Today was my last day of home PT. I start in a facility on Monday. For his last hurrah, Andrew gave me some great numbers!
For my passive bend - which is me lying on my side, pulling my leg back as far as I can just under my own leg-power, I had advanced from 78 degrees to 88 degrees. He was able to pull me to 90 degrees!!! That is 20 degrees of progress in 11 days !!! I am psyched!!
He gave me a few other exercises to do, which are all done standing with my walker: Kicking out to the side, and kicking back (standing on each leg). Then another was a variation of the squats I've been doing, where I pull my other leg forward a bit rather than having my feet lined up.
We also talked about walking, which he really hadn't mentioned before. I asked him if I should start walking outside, longer distances than I can do in the house. He said yes. He also gave me suggestions of some things I can work on if/when I walk... like stretching my leg behind me with each step I take.
I feel really strong after today's workout. It seems that my afternoon workout is my most productive. For my morning session, I'm still sort of stiff. For my evening workout I'm starting to get tired.
I didn't take any Vicodin yesterday until bedtime, and I haven't taken any today yet. I do have a new pain once in awhile. It is a stabbing pain just to the outside and above my kneecap. When I push on it, it goes away quickly. Andrew says those kinds of things are signs that my muscles are working.
So that's my news for today. Thanks for reading!!
:)Amy
Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Movie Viewing - 2 Movies
One of the things I'm doing to pass the time is watch movies that I'm getting from Netflix. I've had a Netflix account off and on for several years. I've learned that I really don't have much time during the school year for movies because I spend my precious-little viewing time on TV shows that I've recorded on the DVR.
In anticipation of my extended down-time this summer, I restarted Netflix at the beginning of June. The first movie I watched was The Dutchess, staring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes (2008). Here is the short summary of the plot from IMDB: "A chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal life."
This is supposedly based on real people and real events. Based on my viewing of the movie, I don't think it has much to do with her extravagant political life, although that is mentioned. I found the story to be more about her relationship with her husband, the Duke of Devonshire. The Duke married Georgiana Spencer in 1774 with one goal in mind: to have a male heir. How unusual for an 18th century story, you say! She married him, naively believing that he loved her and that he would be good to her. She quickly learned that he was having sex with other women, including servants in their household, and she was shocked and hurt by this. At some point, Georgiana brings home a female friend for an extended visit, and the Duke proceeds to seduce her as well.
Georgiana also falls in love with another man, and a big part of the movie is how she navigates that relationship and tries to negotiate a relationship with him with the permission of the Duke. The relationship dynamics between the Duke and Duchess are the basis of the movie. I am not going to give away any more of the plot.
I did enjoy the movie. I thought it was well-written and very well-acted. On some levels it would probably be considered a chick-flick. There really isn't any action, adventure, suspense. The scenery and costuming are fabulous eye-candy. I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes period movies and enjoys analyzing relationship conflict.
*********************
The second movie I watched was also a period piece. The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio, starring Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson (2005).
Julianne and Woody play Evelyn and Kelly Ryan of Defiance, Ohio. At first, they appear to be a very normal middle class family with 10 kids. In this movie, the period is the 1950s and early 60s, and to me, that was the charm of the movie. The period aspect of this movie is amazingly well-done.
The main focus of the story is that Evelyn keeps the family going by winning many jingle-writing competitions. She wins money, appliances, trips, cars, food. Woody is a bit of a loser whose jealousy over his wife's successes drives him to drink. It creates a vicious cycle. The more she wins, the more he spends on alcohol and the more she needs to win to help support the family.
This is a true story that was written by one of the 10 kids: Terry Ryan. I really enjoyed this movie. There is more complexity to it than seems to be the case at the outset because of the dynamics of the relationship between the 2 main characters. "Father" is abusive when he drinks too much, which is often. "Mother" seldom stands up to him directly, but she finds other ways to deal with the issues his behaviors create.
I really enjoyed this movie and highly recommend it. It's not an action/thriller, but it does have the relationship complexity going for it. Also, the "period" aspect is charming and fun.
In anticipation of my extended down-time this summer, I restarted Netflix at the beginning of June. The first movie I watched was The Dutchess, staring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes (2008). Here is the short summary of the plot from IMDB: "A chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal life."
This is supposedly based on real people and real events. Based on my viewing of the movie, I don't think it has much to do with her extravagant political life, although that is mentioned. I found the story to be more about her relationship with her husband, the Duke of Devonshire. The Duke married Georgiana Spencer in 1774 with one goal in mind: to have a male heir. How unusual for an 18th century story, you say! She married him, naively believing that he loved her and that he would be good to her. She quickly learned that he was having sex with other women, including servants in their household, and she was shocked and hurt by this. At some point, Georgiana brings home a female friend for an extended visit, and the Duke proceeds to seduce her as well.
Georgiana also falls in love with another man, and a big part of the movie is how she navigates that relationship and tries to negotiate a relationship with him with the permission of the Duke. The relationship dynamics between the Duke and Duchess are the basis of the movie. I am not going to give away any more of the plot.
I did enjoy the movie. I thought it was well-written and very well-acted. On some levels it would probably be considered a chick-flick. There really isn't any action, adventure, suspense. The scenery and costuming are fabulous eye-candy. I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes period movies and enjoys analyzing relationship conflict.
*********************
The second movie I watched was also a period piece. The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio, starring Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson (2005).
Julianne and Woody play Evelyn and Kelly Ryan of Defiance, Ohio. At first, they appear to be a very normal middle class family with 10 kids. In this movie, the period is the 1950s and early 60s, and to me, that was the charm of the movie. The period aspect of this movie is amazingly well-done.
The main focus of the story is that Evelyn keeps the family going by winning many jingle-writing competitions. She wins money, appliances, trips, cars, food. Woody is a bit of a loser whose jealousy over his wife's successes drives him to drink. It creates a vicious cycle. The more she wins, the more he spends on alcohol and the more she needs to win to help support the family.
This is a true story that was written by one of the 10 kids: Terry Ryan. I really enjoyed this movie. There is more complexity to it than seems to be the case at the outset because of the dynamics of the relationship between the 2 main characters. "Father" is abusive when he drinks too much, which is often. "Mother" seldom stands up to him directly, but she finds other ways to deal with the issues his behaviors create.
I really enjoyed this movie and highly recommend it. It's not an action/thriller, but it does have the relationship complexity going for it. Also, the "period" aspect is charming and fun.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Today's PT
Well, my new "bend degree" number isn't much improved (about 88), but what IS much improved is how high I can lift my leg. I have to do an exercise where I sit in a straight chair, and I have to raise Bessie out straight in front of me to a lock-out position, and then slowly lower her to the floor. On Monday, I could only lift my foot about 2 inches off the floor. Today I was much higher - maybe 6". I still can't lift it all the way to lock-out position, but I'm more than half way there! That's a huge accomplishment to me!
I also got a new exercise. For this one I am standing with my walker and Bessie is on a thick phone book and she is bent. Then I slowly straighten her up until my other foot is off the floor, and then slowly go back down. That move created new sensations in my leg. PT Andrew says I should do that one 10-12 times during each exercise session. He also said it wouldn't hurt to do more if I could. It seems fairly easy, but I imagine that is deceptive, and I will probably be paying for it later.
We talked about the fact that I will be transitioning out of home PT and into a facility next Monday. I'm actually excited to get out, and also to start using some equipment, but I'm also sort of afraid of more pain being imposed by the new PT. Andrew told me to let them know what I could tolerate. He said I don't have to let them hurt me. That is good to know. I plan on telling my new PT that if he/she hurts me I will return the hurt!
I also had my last visit from the home health nurse, who just took my vitals and looked at my incision.
So, that's my excitement for today. Now it is back to my exciting life of watching TV and reading....
Thanks for hanging in here with me, and don't forget to feed the fish!
:)Amy
I also got a new exercise. For this one I am standing with my walker and Bessie is on a thick phone book and she is bent. Then I slowly straighten her up until my other foot is off the floor, and then slowly go back down. That move created new sensations in my leg. PT Andrew says I should do that one 10-12 times during each exercise session. He also said it wouldn't hurt to do more if I could. It seems fairly easy, but I imagine that is deceptive, and I will probably be paying for it later.
We talked about the fact that I will be transitioning out of home PT and into a facility next Monday. I'm actually excited to get out, and also to start using some equipment, but I'm also sort of afraid of more pain being imposed by the new PT. Andrew told me to let them know what I could tolerate. He said I don't have to let them hurt me. That is good to know. I plan on telling my new PT that if he/she hurts me I will return the hurt!
I also had my last visit from the home health nurse, who just took my vitals and looked at my incision.
So, that's my excitement for today. Now it is back to my exciting life of watching TV and reading....
Thanks for hanging in here with me, and don't forget to feed the fish!
:)Amy
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Day 14 - Just 2 Weeks Ago Today
It is hard to believe my surgery was only 2 weeks ago. I have progressed much better and faster and I anticipated. Every day, when I do my exercises, we see progress. Hubs can tell my leg is getting stronger when he helps me with my leg-lifts. I can now lift my foot about 2 inches off the floor. That may not sound like a lot, but a couple of days ago, I couldn't do that!
Today after my afternoon exercises, I noticed a new little pain on the outside of my knee. I'm not sure which move caused it, but I'm hoping it goes away soon. I'm also getting some tingling in parts of my incision. I have not taken any Vicodin today and have just relied on Ibuprofen, which may be why I am feeling more moderate pain. Today is the first day I haven't taken any Vicodin, but I've only been taking 1-2 per day for the last week anyway. If I still feel this pain after tonight's exercises, I may break down and take a Vic so it doesn't keep me awake.
Last night was the first night I got to sleep without those pumps squeezing my legs all night. What a relief! They were annoying and HOT. I did get my best night's sleep yet - even tho I'm still on my back. Every time I wake up during the night, I use my sheet to pull my knee a little bit to keep it from getting too stiff. It is really hard to get it going in the morning when it is really stiff.
I have been doing a bit of walking without my walker at times. I can go from the bed to the bathroom and back without it. I would not venture to the other end of the house, yet, but I do try to go within one room without it - but I still hold on to furniture and walls a little. As has been the case since I got home, I feel the best when I am walking.
Well, it's time for exercises again... feed the fish for me, please!
:)Amy
Today after my afternoon exercises, I noticed a new little pain on the outside of my knee. I'm not sure which move caused it, but I'm hoping it goes away soon. I'm also getting some tingling in parts of my incision. I have not taken any Vicodin today and have just relied on Ibuprofen, which may be why I am feeling more moderate pain. Today is the first day I haven't taken any Vicodin, but I've only been taking 1-2 per day for the last week anyway. If I still feel this pain after tonight's exercises, I may break down and take a Vic so it doesn't keep me awake.
Last night was the first night I got to sleep without those pumps squeezing my legs all night. What a relief! They were annoying and HOT. I did get my best night's sleep yet - even tho I'm still on my back. Every time I wake up during the night, I use my sheet to pull my knee a little bit to keep it from getting too stiff. It is really hard to get it going in the morning when it is really stiff.
I have been doing a bit of walking without my walker at times. I can go from the bed to the bathroom and back without it. I would not venture to the other end of the house, yet, but I do try to go within one room without it - but I still hold on to furniture and walls a little. As has been the case since I got home, I feel the best when I am walking.
Well, it's time for exercises again... feed the fish for me, please!
:)Amy
Monday, June 24, 2013
Day 13 : A Very Lucky Day, Indeed!
Today was a HUGE day on my calendar that I've been waiting for for 2 weeks. Today was the day I got to go back to my surgeon to have my staples removed. All 35 of them came out quite easily - not painful, just a little "prick" with each pull.
He was very pleased with the way my leg looks. The one bruise I had is almost gone, and my incision looks great!
He said I can stop wearing the TED hose AND stop using those annoying calf-pumps. YAY !
He wants to see me again in a month, at which time he will take an x-ray. I am not to use any lotions or creams on the incision in that time - he wants it to "dry out". I may shower as usual, but not take a bath. (So, no pool yet either.)
The other big news is PT - Andrew measured me at 86 degrees today, and that didn't even push me to a scream! (Up from 80 on Friday!) I am soooo psyched!!! I think it will be easier to bend now that the staples and bandage are off.
So, that's it for today. Have a glass of wine tonight to celebrate for me!!!
:)Amy
He was very pleased with the way my leg looks. The one bruise I had is almost gone, and my incision looks great!
He said I can stop wearing the TED hose AND stop using those annoying calf-pumps. YAY !
He wants to see me again in a month, at which time he will take an x-ray. I am not to use any lotions or creams on the incision in that time - he wants it to "dry out". I may shower as usual, but not take a bath. (So, no pool yet either.)
The other big news is PT - Andrew measured me at 86 degrees today, and that didn't even push me to a scream! (Up from 80 on Friday!) I am soooo psyched!!! I think it will be easier to bend now that the staples and bandage are off.
So, that's it for today. Have a glass of wine tonight to celebrate for me!!!
:)Amy
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Day 12 - Another Accomplishment
Hello and welcome to Day 12!
I accomplished some things today that I would not have predicted! This may not sound like much to you, but it seems like a lot to me.
I have been hungry for tuna-noodle casserole, so I decided that I was going to make it today. I had my Comfort Keeper helper to do the heavy and hot lifting, but I did 95% of the work myself. The biggest thing was that this required my being on my feet for 30 min. I was ready to sit down once the casserole went into the over, but I got along fine. Then, after dinner, I stood at the sink and did the dishes - that was about 10 min of standing.
I did end up taking a pain pill after the cooking process was finished, and my leg is a little owee right now, but not too bad, considering.
I had my helper handle the pot of hot water to drain the noodles, and then she put the casserole into and removed it from the oven. I don't trust myself to carry something hot yet.
There we go - Amy's 1st big cooking adventure.
Oh, and the casserole turned out great! Would you like some? Well, come on over!!!
:)Amy
I accomplished some things today that I would not have predicted! This may not sound like much to you, but it seems like a lot to me.
I have been hungry for tuna-noodle casserole, so I decided that I was going to make it today. I had my Comfort Keeper helper to do the heavy and hot lifting, but I did 95% of the work myself. The biggest thing was that this required my being on my feet for 30 min. I was ready to sit down once the casserole went into the over, but I got along fine. Then, after dinner, I stood at the sink and did the dishes - that was about 10 min of standing.
I did end up taking a pain pill after the cooking process was finished, and my leg is a little owee right now, but not too bad, considering.
I had my helper handle the pot of hot water to drain the noodles, and then she put the casserole into and removed it from the oven. I don't trust myself to carry something hot yet.
There we go - Amy's 1st big cooking adventure.
Oh, and the casserole turned out great! Would you like some? Well, come on over!!!
:)Amy
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Between Exercises
There are 2 main things I do when I'm not exercising. 1 - I read. 2 - I watch TV/movies.
Reading
The first book I read was The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. (Originally published in German in 1995.) I picked this up at Half-Price Books for $1, so I didn't have high expectations, but it has "#1 National Bestseller" on the cover, and it has been made into a movie with Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes. (I have now put it on my Netflix list.)
It is a quick and easy read, and I liked it better than I expected to. It starts off with a 15 year old boy who gets involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with a mature woman. They meet regularly for quite a while, and then she mysteriously leaves town with no explanation. He goes on with his life and goes to college, and then he encounters her again when, as a law student, he observes a trial of a group of women, including her, who served as guards in a concentration camp (before they met). There is a mystery that is revealed, and this young man resumes a relationship with her after the trial, but of a very different sort. I am not going to give away the details.
The book is written in a way that implies it could very easily be a true story, but you're left wondering. One thing I liked about it was that the characters seemed very real. I am curious to see if that carries across in the movie as well.
**********
The book I'm currently reading, and will probably finish later today is Seriously... I'm Kidding by Ellen Degeneres. If you have ever watched her show, then you will be able to hear her voice as you read this. It is written EXACTLY like she talks. I really love Ellen. I love what she stands for and what she promotes, and I love her generosity and positive energy. I was hoping that I would gain some insights into her motivations by reading this, but it basically says all the same things she says on a daily basis. I am enjoying reading it - it is amusing, but it hasn't really revealed anything to me yet. I am reminded of other comedians who are always "on" and never seem to be able to be serious. (Robin Williams in the early days.) She does talk about serious subjects like the importance of being kind or the importance or recycling, but she makes all her points as part of a joke. Maybe she really is like that all the time?
I still have a shelf-full of books to work my way through in the weeks ahead, and I clearly have no shortage of reading-time, so I'll keep you posted.
:)Amy
Reading
The first book I read was The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. (Originally published in German in 1995.) I picked this up at Half-Price Books for $1, so I didn't have high expectations, but it has "#1 National Bestseller" on the cover, and it has been made into a movie with Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes. (I have now put it on my Netflix list.)
It is a quick and easy read, and I liked it better than I expected to. It starts off with a 15 year old boy who gets involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with a mature woman. They meet regularly for quite a while, and then she mysteriously leaves town with no explanation. He goes on with his life and goes to college, and then he encounters her again when, as a law student, he observes a trial of a group of women, including her, who served as guards in a concentration camp (before they met). There is a mystery that is revealed, and this young man resumes a relationship with her after the trial, but of a very different sort. I am not going to give away the details.
The book is written in a way that implies it could very easily be a true story, but you're left wondering. One thing I liked about it was that the characters seemed very real. I am curious to see if that carries across in the movie as well.
**********
The book I'm currently reading, and will probably finish later today is Seriously... I'm Kidding by Ellen Degeneres. If you have ever watched her show, then you will be able to hear her voice as you read this. It is written EXACTLY like she talks. I really love Ellen. I love what she stands for and what she promotes, and I love her generosity and positive energy. I was hoping that I would gain some insights into her motivations by reading this, but it basically says all the same things she says on a daily basis. I am enjoying reading it - it is amusing, but it hasn't really revealed anything to me yet. I am reminded of other comedians who are always "on" and never seem to be able to be serious. (Robin Williams in the early days.) She does talk about serious subjects like the importance of being kind or the importance or recycling, but she makes all her points as part of a joke. Maybe she really is like that all the time?
I still have a shelf-full of books to work my way through in the weeks ahead, and I clearly have no shortage of reading-time, so I'll keep you posted.
:)Amy
New Exercises Are Added
Good Morning and welcome to Day 11 !
Yesterday, PT Andrew added 4 new exercises to my regimen. These are all done sitting or standing rather than lying on a bed. I am supposed to add these to my 3-times-a-day list of activities.
1 - Sitting on a straight chair, a stretchy band is placed around my ankle. The other end can be held by a person, or it can be tied to something solid like a table leg. I then pull back on the band 10 x.
2 - Standing with my walker, I simply go up on my toes and then back on my heals, alternating. 10 x
3 - Standing with my walker, and in front of a chair, I squat as if I am going to sit down (but I don't). The key is to keep knees back and stick the backside out like I really AM going to sit down. 10 x
4 - This is the hard one and takes a helper. Sitting in a chair, I straighten my leg out in front of me. My helper then lefts my leg and I have to try to control the descent. I can't control it yet, but it is working that muscle that is important. Bessie is still a dead weight at this point.
Ok, who wants to do these with me??? Oh, goodness! Look at all those hands go up! What good helpers you are, indeed!!!
:)Amy
Yesterday, PT Andrew added 4 new exercises to my regimen. These are all done sitting or standing rather than lying on a bed. I am supposed to add these to my 3-times-a-day list of activities.
1 - Sitting on a straight chair, a stretchy band is placed around my ankle. The other end can be held by a person, or it can be tied to something solid like a table leg. I then pull back on the band 10 x.
2 - Standing with my walker, I simply go up on my toes and then back on my heals, alternating. 10 x
3 - Standing with my walker, and in front of a chair, I squat as if I am going to sit down (but I don't). The key is to keep knees back and stick the backside out like I really AM going to sit down. 10 x
4 - This is the hard one and takes a helper. Sitting in a chair, I straighten my leg out in front of me. My helper then lefts my leg and I have to try to control the descent. I can't control it yet, but it is working that muscle that is important. Bessie is still a dead weight at this point.
Ok, who wants to do these with me??? Oh, goodness! Look at all those hands go up! What good helpers you are, indeed!!!
:)Amy
Friday, June 21, 2013
Day 10 - PT Progress
Day 10 and things are going well here. The good news from my PT session is that he got me to the coveted 80 degree bend. The bad news is there was some screaming and begging involved... neither of which work, by the way, but they make me feel better at the time.
Right now, my leg is our focus 24/7, and that is getting a little old, but it's ok. I am ready to go outside. I have not been out of the house since I got home from the hospital, but I do have my doc appt on Monday to get my staples out. Things should change a lot after that.
That's it for today. Thanks for reading and don't forget to feed the fish!
:)Amy
Right now, my leg is our focus 24/7, and that is getting a little old, but it's ok. I am ready to go outside. I have not been out of the house since I got home from the hospital, but I do have my doc appt on Monday to get my staples out. Things should change a lot after that.
That's it for today. Thanks for reading and don't forget to feed the fish!
:)Amy
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Small Victories
When I first came home from the hospital, there were several things I couldn't do. I couldn't get into or out of bed without someone lifting Bessie. I also couldn't lie on my side in bed. On Monday, PT Brian said I should be able to get in and out of bed in 3-5 more days. Ok - that gave me hope.
Yesterday, I was determined to get in bed by myself - dammit! I have been using a crossover technique where I cross Bessie over my right leg and use that leg to lift and/or move her. (Calling my other leg my "good" leg is sort of silly. Right now it is "better" but it's never really "good".) Until yesterday, I would cross the legs, and then Hubs would lift them both into the bed as I swung them around. Somehow, yesterday, I was suddenly able to both lift and swing together, by myself. YEA!!!
Today, PT Andrew had me lie on my right side with Bessie lined up on top of my right leg. This was the first time I'd laid on my side at all, and it was comfortable. After he left, and after I finished icing, I told Hubs I wanted to try to lie on my side for a little bit. So, I did. It felt sooooo good! (I am usually a side-sleeper.) However, after about 10 min my knee started to throb so I knew I had to flip back over. At least I know now I can do it.... Even for a short time will help at night when I am going stir-crazy on my back!
This evening, after I finished icing, I wanted to get out of bed and it wasn't convenient to call for assistance, so I was determined to figure something out. I already had the cross-over thing going.... then it hit me - the sheet! Just as I use the sheet wrapped around my foot during the night to move my leg, I can use it to keep my leg from just falling as a dead weight off the bed, so I tried it and it worked! I was able to use the sheet to hold it up until could get it crossed-over and lowered down with the other one. WHEW! I am now no longer a prisoner in the bed!!!
It is these small victories which help me see progress!!! YAY !!!
:)Amy
Yesterday, I was determined to get in bed by myself - dammit! I have been using a crossover technique where I cross Bessie over my right leg and use that leg to lift and/or move her. (Calling my other leg my "good" leg is sort of silly. Right now it is "better" but it's never really "good".) Until yesterday, I would cross the legs, and then Hubs would lift them both into the bed as I swung them around. Somehow, yesterday, I was suddenly able to both lift and swing together, by myself. YEA!!!
Today, PT Andrew had me lie on my right side with Bessie lined up on top of my right leg. This was the first time I'd laid on my side at all, and it was comfortable. After he left, and after I finished icing, I told Hubs I wanted to try to lie on my side for a little bit. So, I did. It felt sooooo good! (I am usually a side-sleeper.) However, after about 10 min my knee started to throb so I knew I had to flip back over. At least I know now I can do it.... Even for a short time will help at night when I am going stir-crazy on my back!
This evening, after I finished icing, I wanted to get out of bed and it wasn't convenient to call for assistance, so I was determined to figure something out. I already had the cross-over thing going.... then it hit me - the sheet! Just as I use the sheet wrapped around my foot during the night to move my leg, I can use it to keep my leg from just falling as a dead weight off the bed, so I tried it and it worked! I was able to use the sheet to hold it up until could get it crossed-over and lowered down with the other one. WHEW! I am now no longer a prisoner in the bed!!!
It is these small victories which help me see progress!!! YAY !!!
:)Amy
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