It’s now been fifteen full weeks since I left the operating table. I’m not recovering as fast as expected, mainly because I’m having trouble walking. I was supposed to start cardio rehab a week ago but had some flu symptoms while my left leg continues to have cramps and painful Charlie Horses. I did manage to get in 48.9 miles of walking in April but in the last half of the month, I could barely make a half-mile without going gimpy. The only exercise I’ve been able to manage are some quick dog outings, and about 40 minutes in the pool each day doing some high stepping, stair climbing, stretching, walking, and peddling. I can feel the resistance from the water and get tired, but it’s hardly the running that I’m used to doing every day. 

Weight control has become an issue, with too many sweets and not enough calories burned. It all started on the cruise with overeating and excessive drinking, but at least I was able to wander the hallways and decks for a couple miles each day.  I haven’t been able to lose the weight I’ve gained. This week I did do the preliminary paperwork and assessment for rehab, starting officially next week with two-a-week workouts. 

I’m sitting in my office while writing this, monitoring the Pacers vs. Bucks playoff game. There are several of my Indy friends in attendance. It’s fun to watch the new Pacers, without much success since the Reggie Miller years. It’s also great to follow former Portland Trailblazer, Damian Lillard, even though he’s now the opposition. He’s injured and missed a couple of games recently, but always a threat. I hope this game doesn’t come down to “Dame Time,” because I’ll have mixed feelings, having lived in both Indy and more recently Portland. I’m not much of an Orlando Magic fan, although now a full-time Florida resident. I’ve always been taught to follow and support the home team!

I’ve had a busy social week, much to the chagrin of my wife. Apparently, I’m not spending enough time with her or helping enough around the house. We were together for a full month on the cruise and Spain extension, but rarely alone. The new puppy has added additional responsibilities for both of us, and she is working as a substitute teacher. I agree that I have been negligent but needed to catch up with the boys this week. She feels left out after a dinner and two lunches with two close male neighbors this week. I also disrupted her plans for next Saturday, with a Miata run to Ft. Wayne that she claims I never told her about. She reemphasized that “weekends are for us not your boyfriends.”

It makes me seem a bit “gay,” but I do love her, and no man has ever turned my head. I just needed a few beers and some male companionship. It will likely be months before I go out again, since most of them leave for the summer. The one neighbor (frat brother) that I had dinner with last Saturday at Salty Dog, ended up in the hospital the next day and had his appendix removed. He’s now reluctant to have more beers with me! At our age, you can’t always plan ahead. 

Next week is filled with rehabilitation. Monday, I go to the chiropractor, as he continues to work with my leg and spine issues. Tuesday, I’m with the cardiologist, trying to get to the bottom of my dizziness, balance, and medication concerns and later in cardio rehab. Thursday is more rehab, and hopefully additional time in the pool. My wife has tap and aqua-fit, as well as some teaching days, throughout the week. We hope to get together as a couple for upcoming Wellen Park and Cool Today Park events, as I attempt to heal her disappointment with me. May the Fourth be with you, Cinco de Maya, and Easter keep you active and engaged. I’m just hoping to get out of the Dog House. Pacers win!