Giving the Llama an Overhaul(ish)

I’m hopeful, and I’ve started something new! 

I blame covid (long covid, to be exact, and no, I still will not capitalize it).

And part of me happily blames my gynecologist. 

No, this has nothing to do with that!

Don’t lose focus before we’ve even started!

Now, where was I? Ah yes…

You see, in 2021, after I had been living with brain fog and fatigue, after we figured out I was a covid long hauler, and while we were still masking up, I remember my gynecologist asking how I was. I explained what I was living with then, and her reaction has stuck with me ever since. 

After an exclamation I can only describe as a frustrated surprise, she said, “If that was me, I’d…” 

And then she smacked a fist into her other, open hand. 

At the time, I was too darn tired to be angry like that. 

Things are different now. I think I’m angry enough, too.

For the past four years, I have read every article I could find or was sent to me with ideas on alleviating the long covid symptoms. Some went away on their own, like my tinnitus, which only shows up occasionally. Some have stuck around, like brain fog and fatigue, which aren’t as constant as they first were. And then there’s my fainting goat. 

Yes, I said fainting goat. 

It is my light-hearted nickname, for if things get too stressful, I need to lie down “now” and immediately nap. 

I have yet to test fighting it from a standing position. After all, no one wants to call the EMTs because the Llama was “just experimenting.”  

Where was I? 

Ah, yes, I’m angry enough now to try fighting this from another angle. 

A little over a year ago, I started physical therapy (PT) to alleviate back and hip pain. I “graduated,” but I still felt something was missing. Luckily, our local hospital is connected to a nearby gym, and I was referred to their program. I started last week, and I’m already feeling a difference! 

Now, here is where the hope comes in. You see, my plan is to learn exercises to start rebuilding my strength. Four years of being sedentary is not good for anyone, especially with an aging body.  My goal is to be confident I can walk in the neighborhood and won’t wipe myself out when I’m done. 

Maybe, just maybe, I’ll be able to rebuild enough to no longer need an ECV (electric conveyance vehicle or scooter) the next time I visit Disney.

So, I am giving myself an “overhaul.” 

One session at a time. 

At my own pace. 

With hope by my side. 

Livin’ La Vida Llama!