Towards the end of January the nice nurse who discharged me from hospital after my emergency hernia operation issued dire warnings of what might happen if I didn't avoid all strain to my newly-repaired stomach muscles for the next six weeks. Being a biddable sort of person when it really matters, I've obeyed her instructions, despite chafing at the restriction, so this is how I've been filling my time apart from blogging.
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| Rather too much of this |
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| And quite a lot of these |
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| A pair of these for me |
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| And another for DD |
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| Some of this - sermons and Lent talk |
Now, finally, the six weeks are up and I’m looking forward to my new-found freedom. OK, it comes with some disadvantages, such as no longer having any excuse for not giving the vacuum cleaner its accustomed exercise, but it does mean I can finally get back into the swing of things and do something more physically demanding than knitting or desk work.
One of the casualties of this enforced period of rest has, of course, been clarinet practice. Playing a clarinet is very hard on the stomach muscles, which
means that, after only a month of learning, I've had six weeks when I've not been allowed to blow a note. This afternoon I waved DH off for another visit to his mother, so this weekend I can practise to my heart’s content. What’s the betting that when I dust the cobwebs off the clarinet tomorrow, I’ll be back to my initial squeaks and odd notes? Ah well, I'd better take a lesson from Fred and Ginger...
Some images via Google
Excellent advice from Fred and Ginger. The six weeks must have seemed endless - but Perpetua, you've done it. Well done. Now you'll be able to give that clarinet 'some welly' as they say. Initial squeaks and wrong notes who cares, you're back on the road again.
ReplyDeleteI thought so too, Molly. :-) It really has felt like a long time, coming so soon after the six week cataract post-op period, but It's over and done with now and there'll be no holding me. Squeaky notes, here I come....
DeleteWell done for obeying nurse's orders, Perpetua. Does this mean that you're once more allowed to drive? Or are you still stuck at home because DH has gone off with the car? All the best for your resumed clarinet practice & commiserations for having to exercise the vacuum cleaner once again :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to say 'Happy Saint's Day' when your adopted namesake was a martyr at Carthage in 203 AD. But I did think of you when saying Morning Prayer this morning when the lectionary reminded me to remember 'Perpetua, Felicity & their Companions'.
Thanks, Ricky. Oh yes, I'm driving again (since yesterday) but I'm still stuck at home as DH has the car and the van is in the garage having a new speedo cable fitted. The vacuum will be busy this weekend as we have visitors coming on Monday, but I will definitely be fitting in the clarinet practice too.. :-).
DeleteI think Perpetua is a splendid saint to share a name with, though I agree that giving the normal good wishes doesn't quite sound right.....
Phew! Six weeks can seem like a flash or an eternity - the last one have been the former for me....and whilst I don't envy the reasons for your enforced rest, I sort of envy the time for all those books (and no vacuuming!)
ReplyDeleteI do hope everything stays in place when you start practising again - you are quite right, clarinet playing requires quite strong stomach muscles but it's all in the technique so don't try too hard. Stick to the low notes is my advice...
I do hope this really is the time to get back up and start all over again - and this time to keep going forward now, Perpetua. I like to think you have been nicely sorted and put in order and I do hope that your patience in being a patient now pays off by you being hale and hearty for the foreseeable future. Enjoy your new freedom!
Axxx
Exactly, Annie. I've had plenty of the former in the past, not only weeks but months flashing past, but another six weeks of enforced inactivity on top of the post-cataract period really have tested my patience as well as adding a few pounds to my weight. ;-(
DeleteThanks for the good advice. I haven't yet learned any notes higher than A. (my tutor book has so far concentrated on introducing the lower notes) so that should be OK. But my lips will have softened off too, so I can't see myself practising for very long at a time just yet. ittle and often better be my motto. :-)
I devoutly hope DH and I have seen the last of hospitals for a very long time. It's been a difficult six months, and the dreadful weather hasn't helped, but spring is here and things can only get better. :-)
Kathy! You're nearly as good as Patrick at finding reasons to be in hospital! Hope you continue to progress well and you can start planning for your next visit to LBF.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes from Carole & Patrick
Carole, how lovely to see you here. :-) Yes, I reckon we've all seen far too much of the inside of hospitals in the past year and I really hope that's it or the foreseeable future. We're both feeling well now and are planning our trip across in June as usual. Fingers crossed for weather as good as last summer's.
DeletePS I see you've started blogging again. Must go across and investigate.
Good morning! I found you again via a certain Betty Janes... :-)
DeleteI'm glad you're both doing well, Patrick is too, and my mother is happily settled in an excellent residential care home so fingers crossed, my hospital communications and visits will be minimal to non-existent this year... famous last words...
Take care and regards to you both, Carole
The interweb does its stuff again. There's no escape. :-) I'm so glad Patrick is doing well. He really deserves it after such a long period of difficulty and discomfort. I'm very glad to hear your mother is now in a really good home. That must have taken such a load off your mind after these past few years.
DeleteLooking forward to seeing you both before too long. In the meantime look after yourselves. :-)
Don't blow too hard will you - gently gently.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the warning. I promise to start very slowly and gently and be glad if I can manage a note at all. :-)
DeleteI should think the clarinet will be like a rest cure after the hive of industry you have created this past six weeks.
ReplyDeleteLove the socks by the way.
Backto Bodrum is right, Take it slowly.
Love X
That made me laugh, Ray. I find clarinet really hard work, though very enjoyable, whilst knitting is so easy and restful I hardly know I'm doing it. I had to do plenty to justify all the mindless TV I was watching in the early days until the fog lifted.As you know socks are my specialty and I'm just about to start a summer pair for myself - a nice rest between small bouts of clarinet practice. :-)
DeleteAh, Fred and Ginger, I do love them.. Congratulations on obeying orders and not cheating on your six weeks rest. Great sox have been achieved, and much more it seems. Happy clarinet practise and I doubt you will go back to the beginning, your muscles already know what to do and will remember in double quick time :))
ReplyDeleteSo do I, Patricia - a wonderfully talented pair. I can say, hand on heart, that I was never tempted to cheat, as i was so desperate not to do any more damage. Glad you like the socks. I just love knitting them. Thanks for the encouraging thought that my muscles have already learned enough to remember when I start practising again. That's made me feel much better. ;-)
DeleteIndomitable Perpetua!
ReplyDeleteDon't blow too hard!
Onwards and upwards is my motto, Helen. :-) I promise to be good.
DeleteSo pleased it has all gone well even though it must have seemed like an eternity.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. The time did drag, especially in February when the weather was so dire, but now it's spring and I feel good.
DeleteLeave to Fred and Ginger to come up with just the right tune for the task. Fun, fun, fun to listen to and watch, Perpetua - and so glad to hear you mended well and are "back in the saddle" again. Enjoy your time with your clarinet and take care not to overdue. Isn't it amazing how we come to realize what muscles we use at times like this?
ReplyDeleteI thought it was perfect too, Penny. :-) I've already watched it several times. yes,. I seem to have mended well with no more twinges for a couple of weeks now, so I think i'm safe to start clarinet again. I shan't overdo it, preferring the softly, softly approach for a while. I'm sure my stomach muscles will tell me very firmly if they've had enough. :-)
DeleteI think the life you've led for the past six weeks is good for the soul. So many people go so fast and say things like they don't know where the day went. Well, if you don't know where the day went perhaps it's time to slow down and read and knit socks and meditate a bit.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you're right, Rubye, and I do try never to be too busy. But I have to admit that two six-week periods in four months of taking things very quietly and carefully has tested my patience somewhat. I love my knitting and reading and being meditatively quiet, but my body has suffered from lack of reasonably vigorous exercise over this longish period and at my age I have to use it or lose it. :-)
DeleteI'm glad you have made it through your recuperation time and are all mended. After your unwanted six week break even the squeaks and squawks should sound like music to your ears!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm about to find out, Kristie. My clarinet reed is soaking as I type and when I've finished answering these comments, I'll see how much learning I need to make up again. :-) I count myself fortunate that my recovery has been straightforward but I'm glad it's over now.
DeleteI'm so happy to hear that you can get back to your clarinet! When you first mentioned taking music lessons I was so thrilled for you, because taking up a new instrument is reported to be one of the best things a person can do to increase mental agility as we age, and as well,music is just good for boosting our endorphins. It's really good you followed the doctor's orders, and now you can get on with it and enjoy yourself. Maybe you can still parlay a little good will for no vacuuming and certain housekeeping roles for a little while. :-) I'm so glad you're doing well!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra, so am I. I somehow don't think the parlaying will meet with any success. DH has stepped into the breach wonderfully both times, but if I'm well enough to play my clarinet, I guess I'm well enough to clean the house.... Anyway I can't wait for him to come home as our visitors will be arriving soon after he does. I'm off now for my first practice, before dragging the vacuum cleaner out of its hiding-place. :-)
DeleteGlad you have come through the 6 weeks with good results. Careful with the clarinet. And, any excuse to not have to haul the vacuum is a good one. :) Take care.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bonnie. It's a good result in the end. I've just done my first clarinet practice and my stomach muscles were fine, but I could only manage 15 minutes because my lips got so tired. :-) I'll have to build up stamina again.
DeleteHello Perpetua,
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to follow the advice of health professionals when one has had surgery of any kind. Too often, advice is given which is then completely ignored and then people wonder why recovery is not as good as it should be.
And, what joy it is now you are free of restrictions. A weekend on your own and you are foot loose and fancy free...gosh...what fun! You can even practice a little Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers routine yourself around the kitchen.....perhaps with the vacuum cleaner as a partner. We promise not to tell anyone....honest......well, just a few people......well, it might just slip out in conversation.....mum's the word.......honest!
You're absolutely right, Jane and Lance. They don't give advice for the fun of it and it must be so frustrating when their skilled work is undone by the patient's carelessness. With DH watching me like a hawk, there was no chance I'd slip up. :-)
DeleteYour second paragraph made me laugh out loud. :-) It feels so good to be back to normal activity, even with the vacuum cleaner as a partner. I've just done my first short clarinet practice for over six weeks and thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I'm off to dance round the kitchen and living room with Mr Dyson. :-)
You and DH have had a tough time of it over recent months. I do hope this last period of forced rest is the last that is required for a while. I know how wonderful it is to get "back to normal" ! However... those socks are fabulous, and I hope that getting back to normal, including some gentle clarinet practice, will also involve some relaxing pursuits too....I'm sure there can never be too many pairs of those fabulous socks. Take care. Jx
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the socks, Janice. Everyone needs socks so I never run out of people to knit for and I won't stop because of the clarinet. :-) Yes, the past six months aren't ones we'd want to repeat. You too know how illness and treatment can take over your life and how lovely it is when we move beyond them. Your recent trip to the Antipodes was all about living life again. :-)
DeleteWell done for sticking it out for 6 long weeks Perpetua. It must be very difficult when you are used to doing so much, I would certainly find it hard. Good luck with the clarinet. It will be like starting from scratch again I expect. But do take things slowly just to make sure you don't do any damage xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ayak. It wasn't easy as I'd just got back into living life actively again after my cataract op when this happened and it had to stop again. Thank goodness for knitting and books. :-) Interestingly, in my first short clarinet practice I soon found my brain hadn't forgotten what I'd learned, but my fingers and lips were a bit slow to respond. If I carry on with plenty of short practices it will all come back eventually, I'm sure. :-)
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeletePhew, time used well, regardless! Meanwhile, your's truly has just had two weeks without i'net and is nearly round the twist trying to get it sorted. Came across my recorders whilst unpacking...hmmm wonder what the new neighbours would say to some woodwind practice? Do be careful getting that clarinet back up; no bull at gate stuff or the title of your blog could become prophetic... YAM xx
Hi Yam, welcome back to the blogosphere. I do hope you get your internet connection properly sorted soon. Yes, I do have something to show for those hours in front of the TV. I have to have my knitting to justify the watching. :-) The only way of finding out what the neighbours might say is to try playing your recorders. Surely there must be plenty of musicians playing in flats and terraced houses. I've just had another short practice, going through the basics again very gently. At least i can get some good clear notes and not the squeaks I was fearing!
DeleteDon't be surprised if your energy level is lower than you expect, and your stamina. It will take a bit of time for you to get all the way back.
ReplyDeleteMy husband's "take it easy for six weeks after cardiac arrest" ends on Tuesday. I wonder if he will get off the couch and go for a walk with me!
Prophetically wise words, Linda. :-) After the most active day I've had since my surgery I'm very ready to relax now and I know I'll sleep well tonight. My stamina is definitely not what it was. Good luck with trying to get your husband on that walk. It's would be excellent exercise for him, but it's so easy to fall into bad habits when activity is restricted.
DeleteI love that song and I think it's perfect for this phase of your life. It looks like you've been able to keep busy but I'm sure you're itching to get back to normal by now. I hope you and your clarinet have a wonderful reunion this weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it's very appropriate, isn't it? Thank goodness for knitting. It kept me occupied without any risk of strain, which was great. Now I'm enjoying being active again. The clarinet reunion was bliss, thanks. :-)
DeleteBooks and knitting ... with the addition of cake I find they cure most things!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll soon be back up to speed with that clarinet, and how wonderful that you have the freedom to move back!
They certainly did the trick this time, though i had to go easy on the cake for fear of my waistline disappearing completely. :-) Knitting did the most to keep me sane, because it meant I could be productive while sitting down. Now I'm getting to grips with the clarinet again and finding to my pleasure that I haven't forgotten everything.
DeleteYour period of enforced relaxation is over ... and I can imagine the relief [apart from having to once again vacuum] as while it is lovely to knit [gorgeous socks by the way] and read, not being able to do anything else can be tiring.
ReplyDeleteWith the seasons heading towards spring you have the delights of the outdoors to look forward to.
Clarinet ... get ready for some use!!
Glad you like the socks, Shirley. Knitting them helped a lot as it meant I had something to show for all the time spent in front of the TV. I've now cast on a summer pair for myself. :-) I'm now really enjoying getting back to normal. Even vacuuming feels good for the moment, though I'm sure the feeling will soon wear off! And to top it off the sun is shining and spring has arrived. :-)
DeleteAs for the clarinet - we're enjoying getting to know each other again. :-)
How clever Perpetua, to knit your own socks. My grandmother used to knit for the family.
ReplyDeleteHaving a hernia op is no play play.. its serious.. you must take care. It could come back.
Great that you can blow away to your hearts content Perpetua.
Enjoy your time playing.
best wishes val
I'll let you into a secret, Val. Sock-knitting is actually much easier than it looks. :-) DD taught me and I really love doing it, as everyone needs socks. I've been very good after my op and luckily, because of the way the hernia has been repaired, there should be no danger now of it recurring.now that the muscles have healed. I'm really enjoying getting back to playing my clarinet and I'm off to do some practice as soon as I've posted this. :-)
DeleteI'm so glad to hear that you're so much better and poised to play the clarinet again! Good for you!! You're an inspiration. (My husband has been trying to get me to learn the alto recorder and I've been recalcitrant. I really shouldn't be so timid about it. It's much easier than the clarinet, for heaven's sake!) I love the Fred and Ginger moment -- what a great pair they were!
ReplyDeleteNot just poised, Kathy, but actually practising again. Thankfully I haven't gone right back to square one and am starting to make progress again. I have a friend whose husband gave her an alto recorder as a retirement present and she loves it. DD also suggested I might like to learn the recorder instead, but I'd set my heart on the clarinet. :-) Go on, have a go! Glad you enjoyed the immortal Fred and Ginger.
DeleteSo glad you are back on track again Perpetua. I had a double hernia op last year and know how hard it's been to take it easy. Onwards and upwards! Have a good week.
ReplyDeletePatricia x
It's so frustrating, isn't it, Patricia? After the first couple of weeks we feel OK and yet we aren't allowed to do things we normally take for granted. Still it's over, thank goodness, though I do need to get a bit fitter now I can move freely. This good weather will help there. :-)
DeleteI'm glad to hear you are healing nicely. I have been on light duty myself. I am only supposed to walk at an easy pace on flat surfaces. I'm also glad to hear you have followed the doctor's orders. Picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and starting all over again would have been much worse if you had torn something that had just had been repaired. Have fun practicing. You are so talented. I wish I could knit socks and play the clarinet. Oh, and I loved watching Fred and Ginger. Weren't they just the greatest?
ReplyDeleteYes, I know from your recent post that you've been having health problems too, Sally, so I can sympathise with having to follow doctor's orders. But there's no point in setting back one's recovery by disobeying them, is there? I now feel very well again and am so much enjoying being back in the swing of things. Knitting socks is really nowhere near as difficult as it looks and as for the clarinet, I'm still a raw beginner, though I'm very much enjoying the learning process. :-) Fred and Ginger have been favourites of mine since i was young and I love this clip.
DeleteGood to hear you've been on your best behaviour and been given the all clear. I love your socks; what beautiful patterns. :-)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your parpings!
Thanks, Antoinette. I do know how to be good when it really matters. ;-) I'll let you into a secret about the socks. The patterns aren't down to my skill in the slightest, but are pre-printed onto the yarn. All I have to do is to knit and watch the pattern unfold. :-) As for the clarinet, I've a lot to catch up, but am enjoying myself doing so.
DeleteEven if the yarn is patterned, there is still skill in knitting socks, whether toe up or toe down the heel needs to be turned and both socks have to match in size.
DeleteIt seems your enforced rest has been most productive, let good health prevail from now onwards.
You're quite right and I'll always be grateful to DD for.teaching me to knit socks and giving me my first sock yarn and circular needles. I always knit socks toe-down and she showed me a very neat, invisible stretchy cast-on for the rib,
DeleteYes, it was a productive six weeks in many ways, but I really, really don't want any more quiet convalescence for a very long time. :-)
So pleased to hear that you are feeling better and able to practice your instrument. Your socks are darling – I can knit and crochet but have never tried to make socks – I need to learn. But I also would like to make a quilt – have been keeping my husband’s old ties since the 60s to make a quilt with them – too many interesting books are waiting to be read and places to go and take pictures, maybe someday when I truly retire ….
ReplyDeleteI feel very well now, thanks, and am really enjoying getting to grips with the clarinet again. I know you knit and crochet as I've seen the photos of your gorgeous baby blankets. I wish I'd learned to crochet properly before my arthritic right thumb made holding a crochet hook more difficult. Quilting always looks so fascinating, but also time-consuming, and as you say, it's an occupation for when you have plenty of quiet time at home. One day, one day....
DeleteDear Perpetua, how wonderful that you've taken such good care of yourself. And now you can begin--slowly--to exercise those stomach muscles by practicing on the clarinet. I so look forward to a video of you doing that one of these days.
ReplyDeleteWhat movie is the video from? I've never seen it although we used to sing that song. Peace.
To be honest, Dee, the nurse gave me such a severe warning that I didn't dare do anything other than look after myself. :-) Playing the clarinet is certainly good for strengthening the stomach muscles but I'm taking it slowly to begin with. A video may have to wait for quite a while....
DeleteThe son is from the film Swing Time which was released in 1936. I really love Rogers and Astaire.
Glad your enforced rest from strenuous activity is now at an end and you can get back to your clarinet playing, driving etc. Hope you enjoyed the time with your visitors. Have a good rest of the week!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. I'm certainly extraordinarily glad to be back to ordinary life now and am very much enjoying the clarinet, the driving and even the vacuuming! We had a lovely time with our visitors and the weather was super. Back to grey, damp and cooler now, but at least it's definitely spring. :-)
DeleteI am glad you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteAnd glad to meet a fellow clarinet player. :-)
Pearl
Thanks, Pearl. It feels really good to be back to being active. :-)
DeleteHey, another clarinet-player! When I first mentioned starting to learn, I was surprised how many fellow bloggers played or had done so in the past or had family who play. I'm a real beginner, but it's such fun.
Oooh don't overdo things though - those muscles will need a bit of "warming up" before yu get back to anything strenuous - like vacuuming!! (hee hee another excuse). No seriously do take care. But you are sensible so I know you will. I'd missed that you were learning the clarinet. What fun. I don't have a musical note in my brain/body but do admire and envy people who can "play".
ReplyDeleteThanks for the concern, Sian. I promise I've been careful and there have been no warning twinges. :-) I need to get moving properly again or I'll become hopelessly unfit. I announced the clarinet thing at New Year, but had only been learning for a month when the op happened. Now I'm trying to catch up again and thoroughly enjoying the process.
Delete