'Waitingitis' - five symptoms of a potentially fatal syndrome

The arthroscopic knee surgery went well, thanks to Dr. Roland Dutton and his skilled team of assistants. Home and with the worst of the pain dissipating, I immediately become an impatient patient. How long, I whine, will I have to wait before I can resume my life?

When I open my eyes each morning, I ask: "Is today the day I return to normal?" Then I try to walk. My stiffened knee reminds me I must wait a little longer!

In this vulnerable condition, I started thinking about all the other periods in my life where I felt suspended between the "before" and "yet to come." Limbo periods seem to be a regular feature of my life.

In high school, I waited impatiently until I could leave home and start college. I waited through my first pregnancy, marking off each long day. I waited in the hospital to see if my daughter would survive cardiac arrest. The list goes on.

When I tally up the time, I realize how much of life I've spent in one spot, idling my engine - waiting for the next stage, the next event. It reminds me of driving a car with the emergency brake on - very hard to gain momentum and disastrous on the running parts of the vehicle.

In my medically imposed leisure, I've had time to identify five symptoms of this malady - one that could easily be confused with "excusitis" and "blamingitis." Although in itself "waitingitis" isn't life-threatening, like obesity, it can lead to other conditions, which are: heart disease, cancer, stroke, and even dementia. Immunized with information, maybe I can avoid its damage.

1. Downward Spiral: A sense of decay and deterioration is present. If depression doesn't cause passivity, it certainly takes over if I feel helpless long enough.

2. Excuses: Life is filled with remarkably plausible excuses which I try to get myself, and others, to believe.

3. Powerless: The cause of my waiting always seems beyond my control. And, since I have no control over what is going to happen next, my only alternative is to wait.

4. Myths: If I tell stories long enough about how real the obstacles are, I convince not only myself, but others, as well.

5. Self-Pity: It is easy to talk myself into accepting my situation rather than seeking out the unique opportunities in each particular circumstance.

Somehow recognizing the dark role of "waitingitis" and noticing when I am in that state frees me to handle my recovery more positively.

While I can't do everything, I can still do floor exercises in the morning with my good leg and upper body. As part of the healing process, I'm noticing both improvements and setbacks. By keeping track of progress in my diary, I've taken charge of my outlook.

Going further, in a real turnaround, I've begun to realize the huge opportunity I have to use this "time out" constructively. I'm getting rested, am able to read broadly, and have time to reflect and replenish my emotional bank. Best of all, I have a ready-made excuse to enjoy the holidays without all the fuss and work!

Shortly before the knee surgery, I finished teaching a workshop - From Fat to Fit - offered through the Wellness Center of Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. Of those that participated, five agreed to be profiled on this page.

Like me, they've finally realized the destructive power of delaying their intention to get fit. As uncomfortable as it may be, they are willing to tell their stories to others so that they can inspire you, as well as hold themselves accountable. They are having fun getting fit, they are designing their own individual programs, and they are doing it together - surrounded by a support team of their own creation.

In a few days, we turn the calendar and begin 2007. We don't have to wait for the New Year to begin adopting healthful habits. "Now" is not just the best time to begin. "Now" is the only time we have. The rest is obstacle illusions.

Linda Miller, Grass Valley: "Fifty-five years young" is how Linda describes herself. Although Linda has tried to lose weight before, this is the first time her focus is on fitness with weight loss as a byproduct of a healthier lifestyle. She also has a plan and goals. At 5-feet, 2-inches, Linda weighs 150 pounds and plans to lose 20 inches and 25 pounds. She also wants to teach water aerobics in May 2007. She's getting fit for herself and also so she can help others.

Ann Campbell, Nevada City: Ann has tried to lose weight in the past but for different reasons. This time, she is adopting healthy lifestyle habits to secure good health in the future.

Approaching 71, Ann wants to remain independent and energetic. She enjoys walking, reading, helping others, music, spending time with family, loves to entertain and do crafts. With so many interests, Ann has every reason to pursue her goal of losing 23 pounds off her 5-feet, 1-inch frame. She wants to weigh 124 by May 2007.

Karen Colwell, Nevada City: Karen is not going to "kid myself anymore" about the weight loss coming off without help. Karen started gaining weight when she went to work that involved sitting at a desk. Over time, she gained and lost the same 25 pounds. When she finally accepted the addition of 25 pounds, she went on to add 15 more until, at 5-feet, 4-inches, she was up to 186.5. Now 56, Karen says carrying this weight is causing her to feel more aches and pains. For the first time in her life, Karen has to worry about cholesterol; she wants to get healthy before she develops health problems. "I know I can make it this time," she says. She's lost nine pounds and nearly 12 inches. Karen intends to shrink herself down one-two sizes and lose 40-45 pounds more.

Marcy Harrison, Nevada City: "You probably can't come up with something I haven't tried to lose weight," Marcy says. With varying degrees of success, Marcy, 59, has struggled with extra weight much of her adult life. Earlier in her life, she was energetically active in everything - from water to winter sports. Over time, her exercise efforts lessened - she sailed occasionally, played golf weekly, and took walks. As the hours she spent exercising went down, the pounds piled on. At 5-feet, 3-inches and weighing 182 pounds, Marcy has a goal to lose 50 pounds by the summer of 2007. She is back up to exercising 60-90 minutes a day.

Robyn Eidson, Penn Valley: Robyn, 48, is "sick and tired of being sick and tired." She's decided to make a lifestyle change because she's looking for the energy that comes with exercise and weight loss. Robyn gained weight with pregnancies and then gained and loss as she tried different strategies to get her weight back down. She also wants to set a good example for her family, especially her son at home. At 5-feet, 9-inches, Robyn wants to take 60 pounds off her 203-pound body. She has set her goal as 190 pounds by January 07 and 160 pounds by June 07. She's already lost 12 pounds and is doing Jazzercise five days a week. Robyn is following two rules: (1) begin and (2) continue.

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Carole Carson is a fitness and nutrition advocate from Nevada City. E-mail her at beltink@earthlink.net or write her at The Union, 464 Sutton Way, Grass Valley, 95945.