Week 8 | Eight Weeks of Grit and the Battle with Home Care

I am motivated by watching everyone train for the misogi 😃

The week started on Sunday listening to the opening ceremonies for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine annual meeting. I was so sad not to attend in person. I was able to watch several of the sessions live. Dan Buttner and Dr. Christopher Gardner were in the house! It was a great conference. The call to action from Dr. Dexter Shurney and Dr. David Katz on the final day was so motivating. We have good trouble to make in the years ahead. This is a fantastic organization, and I encourage anyone interested in “health”care to become part of the solution with ACLM.

My mornings started with challenging workouts—crunches, one-arm rows, and weighted squats. I included in some “running” in place to simulate the motion I’ve missed so much. Every movement was a step closer to reclaiming my body’s capabilities. What am I doing? My current morning workout is below:

Exercises

• 3 x 30 crunches

• 3 x 20 One Arm Rows with 30# 

• 3 x 30 Seated Shoulder Press with 30#

• 3 x 22 Biceps Curls with 20#

• 3 x 20 Overhead Triceps extension with 14#

• 2 x 20 one-leg squats to couch

• 2 x 20 one-leg squats to couch with a 20# weighted vest

• 3 x 20 Face pulls with band

• 3 x 20 biceps curls with band

• 3 x 30 seconds Farmer’s Hold

• 3 x 30 seconds “run” in place

• 2 x 15 side leg raises

I will have to provide an update on my biometrics in the next few weeks. I have my body weight, waist circumference and hip circumference, but I cannot calculate any metrics with my Renpho scale. ☹️I reached out to Renpho and HumeHealth to inquire how they calculate the biometrics for individuals with disabilities. Both organizations replied quickly and shared that their scales are not currently suited for individuals with disabilities and they are “...actively working towards improving our products to be more inclusive and accessible for all users.” Thank you very much for getting back to me. 

Pain was a constant companion, especially in the evenings. As I worked on extending the intervals between my medications, the throbbing discomfort became a familiar reminder of my limitations. By nightfall, the pain was sharp and unsettling, forcing me to trust in the process and hope that the healing underneath the dressing was progressing as it should. I have not had the dressing off since surgery; this will happen on Tuesday. The pain is improving which is great. I don’t like taking medication at all.

Recovery isn’t just about physical endurance; it’s also a mental game. This week, I found solace in small conveniences, like easy-on and easy-off clothing and underwear, which made the daily routine a bit more manageable. The calls from Dr. Wills and Nicole underscored concerns about my physical and mental health, and I couldn’t help but share their worries. But I am holding up and keeping my sights set on running a 5K and hiking in Zion.

I so appreciate everyone who has reached out and offered to help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Part of my reticence to have “guest” is the state of my home. I am OCD when it comes to order and cleanliness, and right now, that is not the case. The thought of having anyone see the hot mess that my home is right now makes me cringe. I swiffer and I clear the sinks and toilets. I have not been able to get rid of my Amazon boxes. I have not finished unpacking from the retreat (some of the items I can’t carry well with my walker). Once I can walk and clean I will be so happy. 

The real test this week came not from my physical challenges but from my interactions with the healthcare system. My experience with Bright Star Care was a saga of persistence. Multiple calls and  missed communications  turned what should have been straightforward care into a frustrating ordeal. I found myself questioning: What happens to patients who aren’t as persistent? How many fall through the cracks?

Despite the administrative chaos, the nurses themselves were kind and professional. When the home care visit finally happened, the nurse was compassionate and attentive—a stark contrast to the disorganized process that preceded her arrival. It was a reminder that the system is broken, not the people within it. Providers genuinely want to help, but they’re hamstrung by inefficiencies and red tape that leave patients feeling neglected and undervalued.

But amidst the chaos, there were bright spots. Small interactions, like a friendly encounter with Vincent on a trip to the mailbox, reminded me of the kindness that still exists in the day-to-day. And then, there were moments of personal achievement, like preparing for my interview with Ocean Robbins. Nerves aside, I spent hours preparing and practicing, ensuring my lighting, sound, and presence were all dialed in. The interview was so much fun! Thank you to Ocean and the team at the Food Revolution Network for giving me this amazing opportunity.

If this journey has taught me anything, it’s that recovery is not just about the individual—it’s about the systems we rely on. We need a healthcare system that doesn’t just react to patient needs but anticipates and meets them with efficiency and compassion. It’s time to push for change. I think this change will come from Lifestyle Medicine. The movement is growing and I am excited to be part of the future.