My Own Gorgian Knot

[Greybeard]

I got caught short. Oops, I meant Gordian I have a letter from my Dr. here in San Diego that says I should take a month off and then return to work ½ time for a second month, no skipping jumping, etc. and not to lift over 10 pounds. That rules out the picking up the boys since they are pushing 40 pounds now.

I am also waiting for a letter from my Dr. (the surgeon) that should give me full release to work. (I haven’t seen it yet)

Robin has told me that what I would bring home on std and ltd is just about equal to what I bring home now (not all lawyers are paid gazillions) But I think I would go nut at home. I don’t know what to do. I just want to fence.

[Purple Fencer]

Do those restrictions apply to wheelchair fencing? I thought you were looking into that anyway.

[Greybeard]

I don't know, I am calling the Dr. The one in AZ said take 6 weeks off fencing. I did so well at summer nationals and it really helps my mind focus and analyze. I hate playing the nintendo games.

I have a hard time concentrating. Oh, I do fence wheelchair now, it's a blast.

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by Greybeard

I don't know, I am calling the Dr. The one in AZ said take 6 weeks off fencing. I did so well at summer nationals and it really helps my mind focus and analyze. I hate playing the nintendo games.

I have a hard time concentrating. Oh, I do fence wheelchair now, it's a blast.

I suspect the AZ doctor may think of you doing full Olympic fencing...unless you told him it's wheelchair....but then again, he may think wheelchair means you're pushing your chair along, jousting with your weapon. Does he understand that the chairs are locked down and you're not moving about?

[tchwojko]

Would something like learning to play an instrument be useful?

Playing guitar helps me relax, concentrate, and gives me something physical to do. I can do it for 5 minutes or 30 when I get a chance. I can choose anything from simple rhythms with few chord changes to complex fingerpicking and classical music depending on how much I want to think about it and work at it.

A playable ukulele can be found for around $50, and there's plenty of lessons and instruction that you can find on the net for most instruments.

A stringed instrument is a nice counter-balance to fencing, because I need strength in my right hand to fence, and my left hand to fret.

[Fencergrl]

I think tchwojko is on to something. Have you considered learning to paint, draw, do a craft, carving, woodworking... something like that. There's so many enjoyable past times.

[Greybeard]

yes to all that. I have told my dr it is wheelchair and shown him pictures. The problem I have is ever since the stroke I don't have much stregth in my hands and can't do small detail work. Crap, I don't know. There are some days I can barely type. I am doing the exercise to stregthen my fingers by walking a blade up and down them.

[TBean]

I might also suggest ceramics - the act of working the clay can really help strengthen your hands. Every ceramic artist I have met - I collect ceramics so I have met many - is strong through the arms. You have to be. Plus it is so much fun to play with mud, and in art you don't ever get it wrong.