Heal-O #4: The effects of extraction

I had my wisdom teeth extracted this past weekend and am currently recovering. The ice pack/warm compress and my Magic Bullet became my best friends during this time. My biggest concerns were not being able to eat healthily and losing weight (I’m already really tiny!), so a few days before the surgery I spent quite a bit of money on food even though it was not that necessary (to the extent that I went to anyways...). I also prepared a few meals (like mashed potatoes/yams and soups) and purchased frozen fruit to make some delicious smoothies.

[Source: Lehoa M., Oct 15, 2013]

..:: Sitting around ::.. 

I was so focused on taking time off work, planning my meals, and cancelling all my meetings, appointments, and activities to prepare for 'resting', that I forgot to incorporate some of the other things that might have made me heal faster – such as physical activity. I was told to ‘rest’, but does rest really mean to sit back on the couch watching TV for days at a time? That was my plan until the third day post-surgery, where I was starting to really feel helpless and had very low energy. Don’t get me wrong, it was really nice to sit back and do nothing for a few days, but after that I felt like I couldn’t sit around much. I missed my weekly zumba class this week and didn’t realize how much of an impact it had on me. On one of the days, I came home from grocery shopping and felt so exhausted that I had to nap in the middle of the afternoon! There are probably several other factors that contributed to how I was feeling but most of it was likely attributed to the change in my physical activity levels and eating habits.

..:: Venturing outdoors ::.. 

When I got over the fact that I was a “lopsided chipmunk” (only one side was slightly swollen), I ventured outside to gorgeous and crisp Fall weather. The sun was shining gently on my face; the temperature was comfortable enough for a sweater but not too cold for a jacket; the colourful autumn leaves painted a beautiful scene for my walk. It was so refreshing and made a huge difference in my physical, emotional, and mental health and vitality. I love fresh air! Speaking of fresh air, check out this Tedtalk by research Kamal Meattle on how to grow fresh air (indoors!).

  

The Raphael readings for our upcoming class on food insecurity made me think about my ability to be able to purchase and prepare different kinds of food that cater to the temporary change in my eating capability this week. Living close to an affordable grocery store and having the equipment and means to do cook alternative food options makes such a difference. I think I have always known this, but this week just made me realize it even more so. What about those individuals who do not have the means to adjust their food budget? What can be done to address this larger issue of food insecurity?

  

..:: Giving thanks ::.. 

I have so many things that contributed to my recovery – from access to a microwave that heated up my heat compress pack; to a magic bullet that allowed me to create so many different food options; to amazing support from my friends (my best friend came by and cooked up an amazing post-wisdom-teeth-surgery-friendly shepherd’s pie) and family (my sister who didn’t take a video of me after I woke up from being sedated and for her constant care and reminder to take my antibiotics). I know it’s just wisdom teeth, but it made me think back about my previous surgeries and treatment…my recovery would not have had the same effect without these supportive factors I am very fortunate to have.

I am so grateful to my parents for creating the life I live today. Their perseverance during the tough times immigrating to Canada to their boundless generosity in providing the support for my sisters and I are so greatly appreciated.

Back to my warm compress pack! I cannot wait to bite into an apple!

Today I’m ending the post with My One Thing…to say thank you to my friends, family, heat pack, and magic bullet.

What’s your one thing?