It’s been a long time since I’ve done a proper recovery update. I’m happy to report that I’m doing much better. I have a few lingering symptoms – headaches with pressure changes and occasional dizziness. My head is less squishy. I realize that sounds weird, but it’s a very good sign. I’ve also had days without headaches. Hugely exciting! I had an MRI and all was clear, which means I’ll eventually make a full recovery.
Gone are the activity restrictions! The deal is that I can do whatever I want, but I have to stop if I get a headache. So far, I’ve been to the movies (caused a headache, but only a minor one) and a Jays game (major headache, but totally worth it). I’ve been more physically active and started strength training. My body is thrilled to be active again. If muscles could smile, believe me, mine would.
My doctors even gave me the go-ahead to search for a job. Frankly, I needed this. I’m going a bit nutty without a job. I feel like I don’t do anything all day long, which is frustrating for a Type A personality. I’ve promised myself that I won’t go back to being the work-obsessed blackberry-addicted crazy person I was before. After all, this is my quest for a balanced life.
SOTS wonders… how would you fill the days?
Bella
Showing posts with label Career. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Career. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Full disclosure
The reason I started Stilettos on the Streetcar was to give myself an outlet as I recover from an injury. I knew it would be challenging to share my feelings (gah, I hate talking about my feelings), but I also realize it’s necessary for recovery. That said I’ve been procrastinating like a mad woman. For some reason, typing what happened makes it real. Posting it makes it even more real.
In an effort to get this recovery train rolling, I need to divulge the nature of my accident. In November, I was hit in the head with a softball while playing in a Sunday rec league. Amazing Boyfriend immediately took me to the hospital. My forehead was huge – think The Goonies. I didn’t see the initial swelling because Boyfriend and Sister thought it would freak me out. They know me so well.
Five hours of observation and a CT scan later, I was told that I’d suffered a concussion. Boyfriend had to wake me up every hour all night (poor Boyfriend. This was not a fun task. Love him).
For the first few days, I was a disaster. I was speaking at a snail’s pace; became easily confused; passed out; lost words; and had pounding headaches. Plus, there were nightmares and waking visions. Anything I saw or heard during the day would transform into frightening dreams as soon as I fell asleep. And yet, in my concussed stupor, I assumed I’d be back in the office the following week.
WOW – was I ever wrong. Turns out, “concussion” can mean anything from little bump on the noggin to serious brain trauma. After seeing my family doctor, I was told I’d suffered a serious concussion with significant swelling and bruising in my brain. I was put on sick leave for two months. This was a nightmare for a Type A career-driven person like me.
I was told to avoid all physical, mental, and emotional stress. Essentially, I sat on the couch and watched a tonne of television. Slowly but surely I got better. My speech improved. The headaches lessened. In the New Year, I went back to work part time. I tried this for a month, but many of my symptoms returned. Eventually I had to admit that I couldn’t do my high stress, high expectation job so I resigned my position. This was a very had decision for me, but I realize now that I was pushing myself way too hard. I was asking my brain to be 100% in three months. A broken ankle takes longer to heal than that.
And that brings us to now. I’m currently focusing on healing my body. It’s a struggle every day because there isn’t a visible injury. With no cast or bruise to remind me that I’m injured, I often push myself too far and then pay for it.
This post is my pledge to do a better job of taking care of me. I promise to listen to my body’s signals and focus on healing. And I will share that journey with you.
SOTS wonders… have you ever had a concussion? How long did your recovery take? Do you have any healing tips?
Bella
In an effort to get this recovery train rolling, I need to divulge the nature of my accident. In November, I was hit in the head with a softball while playing in a Sunday rec league. Amazing Boyfriend immediately took me to the hospital. My forehead was huge – think The Goonies. I didn’t see the initial swelling because Boyfriend and Sister thought it would freak me out. They know me so well.
Five hours of observation and a CT scan later, I was told that I’d suffered a concussion. Boyfriend had to wake me up every hour all night (poor Boyfriend. This was not a fun task. Love him).
For the first few days, I was a disaster. I was speaking at a snail’s pace; became easily confused; passed out; lost words; and had pounding headaches. Plus, there were nightmares and waking visions. Anything I saw or heard during the day would transform into frightening dreams as soon as I fell asleep. And yet, in my concussed stupor, I assumed I’d be back in the office the following week.
WOW – was I ever wrong. Turns out, “concussion” can mean anything from little bump on the noggin to serious brain trauma. After seeing my family doctor, I was told I’d suffered a serious concussion with significant swelling and bruising in my brain. I was put on sick leave for two months. This was a nightmare for a Type A career-driven person like me.
I was told to avoid all physical, mental, and emotional stress. Essentially, I sat on the couch and watched a tonne of television. Slowly but surely I got better. My speech improved. The headaches lessened. In the New Year, I went back to work part time. I tried this for a month, but many of my symptoms returned. Eventually I had to admit that I couldn’t do my high stress, high expectation job so I resigned my position. This was a very had decision for me, but I realize now that I was pushing myself way too hard. I was asking my brain to be 100% in three months. A broken ankle takes longer to heal than that.
And that brings us to now. I’m currently focusing on healing my body. It’s a struggle every day because there isn’t a visible injury. With no cast or bruise to remind me that I’m injured, I often push myself too far and then pay for it.
This post is my pledge to do a better job of taking care of me. I promise to listen to my body’s signals and focus on healing. And I will share that journey with you.
SOTS wonders… have you ever had a concussion? How long did your recovery take? Do you have any healing tips?
Bella
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
10 things about me
In an effort to learn how to define myself without referring to my career, I’ve made a list of 10 random things about me… and not one of them mentions my job title. I’d call this progress.
1. I would happily eat oatmeal every morning for the rest of my life.
2. I pride myself on my book collection. Feel free – actually, I encourage you – to judge me by it.
3. I moisturize head-to-toe daily.
4. I assume people don’t remember who I am even after they’ve met me multiple times.
5. I have my father’s eyes.
6. I own a guitar, but don’t know how to play.
7. I love my nose ring; my mother tolerates it.
8. I am afraid of fish. That said, there are three living in my apartment. Boyfriend got them for Christmas. For the record, the fish I live with are not scary. They’re actually quite entertaining.
9. I only drink three things: milk, tea, and water.
10. I colour code my closet and alphabetize my DVDs.
SOTS wonders... how do you define yourself?
Bella
1. I would happily eat oatmeal every morning for the rest of my life.
2. I pride myself on my book collection. Feel free – actually, I encourage you – to judge me by it.
3. I moisturize head-to-toe daily.
4. I assume people don’t remember who I am even after they’ve met me multiple times.
5. I have my father’s eyes.
6. I own a guitar, but don’t know how to play.
7. I love my nose ring; my mother tolerates it.
8. I am afraid of fish. That said, there are three living in my apartment. Boyfriend got them for Christmas. For the record, the fish I live with are not scary. They’re actually quite entertaining.
9. I only drink three things: milk, tea, and water.
10. I colour code my closet and alphabetize my DVDs.
SOTS wonders... how do you define yourself?
Bella
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Hi Heels!
Wearing stilettos on the streetcar is kind of like writing your first blog post. You're slightly unsure of yourself, and hope you don’t end up feeling stupid for deciding to do it.
I’m still determining exactly what this blog will be, but here’s what I do know: I need to make a life change. I’ve recently been forced (read: suffered an injury) to take a long hard look at my life. Confession – the long hard look didn’t happen until after I’d watched HOURS of daytime television, but it did happen and that’s the important part.
I’ve realized that I define myself by my career and have a very unhealthy addiction to my blackberry. Even on sick leave I couldn’t put it down. Also, I often sacrifice gym time, healthy eating, and sleep – sometimes for good reasons, but often for no reason at all.
I need to find a healthier life/work balance where I have a successful career, but I also make time for myself. I need to learn to be a “me advocate.”
I’m not one to talk about my feelings and emotions so each and every blog post will be a challenge for me. I’ll share with you (whoever you are) the ups and downs of my world – hopefully with a bit humour – as I begin my quest to find balance.
Bella
I’m still determining exactly what this blog will be, but here’s what I do know: I need to make a life change. I’ve recently been forced (read: suffered an injury) to take a long hard look at my life. Confession – the long hard look didn’t happen until after I’d watched HOURS of daytime television, but it did happen and that’s the important part.
I’ve realized that I define myself by my career and have a very unhealthy addiction to my blackberry. Even on sick leave I couldn’t put it down. Also, I often sacrifice gym time, healthy eating, and sleep – sometimes for good reasons, but often for no reason at all.
I need to find a healthier life/work balance where I have a successful career, but I also make time for myself. I need to learn to be a “me advocate.”
I’m not one to talk about my feelings and emotions so each and every blog post will be a challenge for me. I’ll share with you (whoever you are) the ups and downs of my world – hopefully with a bit humour – as I begin my quest to find balance.
Bella
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