36. Finding your running mojo

Mile 34 – Very slow.

After an interruption to the usual running routine, e.g. due to injury, it is sometimes hard to develop the habit again. It seems like a chore rather than a treat. 

Being part of a club can help, and entering a race might trigger that competitive urge (not necessarily to win it but to at least be ahead of someone who usually finishes in a similar position to you). When the bug comes back, all the fun returns to your life!

I’ll start with some thanks. Firstly, to Sue for writing last week’s description of events from her point of view. As Jo pointed out, she is definitely part of the crew, not a spectator.

And secondly, Sue says thank you for all the kind messages she received from you.

—oOo—

Today’s is not such a long post because, frankly, I’ve not done much! In the last week, since I came home, I have been sleeping a lot of the time. There has however been a gradual recovery across the board. I can feel myself becoming a little stronger, especially over the last few days, so bear that in mind as I bemoan my condition.

My first days at home were rather a blur. I still can’t believe how tired I have felt. My Clinical Nurse Specialist at UCLH said it would be like this, but it is hard to imagine until it happens.

It is taking a while to build up enthusiasm for my exercise routine. To date, I have not gone far beyond the warm ups and have managed only a paltry 3,000 steps per day. I’m confident that before long I’ll be back to normal, but it is frustrating at the moment, and I can’t help but feel guilty about not doing more. There are some signs of improvement: I can walk up the stairs without needing to sit down, as I did earlier. Hopefully I’ll feel up to trying some gentle cycling in the garage in the coming days.

My theory is that my haemoglobin is still very low, so I have little oxygen travelling around my body, and as the doctors at UCLH explained, that will take a while to return to normal. I’m waiting for my blood results to confirm that.

My temperature has remained nice and low, which is the most important measurement. No sign of infection yet, and we are both isolating to avoid catching anything.

A week and a half on and I still weigh in at 69.1kg (10st 12lb). I can’t ever remember being so light, I’m normally around 78kg (12st 4lb). At the moment I’m not putting on much weight, despite my best efforts at raiding the biscuit tin. 

My mouth remains very dry, and I wake up every 90 minutes or so overnight, needing a sip of water. It’s not much better during the day, and although I am generally managing to eat bigger meals now, including a big bowl of porridge for breakfast, and bacon and egg sandwiches for lunch, I’m far from enjoying food and drink, aside from the odd craving, such as for fizzy drinks and cheese puffs. I am aware that I need to keep snacking and drinking plenty, but it hasn’t been as easy as usual.

I had a shave a couple of days after coming home, using my electric razor, trying to smooth off the dome, but it still feels like Velcro. I’m told that Pledge is better than Mr Sheen for the final polish – it’s kinder to the skin. I haven’t needed to shave again since: there is no sign of growth either on my crown or on my face. At least it saves me a couple of minutes each day compared to the beard trimming, combing and preening of the past.

Also, every time I pass a mirror, I catch a glimpse of a bald stranger, although I think I have figured out who he is now. More of that at the end.

I enjoyed my first walk outside on Tuesday, just across a very small field near the house, perhaps 500 yards there and back. It was pretty exhausting.

Thursday was quite a landmark, with a trip to the Montefiore Hospital for a blood test in the afternoon, my first trip out in the car. It marked an upturn in my activities, as it triggered the urge to play with some indoor photography, rather than just sleep all day. 

I also enjoyed a long Zoom call with a couple of my old workmates, which really lifted my spirits. It’s good to hear my ex-colleagues and customers are thinking of me! I’ll be pestering more of my friends for calls now I know I have the energy.

On Saturday we went for a longer walk, along the Millennium Footpath past the wildlife.

Then on Sunday we went even further, to the Post Office to post a letter. This augurs well for even longer walks next week.

—oOo—

Sue has worked hard in the garden, clearing the flower beds as well as showing off her skills with the lawn mower. However, she trod on a thorn, three quarters of an inch long, which embedded itself in her big toe. Sadly, she wouldn’t let me pick at it with a pin, but eventually had it removed by the Urgent Care Centre at Crawley Hospital, who specialise in just that sort of thing. Their service was really quick – perhaps no one knows they are there. You will be glad to hear she is much better now.

She has also been catching up with the dentist and doctors’ appointments that she postponed while I was in London, and is now jabbed for COVID. 

 —oOo—

Oh, and the man in the mirror.

The day my stem cells were returned is referred to as my re-birthday, so, as my family has pointed out, that explains why I look the same now as I did at my original Christening.

Obviously, I have too much time on my hands, so I’ll try to do something more interesting before the next post.
To finish off, here I am on day SCT +33, a third of the way through my 100 days isolation period. Looking back, it seems to have gone quickly, although it didn’t seem that way earlier on, and it probably means there aren’t so many shopping days until Christmas.

Thanks for reading and take care.