THE FIRST 72 HOURS AFTER SURGERY

It is now becoming increasingly clear to me that the biggest challenge facing my complete recovery from my hernia surgery will be successfully refraining from doing too much too quickly. Too much in this case is going to be defined as lifting more than the prescribed amount (15 pounds) before my doctor gives me clearance to do so. I say this because yesterday my family joined me on a walk around downtown Chicago. No lifting was involved, and therefore no risk to my recovery was involved. It is still true that I sit down and sit up with some trepidation, and a clear cut reminder that my midsection was recently patched up, but the actual walking about was completely pain free.  I had (repeatedly) asked my surgeon the question about walking. He was quite clear in his response: 'Let your comfort by your guide.' Well, yesterday, bopping around town, I felt no pain. This is in direct contrast to the walking in Minnesota with my daughter one week prior to my surgery. Although, I was walking in the Mall of America and the City of Duluth, there were times during that trip when I was clutching my abdomen in great pain. Yesterday, I was able to move about without any regard to my hernia. I suppose that I can be forgiven for thinking that I no longer have a hernia. Medically, this may be the case. Right now I do not have a hole in my muscles where my intestines are popping out. So, by that definition, I no longer have a hernia. This could be the simple explanation why I walking around pain free, and why the 4 mile walk around downtown Chicago was so enjoyable with my family yesterday. It could have been even more enjoyable had it been a nicer day. What's the deal with it being so cold in May? Yesterday's temperatures in Chicago were under 50° F.

Back in the 'old days' (last month) I would walk around town at and average 13 minute miles. My four mile walk yesterday was closer to 18 minute miles. Still, I am only within 72 hours of my experience on the operating table - so I currently have no complaints.  I am mending.  Right now, I am grateful for my mobility.

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Your Food Diary For:

Sunday, May 1, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 1 medium apple	95	25	0	1	2	19
Malt-o-meal Cereal - Honey Nut Scooters	480	96	6	12	840	36
	575	121	6	13	842	55
L U N C H
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, 2 sandwich	520	70	30	18	700	26
	520	70	30	18	700	26
D I N N E R
Havarti - Costco Dofino - Cheese	220	1	18	12	420	0
Pepperidge Farm - Sourdough Bread	240	44	3	8	440	4
Minestrone - Homemade	400	68	5	24	690	7
	860	113	26	44	1,550	11
S N A C K S
Dreyer's - Outshine Fruit Bars Creamy Coconut, 2 bar	240	40	6	8	80	36
	240	40	6	8	80	36
Totals	2,195	345	68	82	3,172	128
Your Daily Goal	2,620	327	87	132	2,300	98
Remaining	425	-17	19	49	-871	-29
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 690 extra calories from exercise today

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