Pamela Leavey

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Category: Health & Wellness

On The Parker River Path

A few weeks ago I joined the ranks of the unemployed and took to walking 3 – 5 days a week with a dear friend, to clear my head and get grounded. There’s nothing better for freeing your mind than a brisk walk in the cool winter air.

Most of my walks were spent exploring the many trails and pathways at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The Hellcat Swamps trails have become a favorite, from the observation tower on the Parker River side to the 50 foot dune on the ocean side.

My hikes abruptly stopped on January 8, after a fall in my driveway left me with abrasions, bruises and a badly sprained foot. The following day I ended up with a cast on my right foot which needless to say has kept me from the hikes and trails. The cast is scheduled to come off on January 23 and I am hoping to get the okay from the doctor to start hiking again.

The photo above is from the observation deck atop the 50 foot dune mentioned above. (more…)

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Carpal Tunnel Surgery Follow Up

It’s been three weeks tomorrow since I had the open release carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand. I am pleased to say that I am recovery nicely and the strength is slowly but surely coming back in my hand. I am careful about lifting still and anticipate that it will be a few months before my hand has regain full strength.

As for the carpal tunnel symptoms. They are gone! Gone… gone… gone. And I couldn’t be happier about that. I hope to have my right hand done in January. No concerns what so ever about having the other hand fixed as well. This surgery has brought me so much relief and made a huge difference in my everyday life after suffering with carpal tunnel for so many years.

 

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Post Carpal Tunnel Surgery Update

Last night I removed the bandages on my left hand and now the real healing has begun. I am able to use my hand more readily and easily and the incision will now complete it’s healing process before the stitches are removed. I am able to type, but taking it easy. I probably can drive, but opting to just stay put at home enjoying my Merrimack River view and perennial garden from my desk and my peaceful back yard.

The stitches come out a week from today. Back to work the following day. I’m going to use this time fully to heal so I have 100% use of my hand in the weeks to come. I’m so glad I had this done and look forward to another surgery in January to repair my right hand as well.

It’s been a peaceful time here at home in recovery mode and I am grateful for my daughter Juliet, and her boyfriend Ben who have been so much help.

(Photo: © Pamela J. Leavey 2011)

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A Personal Note: Carpal Tunnel Surgery Scheduled

After many, many years of on and off suffering from carpal tunnel I am scheduled for surgery on Friday August 12, on my left hand. In 4 months I hope to have the right hand done as well.

It’s a long over due treatment that I hope will make a major difference in my life. I had been very reticent for years to have the surgery, and not having health care insurance for a few years also compounded the inability to get proper treatment.

I’m having the “open” surgery as opposed to the “endoscopic” because my surgeon feels that is the best procedure. MY EMG showed “significant” carpal in both hands – with my left worst than the right. I had tried cortisone injections and wearing a splint, but it’s only a temporary fix at this point.

The good news is, I have a very good surgeon, who I am very confident will do an awesome job with the surgery. The bad news is, I’ll be unable to spend much time blogging for the next few weeks. I have Daily Inspirations and some other posts scheduled to post on their own through the end of August and I will post when I can about the surgery and my recovery.

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Fighting Mid Life Mid Zone

At 54 years old, I’ve watch my waist-line get a little bit wider over the past couple of years. I never used to have worry about this, and I’m determined to not let it become the norm.

This is great little abs work-out I ran across online:

I’m one of those women who does way too much, so making time to go to the gym is tough for me. Excercise, particularly cadio, is key to keep weight off in mid-life.

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Quick Fitness Tip

I don’t always find the time to work out so quick fitness tips like the video below give me a variation to add to my repertoire of excercises I try to squeeze into day whenever I can…

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