Will Be Joining The Dude Soon
By CarolDM
@CarolDM (203396)
Nashville, Tennessee
August 13, 2022 1:23pm CST
Overdid it again today. Two days in a row. I thought I could do laundry and other things in the house. Found out too late I could not. You don't know how you use your neck muscles until it is too late. Mine are still healing. I often forget.
But then I am reminded when I bend or turn too much. All of that uses neck muscles. Two days in a row I have overdone it. You would think I would learn. These instant lightning bolt headaches remind me to stop. So I do.
The Dude is trying to sleep in one of his favorite chairs inside. He sleeps beside me when I am on the computer. His eyes are barely open in the photo. I may have to join him soon. Or at least sit on the sofa or screen room, away from the computer and anything else for awhile.
So frustrating when you are limited. I know many of you deal with this every day. My thoughts are with you. I am used to staying busy. This is hard to get used to. But it will get better.
In the meantime I will go to the screen room perhaps. The weather is nice today for a change. In the 60s when I got up very early. Still only 80. Lately it has been muggy 90s. A great change for sure.
Photo is mine, snapped it of the Dude as he was napping in his chair. Have a good day and I will catch up soon.
28 people like this
29 responses
@snowy22315 (208784)
• United States
13 Aug 22
Yes, although it is frustrating, you can't force your recovery. It takes time. Patience, you will get there.
2 people like this
@allknowing (153544)
• India
14 Aug 22
You need to remember that your neck is not ready yet to do what it normally did. Get well soon.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (153544)
• India
14 Aug 22
@CarolDM We never realise how beneficial pain is sometimes.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
14 Aug 22
@allknowing This pain is reminding me I am doing too much.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128831)
• Gainesville, Florida
14 Aug 22
It's probably worse with neck muscles than other muscles of the body, but it's crazy how much we don't realize our muscle uses until those muscles are no longer healthy. Through various injuries in my life, I've learned about muscles I never knew I had, until such time as I couldn't use them anymore due to injury.
I really hope you are taking good care of yourself and letting your body heal slowly. Be careful when you find yourself overdoing it!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128831)
• Gainesville, Florida
14 Aug 22
@CarolDM How is your healing process coming along? Are you healing right on schedule with what the doctor's expected?
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
14 Aug 22
You are so right Jeff and how often are your neck muscles cut through. My neurosurgeon keeps reminding me. We use these muscles with most everything. Thanks so much for the pep talk and the continued support. It truly means more than you realize. I am so stubborn but I have to realize this will take time. And the nerves are still regenerating. Plus the skull bone and C1 vertebrae he removed has to heal as well. Lots of surgery was done. I have to slow down. I know better.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
14 Aug 22
@moffittjc He says most of my symptoms are normal. Some have headaches after, some don't. Some never get rid of the headaches. Seeing a pain management doctor tomorrow. The same one that almost killed me with the scalp block. Talk about pain. But he keeps reminding me to take it easy. Takes awhile for all to heal. He did a lot of surgery. I have to keep checking for leaks. He sewed a patch in the dura (covering of the brain) to give more space. It can leak. But so far so good.
But many things have improved. The severe daily headaches are gone. My balance issues are improving and I am regaining my strength. Thanks so much for asking.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (18198)
• Raurkela, India
14 Aug 22
Since you have gone through a surgery take care while moving. I think you should go slow.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (18198)
• Raurkela, India
16 Aug 22
@CarolDM After a surgery we at times feel we are fit to work but the weakness goes a long way.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
16 Aug 22
@aninditasen You are so right about that. It takes time.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (59132)
•
28 Aug 22
Slow and steady, Carol. You have had a huge surgery. Just slow down, don't rush. The Dude needs you to be well, and looks to be a good nap companion, just follow his lead. Cats know more than we think they do, sometimes. Take care of yourself!
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
29 Aug 22
@MarieCoyle Whatever helps. Writing notes is a great idea actually. We are set in our ways for sure.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (59132)
•
29 Aug 22
@CarolDM
I've done that same thing so many times. Had surgery or been very ill or home from the hospital, and just refused to sit or rest or...and yep, then down I would go for more days. Took me forever to learn to slow down, and even now, I still have to remind myself to at times.
At one point after a big surgery on my leg, I kept overdoing it. I got so mad at myself. I wrote several notes, big piece of paper in black marker, that said, Slow down! or Slow and steady wins the race, or Do NOT hurry, it won't work! My kids thought I'd' lost it, but I hung one on my bathroom mirror, one on my closet door, and one in the kitchen. It sounds dumb to even talk about it, but for some reason it did actually help me to do that.
1 person likes this
@betlynfrnds (4071)
• United States
14 Aug 22
The body will tell you when enough is enough. 
Pay attention to your body and your handsome Dude. You'll be okay when you do that. 
Pay attention to your body and your handsome Dude. You'll be okay when you do that. 1 person likes this
@betlynfrnds (4071)
• United States
14 Aug 22
@CarolDM I'm sure you will do well. You're welcome.
1 person likes this
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I know you want to get things done, but easy does it. The good thing is you are up to doing things now - just be careful to not push it too far.
@toniganzon (77084)
• Philippines
16 Aug 22
I can understand. We like to do things that we tend to forget we need to stop because our body needs to heal. And you're still in the period of recuperating.
I am so stubborn that I always want to finish my crochet project in one go. I own't stop until I'm done that I forget I need to take breaks in between to prevent hand and arm injury. Since Sunday until yesterday I have exerted myself too much. So this Tuesday morning, I am taking a rest from crocheting, but will do that in the afternoon before I start my work.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (77084)
• Philippines
17 Aug 22
@CarolDM I can understand and yes it can really be exhausting. But you'll get there.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
17 Aug 22
@toniganzon Thanks, I know I will. Appreciate the support.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (135601)
• Marion, Ohio
14 Aug 22
The Dude has the right idea. Hope you got some rest.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (135601)
• Marion, Ohio
14 Aug 22
@CarolDM Just keep reminding yourself you need to take it easy.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
14 Aug 22
@wolfgirl569 Thanks for that, I am a little stubborn it seems. I know better but after today, I have learned for sure.
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
13 Aug 22
What a sweet picture of the Dude:) Yes, our neck and back regulates almost every move we make! Be careful Carol, that rest in between will help get rid of the pain
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
14 Aug 22
@CarolDM I try very hard to be a supportive friend:) When I'm not doing well, you are always there for me!
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
14 Aug 22
@kobesbuddy You are the best.
1 person likes this
@everwonderwhy (7355)
•
14 Aug 22
Oh, Carol @CarolDM. Housework, laundry can wait. Easy, gentle walks in your garden do much good while you recuperate from your recent surgery. Does lying down hurt your neck?
1 person likes this
@everwonderwhy (7355)
•
15 Aug 22
@CarolDM It's a struggle with this age-related body aches, isn't it? I hope you find much filled-with-grace relief and peaceful rest as much as possible,Carol.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Aug 22
@everwonderwhy It is always the little things. I have to watch tv sideways. But it could be worse. At least I can see. Thank you so much my sweet friend. Have a great week.
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
15 Aug 22
I really am wishing those muscles can heal sooner than later
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (22247)
• United States
30 Aug 22
Lily, my black cat, has been sleeping on the cat tree lately. Buster, our orange cat sometimes sleeps on the day bed in here unless it's stormy. Susie and Doodlebug likes to sleep on the couch in here, or in my bed or on the couch in the living room.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60812)
• Perth, Australia
14 Aug 22
@CarolDM Dude is just adorable. I love cats. I have my cat Leilah just sleeping on the lounge. She has a tough life. 
I am glad that when you feel like you're over doing it, you just stop. But I can understand the feeling of being limited to do things. It can get a bit frustrating. 
Keep up the good work of recovering!
I am glad that when you feel like you're over doing it, you just stop. But I can understand the feeling of being limited to do things. It can get a bit frustrating. Keep up the good work of recovering! 1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222285)
• United States
14 Aug 22
Remember. One day at a time. Don't try to do it all at one time. The time will come when you can do it all without hurting yourself. Let yourself heal!!! Thinking of you.
1 person likes this
