TMI Rant - for sensitive souls

[teachpdx]

So I'm trying to take this whole post rectal cancer thing in stride, butt it keeps rearing it's ugly head into my life. I'm a substitute teacher who just realized this past year that I'm a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) which means I'm bother by sounds, sights, textures, etc to a much higher level than others (supposedly we're 20% of the pop), and I soon decided that teaching did not seem to fit well into that paradigm.

By the end of last year I was exhausted and just couldn't make myself go out and get a job for the summer. Thought I had a job and at last minute rug pulled out. I was sick of kids and just wanted to be by myself. My 21yo daughter moved in in April. She hadn't lived with me since she was 17 (long story), lots of water under the bridge.

Now to late July. Need to pay rent. Been trying to get back in shape but I keep getting injuries because my 56yo jock body is not the same body as my 53yo jock body. Only my brain doesn't know that and as soon as my feet stop hurting (HFS ended 7/2015) I resume my pre cancer activities - only my BODY has changed drastically and I keep injurying myself because I push myself too far because I don't feel and injury until 1-2days later. A very long learning curve, but I start getting it.

Then I have tissue issues (say that three times fast) that I thing are burns from the radiation. I get a job from a friend shooting a church convention and I use my cool tripod seat to sit on top of pew so I can see. I'm only 5' 5". Next day I go to use my Biffy, it's set kinda hard and my pubs are in agonizing pain. I have somehow (I think from tripod ) irritated that sensitive skin and it was actually BLEEDING (sorry guys) from my minor labia fold. I was HORRIFIED. I'd had pain there before but this was ridiculous. Men:s soft cotton boxers for multiple days.

THEN, I appear to be a little constipated and had a blockage that needed to get through and then - RIP- TEAR - BLOOD. It hurts to sit now and I made an appointment with my surgeon for Thursday.

My thought if you got this far - where does all the pressure that was directed at rectum go when there is not rectum and does anyone know the force on the rectum when squatting?

[jjlist]

I am further along than you. I have developed complications I find sitting to be much more uncomfortable than bed rest. I tend to agree, not having a rectum stresses radiated tissue. Good luck moving forward dear.

[Sams wife]

My thought if you got this far - where does all the pressure that was directed at rectum go when there is not rectum and does anyone know the force on the rectum when squatting?

I have been wondering the same thing. That is how my husband works half of the day (squatting). Not tmi. Maybe someone knows. Hopefully it's just a little tear, looks like more blood than it really is.

[teachpdx]

I am further along than you. I have developed complications I find sitting to be much more uncomfortable than bed rest. I tend to agree, not having a rectum stresses radiated tissue. Good luck moving forward dear.

Thanks for the support. If I could only find a job where I could hang on a couch when I'm working .

[curious56]

Thanks for the support. If I could only find a job where I could hang on a couch when I'm working .

Have you considered tutoring or teaching online?

[teachpdx]

I'm doing some tutoring on the side and I have considered on-line teaching, butt I'm an in-person kind of teacher and like to see their eyes - in person. That being said - who knows?

[curious56]

Yep, seeing the light go on in their eyes is pretty awesome. Also easier to see when they don't understand something. I tutor my nephew in math, science, and language arts. LOTS of hugs when something "clicks".

Some online teaching is via Skype (or something similar), I think. NOT the same as in person, but better than nothing, I guess. I always thought that teaching kids (online) who live in remote areas, like some parts of Alaska or Australia, would be neat.

[teachpdx]

I hadn't thought about the "remote" areas. That puts a whole new spin on things. They don't really have a choice. Something to chew on - thanks Kristi