A neighbor of mine who is still recovering from hip surgery exclaimed: “I think we need to be walking on all fours after age 70.” I certainly felt that way this morning as I struggled to take the dogs out this morning. I had an ice bag on my thigh while leaning on my “rain cane,” and ultimately crawling back in the front door. The dogs felt I was one of their own but could tell I was in miserable pain. It wasn’t seventy that got me – it was seventy-two. 

It was such a relief to plop breathlessly in my office chair, once they had their treats, of course. My wife will soon awake and take them to the dog park. There was no one around to witness my painfully pitiful efforts and soon I will be at the fitness center like nothing happened. The sciatica pain and stiffness comes and goes throughout the day. Tomorrow, I go to the doctor again with another plea for an MRI. I had a record five medical appointments last week and took our puppy to the vet, just so I could wait in another waiting room. These visits were not just about the sciatica and included a neurologist, urologist, and cardiologist. Too many “ists”!

Last night was date night and we went to Barb & Ken’s in nearby Englewood. I had meat loaf, an appropriate dish for the way I feel. I’m trying to work off some weight dealing with limited mobility, so we at least stayed away from dessert.  The stationary bike, rowing machine, and treadmill do not burn off the calories for me like running used to do. Running took about 45-minutes while I spend about 75-minutes at the gym with little impact on my waistline. Post-surgery inactivity and our 20-day excursion of breaded tenderloins, wings, lobster, and pizza put about twelve extra pounds on my frame. As a result, shirts are a little tight and flab a bit excessive. 

I’ll finish this blog post and head to the exercise room. The Hungarian Grand Prix will be on the TV near the stationary bike, so between that and a game of solitaire on the digital screen, the time will pass quicker than the calories. I’ll also probably spend some time in our pool today. The cool water feels good on my sore back and a good tan makes me look better than I feel. I’ll monitor my blood pressure, as instructed by the doctor, for additional entertainment. Little else is planned for this lazy Sunday.