Thursday, February 08, 2007

in-VAL-id IN-va-lid

in a cruel twist of the english language, the word invalid, a noun meaning one who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or disability is the exact same word as invalid, an adjective meaning not legally or factually valid; null. how fair is that?

i don't make a very good invalid, i guess that makes me an invalid invalid. i've recovered so quickly that my only real complaint at this point is fatigue. i haven't taken pain meds in DAYS, i i've gotten up and gotten the kids ready for school every day this week, and have provided a rudimentary and simple dinner for my family each night. i've done laundry and done light cleaning, and even managed a short trip to walmart. needed a nap after that one!

but also as an invalid i feel somewhat invalid. lame, useless. i don't like to be told what i can't do, and i don't like NOT being able to perform tasks. part of it is doctor ordered things such as "no heavy lifting." part of it is things i don't have the stamina for, like walking the dog her usual mile a day. other things are stressful things like adding up tax deductions that i simply can't afford to wear me down at the moment. i'm not used to this feeling of uselessness, and always have this bull-headed charge ahead attitude, so this is KILLING me!

every day gets a bit easier, a bit better, but don't expect any triathlons soon. for that matter, don't expect any triathlons at all! now THAT just doesn't sound like fun to me. thinking about a triathlon makes me almost glad to be an invalid invalid.

10 comments:

Secret Pal said...

Glad to hear you are well on the road to recovery. You will be back at em in no time at this rate. The dog will be happy!

Autumn's Mom said...

I know the feeling of being an invalid invalid with my question mark of a back. Don't over due, you'll be back to your old self in no time.

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

Just found your blog - from what i hear - no matter how fiesty you are (you so pretty fiesty) don't overdue it. Hey - plenty of time to blog. Warmest wishes.

Beenzzz said...

I understand exactly how you feel. You are a strong woman and in no time you will be up to all your usual tasks. For right now though, accept the invalid status and milk it for what its worth! :)

ML said...

Being tired is your body's way to healing. Take it easy on yourself and enjoy this moment of resting. In a short while, you'll be up and running :)

Susan in Italy said...

Wow, well with all that activity, the cooking and the laundry and the getting kids ready and the Walmart, your INvalid status is inVALid. You're a trooper.

Da Mommy said...

Yeah, what she said!
Seriously, even though you know you can push yourself, don't. Personaly I find it more challenging to sit when I can do than to simply not be ABLE to do. After all, the former requires ME to be self controlled about what I do and well, self control aint my stong point :-)

Unknown said...

Girl, if fatigue is the only thing you are worried about, don't worry! It will pass. I know how it is; I hate being like that as well, but hopefully this will pass quickly as well. You might not enjoy it, but think of all the leisure things you can do right now, like reading or watching your favorite shows without feeling guilty.

Lotus Reads said...

So glad to hear your recovery is going so well, Melissa! Like Angela says, use this opportunity to do the things you don't usually find time for in a normal day. Life will be back to normal soon, perhaps too soon, so enjoy this time while you can!

Booklogged said...

Melissa, I'm glad all went well with the surgery and that you are doing so well. I agree with the others that are suggesting moderation.

Love the connection of invalid and invalid. Never picked up on that before.