Summer's End
Fresh off of updating my Moto Camping blog post, I thought I’d write a little something else. A general update for those who follow me.
Had a positive appointment with my quasi-new (to me) rheumatologist. She is wonderful. My disease is still under control thanks to the drugs (almost 22 years on them, totaling approx. 2.2k injections and counting) and my x-rays indicate that my total hip replacement should take away my pain. She encouraged me to call both of my surgeons (foot one at Civic campus, hip one at General) to ask where I am in the surgical cue and to also ask about getting steroid injections to help keep the pain manageable until corrective surgery happens.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get through to the foot surgeon. That’s okay, my hip is the bigger issue. I was able to reach his office. That’s when I was informed that I am not in the surgical cue after-all. Some paperwork was needed and never issued due to the hospital’s on-again-off-again lockdown orders. The surgeon had issued me a standing order which exists in my online chart. They have ordered updated x-rays in prep for the surgery back in January. I strongly believed that I was in the cue and was hoping for a replacement this winter… Alas, Module O at the Ottawa Hospital did not push the papers needed to actually book me the procedure. I will be speaking with my surgeon in early September. I’m very hopeful that we can get this sorted. The time has come and though I am scared, I know that my quality life will drastically improve post-op.
These last two weeks have been particularly hard. I generally keep a positive attitude as I have been disabled my whole life. I am very used to pain, fatigue and the sometimes isolating thoughts that come with being chronically ill. To combat the mental lows, I’ve been forcing myself to do fun stuff with friends. That has been keeping me in a positive headspace, for sure. I’ve been super social and having a great time there, no problem. A side effect of that, however, is that it’s left me pretty drained physically so I am laying low this week.
Work is going well. I do find the stairs difficult to use but as long as I take my time, they remain manageable. I love my job and appreciate the ability to work from home when I need to. Haven’t faced too much negative feedback or ‘trolling’ lately but maybe I’m just getting better at ignoring it? There are difficult days where I like to just keep it basic: play music & talk briefly about light stuff in between said music. I am noticing a lot of nasty stuff on social media directed at other public figures/those working in media (radio, tv, digital) and I struggle with trying to find a purpose for that hate filled vitriol.
Is it to be edgy? Is it for likes? Is it for online clout? Does shaming someone for doing their job make others feel better about their life? Do they know they don’t have to listen/read/consume what the object of their hate is saying/writing/producing?
I just don’t get it. I guess the point is to maybe create division so we have a big ‘us against them’ moment but what’s the goal there? It’s tiresome going down that rabbit hole and those are just some of the thoughts I’ve had based on the more coherent things I’ve seen. Then there are the messages that make zero sense which act more as a flare, drawing attention to a severe mental health situation. Overall in my world, I’d say the vibe has been fairly positive.
My cottage rental season is winding down as we inch toward winter. Typically, we shut the cabin down mid-to-late October but with the new water system we had installed this year we may get more time in before the freeze. At the mercy of Mother Nature with that one, but some of my favourite moments there happen during the ‘off season’. Another great year hosting friends and family. Looking forward to doing it again in 2023. Due to some pretty big expenses (exterminator, well/pump replacement, new chimney, new BBQ, may need a new fridge) I am hoping to get more pop-up guests later into this season/early in the next if the weather permits. Cottage ownership is as expensive as it is wonderful.
I never find enough time to write. I mean, I should be exercising right now but after only 13 minutes I had to stop. This week it’s about listening to my body. Who knows what next week will bring?