As many of you know, I have neuropathy but am also dealing with a long recovery from back surgery, which still hurts.

So, I have something I want to share, on the brighter side.

Since getting pn I've done yoga, physical therapy, myofascial, chiro, acupuncture, many things to help feel better. But there isn't a whole lot of FUN things I've been doing.

I had a chance to play ping pong with a friend a few weeks ago, and it didn't hurt and was fun. So, I decided to take ping-pong lessons.

I found a ping-pong parlor in Chinatown, NYC, and scheduled a lesson. It was yesterday. I was the only woman, and the only caucasion, in this large, gym-like room filled with tables of players and watchers.

My teacher, who was somewhat understandable, took me seriously and taught from scratch. When he asked me to bend forward, and I couldn't, I showed him the bone growth stimulator I was wearing and tried to explain the surgery. He was totally thrilled I was doing this, despite the srugery.

Well, for an hour, we whacked that little ball, and it was easy, because my form was monitored, and we had a lot of laughs. The teacher said, "If you have ping-pong in your life, you cannot be sad all the time." Rather like something from the Karate Kid.

So, I wanted to share, that just because we're in pain, doesn't mean we can't find an activity which will bring more pleasure and override the pain, bring laughs, and help us enjoy our bodies.

It was quite an adventure, and I'm going back for more!

So...anyone near a table, give it a shot! If you can dance, dance; if you can find someone to tickle, tickle and get tickled, but mainly, see if you can squeeze some old-fashioned silly fun and laughs from that aching body you're dealing with!

It's gotta be like being on a 'bucking bull' or the like...KILLING that stupid little ball! Think on it...Imagine this DOC or that Physio..HIT that ball and REVENGE!!!!!

Granted, not all docs are like that.. but, the imagining of it all is well, a VERY constructive outlet, not to mention, a gentle [mostly] exercise. One engaging those malfunctioning nerves and the re-programming of same as well as trying to co-ordinate it all!

That means to me? Well, gotta muck out the basement, then put in an extra stair stability system and, well, GO WHACK AWAY! What a brilliant IDEA! - j

Stupid fun, has gotta be the BEST kind!

Laugh my pn fanny off,i agree smack that ball..Thank you I will have that in my head all night he he

Liza Jane,
What fun! I love ping-pong and you are right, it's well....fun. It really keeps your mind off things. And I agree with you about finding something that is fun.

I don't remember if I told you all about my jewelry designing. It wasn't work, it was well..fun. I decided that I could try to do it again, maybe in a limited way but I could do it. So I contacted the little boutique here that is really an upscale store catering to all the local gentry, and asked her if she had room for me. She not only had room to display my creations and sell them, but she is having me make jewelry for the store. I am so excited about being able to do this again. It isn't so much about selling them for profit, it's the act of creating. Taking raw stuff and making something beautiful.

Yesterday I wanted to go to one of the local bead stores in a neighboring town. But it is about 50 miles away. I haven't driven out of town in about two years now. My husband was unavailable occupied with his tax work and didn't have the cell phone on. My good buddy was unavailable occupied with substitute teaching. I was frustrated. I really wanted to go.

After thinking about it for a very little while, I decided I was going anyway. I drove about 50 miles and just fed my soul in the bead shop. So many colors, so many stones, so many new things. I was in heaven. After making my purchases, I drove the same route home. My backside hurt, my eyes were tired, and I shook a little, but I felt so very very good.

I agree, do something fun. Something you really really want to do. It may hurt but you will feel oh so good!
Billye

I am proud of you both...

Cathie

Thats so great you are both feeling well enough to to really get out and put fun first!!!!!!!! LizaJane - sounds very entertaining - and SIlverlady - you know I'm jealeouss! Hope you got some beautiful stuff!!!!!!!

Yesterday I went to a workshop and learnt how to make a book entirely from recycled materials. The pages are large brown envelopes cut to size, I sewed the pages (in batches of tens) together to make the book from bailer twine, I made the cover from a discarded cardboard advertising placard I made the outside binding from cloth taken from a material sample book and the fastener from buttons, nice yellow ones, and matching green and yellow and green fuse wire to finish it off. Not only did I learn something new I had a great time with a lovely group of people. I only wish I could scan a picture of the book, this description makes it sound tacky but in real life it is a lovely thing, mostly I have to say because I made it and did so in the company of some really lovely people. I am using it as my April journal and I am going to make some more as gifts for friends. Doing this also took my mind off the pain. I am sooo glad I made myself get out of the house and go to this workshop.

I am also learning to play the piano and the ukulele LoLs! I do not want my brain to go into hibernation even though sometimes that what I feel like doing; so learning new things is my way of saying to myself “you are still the same person as you were before the pain and lack of mobility”. I am beginning to climb out of the dark place I was in when this pain malarkey hit me. Spring is coming and sunshine is a great mood lifter.

I'm always looking for hobbies I can still do at home - would love to know about your journal making and see pix! PM me if you like! THeres nothing like creating something yourself!