Maria Runs

It seems Spring might finally be on it’s way. I hope so.

On Sunday I started at home while Andy went off to run at Silverstone- it turned into a very hot day and he said he had never seen so many paramedics at a race before. I suppose the day was warm compared with the rest of the week, and he pointed out that there was no shade because it was all on the track, which I had not even thought of.

He got quite a nice goody bag too (and a better than normal t-shirt; only cotton but black with a chequered flag on it)- samples of flax-seeds, pistachios, fruity flakes, spa-tone iron water, and a nice medal (although it says “Addidas half marathon” on the front, and “Silverstone” on the back. Those sponsors are creeping in.  He was glad he packed a banana and a clif bar as he had to drive home and there was only lucozade when he finished, no food, which I thought was more unusual for a race of that distance.

I have been adding to my patchwork quilt. I only have two more strips to sew together, sew on, and then I have to work out what to do with it next! I feel the colours are quite spring-like and it has been quite relaxing getting on with it.

After not doing so well at the weekend, yesterday I did two short walks and that seemed much better. I rang the hospital to ask about the bandages (oh, and it turns out the things I can see that I thought were stitches are actually steri-strips, and the actual stitches are more inside and I can’t see them, which makes more sense)- I was not sure when the second lot could come off. I had a bit of a strange conversation- I didn’t give my name (she didn’t ask), the nurse asked me who my consultant was, I told her, and she said “oh you can take them off right away”. Maybe he only uses certain types of bandage? Anyway, they are off now and so I suppose a little more air will be getting to the cuts to help them heal. The foggy brain feeling has finally gone, and when I popped out for a short walk this morning, I had no dizziness at all, so I think finally the anaesthetic has worked it’s way out of my system.

When I got back from my walk in the afternoon yesterday I had a mango drink me chai (as they have kindly sent me some samples). This was lovely- quite refreshing (even though I added hot water) and sweet, but a good afternoon pick-me-up. I bet it would be fab as an iced tea/ chai too. Thinking about it, I liked the mango black tea from Whittards, so I suppose the flavours are fairly similar. Although Spring is here, I am still loving warm cups of tea. 🙂

And finally, on the news this morning they had an article about the price of food in cinemas. I agree that it is overpriced, but then you don’t have to buy it. There must be enough people happy enough to pay that amount for it (especially the popcorn which seems like it would have a massive profit margin). Years ago Andy and me used to sometimes share a kids box, which had a scoop of popcorn, a small drink and some smarties, but then they changed it to be bagged popcorn, fruit shoots and things like that. So now we never buy the food, and occasionally might bring in something small to share (shhh)- but usually we just go to watch the film. Even if you went to a really long film, it would only be a few hours to cope without food. Plus, how on earth do people eat things like nachos in the dark? And how does the ice cream make it to the film (past all the millions of adverts) without melting? And why is most cinema food the noisiest food ever???? Do you eat food in the cinema? 

So, I mentioned the other day that I was stocking up on the Alpro nut milks currently £1 at Waitrose/ Ocado. I also noticed in Waitrose the other week that there were some in the fridge section, and some on the ambient shelves.

The blue lid instructions say “keep refrigerated” and the white lid says “keep refrigerated once opened”. (And yes, I was a bit bored this morning so got them out to take photos). 

The hazelnut ones are the same. I thought that the shelf one would have more additives, or stabilisers, or something, but no, they have identical ingredients, identical nutritional information. When I went to the alpro website before, I found no mention of them, but today when I looked they have a little section. But still no mention of the two types of milk. I can only assume that they think they will gain bigger market share by being in two sections of the shop at the same time. We have gone back to ordering from Ocado, so I will be stocking up on the ambient ones while they are still on offer- I see no point in getting the fridge ones as we never have much space in our fridge anyway. I usually have them on cereal/ in porridge, but today I had a little glass of each (to finish one and start the next). I do prefer the almond one- it is milder in taste I think. The hazelnut one really does taste very hazelnutty (surprise!) but I bet it would be lovely warmed up with a little cocoa/ nesquick in there- nutella hot chocolate anyone?

After feeling so optimistic yesterday afternoon, the dizziness/ fogginess got a lot worse. I made some dinner (Andy was out for the afternoon), but a couple of hours after I started feeling sick, and by the time Andy got home I was a bit of a clammy mess. I was trying to stay awake to take my last lot of painkillers, but he made me go to bed and listen to the radio instead. Anyway, although I feel lots better this morning, I decided not to go to Silverstone today. I thought for one the car journey might make the dizziness worse, plus the 15 min walk from the car park is based on normal walking speed, not my current speed.

So anyway, Andy was off this morning, and I have been sewing more of my blanket together and watching the athletics on TV, which I think it more sensible. Trouble is, when I am sitting still I start feeling totally fine, so I think I should be a lot better than I actually am, so then I get annoyed. Makes sense?

Would you choose almond or hazelnut milk? And any idea why they have 2 carton types of each milk? I am sure you can tell I have plenty of time to ponder these things! 🙂

Also, where/how do you start pole-vaulting? I mean, when I was at school we did a lot of athletics- all the running, jumping and throwing things. But with those you can start slow/ low/ light, and work up. But surely with a pole vault, you can’t start off with a metre stick and gradually jump higher. Not that I want to do it at all (I really don’t) but I just don’t even know anyone who has ever done it.

Oh, and also, a little shout out to Tam who is organising a bloggie cookie swap. She did this before (I think when I had just started blogging) and I took part and of course it was fun. So if you fancied signing up then have a look here.

Thanks for all the lovely comments, as usual. I am slowly starting to feel a bit more normal again, although I think some of the anaesthetic must still be in my system (they said it could take a week) as I am still feeling pretty dizzy and weird, sort of a bit slow in the brain. My parents came over to visit and my Dad asked how I was feeling in that way- I am not really foggy in the brain, but I am not quite right and do feel sort of half dizzy a lot if that makes sense- a bit like after you have been on a boat or something? Anyway, he thinks that is why I didn’t ask any sensible questions before I was discharged (eg how long til I can go back to work/ how long til I can drive/ how long to keep the dressings on…). Oops. I think I will call the hospital next week.

Today at lunch I tried just having paracetamol (not codiene as well) to see how I can get on, and I have been alright, which is a good sign as earlier in the week I was really needing the max dose (and was even given extra other stuff in hospital too).

Anyway, my appetite has returned properly now which is good, although I do feel full quickly- although I can tell the swelling has gone down, there might still be some I suppose.

The leaflet I got said to eat “protein foods, eg cheese, chicken, peanuts“, so I have tried (not the chicken obviously!). I really fancied a sweet potato, so I had one with some almond butter, mixed vegetables (the frozen ones) and some basil tofu which I cut up and baked with the veggies. Andy added a few slices of cheese to mine to add a little more protein.

I also made a little afternoon snack (it made two lots)- I mashed up a big banana with a few tsp dark chocolate dreams, some almond milk and some peanut flour. The peanut flour has loads more protein than the pb (I actually read the packet). I then left it in the fridge (in two little bowls) and had it with apples to dip. I also must have sprinkled it with cinnamon as that is what the picture looks like.

I am not too good at getting much protein at breakfast- I tend to go for muesli/ porridge with fruit, but I have been loving pink smoothies so added in a good tbs (or two, I don’t measure) into this smoothie, which contained frozen cherries, frozen raspberries, sliced pear and almond milk. Yum.

Yesterday I spent most of the day watching the athletics on the TV- getting very excited over Jessica Ennis and her brilliant hurdling. It was getting me all excited for the Olympics too- not long now 🙂 I went out on a short walk with Andy (15 mins) and then had to have a lie down on the sofa after! Standing up/ walking is just slow and awkward- I am still not standing up straight so that makes my back hurt too. Today I went out on a different route (on my own) and it took me much longer and I had to sit down on a bench half way. Silly me. I was planning two short walks (as recommended) but that is enough for today!

We did have the ordeal or removing the dressings today. I was finally allowed a shower, but had to remove the dressings, then apply new ones once out the shower again. Andy had to do this for me, but I did look my accident, and the stitches are massive. I mean, I thought they would look like tooth floss or something, but they look more like those twisty ties you get to hold sandwich bags together. And I have loads- it looks like about 7 for each cut. Urgh.

Anyone else getting excited by the Olympics? It does not seem long now, plus this lovely spring weather makes it seem like the summer is getting closer and closer.

Oh, also, I got an email from i-herb today, and for a limited time (until Tuesday 12pm American time) you can get $8 off (instead of the usual $5) if you use this code:QOC914. I would get something like 1% back if you did use it (as it is some referral code) just to let you know. 🙂 Now if only I could get someone else to use the code for me so I could get the discount!

Now I need to decide whether to go with Andy to Silverstone tomorrow. He is still running (anyone else? Will I need to look out for anyone?) and I can’t decide whether to go and spectate or not.

Right, I am off to lay in front of the rest of the athletics 🙂 Have a lovely Saturday+ Sunday 🙂

(Anyone remember The Fast Show?)

Pink smoothies!

As the weather was a little milder I fancied something more refreshing. This one I think was pink from frozen cherries and blackberries, plus banana and almond milk.

And this was was even pinker with frozen cherries and frozen raspberries, plus a pear (no bananas left) and almond milk. Delicious. I topped each one with some hemp seeds (from the mixed box of milled flaxseeds and things that you can get in Holland and Barrett) and some muesli.

And sweet potato!

This is one of my fave meals. A baked sweet potato with salad, some roasted veggies (I have a pack of frozen grilled veg- onions, peppers, courgette and aubergine, then I added some broccoli to it), salad (spinach leaves) topped with hummus. Yum!

I chose that as my last meal before going to the hospital. There were loads of guidelines which is a really good thing- all sorts of tips about avoiding infection- keeping warm the day before is really important (and after too of course), cleaning under your nails, all that sort of thing. It said to eat normally but avoid fatty and heavy meals, so this I thought was pretty good. There is some fat in the hummus, but not too much. I was even allowed a drink in the morning (before 6.30am) so long as it was clear, so I made a cup of mint tea, and then made a hot water bottle to have in the car to keep me warm. I did feel a bit silly, because I am not an old person- the guidelines even said to have the car warmed up before you get in it, and Andy actually went and did this for me just to be on the safe side. I am glad I had the tea though because we had to be at the hospital at 7am, but I didn’t go down to the pre-op place until about 11, and it was not until 11.45 that I went to the anaesthetic room. I was thirsty by then!

Warning- I ramble a bit so skip if you don’t like the details!

I have not got my appetite back just yet, but today has been better. In hospital I never felt like eating (the first night I was given jacket potato with beans, which are hard to eat when you are lying down!- I think I managed about 4 forkfulls of beans)- partly because of the environment- when the person opposite you is being sick you don’t fancy your food (even though they draw the curtains you are still in the same room), the food is not very appetising, plus because my stomach was sore, eating made me feel full very quickly. I was rather queasy on Tuesday evening- I thought I was doing well- I had some rice crispies for breakfast, a few bits of tomato pasta and peach slices for lunch, but then dinner was cheesy pasta salad. I thought I should eat something, but even the smell made me feel bad. In the end I had a rice pudding and a nakd bar that Andy had brought in for me, but the combination of the smell of the food, me finding out that one of the holes is in my belly button (I don’t do belly buttons- they make me feel ill) and possibly the surgery too made me ill on Tuesday night (the consultant said that some of the stuff my cyst was made up of would irritate the stomach). Luckily they gave me an anti-emetic in my cannula. So then yesterday I was a bit paranoid about being unwell again. I had a little brown roll for breakfast (the food in the hospital is so random- sometimes they ask you and sometimes you just get given something- I was given bran flakes, orange juice in a tub (like on a plane) and the roll which was the only thing I liked. After getting home Andy made me a piece of toast and that was all I could manage before my stomach felt so full. I think the stitches are putting extra pressure, and I suppose there might be swelling there too.  I had some cereal for dinner last night, and a 9bar a bit later on (for some protein). The hospital recommended protein foods, but I have not fancied anything rich- the thought of peanut butter yesterday just seemed too much. Anyway, I know I am better today because I have been eating closer to normal- porridge for breakfast, some crumpets with pb for lunch, and even an afternoon snack. I do though have such a sore throat which apparently is probably down to having the breathing tube in.

Anyway, I slept so much better at home than I did in the hospital, and have spent the day doing not much at all. I am already moving better than yesterday- Andy went to work whereas yesterday he worked at home and ended up helping me with pretty much everything- even getting up from the sofa was hard work. Well, it still is but I can manage it today.

I think I am going to have that sweet potato meal tonight, only I will have to have almond butter as I have no hummus. Those frozen veggies are such a “cheat” ingredient but I love them. So much easier. What is your favourite cheat ingredient?