When you have any type of PN (peripheral neuropathy) you must deal with far more than the everyday issues of life. (Read about my story here.) One of my stresses is losing the freedom to do all the things I used to do. Used to love doing.
Like making cookies to surprise my wife, children or grandchildren. Constant pain and the inability to stand for a long time have made something as simple as stirring up a batch of cookies far more difficult than it used to be.
How about you? What little things do you miss doing? How much time, effort and exhaustion would you donate to bake a dozen chocolate chip cookies? Would it be worth it?
I'd say "Yes." So one of my new post-neuropathy hobbies is finding easy-peasey THREE ingredient cookie recipes. They do exist and some are better than others, but it's definitely something to try. I'm looking forward to experimenting with the one that includes only peanut butter, maple syrup and chocolate chips. Simple and delicious! If you have any similar recipes please post them in the Comments section.
If I'm totally honest I don't always feel safe opening up the oven door and popping a tray of cookies into the heated interior. That's because I fear tipping over and toppling into the fiery furnace.
So I either move very slowly and balance one arm on the walker and the other on the edge of the counter, and then very carefully put the cookies in. Or I find a baking buddy. One of my daughters loves to cook and she has taken to making easy quick recipes with me every Saturday morning that we can. It's fun because I can watch her stirring up a creative concoction that we've decided on together. And she can also help with the oven door. A perfect combination.
All of us must make big changes to our plans at times. Not because we want to but because our options have been narrowed. Having peripheral neuropathy forces you to be wide open to these unwanted changes, whether you're happy about the situation or not. This often means doing things in new and different ways. And accepting those changes.
Despite what we've lost, despite our limitations, you might be surprised at all the amazing alternatives -- and choices -- that are still available.
Thanks for taking the time to read my Life with Neuropathy articles. Here's to new options, more strength, and greater healing for all of us. And thanks for listening.
John
P.S. To follow my Life with Neuropathy blog, visit lifewithneuropathy.blogspot.com. Find the three lines next to the search button in the upper right hand corner and click "Follow." You'll be notified of my future blogs. Would love to have you on my core team of readers!
P.P.S. For further thoughts visit Giving Mom a Break About her Meds, Let's Talk about Mobility, Let's Talk about Speed, Let's Talk about Changes, or Let's Talk about Giving Thanks. You can also read about Using a Handicap Placard, Walker Envy, Saying "Owww" when it hurts, Calluses and dealing with Pain, or the Humor of finding out your personal walker was a star on the TV show Monk! Here are a few thoughts on Exhaustion. If you have to grab a grab bar click here. Finally, if you ever find yourself dropping things like I do, please read this and its sequel about the difference between Tossing Something and Dropping It!
Thanks, Jennifer Pallian, for the perfect picture. Photo by https://unsplash.com/@jennifer-pallian.
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