I thought I was pretty good with words, but it turns out I haven’t kept up with the times. I sent this picture of our cat, Riley, lounging on his cardboard kitty couch to my sister-in-law, who texted back:
Is he laying on that couch? That’s a phat cat.
Nooooo. That’s just fur. Not fat!
I meant phat cat lounging on his couch by the fire with no cares, being catered to.
Oh.
Dale said I need to get with it. “I guess your golf buddies aren’t exactly up on the latest slang.”
At least we both agree Riley is a keeper (although Dale makes jokes about the unfortunate coloring at the base of his tail). I was reading about the fires in California – close enough to tamper with our air quality but far enough away to feel some sense of security – and a guy was frantically looking for his cat. He said he’d trade his house for the cat, and that’s the way I would feel. Loving a pet is life affirming.
I’m feeling like a phat cat since my vertigo went away. For those who are unfamiliar with vertigo, it’s not like the movie. For the type I get, crystals in the ears get jumbled around, causing nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Although I only throw up for a day, the other effects linger for about a week. I’ve had cancer twice, but I’d rank vertigo close to the top of the pestilence poster.
The doctor gave me exercises (Epley Maneuver) that are supposed to put the crystals back where they belong. The exercises work, but the dizziness often comes back at night when I sleep. Some studies say it doesn’t matter how you sleep, but others suggest you sleep at a 45-degree angle for two nights after doing the exercises. All I know is in my case, it kept coming back.
I couldn’t find a comfortable way to sleep at a 45-degree angle, so I went to a store that sells all matter of stuff for people with back problems who want to sleep. The rep was quite familiar with vertigo, and $300 later, I had a pillow system to keep me propped up. A wedge for my head, a wedge for my knees and a neck pillow. The first night was a bit uncomfortable, but the second night was fine.
The third night was great, because my vertigo was gone! It’s amazing how fabulous I feel. I was reluctant to spend the $300, but if it works, it’s totally worth it. I’ve had three vertigo episodes this year.
Now that I’m feeling phat, I’m excited about the cooler weather and new opportunities to play outside. I like sports, and I had kind of an epiphany this week about knowing my limitations. I had a golf lesson, and my coach wanted me to adopt a much more aggressive swing. We practiced it, but I hated the feeling, and I was scared being too aggressive would mess me up. There’s some history.
In the not-my-fault category, I’ve had two major abdominal surgeries, a mastectomy and frozen shoulder following the mastectomy. Frozen shoulder lasted a year. For self-induced trauma, I fell off a bike and broke my wrist. I also injured my hip flexors and trashed my knees racewalking competitively. My knees hurt for five years.
I’m healthy, my body parts are feeling good and I’d like to keep it that way so I can enjoy a long and active retirement. Isn’t that what we all want? If it means I don’t hit the ball as far, so be it. I’ll just have to improve the rest of my game. I have time.
Beautiful cat – phabulous!!! Vertigo is the worst. I’ve read about the exercises, but the last thing I want to do is a half summersault thing when I’m dizzy. Ughhh, mine hasn’t been the full thing, just room spinning and not days of it.
Riley says thanks! As for vertigo, I used to do the half somersault, but my doctor wanted me to try the Epley. Neither one feels good when you do it, but it’s the only way I can make it go away.
Donna, I’ve experienced falling down, vomiting vertigo that’s persisted for days. An acupressure practitioner provided relief during an acute episode last Feb. A massage therapist recommended sound therapy and I’ve not had a severe episode since Feb.
Hi Mona — Wow, thanks for sharing this! I am going to do some research. I’m hopeful you’ll have long-term relief. That’s what I’m going for.
Riley looks so comfortable. I had a calico cat that used to sprawl just like that, especially when she got hot. None of my other cats would do that. I, too, suffer from vertigo on occasion. After doing the Epley at an ENT’s office, I didn’t have an episode for a long time. But almost two years ago, I got up and fell down so it was back. No vomiting this time, thankfully. My doctor had me go to a PT specializing in vertigo. We did several different exercises and then I did them at home. For months, however, I couldn’t do exercises at the gym that had me go from my back to my front quickly. Frankly, I live in fear of vertigo coming back. 🙁
That position is when he’s all warm and toasty. When he gets too hot, he moves about five cat length’s away from the fire, then slowly eases himself back to the heat source. Completely entertaining.
I’m with you about living in fear of vertigo. I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, and it’s on my list.
Well it seems that BPPV affects many of us. I feel your pain, Donna. I’ve lived with it for more than 25 years. The trigger seems to be quick motion and movements/positions where head drops below shoulders – as in touching your feet or in some yoga poses. It is truly a nuisance. Epley didn’t help me much but Carol Foster’s version did. I think because I was dropping my head backwards. I do the double pillow stint but I will pay the price for neck issues sooner than later. It’s tough because it could hit without notice ruining fun activities for days or weeks. Let me know how your appointment goes. I want a miracle for it to be gone forever! Here’s a helpful link. https://youtu.be/mQR6b7CAiqk
Pam — great to hear from you but sorry you have this … and for 25 years! The doctor is sending me to vestibular rehabilitation therapy. I don’t know what’s involved. More to come! I only used the pillows for two days after doing the exercises. I have a 12-degree back wedge, and on top of that goes a low-profile cervical pillow for under my neck/head. Then there’s a small angle wedge for under my knees. I, too, want the miracle.