2022: Moving Out of My Covid-19 Comfort Zone

After spending 95% of my time in bed and relying on a power wheel chair to get around in 2021 (as a result of Covid-19-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis) I resolved to move out of my comfort zone in 2022. In 2021 I went from a very active lifestyle to becoming a couch (or bed) potato.

Thankfully, with the help of my physical and occupational therapists (April and Mary of Legacy) I am learning to push myself by increasing the frequency of my walks — instead of taking the easy road riding around in my power wheelchair. I’m also learning to wisely wean myself off auxiliary oxygen.

I began physical therapy in September 2021 with a variety of sitting and standing exercises, as well as stationary bike rides and short walks. Frankly, many days I did not feel like getting out of bed, but to my surprise I would always better after each session!

By wearing my finger blood oxygen monitor, today I am able to walk about 25 paces before needing a standing rest while my heart rate drops and 02 level recovers, then I can continue walking.

It’s a slow process, but knowing it’s helping me to recover lost muscle tone over the last year from laying around in bed, while also strengthening my lungs, makes it well worth the effort.

On January 30, 2022 I’ve been referred to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL for two weeks of intensive testing to determine whether I’m a viable candidate for one of 50 lung transplants they perform each year at this location.

If I qualify I will be put on a waiting list, which usually takes about 6–8 months to find a donor. Whether or not I qualify for a double lung transplant, I’m confident I can improve upon the 30% of lung capacity I still have today by pushing myself outside of my comfort zone on a daily basis.

For the millions of fellow long-Covid suffers I strongly recommend looking into some physical therapy as a means of helping your body’s natural desire to heal itself. I am grateful to both April and Mary for the progress I have made over these last four months.

During my stay here at the Desoto Beach Club in Sarasota, Florida this year I have been making new friends with seniors who are mostly ‘Greatest Generation’ vintage folks. For example, my 99- year old buddy Ray Grandle has been working with me to help create some new songs and videos on timely issues like Covid-19.

Another way I’m moving out of my comfort zone this year is by sharing my humble original folk songs and ballads publicly at local restaurants and coffee houses during open mic nights. The audience seem to enjoy the ballads featured in my 2021 book/album combo entitled “Blissfull Books & Ballads”.

2022 promises to be a year of uncertainties… as well as great opportunities. Through it all may we all decide to make it a transformational year by moving outside our comfort zone and giving thanks for the degree of good health we have been given!