Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Good Morning

I was speaking with my Dr on the phone last night. We talked about a few things, including the pool. When I told her what was happening, she named the person who I was having the most problem with-the bully. I didn't have to mention her at all. That made me feel much better and less crazy.

I also spoke with a Disability Rights place and they are going to deal with this in a public forum. I am not the only one having or has had problems. They understand completely the covert nature of the bullying and the conspiracy. Again, I felt less crazy.

I decided last night I would not swim to day as I was so tired. However, I awoke at 5am anyway so........off I went to the other pool.

'Good morning. How are you?' from a smiling genuine face.

I was escorted to the pool, my stick was taken and I got in. I was told to let them know when I was done and they would put in the different steps. they did so and stood waiting with my stick until I negotiated my way out. It takes a while because by the time I have swum my mile I am done in and can't move well out of the water.

All this done with courtesy, a genuine smile, and chattiness. I do not have to ask for anything. Even on my way out, as I went to get a drink from the machine, a staff member immediately came over and put my money in the machine and retrieved my drink, to save me having to bend.

Of course the fact that these are fit young men does not add anything to the experience.

Yes, the disabled room is too far from the poolside, it is cold and very basic with a dribbly shower.

Oh but the difference is just amazing. Stress free. Respect. I can be cold for a few minutes. The drive is 18 minutes. It will add about 150 miles to my car each week and about £15($30) to my fuel bill. But it will save me a lot of stress.

I also realise that I have not capitulated, not given in to the bullies. I am taking care of me and they will be taken care by other means.

I find it impossible to understand people like those staff. What mus their insides be like? I know damn well that reducing me to tears will have produced a sense of triumph in them, not shame.
What appalling people.

One thing that is making life a little more difficult right now is that whilst I am more mobile in the lower half, I am in more pain, especially in the top half of me. Whereas swimming made me feel not disabled, now every stroke is painful to varying degrees. My thoracic region hurts most of the time and I cannot sleep for more than a couple of hours without my ribs going into spasm and I have to get up and sit a while before I can sleep again.Interrupted sleep doesn't help me stay positive. Hopefully, this will pass away again like this condition usually does. It quiets down or decides to attack a different part of me. For some reason, along with my upper back and ribs, my finger knuckles are painful. Normally, the pain is mostly lower back and hips and knees and feet and legs. Perhaps it got bored and want a change of address.

I will not stop swimming though as the mental benefits are enormous. It also benefits my heart and of course my weight.

10 comments:

LizzieK8 said...

Good for you, Colin! I know the "less crazy" feeling.

anachronist said...

So good for you that they met you with friendlyness and consideration at the other pool.

Maybe once the things have settled at the other place you will be able to go there again.
How come your doctor knows of the bullie?

Is she the 'town meanie'?, almost sounds like it.

I am glad you got feedback that it isnt you, who causes this problem, but the staff and person at the pool.

I love the yak sweater, it looks so fuzzy and comfy :-)
You manage to make beauties on the row :-)
I hope it finds a worthy new owner.

Anonymous said...

I'm loving that this "new" pool is treating you with the respect that you so deserve :-)

Mellie_Blogs said...

So glad you had a good experience at the other pool!
The drive is more, but your heart is worth it, in more ways than one!

Love to you, Buddy!

Suna Kendall said...

Funny, I was thinking yesterday of some way to try to gently suggest that the other pool might be a better fit, even with the distance, but didn't want to upset you, knowing you had your reasons. I just want you to be able to enjoy yourself.

I often end up compromising when it comes to my stress levels. Self care is really important to me, too.

Also, love the sweaters, especially the yak hair ones. I have socks in that stitch pattern (the only ones I own that someone else made!).

Anonymous said...

So glad to read you had a good swim and were met with courtesy and friendliness. My Mum always used to say "Manners cost nothing, but mean everything".

And you must be feeling better, just how 'fit' are these young men LOL. Beverley

Anonymous said...

Isn't it surprising how much a "good morning" can make the difference?

I'm glad the experience was, at least, a bit better. Sometimes, just feeling "less crazy" is like a whole new dawning.

FuguesStateKnits said...

YES!!! Rock on, Colin! So cool!
I don't want to understand such people and you shouldn't have to!
Wow, isn't it good to know that you are not alone in this?
:)
Joan

Maggie said...

Lovely that thiings went so much nicer at the pool, it's a pity that special needs/challenged/handicaped is still treated like a contagous disease...
Do what you must for your health, both physical and mental. I go to great lengths to aviod stress and people who cause me stress...

Kucki68 said...

Hi Colin, keep going to that pool, the expense and extra time is worth it. Like anyone you deserve to be treated with respect and you would not be in the other place.