Everyday Life

 

I've been using the CPAP machine for a week now and it's going well. Despite some initial teething problems, mostly to do with getting an adequate seal with the mask, I've been sleeping through the night and waking each morning feeling that I've had a good sleep. The frequency of trips to the bathroom have reduced from seven to two ... the trainer explained that even if you don't realise it, you are regularly waking when you have sleep apnoea, so your organs don't sleep either. The most notable is your bladder which continues to work, resulting in multiple bathroom visits. The reduction in the number of night visits to the bathroom since using the CPAP machine is a huge improvement in itself.

After making the effort to start driving again, I'm now not allowed to drive! Sleep apnoea is a reportable condition so my driving licence is now suspended and I can't drive until my case is reviewed, which could take months. It's more than a bit frustrating that now I'm starting to feel better, I'm back to relying on others for lifts. It is what it is though, and I can't do anything to speed up the process.

The change in my sleep has also had a positive impact on my mood. I'm a long way from being ready to rush about, but I am ready to start focusing on other aspects for my life. The exhaustion is still a feature and may not be sorted until the issues with my adrenal grand function are resolved, but I do have a bit more energy than I have had in the last couple of years. So my plan is to start focusing on my stamina, flexibility and strength by means of simple micro exercises I can do at home. I will probably follow Justin Agustin on YouTube as he offers demos of lots of micro exercises for seniors. This should also help my mobility, although it won't be a cure as further operations are needed to deal with that.

At the same time I also want to take back responsibility for the buying and preparation of the food. Niall has been brilliant and, for the last year or so has taken over the shopping and the preparation of all the meals, but I would like to save some money and go back to batch cooking some diabetic friendly recipes for the freezer so there is always something here to eat that's healthy, easy to heat up, and that we will both enjoy. I'm currently making a list of possible meals and aim, always assuming I have the energy(!), to start cooking the meals from next week. 

I've just ordered a rise and recline chair for myself. I've chosen a burgundy suede-like fabric, not a true suede but it has that sort of feel, and the colour goes well with the curtain fabric I've chosen. It won't be delivered until after the living room is decorated and the new carpet fitted. I'm hoping to get a date for the decorating over the weekend, so once I know that's in hand I can get on with ordering the carpet. I'll also get a quote for the curtains but I have a feeling that I won't be able to afford them just yet, not now I've treated myself to the new chair. 

I'm waiting for Niall to get back and then we can settle in front of the TV and continue binge watching 'The Rookie' ... that's our Friday evening sorted. 😊