Monday, May 24, 2021

first day of work

Work wasn't as awkward as I thought it might be, which was nice. My American coworker wasn't as talkative as he often is: that was a relief, and I was able to get the day's work done without interruption. My Korean coworker was extremely solicitous, although he kept trying to offer me all sorts of Atkins-unfriendly food.

Despite my having no strength, I went out and bought a few things after work (I left early). I got some graph paper from my local stationery store, then I went to the previously closed medical-supply store and shelled out for a blood-pressure machine and a blood-sugar device. I also wanted one of those pill boxes with the daily labels, but the lady said she didn't have any such thing, and that Daiso was my best bet. I'll hit Daiso tomorrow. 

I wish I had my strength back, but it really seems to have left me. As I said, I hope this doesn't last more than a week. I've got places to go and people to do. More on this as it happens. 

My boss already knows my situation, so none of this was a surprise to him. I feel extremely weak, utterly strengthless, and I hope the sensation goes away in a week of so. I keep telling myself that I'll check back in three months and gauge how far I've come. I can't help but think that that physical-therapy session really took a lot out of me. Hopefully, once I heal, things will be better. For now, I just endure.



5 comments:

Daniel said...

Very impressed that you were able to return to work right away. That's definitely a good sign.

From the limited reading I've done on stroke, it appears that some degree of weakness can remain anywhere from one week to several months after the initial event. Give your body time and, fingers crossed, you'll be good as new. (I imagine lower blood pressure/sugar readings will help.)

In some ways, I picture recovery as a Sisyphean task, characterized by repeated twists and turns, and lots of ups and downs. (Perhaps analogous to long-distance walking?) But however difficult the going gets, the tough get going. Or, as Camus puts it (somewhat more eloquently):

"I leave Sisyphus at the foot of the mountain! Sisyphus teaches the higher fidelity that negates the gods and raises rocks. The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy."

Lots to say about the Ultimate Blog post, but was at the hospital with my mom all day on the weekend (remind me to never grow old!). Questions and comments to come!

John from Daejeon said...

Glad to hear/see that you are doing better. Don't rush things as you can have a setback by pushing too hard. And play the not feeling well yet card if things get overwhelming even with well-meaning co-workers or friends. Slow and steady does win "this" race.

John Mac said...

Hang in there, and don't add stress to the list of what ails you. I imagine you must be far behind in your work projects after missing a week. I hope they've adjusted the deadlines accordingly. Regardless, put your well-being first, and don't push yourself too hard. Work is work and life is life.

Horace Jeffery Hodges said...

You will get that strength back, and more!

Jeffery Hodges

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Charles said...

I can only imagine how frustrating it must be. Good luck as you get back on track.