Sunday, February 5, 2012

IN WHICH BEAR'S ATTEMPT TO HIBERNATE IS RUDELY INTERRUPTED — YET AGAIN

Well. It's like this.

I was nicely settled in my den, stretched out, then curled up. It's still too warm to be really comfortable, but I thought I would give it one more try. Found the right spot to lie in so I wouldn't get wet from the melting show. I was resting delightfully. Oh yes; this was going to be a great winter after all. I had started dreaming about warm sunshine, clear brooks with crisp water, the scent of all the flowers — things to which I would awaken in the spring. Hibernation. Finally!

And you know what happened, don't you. (Such clever people you are.)

Yes, I was woken up! Bounced out of my bed in surprise. As if Tigger had found me and insisted on playing.

I was not amused.

Bah! Humbug! @%#^$&)@!! (That last bit is Bearspeak; it's one of the few expressions which I cannot effectively translate into Human language.)

So, the bad news is that my hibernating ended abruptly. With a bit of shock and awwwww! OK, more than a bit.

Despite that dismay, I discovered I had been awoken for a good reason!

Tomorrow, I begin a six week course at City Hospital (one of the three hospitals in River City). Every morning, Monday to Friday. It's the Chronic Pain Centre's Treatment Program.

(For those of you who new to this blog, I have lived with chronic pain, mental and physical, for a long time. A lot of "war wounds" shall I say — things which have been treated but which have never entirely healed. And on the other side, chronic depression since my teens. Those of you who regularly drop in already know that I am a "peculiar" Bear.)

Right. I've received the outline for the program. It includes things like goal sharing, movement (stretching), relaxation, and time in the pool. (How many of you knew that hospitals have swimming pools in them?)

I've been advised that the program is actually fairly strenuous, and it might be wise not to plan too much for the afternoons. (So I'm planning to hibernate half-days; beats no hibernation at all.)

This is a real step forward. The plan is not to cure the pain of those who are participants; the plan is to teach us how to live creatively with our pain, and reduce the negative experience by doing good things to/for ourselves. I consider that to be a big plus! I expect to pick up some useful ideas. (Actually, I have already learned some interesting things.)

Needless to say, I'll let you know what is happening.

And if I'm restless in the afternoon or evening, I may drop around to visit.

33 comments:

The Blog Fodder said...

Wishing all good things from this program for you.

Rubye Jack said...

I'm so glad you will get to start the pain clinic. I've heard they can be quite a huge help in dealing with chronic pain and I'm looking forward to hearing about your experience Bear.
Feel better!

Laura said...

Good luck with everything Rob! Sounds like a wonderful program.
I'll be thinking about you. ;)

(Hugs)
Laura

Rob-bear said...

® Blog Fodder: Thanks. I'm going to make the best of this. This seems like it is going to be a major break for me. Without breaking my back or other structural supports in my body.

® Rubye Jack: Yes, I have large expectations for the process. And I'll let you (and the rest of the gang) know what is happening in the process. Thanks.

® Laura: Thanks so much!
Um, what kinds of cookies (or other goodies) will you be sending me to keep my spirits up in the midst of all the pain that is going to happen before I get finished? Any of Laura's Best Recipes Ever would be fine and dandy.
And hugs to you, too. (I'll take all the hugs I can get; I'm a Bear, you know.)

Inger said...

I think that the Bear's interrupted hibernation may lead to some improvements, in said Bear's life.
And that would be a good thing. All the best to you.

Jackie said...

Bear - sorry that your hibernation is interrupted, but like your other friends have said, I know this interruption is for a good reason for you. Please, let us know how you are doing.
Bear hugs and warm smiles to you,
J.

Brenda Susan said...

This is good news to hear, though the best news would be the elimination of the pain you have endured.
But I will be interested in hearing what you learn about managing your pain, I believe our mental "voice" can make such a big difference, it really can be quite remarkable!!

Rob-bear said...

® Inger: Thank you so much.
I have confidence that I will be at least some better by time this process is over.
Usually people get bent out of shape by this thing of that. This may be a case of Bear getting bent into shape. One lives hopefully.

® Jackie: Thanks so much for the understanding and support. I do trust that things will be better in the end. If they are not, this Bear is in serious trouble.

® Brenda Susan: Thanks for the good wishes. I'm trusting that, after this six weeks, my body will be speaking to me in a different tone of voice. And my mind will be hearing something good as well.

Lydia said...

Here’s to a good (late) winter's sleep, Rob Bear


Rob-bear said...

Oh, thank you so much, Lydia. I do so know that feeling! Maybe I'll get some hiber-time, and maybe I won't.

We'll have to wait to see if Bear is infected with generalized grumpiness when the REAL spring arrives. In a couple of month's time. (Problem is that the birds and flowers already think it is spring — they could be in for a kind of rude surprise, if we hit -40° again.)

Anonymous said...

All the best. I hope the programs bring much benefit.

Furtheron said...

worth waking up for... I hope it is a success for you

Diana said...

Don't this people know a Bear's natural habit's? I mean really, this couldn't wait until after the winter long hibernation?
Although it does sound like a special little gift and even Bears shouldn't look a gift Horse in the mouth, couldn't this have waited until spring?
Oh well hopefully the benefits shall outweigh the lack of winter sleep.Best of luck to you our cuddly Bear friend!
Love Di ♥

potsoc said...

Go Bear Go.

Frances said...

This program that you will undertake sounds quite interesting, Bear. Has it been established for a while? Do you know others who has participated in prior sessions?

I know that you'll have your reporter's notebook handy so that later on you'll be able to give us a full report.

Since the winter's weather is a bit different, it would seem to be a good time to vary normal hibernation patterns, too.

Best wishes.

ReformingGeek said...

This vill be beary good for you, Bear! In the meantime, I'll keep the other bears out of your den so it is ready for you when you return.

Pat Hatt said...

You just can't hibernate, that must be an awful fate. I like the bah humbug to shout your hate. Hopefully now you can clear your plate. Then go back to sleep in your lair without a care.

Rosaria Williams said...

Now, this waking up can amount to some fun stuff.

Water therapy has been a godsend for my knees-things I don't talk about-and for my back, and Hubby's back. Why, we drive to a motel that has an indoor pool a couple of times a week when we can, when hurricanes don't blow.

Enjoy. Tell us about it.

Just Two Chicks said...

Oh, I'm so happy you get to do this!! I think a program like this would be excellent for the wife. She was in really bad shape last night and into the morning, but her pain is odd. It comes and goes, and now she seems to be fine.

My headache on the other hand is not fine, which is why I've spent very little time looking at the computer these past few days. I was hoping it would help, but it hasn't. I have two more tricks, so we shall see!

I really think you'll enjoy your pain management program, though it will be strenuous. Good luck with it, and don't be too hard on yourself!!!

Rob-bear said...

® lgsquirrel: Welcome to the Bear's world! Thank you for dropping by, and thanks for the kind wishes.

® Furtheron: Thank you as well. I'm doing my best to make this a positive experience. I have a lot of "recovery" to do.

® Diana: Yes, this could have waited until spring, but that would have meant my waiting for a year to get into the program. Better now than later. Thanks.

® potsoc: Thanks, Paul. I really want to do this.

Rob-bear said...

® Frances: Yes, this program has been around for a while. I do not know anyone who has participated in it, other than the Nurse on the leadership team. She and I have been friends in a variety of contexts for many years, including participation on the Health Region's Ethics Committee.
I'm off to a good start.

® Reforming Geek: I am Bearing-up as I go into the program. Thanks for watching out for my den.
There are some foxes who usually move in during the spring; I don't mind sharing once I'm done hibernating, but spring has come so early this year (spring in February is a bit much) that the Fox family might want to come in far too early, and mess things up for all of us.

Rob-bear said...

® Pat Hatt: As I mentioned, I'm Bear-ing up. Though this is not really my cup (of tea). This may bring out the Bear I can fully be. I'll perhaps explore than from A to Z.
Thanks.

® rosaria: There are so many aspects to this program, pool time being just one. I'm glad you get into "your" pool when the winds aren't blowing.

® Just Two Chicks: I feel very fortunate to get into this program. Pain is not very well understood even by doctors. Which it is often not well managed. Chronic pain becomes a "complication" to care, like pneumonia or sepsis.
I hope both you and the wife are doing better.

THINGS YOU'D NEVER GUESS ABOUT ME said...

I have an honest question: If medical marijuana was available, would you try it?

Rob-bear said...

® Beau's Mom: Medical weed. You can get it legally in Canada. I'd have to do a lot more reading and talking before I tried it. My inclination is to say, "No."

However, . . .

susan said...

I hope the treatment works out well for you. Bears need to be ready for springtime play.

Rob-bear said...

® Susan: Thanks. Truth be told, no Bear is in a mood to play without hibernation. Hence the potential for generalized grumpiness this year.

kj said...

Rob-bear, do you live in Winnipeg ?

xoxo
kj

Rob-bear said...

® kj: Good morning, eh. Not Winnipeg; Saskatoon.

cheshire wife said...

A change is as goods as a rest. Maybe all that hibernating in a cold uncomfortable den is not so good for you after all.

I hope that you see some results.

Rob-bear said...

® Cheshire Wife: That's a great suggestion. Suddenly the whole world makes sense. Well, OK, maybe not the whole world, but at least something.
And I am seeing results already — even though I'm only three days into the program. This has a huge potential for helping make a Bear happier.

Amanda Summer said...

this program sounds like it makes a lot of sense, using group interaction, stretching and water therapy. i often wonder if it would help modern humans to reinstate healing centers such as the ancient greeks created, which included amphitheaters in peaceful settings for patients to enjoy plays and musical performances, as well as special rooms where you could sleep and have healing dreams interpreted for you by the resident healing priests. maybe one day this will happen again...until then, i wish you peace, relaxation and healing, dear r-bear.

xo
amanda

jane said...

Hello Rob bear just thought I would call round to see how you are - and wish you all the success with your pain management programme - how is Miss Sadie - when you are better you must call round to my blog in Shropshire for a cyber cup of tea and some honey biscuits - Jane Uk

Manzanita said...

Rob, What a burden to carry around pain. There is always enough to carry without adding the physical. So glad you'll be attending this pain clinic. I hope with all my heart it will be doing you some good.

From my post.... oh blue skies sound sooo good. We used to have blue skies. Our state is named "Big Sky." Now on our license plates it should say, "Dull gray sky."

Thanks for the invite and the welcoming committee. Have passport and thinking. :)
Get comfortable....