It's been a few weeks since I have written an update about my quest for
physical fitness. I find that holding myself accountable through this
blog has helped me maintain focus. It certainly has not been an easy
journey to shed the pounds. It has not been nearly as much fun as eating
the cupcakes and treats that put on the weight!
I have
been working out now for nearly three months. I left my first gym, but
true to my promise I never actually quit. My incident with the tracker
jackers sidelined my work-outs for a week, the gym refused to credit me
the sessions that I missed, and my contract expired. Considering how
unhappy I was with the facility, the trainers, and my progress, it should
not have come as a surprise to them when I declined another contract.
The
facility I left was considered a "designer gym." There were private
work-out suites and the only other person in the room was the trainer.
It was the epitome of personalized training. Unfortunately, my trainers
refused to personalize any of the routines to fit my unique needs. I was
never able to establish trust with them making it nearly impossible
for me to feel comfortable. I felt an inordinate amount of pressure to
succeed because I knew the financial investment was great.
My new gym is on the opposite end of the upscale
spectrum. I have joined Planet Fitness which is basically a large room
filled with a variety of machines. In spite of the imposing equipment, I
never felt intimidated as it is touted to be the "No
Judgment Zone." As if it couldn't get better, they give out pizza,
bagels and tootsie rolls! This gym is definitely more my speed.
Planet
Fitness offers free personalized training which I have utilized
several times although I typically use the circuit at the back of the
facility. It's fashioned similar to a Curves Gym where each exercise is timed
for one minute and 30 seconds. Cues are provided to switch stations and
prepare for the next machine. The circuit provides a full body work-out
in 30 minutes.
I have been enjoying the circuit so
much that I have begun to do it twice, turning me into a toned
fat-burning machine. Yesterday a man came up to me at the gym and told
me that I was a "nice little piece of tight a$$." Instead of
chastising him for the sexist comment, I simply smiled and replied,
"It's not tight yet, but I'm working on it. Thanks for noticing." It's
been a long time since I've been hit on!
I've been
working out without the fancy trainer for almost three weeks. I've
already lost weight, and I can tell a difference in my body shape. I
have learned to push myself to the point of muscle fatigue but not so
far that I am in true pain. I've realized that I know my body best, and
that I'm able to push myself without causing injury. I never thought I
would feel this way about working out, but I really like my new gym!
About Me
- Peggy
- I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations. This blogger is available for hire! Let's talk and learn how a blog can expand your business.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Pool Drama
A few weeks ago Robby went to a birthday party at a local swimming
pool. While he was having a great time splashing around with his
friends, I busied myself by reading the assorted pamphlets that were
strewn on the tables in the lobby. After reading a flier advertising
swimming lessons, I decided to propel myself into the strata of "World's
Best Mom" by signing him up. After all, he loves the water and is
always giddy with anticipation when he knows that he will be going to a
pool.
I was excited to reveal the big swim surprise because I just knew that he was going to be over-the-moon. I sat him down, showed him the brochure and told him that he was going to be taking swim lessons. I watched as the smile melted from his face, revealing a scowl. He handed me the brochure, got up and said, "There is no way I'm going to be take swim lessons." So much for my World's Best Mom nomination.
Scott and I agreed that swim lessons were not optional. We are going to be putting in a larger above ground pool this year and Robby needs to demonstrate some swim competency. We both stood firm and insisted that he take the classes.
Yesterday was Robby's first lesson. He began to complain during lunch. By afternoon he was trying to get out of the class by telling me that the "frog that he caught a few days ago might have made a baby in his throat." He had resorted to sobbing by dinner time.
He cried when we insisted that he put on his new swimsuit. He then informed me that he "was never ever going to wear this stupid blue swimsuit again. It will remind me of the stupid stupid swim school and it will always make me sad." He then continued to lament his impending swim lesson doom.
The car ride to the pool both frustrated me and made me sad. He continued to cry and frantically plead his case. "I really don't want to do this" was followed by "I'm not prepared." He then complained about my signing him up for the lessons while he was at a party and declared, "The next time I go to a birthday party do no sign me up for anything." I did have to giggle when he told me that he couldn't get in the water because his "hormones were all out of whack."
All day I tried to talk with him to allay his fears about the lessons. He simply insisted that he didn't want to go, and my logic was not working. Finally, he mentioned that he didn't want to "sink like a stone" in the pool. I promised him that he would not and agreed to stay poolside throughout the lesson. He was not happy about it, but he finally walked into the building.
Robby was nervous walking towards the pool. His teacher handed him a yellow plastic duck and asked him to get into the water. He dropped my hand and hopped in. He spent the next 45 minutes smiling, laughing and blowing bubbles in the pool.
As promised, I stayed poolside. While all of the other parents were relaxing in the air conditioned lounge, I was sweating in the humid air, pungent with chlorine. I've decided that next time Scott can take him for lessons! In the meantime I'm seriously considering signing my little guy for drama classes. I think he has a knack for it.
I was excited to reveal the big swim surprise because I just knew that he was going to be over-the-moon. I sat him down, showed him the brochure and told him that he was going to be taking swim lessons. I watched as the smile melted from his face, revealing a scowl. He handed me the brochure, got up and said, "There is no way I'm going to be take swim lessons." So much for my World's Best Mom nomination.
Scott and I agreed that swim lessons were not optional. We are going to be putting in a larger above ground pool this year and Robby needs to demonstrate some swim competency. We both stood firm and insisted that he take the classes.
Yesterday was Robby's first lesson. He began to complain during lunch. By afternoon he was trying to get out of the class by telling me that the "frog that he caught a few days ago might have made a baby in his throat." He had resorted to sobbing by dinner time.
He cried when we insisted that he put on his new swimsuit. He then informed me that he "was never ever going to wear this stupid blue swimsuit again. It will remind me of the stupid stupid swim school and it will always make me sad." He then continued to lament his impending swim lesson doom.
The car ride to the pool both frustrated me and made me sad. He continued to cry and frantically plead his case. "I really don't want to do this" was followed by "I'm not prepared." He then complained about my signing him up for the lessons while he was at a party and declared, "The next time I go to a birthday party do no sign me up for anything." I did have to giggle when he told me that he couldn't get in the water because his "hormones were all out of whack."
All day I tried to talk with him to allay his fears about the lessons. He simply insisted that he didn't want to go, and my logic was not working. Finally, he mentioned that he didn't want to "sink like a stone" in the pool. I promised him that he would not and agreed to stay poolside throughout the lesson. He was not happy about it, but he finally walked into the building.
Robby was nervous walking towards the pool. His teacher handed him a yellow plastic duck and asked him to get into the water. He dropped my hand and hopped in. He spent the next 45 minutes smiling, laughing and blowing bubbles in the pool.
As promised, I stayed poolside. While all of the other parents were relaxing in the air conditioned lounge, I was sweating in the humid air, pungent with chlorine. I've decided that next time Scott can take him for lessons! In the meantime I'm seriously considering signing my little guy for drama classes. I think he has a knack for it.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Arms and Legs for All!
Did you watch Secret Millionaire last night? I was nearly giddy with
excitement when I learned that one of my favorite charitable
organizations, Limbs for Life, was being featured. By providing a
prosthesis to those who cannot afford one, this charity changes lives not only
for the amputee but also for their community of friends and family.
So many erroneously believe that Medicare will cover the cost of a prosthesis when the amputee is financially drained. In reality, many insurance plans (Medicare included) cap their costs at 80%. The individual is responsible for coming up with the remaining 20%.
Considering that a low-tech above knee prosthesis can run in excess of $15,000, the amputee must pay $3,500 just for the "luxury" of being able to walk. Assuming that the individual was able to secure the payment, the cycle will need to be repeated in 3-5 years, which is the average life of a prosthesis. Raising at least $3,500 every five years is a financial burden that many are simply not able to assume. Many amputees are bankrupt after the costs of the surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and missed work relegating obtaining a prosthesis to nothing more than a dream.
I become frustrated and depressed when I think about all of my amputee peers who are living in a wheelchair or using crutches simply because they don't have enough money in their bank accounts to pay for the leg that they so desperately need. My friends who have struggled to pay their 20% are often relying upon the same device long after it has become antiquated and dangerous. I have seen too many legs fixed with duct tape and super glue because the wearer can't afford the necessary repairs. Some things simply should not be dependent upon wealth--the ability to walk or use both arms being one of them!
I am lucky that my amputation falls under the Workman's Comp umbrella. Although I have to fight for liners and devices, I have yet to be denied a leg outright. The quagmire of paperwork and court appearances that I manage is simple compared to those who struggle to raise the sometimes unattainable 20% for the most basic prosthesis.
The volunteers at Limbs for Life work tirelessly to bridge the financial gap for amputees in this country. People from all over the United States have received a prosthesis at no cost due to the efforts of this group. These individuals have been able to ditch the crutches and wheelchairs, many times enabling them to return to work and get off SSI Disability. Despite their outreach, too many amputees are not ambulatory because they can't afford it. Something must be done to secure prosthetic devices for every amputee who wants one.
I've identified the problem. If I could only come up with a solution!
So many erroneously believe that Medicare will cover the cost of a prosthesis when the amputee is financially drained. In reality, many insurance plans (Medicare included) cap their costs at 80%. The individual is responsible for coming up with the remaining 20%.
Considering that a low-tech above knee prosthesis can run in excess of $15,000, the amputee must pay $3,500 just for the "luxury" of being able to walk. Assuming that the individual was able to secure the payment, the cycle will need to be repeated in 3-5 years, which is the average life of a prosthesis. Raising at least $3,500 every five years is a financial burden that many are simply not able to assume. Many amputees are bankrupt after the costs of the surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and missed work relegating obtaining a prosthesis to nothing more than a dream.
I become frustrated and depressed when I think about all of my amputee peers who are living in a wheelchair or using crutches simply because they don't have enough money in their bank accounts to pay for the leg that they so desperately need. My friends who have struggled to pay their 20% are often relying upon the same device long after it has become antiquated and dangerous. I have seen too many legs fixed with duct tape and super glue because the wearer can't afford the necessary repairs. Some things simply should not be dependent upon wealth--the ability to walk or use both arms being one of them!
I am lucky that my amputation falls under the Workman's Comp umbrella. Although I have to fight for liners and devices, I have yet to be denied a leg outright. The quagmire of paperwork and court appearances that I manage is simple compared to those who struggle to raise the sometimes unattainable 20% for the most basic prosthesis.
The volunteers at Limbs for Life work tirelessly to bridge the financial gap for amputees in this country. People from all over the United States have received a prosthesis at no cost due to the efforts of this group. These individuals have been able to ditch the crutches and wheelchairs, many times enabling them to return to work and get off SSI Disability. Despite their outreach, too many amputees are not ambulatory because they can't afford it. Something must be done to secure prosthetic devices for every amputee who wants one.
I've identified the problem. If I could only come up with a solution!
Friday, June 08, 2012
Working at Home
Yesterday as I was dressing and preparing for a day of meetings, it
occurred to me that I haven't worked in an office environment in over
six years. I have become spoiled by working in my comfortable clothes,
often mismatched, and inevitably covered with stains. Wearing make-up and
professional clothes felt foreign as if I was a little girl playing
dress up.
I spent the day in an office participating in meetings and trying to absorb as much information as possible. By the end of the day, I was worn out, but this fatigue was vaguely familiar. I wasn't tired from chasing Robby or because I stayed up all night writing an insurance appeal. I was exhausted because I spent a day under flickering florescent lights, trying to remain alert while keeping my daydreams from intruding on my attention. (To be honest, I prefer being physically tired from playing with Robby to fatigue stemming from monotony.)
Soon after lunch my leg began to twitch and swell, no doubt the result of being sedentary for so long. When I'm working at home, I often have my feet propped over the arm of my rocking chair or on the couch. Sitting in a standard office chair, without moving around, definitely takes a physical toll. By the time the work day was done, I had completely slipped out of my socket and was rhythmically kicking my leg trying to keep the swelling in check. My efforts were only moderately successful.
Working from home is not easy, but at this point in my life it has become my definite preference. I don't like being tethered to a building and being told which hours I must work. I like working in comfy clothes without having to worry about my appearance, and I have become adept at scheduling and balancing my various contractual obligations. The hours that I work are erratic, but my self-made schedule suits my needs perfectly. The fact that I can kick off my leg and prop up my limb while working on my couch is a definite bonus!
I spent the day in an office participating in meetings and trying to absorb as much information as possible. By the end of the day, I was worn out, but this fatigue was vaguely familiar. I wasn't tired from chasing Robby or because I stayed up all night writing an insurance appeal. I was exhausted because I spent a day under flickering florescent lights, trying to remain alert while keeping my daydreams from intruding on my attention. (To be honest, I prefer being physically tired from playing with Robby to fatigue stemming from monotony.)
Soon after lunch my leg began to twitch and swell, no doubt the result of being sedentary for so long. When I'm working at home, I often have my feet propped over the arm of my rocking chair or on the couch. Sitting in a standard office chair, without moving around, definitely takes a physical toll. By the time the work day was done, I had completely slipped out of my socket and was rhythmically kicking my leg trying to keep the swelling in check. My efforts were only moderately successful.
Working from home is not easy, but at this point in my life it has become my definite preference. I don't like being tethered to a building and being told which hours I must work. I like working in comfy clothes without having to worry about my appearance, and I have become adept at scheduling and balancing my various contractual obligations. The hours that I work are erratic, but my self-made schedule suits my needs perfectly. The fact that I can kick off my leg and prop up my limb while working on my couch is a definite bonus!
Thursday, June 07, 2012
My New Favorite Photo
During the past few years I have been featured in several ads for
Ossur's Proprio Foot. Each time I open a magazine and see my image, I
feel both a sense of exhilaration and embarrassment. I am not a model by
any means, and I am always flattered when my photo is chosen.
I have been fortunate enough to have Robby with me in many of the ads. I am hard on myself and always criticize my own perceived flaws in every photo. However, there can be no denying the fact that the little boy by my side is beyond adorable! Robby is only six, but he has amassed a unique scrapbook filled with a variety of advertisements, fliers, and a catalog cover. What a wonderful keepsake of his childhood.
Typically I am not happy with an advertisement when I first see it because I look at every imperfection. I am, without a doubt, my worst critic! However, I am featured in a new advertisement that, at the risk of sounding vain, literally left me breathless. I am thrilled with the image and the message. I am proud to be part of this new campaign and the photo that was chosen has become my all-time favorite picture of me and Robby. What do you think?
Pardon the poor photo quality, I'm traveling and had to take a photo will my cell phone. I'll scan the image when I get home.
I have been fortunate enough to have Robby with me in many of the ads. I am hard on myself and always criticize my own perceived flaws in every photo. However, there can be no denying the fact that the little boy by my side is beyond adorable! Robby is only six, but he has amassed a unique scrapbook filled with a variety of advertisements, fliers, and a catalog cover. What a wonderful keepsake of his childhood.
Typically I am not happy with an advertisement when I first see it because I look at every imperfection. I am, without a doubt, my worst critic! However, I am featured in a new advertisement that, at the risk of sounding vain, literally left me breathless. I am thrilled with the image and the message. I am proud to be part of this new campaign and the photo that was chosen has become my all-time favorite picture of me and Robby. What do you think?
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Bumpy Travels
Greetings from Tennessee! I arrived last night travel-weary but safe.
I checked into my hotel room, promptly removed my bra and ordered room
service for dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed watching reruns of The Big Bang
Theory without interruptions until I fell asleep. I've come to the
conclusion that it doesn't take a lot to make me happy!
It took me over eight hours to fly to Tennessee, a distance that I could have covered in my car in about 7. I really need to take more time when booking a flight from now on. I had to drive two hours to an airport to catch a small plane to Dulles Airport which is only 20 minutes from my house. For some inexplicable reason it was nearly $500 cheaper for me to take the extra flight. I fail to understand airline economics.
I'm not a nervous flyer, but I did not enjoy the first leg of this trip. We sat on the tarmac waiting to move only to be informed by the Captain that "the airplane shut off and they are waiting for an external power source to get it started again." The fact that we were, in essence, waiting for the plane to be jumped did not instill a lot of confidence!
After the plane was restarted, we took off on what turned out to be one of the bumpiest flights I've ever experienced. I was surprised by the turbulence because it wasn't raining and didn't appear to be stormy. I felt like I was on a roller coaster and my nausea reminded me that I'm too old to be on dizzying rides. I did make a new friend on the flight. I introduced myself after I instinctively grabbed his thigh and buried my head in his armpit after a particularly violent bump.
Thankfully the second leg of the trip was non-eventful and I didn't end up in a strange man's lap. I arrived safely, retrieved my bag, and took the first available taxi to the hotel. By the time I got here my leg was swollen from all of the traveling, and I had lost motivation to do any exploration. Hopefully I'll be able to do some sight seeing today after my meetings.
It took me over eight hours to fly to Tennessee, a distance that I could have covered in my car in about 7. I really need to take more time when booking a flight from now on. I had to drive two hours to an airport to catch a small plane to Dulles Airport which is only 20 minutes from my house. For some inexplicable reason it was nearly $500 cheaper for me to take the extra flight. I fail to understand airline economics.
I'm not a nervous flyer, but I did not enjoy the first leg of this trip. We sat on the tarmac waiting to move only to be informed by the Captain that "the airplane shut off and they are waiting for an external power source to get it started again." The fact that we were, in essence, waiting for the plane to be jumped did not instill a lot of confidence!
After the plane was restarted, we took off on what turned out to be one of the bumpiest flights I've ever experienced. I was surprised by the turbulence because it wasn't raining and didn't appear to be stormy. I felt like I was on a roller coaster and my nausea reminded me that I'm too old to be on dizzying rides. I did make a new friend on the flight. I introduced myself after I instinctively grabbed his thigh and buried my head in his armpit after a particularly violent bump.
Thankfully the second leg of the trip was non-eventful and I didn't end up in a strange man's lap. I arrived safely, retrieved my bag, and took the first available taxi to the hotel. By the time I got here my leg was swollen from all of the traveling, and I had lost motivation to do any exploration. Hopefully I'll be able to do some sight seeing today after my meetings.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Knoxville Bound
Today I am packing and heading to the airport for a few days of meetings
in Knoxville, Tennessee. Although I'll miss
Robby, I have to admit that I'm looking forward to the evenings of
solitude and quiet that this trip will afford me. Who would have thought
I needed to travel on a business trip to rest?
I have been so busy during the past three weeks that I only know the day by the projects that are looming. Between Robby's party and Scott's annual Student Luncheon, I've cooked and played hostess for over 100 people since Friday. I love my new ovens, but our time apart during the next few days will be welcome respite!
Traveling is always stressful. I know that Robby will cry and it will break my heart. It is some solace to know that his tears immediately dry when he is treated to ice cream after dropping me off at the airport. I know that he will be okay and that the separation is good for both of us, but it is always difficult saying goodbye.
Ever since my TSA nightmare a few years ago, I have become a nervous traveler. I'm not worried about turbulence or the plane crashing. I'm fearful of the incompetent security agent!
I am hoping that I am met with a professional TSA representative when I reach security. I am simply too tired to deal with any conflict right now! Although the official screening procedures for an amputee are straight forward and clear, I never know what I will encounter. Every airport and seemingly every agent has a different set of procedures and rule book that they are following. Not knowing if my screening will be simple or laboriously long is always a source of stress when I fly!
After saying an emotional goodbye and dealing with security, I'm looking forward to reaching my hotel. The thought of being alone, without anybody needing me to fix something or find a missing toy, feels like Utopia. I'm going to order room service (let somebody else handle the cooking for a change), snuggle under the comforter and assert dominion over the remote control. I am in desperate need of this Mom-cation, even if I had to travel for work to get it!
I have been so busy during the past three weeks that I only know the day by the projects that are looming. Between Robby's party and Scott's annual Student Luncheon, I've cooked and played hostess for over 100 people since Friday. I love my new ovens, but our time apart during the next few days will be welcome respite!
Traveling is always stressful. I know that Robby will cry and it will break my heart. It is some solace to know that his tears immediately dry when he is treated to ice cream after dropping me off at the airport. I know that he will be okay and that the separation is good for both of us, but it is always difficult saying goodbye.
Ever since my TSA nightmare a few years ago, I have become a nervous traveler. I'm not worried about turbulence or the plane crashing. I'm fearful of the incompetent security agent!
I am hoping that I am met with a professional TSA representative when I reach security. I am simply too tired to deal with any conflict right now! Although the official screening procedures for an amputee are straight forward and clear, I never know what I will encounter. Every airport and seemingly every agent has a different set of procedures and rule book that they are following. Not knowing if my screening will be simple or laboriously long is always a source of stress when I fly!
After saying an emotional goodbye and dealing with security, I'm looking forward to reaching my hotel. The thought of being alone, without anybody needing me to fix something or find a missing toy, feels like Utopia. I'm going to order room service (let somebody else handle the cooking for a change), snuggle under the comforter and assert dominion over the remote control. I am in desperate need of this Mom-cation, even if I had to travel for work to get it!
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