Can a change of scene help in recovery?

[Gandalf2]

Hi folks far and near.

This last week we have had a change of scene which seemed to be quite therapeutic. We went down to Oxford to see a specialist and I was expecting the journey and change of scene would leave me worn out. On the contrary, we walked into Oxford from our self-catering accommodation and I felt great.

I would say Oxford is not especially pedestrian friendly. The many cyclists prove to be a hazard as they speed through the 'shared' pedestrian areas apparently oblivious to the danger they present. We met the Enc specialist and it seemed to go well, we await his report. As could be expected I immediately forgot the interview and had to rely on my wife to go over the event and the specialist's findings.

We had time to see the sights and I can recommend the Ashmolean Gallery - it had an amazingly uplifting effect and was a great emotional and spiritual experience.

We walked around the shops - my first shopping trip for three years and we even caught a bus back to our flat, another first. Thankfully our nightly one mile plus walks around our neighbourhood stood us in good stead and the distance was manageable. All in all it was a great boost to my confidence. I theorised that being away from all the things I used to be able to do, meant that I was not being constantly reminded of my Enc situation.

When we got back to Leeds I was exhausted and spent a couple of days in bed. It is usual for this to happen as an an Enker my energy levels are low and are easily exhausted. Sleep and rest is best.

Our CH boiler had stopped working before we left and the repairman said that due to my disability we would be entitled to a new one for free, all due to new regulations. Ours is about 30 years old and we are breaking the law every time it switches on. They'll never take me alive ....

We may also be entitled to a blue badge which might make parking easier if I am having a freak out moment.

Tired now so will bail out. Best wishes from Leeds.

[kitnkaboodle]

Thanks for posting, G2. I enjoyed reading about your time in Oxford, and I hope the appointment went well—or as well as it could. Regarding changes of scenery, I hope I can eventually get to a point where I can appreciate movement in the world, travel, and changes of scenery. Early in recovery, I pushed too hard and paid for it dearly countless times. I learned the hard way. Now, I am pretty much house-bound (aside from walks), and I have mostly accepted that this is better for me. The more social ties I cut, the easier it gets.

And you should absolutely get a handicapped parking pass (I assume “blue badge” is the British term for that). I have a permanent disability placard, and it helps a lot when I do have to venture out of my house. I keep one in each of my siblings’ cars, as I don’t drive.

Take care,

Kit

[OldGnome]

Hello G2!

All in all, it sounds like you had a wonderful experience! (Cyclists not included!)

The gallery sounds very interesting and full of history! I will have to see what a web search comes up with, since I am always interested in learning new things.

It's also great to hear that you can get a new central heating boiler at no cost to you! I have a gas forced-air furnace that is almost falling apart, but I keep it running every year! I don't feel like getting a new one at a cost of over 6000 USD!! I have heard that an oil or gas furnace is now illegal in the UK, but how can people afford to replace them and with what? I suppose they are running full-electric units now.

I would definitely get the blue badge if it is available to you. It gives you the option to park in the specially designated spots for the days you aren't feeling very well. For days that you feel invigorated, you can park in a regular spot and get some extra exercise. It is always good to have options, even when we don't use them.

This adventure makes it sound like you have improved quite a bit! I congratulate you and hope that you continue to get some enjoyment out of life's simpler pleasures, new ones seem to be best!! We know that we will most likely be fatigued after such events, but that knowledge means that it's not too much of a surprise, enabling us to deal with it more effectively.

Hoping your future adventures are as satisfying,

OldGnome

I was not going to post this but my humorous self cannot resist! My recent obsession with penny farthings has led me to one with an electric motor! It might be one way to deal with the cyclists in Oxford!! 😆

Electric pennyfarthing!

[Gandalf2 in reply to OldGnome]

Hi OG, I could spend a month in Oxford and still want to stay longer. I'm a long-term cycling campaigner who always wheels his bike on the pavement if not riding. We all have a lot to learn it seems if we want to get along.

I have five bikes, a Dawes Galaxy tourer, an electric bike, a Trice recumbent tricycle and two Brompton folders. I used to ride about 100 miles a week before retiring and Enc. It was one reason I survived my eight seizures and an induced coma. A great way to travel even in hilly areas. My resting pulse rate was that of a top athlete (48 bpm).

All changed now but I'm still improving and my anxiety levels are dropping and no more seizures now they have meds sorted. I need to try my balance and traffic coping levels - we'll see. Lots of great weather to come - hurray!

[OldGnome in reply to Gandalf2]

Wow, you rode 100 miles per week?!? That's more than I could do, except when I was about 12 years of age! I looked up all the cycles you mentioned and as a result, I am considering a Trice!

I get a bit dizzy at times since the big-e and purchased a cheap regular bicycle a few years ago, but when I try to ride it, I have difficulty. I move the handlbars too much, causing the front tyre to wobble badly, then I almost fall over. Perhaps a trike will be worth trying! The prices of a new Trice are about the price of a new furnace, though!

Better weather is on the way here, too, finally!! Hopefully, I'll be able to put more effort into outdoor tasks, such as the vegetable garden, and other minor landscaping projects.

All in all, great to hear that you are getting back to some things you enjoyed. I am inspired by your words, and will try to do the same!!

OG

[Gandalf2 in reply to OldGnome]

Hi OG, thank you for your reply. It's doable to cycle long distances once you get the hang of it and learn to cope with roundabouts and trucks etc. Most of the time it's level and if you go up a hill there is always a down and you can get off and walk.

Lights, helmet, bell, bright clothing etc and you should be fine. It was a 15 mile round trip to work 5 days a week, plus social rides on Sundays about 50 mile plus. My Trice was about £500 new, a very comfortable riding position and you had a seat ready where ever you go!

Anyway I haven't tried the bikes yet and that is my next goal. My rehab nurse and wife are not too keen in case I get further injuries. I'll have to take it one step at a time.

Best Wishes G2

[OldGnome in reply to Gandalf2]

Perhaps it's best to start with the trike, and go a very short distance from your house to start?

The trike is appealing to me, since my balance isn't what it used to be. I was looking at a model of Trice called FullFat! It can go off-road and even through the snow! It folds up so it might fit in my tiny FIAT 500, though it weighs about 50 pounds. Its price is over 6000 USD, though, so it will be a serious investment. They even have optional battery motor assist! I was very impressed with it, and if I get one and manage to lose some weight as a result, I will have you to thank!!

If you wish to give it a look, here's the official web page:

icetrikes.co/products/full-fat

I would appreciate your advice/thoughts, since you appear to be a master cyclist! (Once a cyclist, always a cyclist! We may not use the same cycle or go as far, but we do what we can!)

The only problem, would be getting it shipped to the U.S. But as we say, time will tell.

Thank you for re-kindling my interest in cycling!!

OldGnome

[Gandalf2 in reply to OldGnome]

The lighter the better but in the end it's a personal choice. My Trice is a light tourer, I was surprised the sit didn't mention the inventor of the Trice, Peter Ross - who also drove a streamlined two wheeler. Fat tyres will be slow but offer suspension. Here's an interesting video: twitter.com/i/status/151158...

[OldGnome]

Thank you for all the sound advice, G2! I appreciate it more than you know!

[alpappy]

Hi depends on my cycle if I am good going away is beneficial else familiar is best I have been put onto vit d and zinc. That seems to help Enjoy Easter

Alan from sunny autumn in Queenstown nz

[Gandalf2 in reply to alpappy]

Hi Al, thank you for your reply and good words. Writing is pretty good I think. Have you a bicycle then? I take Vit d for immunity etc. but as far as I know no special need for zinc. I have regular wide spectrum blood tests so my levels should be fine I reckon. Travel and return in balance.

We've bought a caravan near Filey on the East Yorkshire coast so that may help. It's on a quiet site so no rowdies - they have made tent camping impossible now,,,, All the spillover from the pop festivals spend summer keeping campers awake till dawn. I wild camped for a while but just gave up in the end.

Whatever helps - but its difficult planning things with enc and dealing with problems and making decisions. I spent a lot of time in Oxford trying to decide on buying a speaker and two backpacks. It took me about a week, once I got them home I couldn't remember why I wanted them - they are still in the carrier bags. I'll get the hang of things after a while.

Easter is a good time to remember we have to be good people to survive death and I'm OK with that. It's not a lot to ask. I wondered about buying a dagger so I could defend people being mugged at cashpoints/ATMs - just hide in the bushes. But I guess it would look suspicious. Life is part comedy and part tragedy.

Great to hear you are in NZ - we don't get much news from there. Jacinda has very good teeth but a little too large though. Her hair needs a new stylist and her clothes are drab - I guess she's a little sad. Her upbringing sounds pretty strict and structured with a hefty sprinkling of rules and regs.

" In her maiden speech she called for the introduction of compulsory instruction in the Māori language in New Zealand schools and she castigated the New Zealand government for what she characterized as its “shameful” response to climate change." I think it's called virtue signaling.

I guess you have summers when we have winters. I like the idea of NZ, good scenery and a little old fashioned. The UK is going down the tubes.

Best wishes and good times from Leeds in the UK.

[alpappy in reply to Gandalf2]

Hi Thanks for the reply I retired in NZ from UK and am sorry now My encephailitis was treated very well( Neurologist from Oxford) Surgeon from Cambridge Yes Ardern has ruined this country she is bringing in divisive apartheid like policies with separatehealth servives for people depending on race I may rturn to UKnext year or so Zinc seems to boost your immune sysytem together with Vitd and vit c I take it not sure what it does??Look after yourself and enjoy the long weekend Al

[Ocean96]

Hi Gandalf2

I loved reading about your trip to Oxford. A change in scene is a breath of fresh air but I completely relate to needing to recover after taking in the new scenes, smells and people. It's great you have insight and self-awareness to what your body needs.

[Gandalf2 in reply to Ocean96]

Well if we don't know what to do, who does? I think..

[Ocean96]

Apologies I don’t understand?

[Gandalf2 in reply to Ocean96]

Well I was trying to suggest that if we can't choose a path that suits us who else is better qualified? But then I realised that plenty of times I've made a stupid choice and I often see others who are the same. Oh well.

I'm getting psych support so having a bit of time for self-reflection and re-evaluating things. I got tired out replying to Alpappy, well not quite tired out but running out of writing steam. This forum thing seems pretty good for us enc folks. He's in NZ, where are you?

G2