Dear Yoga Friends,
A long, smooth, steady exhalation immediately shifts our experience. We come into the present, move toward acceptance, and settle into things as they are. Mindful exhalation has definitely been my ally during this challenging week!
I received excellent care at the Cleveland Clinic and I am so grateful to be under the care of Dr. Chen. I am now being lovingly supported by my wonderful husband Cliff, my beautiful friends, and my caring students.
The lymphedema surgery went well and there were no complications. I will give a bit of graphic information here, so if you want to skip this paragraph, you can. The good news is that I did not have to have skin removal/excision. It is required in most cases, so I am very lucky that I did not need it. Dr. Chen said that he removed 3 liters of material from my left thigh. Mind blowing! Even the doctor was surprised, as the appearance of my leg was normal, just a bit bigger than my other leg.
The recovery so far has been difficult. There is a nerve block in my upper thigh that delivers medication with a pump. I am not in pain when I am in bed, but walking is difficult because my leg is numb from the nerve block. I am using a walker. The nerve block comes out today, and I will switch over to different pain meds.
It is uncomfortable to move my leg to get in and out of bed. I am supposed to drink 64 ounces a day, so I am up frequently to use the bathroom. Each hour, I am to be in bed with the leg elevated for 50 minutes and I can walk around for 10 minutes. I hope that walking will feel better after the nerve block comes out.
My attitude and mood have been pretty good, while I also have been saddened and surprised at how difficult this week has been. I am trying not to worry about the future, and to stay in the present, focusing on what I am supposed to be doing each day for optimal recovery. I am doing my best to relax, and to trust Dr. Chen’s expertise.
I have been thinking about the sage Patanjali’s explanation of the various disturbances or distractions that can arise on the path of yoga. These are called antaraya. Antara means a gap, so these disturbances are things that interrupt or create a gap in our yoga practice, and keep us from experiencing the cessation of the vṛttis, fluctuations of the mind. In sutra I:30, the first disturbance listed is vyadhi, disease, illness or injury. I am certainly experiencing a strong version of vyadhi right now. My usual practice is interrupted. I am also experiencing samsaya, or doubt. Will my asana practice fully recover? How long will it take? Will my leg look normal?
Fortunately, after the sutras on disturbances and distractions, Patanjali offers several antidotes, which BKS Iyengar called the “healing vṛttis.” One suggestion is to focus on the pensive state experienced at the end of a soft, steady exhalation. BKS Iyengar writes: “This practice ensures a state of consciousness which is like a calm lake.”
This is a doable way for me to continue to engage in yoga practice. Upon waking I am able to do some gentle pranayama, simply lying flat in bed, and observing soft, smooth, elongated breathing. It feels delicate and soothing. I am hoping to go more deeply into my pranayama practice over the next few weeks.
Another sutra suggests that we observe the luminous and sorrowless light of the spiritual heart, considered the abode of the infinite being within. I can take a few moments any time of the day to place my attention on the heart cakra, and allow my body, breath and mind to meld into the timeless present. This practice is simple, yet beautiful, profound and soothing.
I am grateful that I have tools to keep my mind optimistic and calm, even in the face of a challenging convalescence.
As always, I am grateful for your love and support!
Namaste,
Karen
Karen, I’m so grateful to hear the news that your surgery went well. I’ve been thinking of you all week. Sorry to hear about the discomfort, but your use of your yoga practice to help you cope is inspiring. Thank you for the blog and please keep us updated!
Thank you, Jan! I appreciate your support!
Good morning Karen. I have been anxiously awaiting your first post operative blog entry and am so happy to hear your surgery was without complications. Keeping your leg elevated 50 minutes per hour does sound challenging but understandably necessary. Your attitude, tapas and grace are an inspiration! But you are human so I know it’s not easy!) and I will keep you in my prayers. Thanks for blogging your progress.
Much respect and love,
Janet
Thank you Karen for your lovely advice from the Sages. Breathing and the luminous heart.
Sending healing Qi to you and yours.
Blessings. OOOMMM
It is so good to hear from you! Thank you for your kind message! Much love to you. I hope you are having a wonderful experience in India!
Thank you, Ken. Our session yesterday was so helpful! I appreciate you!
Dearest Karen, I too am grateful for those yoga tools for you to be able to present to your recovery and allowing space for times of ease. I am holding a space for you in my heart, and I am so sorry to hear you have been through this procedure. Thinking of you.
Love,
Jennifer
Thank you so much for your kind message, Jen.
Karen – I so identify as I’ve been going through my own surgery recovery process – that’s had its ups and downs every day. I recently did a meditation practice called “Welcome to the Party” in which I was guided to welcome everything – the pings, pangs, etc. – as they occurred as part of my present state. It just is – don’t fight it. Equanimity. I hope and it sounds like you are in the same mindset. May you be well – Mary Helen
Thank you, Mary Helen. I appreciate your insight. I wish you all the best in your recovery.
Karen, thanks for the wonderful information of your blog. Very helpful for me after two cataract surgeries. Always appreciate yogic/Iyengar insights!
Dear Karen,
I am so glad to hear the positive outcome for your surgery. I am holding positive thoughts for you as you go through the recovery process, and I look forward to seeing you in the studio later this month. Peace and Blessings, Denise DiSalvo
It’s nice to hear from you, Barbara. I hope you are recovering well. I found my cataract surgeries to be rather intense and I needed quite a bit of rest after them.Thank you so much for your good wishes.
Thank you for your kind message, Denise. I really appreciate it.
Sending so much love Karen. You are so well equipped for this moment <3
Thank you so much, Nikki.
Karen, I am grateful your surgery went well. Sending you peace for your recovery.
Thank you, Susan.