Oxygen - What a Difference

Oxygen - What a Difference

Views from my first bike ride back.  Squaw/Baldwin Loop

Exactly two weeks ago, on the eve of my procedure, Dean and I were enjoying dinner at Chili's, as we discussed the changes that were to come. At this time, we could only speculate that I would feel better, but we had no idea what lay ahead. There have been several ups and downs, but overall I am thrilled with the results I have experienced to date.  

Immediately following the procedure, as I was coming out of the anesthesia, I noticed  that my hands were warm. It was a weird sensation as it came from the inside. However, the next day, Dean commented that he felt like he was holding someone else's hand, because my hands were so warm.

Today, also marks day 1 of week 2 being back to work. There has been a noticeable difference in the energy I now have to keep up with my fourth graders. I am not dragging myself through the week like I did prior to the closure. It is amazing to experience the improvement in my energy level at the end of a Wednesday despite spending a large portion of last night coughing, missing out on precious sleep. 

During the day, I also feel much more alert.  Getting out of bed in the morning has become much easier as well. It is amazing the difference oxygen can make!

In my opinion, the best part is coming home and having enough energy to be present and enjoy my girls after a long day at school. I look forward to seeing them so much more, because I am not so exhausted. My patience with them has also increased which just allows me to be a better mom. 

Before my first workout post procedure.

Now that my resting heart rate is in the 60s and palpitations are rarely noticeable, I have also been able to return to exercise.  This has been both exciting and humbling.  I am thrilled to be outside in the beautiful 50 degree weather feeling the blood pumping though my body again. After 2 months off, I am definitely out of shape and am starting completely over....I am trying to be patient with the process, but am struggling with starting from ground 0.  I worked so hard to be where I was, it is frustrating that those gains can disappear so quickly. I have put in a total of 4 days of exercise and am really focusing on keeping my effort levels and heart rate at zone 1.  This is my plan for the next month.  After that, I am really excited to see where this improved heart can take me!  I am in awe of what a difference some oxygenated blood can make.

Next, I need to kick the sore throat that I have had ever since the procedure......but continue to be eternally grateful for all the improvements in my life. It is amazing to wake up each morning and accept each day as a gift, even on the hardest days.