On lifting limits
When you are used to being able-bodied and perfectly capable of carrying 50 pounds over distance, it is a rude shock to have a 10-lb lifting limit. Things that require more than 10 lbs of force:
* Crying child who has just thrown up and wants to be held (he stopped me and reminded me I wasn't supposed to pick him up. I did not cry in front of him.)
* Large cast-iron skillet
* Heavy doors into buildings
* Larger cat
* Recalcitrant pre-schooler being sent to her room
* Load of laundry
I wonder if this would be easier or harder if it were a gradual degradation of my abilities, instead of a sudden stop. I don't know. I thought it would be better once I got out of the house where there are kids and dishes and laundry, but then I tried the door here at work (no power-assist), and realized that I could, but that I would feel it all day. So I waited until someone opened the doors for me.
On the bright side, all my sutures seem to be healing well. I can function for short periods on just Aleve (I drove the kids to skating lessons, they carried their skates). I am at work, having taken the bus.
* Crying child who has just thrown up and wants to be held (he stopped me and reminded me I wasn't supposed to pick him up. I did not cry in front of him.)
* Large cast-iron skillet
* Heavy doors into buildings
* Larger cat
* Recalcitrant pre-schooler being sent to her room
* Load of laundry
I wonder if this would be easier or harder if it were a gradual degradation of my abilities, instead of a sudden stop. I don't know. I thought it would be better once I got out of the house where there are kids and dishes and laundry, but then I tried the door here at work (no power-assist), and realized that I could, but that I would feel it all day. So I waited until someone opened the doors for me.
On the bright side, all my sutures seem to be healing well. I can function for short periods on just Aleve (I drove the kids to skating lessons, they carried their skates). I am at work, having taken the bus.