.  I hope with taking my time with recovery I will be back running in six weeks with no problem! 

It's really happening #sling #bladderissues #running #hopeful

I'm hopeful.  This is really happening.  I'm probably making a bigger deal about it...but that's my way.

Good or bad...we'll see.

Update on sling procedure

So, it's finally scheduled.  It took a few months, but it is scheduled for June 21st.  The moment of truth is here.  All the misgivings and uneasiness of having this procedure done are hitting me all at once.  It could be the best thing I've ever done or the worst...I'll let you know.

So now I just have to get preop things done, EKG, blood work, etc.  I'm praying that this will go well.

As you can tell from this blog, running is important to me.  But life is important too and living it well is something that having this procedure done will help.  I figure I have quite a few years of living left and I want to stay active, whether that is running, hiking, walking, riding a bicycle...whatever.  Just not ready for the rocking chair yet.

http://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/patients/health-conditions/stress-urinary-incontinence/mid-urethral-sling-procedure.html

Still waiting...

So, an update on the procedure--still waiting.  I noticed I didn't say what kind of procedure it is.  Well, it is a urethral sling procedure that is supposed to fix the relaxation of the pelvic floor that happens with childbirth and, well, age.  But by the time they get this thing going I might just change my mind.

But...still waiting. 

Sling procedure

This post is going to deviate from my usual run blog.  I'm going to post about the trials and tribulations of having a procedure done that hopefully will make running easier...hopefully.

So, after years of thinking about having this procedure done, I'm finally going to do it, have the urethral sling procedure.  I went to my primary doctor, who referred me to the urologist whom I have seen twice already.  This was not an easy decision.  All the negative things that can happen have been going through my mind, but I'm trying to focus on the positives. 

How does this relate to running?  Well, it's either going to make running a whole lot better or...well, I said only positives.  Having to worry about finding a bathroom is a do or die thing for me with running.  If I don't find a bathroom and use it before I run, well, let's just say I can't let that happen.  And using a bathroom before some of these runs is quite challenging.  Either the lines are so long that you're not sure if you're going to make the race or there just aren't enough potties for everyone.  If I don't do that pre-run potty it's a panic until I find one I can use.  If my plumbing worked the way it should I wouldn't worry so much, but...

So today was my second visit to the urologist.  It was not fun.  You have to drink as much water as you can beginning two hours before your appointment and you can't use the restroom.  Then they do tests on your very uncomfortable, full bladder.  Fun.  Now I get to wait for authorization and scheduling.   The doctor says that's about eight weeks, so that will actually work out well with my running schedule.  Stay tuned!  :)