Concussion Update:
I have appointments with the Elks Rehab Facility, the Hearing and Balance Center, and the special head doctor on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of this week. All of these appointments are initial evaluations to see if/how they can help me recover from the concussion. After the evaluations, they will put all of their notes together to make a plan of action and THEN call me to make appointments for actual treatments. This has not been the quickest of situations. And this process of getting appointments is almost more painful than the actual injury. At least I am getting it done and have the appointments made now; its forward progress!
I also had a very dear friend send me her thoughts on the concussion situation. All along, I have been saying, "I HAVE a concussion" "I am headachy..foggy..insert symptom here". I have also been looking at this as an experience, journey and lesson to be learned and thinking positively. However, by using the words "I have" or "I am", I am taking ownership of the injury; which is not something I want to own. I will however own the journey and the experience of healing; which is really more of what I feel anyway. The way we use our words is a powerful, and I am grateful to my lovely friend Rachel for catching this and pointing it out for me. So for now on, I will focus on how I use my words regarding this concussion I am experiencing.
The concussion symptoms are getting better every day. I spent most of last week laying on my couch and watching TV. This sitting around was me "giving in" and "letting go", but the day time TV shows were slowly killing my soul. *laugh* I don't know how many talk shows, cooking shows and soap operas I can stand. I did get some extra sleep. I also experienced insomnia this week which lead to a silly mid night movie creation. The headaches have decreased. I have been able to drive a little bit here and there, but I am best suited for driving first thing in the morning. By the evening, I start to feel tired and the headlights of cars or back blinkers start to bother my eyes (rather, my brain right behind my eyes start to hurt. It feels like a bruise right behind my eye balls and someone keeps touching the bruise and asking, "Does that hurt when I touch it?") Talking on the phone is still a challenge. I went into the post office to use the machine to purchase stamps and I experienced confusion like a child who didn't know how to read or someone with English as a second language who doesn't quite understand what the directions they are supposed to follow. Looking for words to speak can be a bit of a challenge and finding names in my memory bank can sometimes pull a blank. However, I have had moments of great energy and lots of smiling and feeling great. I have had more of the great moments this week than I have since the injuring occurred. I'm getting better and I fully expect miracles to happen!
I am also giving up on day time TV. Since being positive and happy is the best way to help my body heal while I am resting and I feel like day time TV is slowly killing my soul (and brain cells) I have decided to watch inspiring documentaries. My amazing friend, Kurt, suggested a few cycling movies and with that I found so many other documentaries to watch. These movies inspire me and make me smile and make me want to live a full life and dream! If you are going to be stuck watching TV while you heal, its important to use that time wisely and watch what you are putting into your brain. Drama from TV...or something inspiring. C'mon, even experiencing a concussion, I know that's a no-brainer! I'm thoroughly enjoying those flicks!
I also have some GREAT news! I purchased a duffel bag that fit the maximum dimensions allowed for packing for the Spring Ride. I also purchased a 3rd pair of cycling shorts and another portable battery charger for my phone. I use my phone for my GPS so I need to have 8 hours of battery life while riding in the Spring Ride. Currently, with the extra pack I already had, I only had 6 hours. So my new one has 4 hours and it attaches to my phone like a case with no extra wires! SWEET! So now I will have 10 hours of battery life; that should get me through a day of riding!
My new purchases arrived today and I did a trial run for packing again. Remember, I need to pack for my trip to Florida as well as the bike ride. So today I used the packing list for the ride and packed my bag. It fits EVERYTHING!!! My 2 pairs of shoes (I'll wear my flip flops on the plane), my helmet, my jerseys, a towel, a pillow case (I will use clothes in my pillow case for my pillow at night), my biking helmet, sweaters, rain gear, toiletries... EVERYTHING and I STILL HAVE ROOM!!! SWEET! I feel like an expert packer at this point!
I also received a new fundraising report this week. I'm very excited and grateful for everyone who has donated so far. With your help, I have raised $1,140!!! My big goal is $2000. Even with this concussion I am experiencing (and you all are watching me go through), you are still sending in money! That means more to me than you will ever know. I cry with gratitude every time I think about it. I knew that I would be able to reach my $750 minimum requirement which is why I set a bigger goal of $2000. However, the way this money is coming in is in no way the WAY I had envisioned it. I have been very surprised by this fundraising experience and have learned that blessings come from unexpected places. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for believing and supporting such an amazing cause! You all are truly lights in this world! Thank you!!!!
If you have yet to donate, or by some chance, this is the first time you have read my blog or heard about this, please follow this link and check it out. Any amount of money you donate (even just $1) will help provide someone with safer housing! Become someone's hero today, donate!
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