Sabato
So, today I did do a mile walk but it was very difficult. On the way back, I had to stop a lot and I almost gave in and called Fred to come and get me. But I didn’t.
Fred suggested that I should wait a day or so between mile walks at first and he may well be right, but I think also I went too early in the day. I took my Tylenol just before I left and, of course, it hadn’t kicked in by the time I set out. Later in the day, I was walking much more easily and the muscle pain had subsided considerably. {I am having only tiny twinges at the incision point now, but physical therapy is killing me! 
} What I will do tomorrow is to wait an hour after taking the medication before I set out. And I may drop back to half a mile tomorrow. However, I AM having a scheduled massage tomorrow so whatever I do, that should help.
I went to the library this morning and turned in my three books. Actually, I had only read one because I just couldn’t get into the other two. These days, if it is not an "easy read," back it goes. Having said that, the one I am reading now is NOT an easy read but it is fascinating. I can’t remember the name of it but it is about a king of England, Alfred the Great, and it is by Bernard Cornwell. His historical fiction is always very well researched and very interesting. He is the author of the Richard Sharpe series. You may have seen the wonderful Sean Bean {drool 
} as Sharpe in the television series. This book is particularly interesting because Alfred is a king about whom I knew only the basics.
One thing I planned to do but didn’t get round to today was to go to the local medical-supply store and look at their folding canes. I am not giving up the idea of being able to walk around Lucca without a cane, but I am not averse to a little insurance also. My sister had a folding can she used for traveling and it worked very well for her. She walked on the plane with it and then folded it up and tucked it into her carry-on on the plane. A folding can would definitely be easier to deal with on the planes than the big sturdy metal cane I am using now. I will go to the store on Monday, I think, see what they have, and, if possible, try one out. Actually, if they want me to buy one, I will have to try one out. I am not buying before trying! 
it was quite chilly this morning and I thought dressed for it but one thing I noticed on the walk was that I was not walking fast enough to stay warm because I was dressed for someone who was used to walking briskly! 1.5 mph is NOT briskly!
QUOTATIONS:
"Step by step. I can’t think of any other way of accomplishing anything."
Michael Jordan
If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed.
— David Viscott
I wonder how adviseable it is to take a pain pill before you go. Pain is a warning system. If you turn it off, how will you know if you’re doing damage or just on the edge? However, having said that, I’m proud of you for venturing out and I’m noticing that you’re also talking about your other interests more lately than you have been…a very good sign!
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I haven’t read anything cerebral this summer myself. Best wishes with tomorrow’s walk…sounds like you have a good strategy.
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The cane will be a superb thing to have with you on your walks and you should take it to Italy, even if you are feeling very fit then. You will be doing much more walking there and you just never know how the different streets and hills may affect your hip. That being said, I still think you are doing marvelous!
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Wish it was chilly here!!!! That’s great about getting your mile walk in. Just be careful and take it easy. If you push yourself too hard you may only manage to slow your progress down. I think a folding cane is a great idea. You may not need it at all, but would probably feel reassured just knowing you had it if you did. Hugs to you and Fred. M
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There are a lot of people in their seventies that couldn’t walk a mile after having no operation at all, so you are doing very well. A folding cane sounds like a very good idea.
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I have a folding cane that I’ve been using for years, and it is very handy, especially for travelling. How about alternating the mile days with say, three-quarters of a mile until the miles get easier? And if you do use the cane, by all means, tell the airline when you check in that you are needing a bit of assistance — much, much easier if you’re doing transfers, and they will get you settled inbefore the others get on the plane. ((I know it felt funny to me too at first, but then it also really saved me in fear and aggrivation)).
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WOW, I’ll be glad when one has to walk faster in order to stay warm down here! :o) !! Here’s wishing you a lovely walk and a lovely day. hugs, Weesprite
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I think you ought to get permission from Fred to used a very healthy, good looking young Italian male to lean on if you need walking assistance on vacation. That way you don’t have to haul him around. If he wears out just replace with another. I hear there are lots of them over there and many will pinch to let you know they are there. have fun…dan
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I agree with Fred. Go for the mile every other day, if your body is saying so. 1/2 mile inbetween. And I don’t agree with the noter who says don’t take the pain pill before going. Living with old arthritis, I wouldn’t dream of exercising BEFORE my daily dosage of ibuprofen! Anna
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ryn: Do you know about how many calories a day you kept it to? There was a point when I was eating about 1200/day. I know I’m *way* over that now (because I got frustrated), so I’m just trying to figure out where I should start.
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The way you are attacking your recovery makes you one of my heroes. A folding cane is a great idea, I hope you find one. You’ll be off to dear old Italia before you know it!
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Crafty people make those little sleeves that slide of the canes so they look pretty, too. Try and find one of those for your trip 🙂
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Good for you doing the mile walk!! Speaking from hiking on the AT, using a walking stick makes all the difference in the world…..
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I use folding canes. They’re stylish, easy to tuck out of the way, and not all that expensive. I got mine on line from a spot called Amerimark. I have a red one, and a grey sort of mottled one. I love them, and they were something like $14.99!!!!
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I used to read Victoria Holt whom I have discovered again. I really like her books, but because I have read so much of her I know more then I thought I did about the royal line. She writes under other names like Jean Plaidy and Phillipa Carr. She is dead now, but in the seventies when I discovered her she was great. It’s funny how romantic fiction has changed since then and developed. I rode
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bikes with the kids again and it is surprising how sore you are after you haven’t done that in a while. I remember on my bike I could go and go, now I see I get tired faster. Funny how things change. I like the speed of the bike but I think walking I swing my arms and my upper body gets a little of a work out too on the bike I feel it’s only my lower body. Blessings.
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Wow, wish it might get chilly here, but I guess not for awhile that won’t happen. Good for you for the walk.
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You should be proud that you went that far. I agree with Fred that you should skip a day and try a half mile next time around. You don’t want to push too hard too fast, but you are wise and know what you can and can’t do. Blessings.
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At the rate you’re going I doubt you’ll need the cane on your trip but you’re right there’s nothing wrong with a little insurance 🙂
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*huggs* you are doing so well, I know it hurts but you will get better, and the folding chair sounds like a good idea.
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You are doing so well. I think the fold up cane sounds like a good idea, as a fall back if nothing else. Only 27 days! That time has flown by. You’ve probably read ‘The Kite Runner’ but if not it’s a great read, as is ‘The Island’ Victoria Hislop. 😉
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Thanks for the compliments! And yes, a mile every other day initially will probably be better in the long run.
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it was nice and chilly here this morning, too. i loved sleeping in with blake. we were all snuggled up and warm. i think an hour or so before the walk would be a good idea. that gives the tylenol time to start working before you go for your walk. i’m sure the massage on your leg will make it feel soooo good. take care,
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