The Coué Method

In an attempt to be totally honest, I have to say that I had another rough night last night, but morning brought a new day, and as it turned out, a much better day. Many factors made it a better day--the stunningly mild and sunny weather, a settled tummy, a goal to achieve--but I would like to think that a positive attitude made the most difference.  Have you ever heard of the Coué Method?  In the 1920s, it was a great fad which originated in France, spread to Great Britain, and thence to the U.S.  The premise was optimistic self-talk, all based on the phrase, "Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better."  Is it simplistic?  Sure it is, but sometimes simple ideas are quite effective, and for me, this was a day when I looked in the mirror, told myself to buck up, and told myself that everything was better.  And you know what?  It was!

At 8:00 a.m., I finally staggered out of bed, and although I had no appetite, I made myself eat some cheese and crackers so that I could take a Percocet, and with it, a Zofran to help with the nausea the Percocet causes.  If I haven't mentioned it, I still can't face coffee, but I did manage a Diet Coke, so at least I got a little caffeine! I rested/iced/elevated for an hour, then got up and did the minimalistic exercises the therapist had given me on Friday.  As a side note, I was encouraged to find that I could finally get up from the couch unassisted, so I moved my operation from Stan's recliner back to the couch which is "my" place in the family room.  At 10:00, I got dressed (by myself, thank you very much) and took a second Percocet, then Stan and I headed out for my first real PT appointment.  

After 50 minutes of semi-pain and torture, I was encouraged that my previous extension of 15 was now 10 and previous flexibility of 70 was now 80, so that was factual progress.  Feeling happy, and the weather being so lovely, we stopped at Subway on the way home to get my favorite Subway sandwich combination (flatbread, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo), came home and ate while watching another WWII documentary (we're on a kick about WWII).   Even though I was feeling pretty perky, it seemed prudent to recline on the couch, elevate and ice, read, and eventually drift off to sleep.  Stan puttered outside in the backyard and took a short bike ride during this time which, of course, makes me very happy.  He needs some time to himself!

There wasn't much afternoon left by the time I woke at 4:00, but I enjoyed some computer time, doing lots of walking in the house, and more reading.  In case you haven't noticed, I'm doing a LOT of reading!  We had soup for dinner, watched the first half of another WWII movie, "Into the Storm," and now I'm about ready to call it a day.  

Was it a "normal" day?  No, not exactly, but it wasn't a day spent writhing in pain in bed, or moaning in the recliner.  It was a good, active, productive day, and tomorrow will be a little better.  Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better!