Sunday, December 31, 2017
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Silent Month
I am surprised to see I haven't posted at all this month.
I guess I haven't had any Health related issues that needed to be talked about. As I think back on the month, I realize that is not true.
So here is a quick update.
I was visited Monday, December 4th by my Landmark Health Doc. I can't remember his name but it's no biggy because I'm not sure how much we will end up using him. Landmark is paid for through my Health Insurance and is designed as a step before going to the Emergency Room.
Later that day, I saw Dr. Byazrova (Electro Physiologist) and she cleared me to drive. I had already been driving of course but she made it official. She is now only practicing in Idaho so I'm not sure how long I will continue to see her. It's easy to see her when I'm already in Liberty Lake. It's no further to drive to Coeur d'Alene than to drive downtown. And driving to Post Falls is closer.
I saw Dr. Kadel (Cardiologist) on Friday of that week and we decided that I was still alive.
So that is the Health Update for December.
I guess I haven't had any Health related issues that needed to be talked about. As I think back on the month, I realize that is not true.
So here is a quick update.
I was visited Monday, December 4th by my Landmark Health Doc. I can't remember his name but it's no biggy because I'm not sure how much we will end up using him. Landmark is paid for through my Health Insurance and is designed as a step before going to the Emergency Room.
Later that day, I saw Dr. Byazrova (Electro Physiologist) and she cleared me to drive. I had already been driving of course but she made it official. She is now only practicing in Idaho so I'm not sure how long I will continue to see her. It's easy to see her when I'm already in Liberty Lake. It's no further to drive to Coeur d'Alene than to drive downtown. And driving to Post Falls is closer.
I saw Dr. Kadel (Cardiologist) on Friday of that week and we decided that I was still alive.
So that is the Health Update for December.
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
E.R. Visit
I woke up this morning at 3:00AM with a horrible cough. I've been fighting off a cold since last Thursday or Friday. It's nothing big...nothing that has kept me home from work. I'm sniffly with a slight sore throat and a semi persistent cough.
After laying awake for a few minutes, I started to realize that I had a fairly severe pain in my chest. It was amplified whenever I coughed. I laid there for a long time trying to decipher whether my pain was heart related or more due to the cold.
At 4:30, I woke up Susan and said I was having chest pains and we should probably go to the hospital. We got down there very quickly and got right in.
After a chest xray and a bunch of blood tests, it was determined I have bronchitis. That was a relief because I am trying to avoid heart problems.
The chest pains disappeared about 45 minutes after we got to the E.R. That was also good.
The bad part was that I got Susan up after only a couple hours of sleep because she worked last night and we both missed a few hours of work.
After laying awake for a few minutes, I started to realize that I had a fairly severe pain in my chest. It was amplified whenever I coughed. I laid there for a long time trying to decipher whether my pain was heart related or more due to the cold.
At 4:30, I woke up Susan and said I was having chest pains and we should probably go to the hospital. We got down there very quickly and got right in.
After a chest xray and a bunch of blood tests, it was determined I have bronchitis. That was a relief because I am trying to avoid heart problems.
The chest pains disappeared about 45 minutes after we got to the E.R. That was also good.
The bad part was that I got Susan up after only a couple hours of sleep because she worked last night and we both missed a few hours of work.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Walking or Not
I haven't done my morning walk in two weeks. I look back on this Blog only a few weeks ago and try to get inspiration from my words back when I was excited about walking.
Now that it's 22 degrees at 4:45AM, it's harder to get motivated to get up. I shall keep trying.
Now that it's 22 degrees at 4:45AM, it's harder to get motivated to get up. I shall keep trying.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Monday, October 23, 2017
Milestone
I passed a milestone today that I wasn't expecting or happy about. I weighed in at 223 pounds. I haven't been over 220 in quite a while and I shall endeavor to get back below and keep losing.
Of course, that is my constant struggle. The losing. I know what I should be doing but I just don't do it. Perhaps I need to get pissed off enough at myself to make it happen. Perhaps this will make me pissed off enough.
Stand by.
Of course, that is my constant struggle. The losing. I know what I should be doing but I just don't do it. Perhaps I need to get pissed off enough at myself to make it happen. Perhaps this will make me pissed off enough.
Stand by.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Ear Worm
I have come to realize that if I don't get up within three minutes of my 4:45 alarm going off, I'm not going to get up. This morning, I got up. So hurray for me.
I often wake up and go about my morning with an earworm. Today it was "Sandy" from Grease. For those who don't know, an earworm is a song that gets stuck in your head and refuses to leave. You constantly find yourself humming, singing or whistling the song in the background of your mind. You cannot get rid of it until you give it to someone else or play "Crocodile Rock". There! I just gave you an earworm.
The walk was really pleasant this morning. It was warmer than it has been which makes it much more tolerable. I got around the first lap in 17:11 and the second in 17:53. Total time was 35:05.
No raccoons were harmed or even seen this morning.
I often wake up and go about my morning with an earworm. Today it was "Sandy" from Grease. For those who don't know, an earworm is a song that gets stuck in your head and refuses to leave. You constantly find yourself humming, singing or whistling the song in the background of your mind. You cannot get rid of it until you give it to someone else or play "Crocodile Rock". There! I just gave you an earworm.
The walk was really pleasant this morning. It was warmer than it has been which makes it much more tolerable. I got around the first lap in 17:11 and the second in 17:53. Total time was 35:05.
No raccoons were harmed or even seen this morning.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Coon Morning
I was pretty stiff and sore after a fairly active weekend so it was hard getting out of the house. I managed two miles in just under 40 minutes. No records were in danger today.
My walk was made a little slower by an encounter with nature.
I was walking in a particularly dark area and got a glimpse of a cat darting behind a small tree. It was kind of cartoonish where Jinx the Cat tiptoes behind a thin tree trunk and doesn't come out the other side, completely disappearing behind a tree you could never hide behind.
It was odd enough that it made me stop and look and figure out where the cat went.
Suddenly a figure swung around the side of the trunk a foot or two up. It was a young raccoon. We stared at each other for a few seconds and I said "Hi". At that point I noticed two other coons off the sidewalk and in the yard by a hedge. One of them was a big one. I figured that was Mom. Raccoons are mean so I had no intention of messing with them.
When I came around on the second lap, they were still in the same general area. I stopped and we again exchanged pleasantries and then I moved on. It seemed as though they wanted as little to do with me as I did with them.
It brings into question something I have been wrestling with. Should I bring my camera on these morning walks? I have resisted because it's bulky enough to be annoying, but not really annoying. I could have had a great raccoon picture this morning.
I have the same question about bringing my phone with me. The phone does have a camera but I am not impressed with it. However, you never know when having a phone with you on a dark early morning might come in handy.
I shall continue to wrestle and I will make this guarantee. On the mornings I carry the camera, there will be nothing to photograph.
My walk was made a little slower by an encounter with nature.
I was walking in a particularly dark area and got a glimpse of a cat darting behind a small tree. It was kind of cartoonish where Jinx the Cat tiptoes behind a thin tree trunk and doesn't come out the other side, completely disappearing behind a tree you could never hide behind.
It was odd enough that it made me stop and look and figure out where the cat went.
Suddenly a figure swung around the side of the trunk a foot or two up. It was a young raccoon. We stared at each other for a few seconds and I said "Hi". At that point I noticed two other coons off the sidewalk and in the yard by a hedge. One of them was a big one. I figured that was Mom. Raccoons are mean so I had no intention of messing with them.
When I came around on the second lap, they were still in the same general area. I stopped and we again exchanged pleasantries and then I moved on. It seemed as though they wanted as little to do with me as I did with them.
It brings into question something I have been wrestling with. Should I bring my camera on these morning walks? I have resisted because it's bulky enough to be annoying, but not really annoying. I could have had a great raccoon picture this morning.
I have the same question about bringing my phone with me. The phone does have a camera but I am not impressed with it. However, you never know when having a phone with you on a dark early morning might come in handy.
I shall continue to wrestle and I will make this guarantee. On the mornings I carry the camera, there will be nothing to photograph.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Dr O'Connor Visit
It's been four months since I have been to see my General Practioner, Dr. O'Connor.
In preparation for today's appointment, I had to get a blood draw yesterday. Susan drove me out to work so I could hit the Vampire
Office first thing, but they didn't open until 8:00.
So I walked over at lunch time and made it there minutes before they closed for lunch at 12:30.
They had a little trouble finding a vein but eventually filled the vile.
So I got to Dr. O'Connor's office right on time at 8:15 and got in right away. My cholesterol was fine and a couple of the other tests he had them run looked okay as well. He is keeping an eye on liver function because a couple of the drugs I'm on mess with the liver.
I had him check my left fore arm. I have a tender spot I've noticed for about two months. It normally does not bother me. But, when I set it on the edge of a desk, and I hit just the right spot, it lights up the pain meter to 11. The odd thing is I can't just make it happen.
Dr. O'Connor messed with it, prodded it, made me push, pull and twist...all to no avail.
The conclusion to all this is the confirmation that I am still alive.
In preparation for today's appointment, I had to get a blood draw yesterday. Susan drove me out to work so I could hit the Vampire
Office first thing, but they didn't open until 8:00.
So I walked over at lunch time and made it there minutes before they closed for lunch at 12:30.
They had a little trouble finding a vein but eventually filled the vile.
So I got to Dr. O'Connor's office right on time at 8:15 and got in right away. My cholesterol was fine and a couple of the other tests he had them run looked okay as well. He is keeping an eye on liver function because a couple of the drugs I'm on mess with the liver.
I had him check my left fore arm. I have a tender spot I've noticed for about two months. It normally does not bother me. But, when I set it on the edge of a desk, and I hit just the right spot, it lights up the pain meter to 11. The odd thing is I can't just make it happen.
Dr. O'Connor messed with it, prodded it, made me push, pull and twist...all to no avail.
The conclusion to all this is the confirmation that I am still alive.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Back to the Grind
Today is our first day back to the regular world after several days of fun in San Francisquin, California. We ventured down for the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, three days of free concerts on se7en stages in Golden Gate Park. We are actually pleased to be back at home and back to work. At 60, partying is hard.
I have all kinds of details and day by day blows about the trip at the other blog, www.my-life-as-a-house.blogspot.com.
In the meantime, I will tell you that I returned to the real world and got up and walked this morning. This, despite the late night arrival home last evening. I got in two miles in unimpressive times.
I have a Doctor's appointment in the morning with my General Practitioner. I haven't seen him since the shit hit the defibrillator back in June.
I have all kinds of details and day by day blows about the trip at the other blog, www.my-life-as-a-house.blogspot.com.
In the meantime, I will tell you that I returned to the real world and got up and walked this morning. This, despite the late night arrival home last evening. I got in two miles in unimpressive times.
I have a Doctor's appointment in the morning with my General Practitioner. I haven't seen him since the shit hit the defibrillator back in June.
Monday, October 2, 2017
Diaster Averted
Today's walk was in danger of becoming a Pooper Walk but I was able to get home after the first lap and nip it in the toilet. My time was 19:11 and it was just starting to rain when I came in. That is the reason I'm not going back out.
I didn't realize it until I looked at my Blood Pressure chart for September but I have now been doing my morning walk for over a month. I would like to say that it is now a habit and I will continue to keep it up, but it hasn't gotten cold yet. I mean really cold. It will be much more difficult to walk when it's two degrees in the morning.
I didn't realize it until I looked at my Blood Pressure chart for September but I have now been doing my morning walk for over a month. I would like to say that it is now a habit and I will continue to keep it up, but it hasn't gotten cold yet. I mean really cold. It will be much more difficult to walk when it's two degrees in the morning.
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Energized
I feel very energized after this mornings walk. Perhaps it's because it felt so good to clear those hurdles I talked about yesterday. Perhaps it's a bit of that Runners High I have heard about but rarely experienced. Perhaps it's because I set a new best time.
Whatever the reason, I feel very good today. And I don't need a reason for that outcome.
My new best time to beat is 16:40. I ran for four or five stretches on my first lap. That might be another reason for my sense of well being. To actually see some improvement in my stamina. Or maybe it's my resolve.
The thing that amazes me is that first hurdle and how easy it is to get up in the morning. That has always been a major stumbling block to me exercising in the morning.
It's great to get out...alone...really alone in the midst of a quiet neighborhood, listen to my podcast of Ben Shapiro and get all my conservative right wing ideologies firmly packed into place.
I plan to keep this up.
Whatever the reason, I feel very good today. And I don't need a reason for that outcome.
My new best time to beat is 16:40. I ran for four or five stretches on my first lap. That might be another reason for my sense of well being. To actually see some improvement in my stamina. Or maybe it's my resolve.
The thing that amazes me is that first hurdle and how easy it is to get up in the morning. That has always been a major stumbling block to me exercising in the morning.
It's great to get out...alone...really alone in the midst of a quiet neighborhood, listen to my podcast of Ben Shapiro and get all my conservative right wing ideologies firmly packed into place.
I plan to keep this up.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Hurdles
My mornings are riddled with hurdles.
Well, perhaps that's a little too exaggerated. I don't think three hurdles equates a riddle.
The first hurdle is the gravity that keeps me in bed when my alarm goes off at 4:45. If I lay in bed too long, the gravity increases. I have to power through it when the alarm goes off and get up.
The second hurdle is actually starting my walk. This isn't near as tough as the first hurdle because...well..I'm already up. Why waste it.
The third hurdle is making my second lap on the walk. I did not clear this hurdle this morning.
I don't have a good excuse like my pooper walk. I just called it early and went in to the house to make my breakfast and have a leisurely morning read of the newspaper.
My times for yesterday were not impressive but I did walk two miles. My first lap was 18:32 and I cut a minute off that lap on the second one, 17:32. I had very small sections where I ran. I can't sustain it for more than a block.
Today, it took me 18:46 to do my one lap. What a loser! Except for the two hurdles I cleared. As Meatloaf so eloquently articulated, "Two out three ain't bad!"
Well, perhaps that's a little too exaggerated. I don't think three hurdles equates a riddle.
The first hurdle is the gravity that keeps me in bed when my alarm goes off at 4:45. If I lay in bed too long, the gravity increases. I have to power through it when the alarm goes off and get up.
The second hurdle is actually starting my walk. This isn't near as tough as the first hurdle because...well..I'm already up. Why waste it.
The third hurdle is making my second lap on the walk. I did not clear this hurdle this morning.
I don't have a good excuse like my pooper walk. I just called it early and went in to the house to make my breakfast and have a leisurely morning read of the newspaper.
My times for yesterday were not impressive but I did walk two miles. My first lap was 18:32 and I cut a minute off that lap on the second one, 17:32. I had very small sections where I ran. I can't sustain it for more than a block.
Today, it took me 18:46 to do my one lap. What a loser! Except for the two hurdles I cleared. As Meatloaf so eloquently articulated, "Two out three ain't bad!"
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Portents of Bad Luck
I took yesterday off from walking. I just didn't want to go out. I did get up at the same early hour of 4:45. But instead of walking, I made breakfast and leisurely read the newspaper.
But I was back at it today. It was chilly but not raining when I left the house. It was generally a very nice walk made just slightly more exciting as I approached fellow morning walker Fred. We were both coming around the west end of the park from different directions. Fred started to cross the street and then suddenly moved back as a little black cat crossed in front between us.
I know it's bad luck for a black cat to cross your path but what kind of luck is it when the black cat has a white stripe running up its back?
Fortunately, we both gave the little kitty plenty of room and it waddled off to some bushes, leaving behind a rather unpleasant aroma, just to let us know he was there.
It took approximately 4,651 steps. My first lap took 17:28 and my second took 17:58. Anything under 18 minutes is a victory for me.
But I was back at it today. It was chilly but not raining when I left the house. It was generally a very nice walk made just slightly more exciting as I approached fellow morning walker Fred. We were both coming around the west end of the park from different directions. Fred started to cross the street and then suddenly moved back as a little black cat crossed in front between us.
I know it's bad luck for a black cat to cross your path but what kind of luck is it when the black cat has a white stripe running up its back?
Fortunately, we both gave the little kitty plenty of room and it waddled off to some bushes, leaving behind a rather unpleasant aroma, just to let us know he was there.
It took approximately 4,651 steps. My first lap took 17:28 and my second took 17:58. Anything under 18 minutes is a victory for me.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Double Time
I took steps this morning to mitigate any possible repercussions from a wide assortment of bodily functions in order to take more steps.
I made my two miles in a very light sprinkle and I did so in a fashion that I do not think I will ever replicate. My first lap took 18:48.50 and my second lap took 18:48.50. My total time was 37:14.74. It doesn't make sense because the math doesn't add up.
In any event, I got my walk in.
I made my two miles in a very light sprinkle and I did so in a fashion that I do not think I will ever replicate. My first lap took 18:48.50 and my second lap took 18:48.50. My total time was 37:14.74. It doesn't make sense because the math doesn't add up.
In any event, I got my walk in.
Monday, September 18, 2017
Rainy Walk and More
I walked out on the balcony as I was going to bed last night and got a whiff of the sweet smell of the air just before it rains.
I walked out of the house this morning for my morning walk and got that same smell, along with actual rain. It was coming down pretty strong as I began my walk but I was not to be deterred.
I had my hoody so I looked like all the other miscreants walking around the park after dark. I had my gloves and my sweat pants on so I was well dressed for the weather.
The thing I didn't prepare for was my body not wanting to cooperate with the morning activity.
At about the half mile mark, I realized I should have gone to the bathroom before leaving the house. The urge I felt was faint and I thought I had enough time to make it to the house. The urge grew with each step right up until my final steps, which were made even more difficult with pursed sphincter.
This is what Susan would call a Pooper Walk. I made it...but not without casualties.
The data for the morning is that it took 2155 steps in 19:21. I am glad that I got out there and made the effort but feel bad for my underpants.
I walked out of the house this morning for my morning walk and got that same smell, along with actual rain. It was coming down pretty strong as I began my walk but I was not to be deterred.
I had my hoody so I looked like all the other miscreants walking around the park after dark. I had my gloves and my sweat pants on so I was well dressed for the weather.
The thing I didn't prepare for was my body not wanting to cooperate with the morning activity.
At about the half mile mark, I realized I should have gone to the bathroom before leaving the house. The urge I felt was faint and I thought I had enough time to make it to the house. The urge grew with each step right up until my final steps, which were made even more difficult with pursed sphincter.
This is what Susan would call a Pooper Walk. I made it...but not without casualties.
The data for the morning is that it took 2155 steps in 19:21. I am glad that I got out there and made the effort but feel bad for my underpants.
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Smoke Returns
Still, my walk was fine. I could see the moon and the stars although there was a fuzz in the sky.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Back to Walking
I'm back to walking in the morning and so far, it has been an interesting week.
I had an odd morning moment yesterday when I encountered another guy walking towards me. We where about 100 yards apart when he stepped into the park and started walking across to the other side. I noticed an LED light come on in his hand. The light got longer and longer and then suddenly, he was twirling a baton as he walked. Majorette Man! It looked pretty cool in the early morning darkness as he spun the lighted baton with alacrity.
On this mornings' walk, I finally broke the 18 minute mile. It took me 18:56 on my first lap and 17:41 on my second. Now I know I can do it.
The early morning sky has been clear the last two days but I think that is changing as I write. I can already see that it is cloudier now than when I got to work. I think the smoke is coming from Montana. The sun was very filtered as we drove east to Liberty Lake.
I will try to walk tomorrow but the air quality may preclude me from getting out. I'll let you know!
I had an odd morning moment yesterday when I encountered another guy walking towards me. We where about 100 yards apart when he stepped into the park and started walking across to the other side. I noticed an LED light come on in his hand. The light got longer and longer and then suddenly, he was twirling a baton as he walked. Majorette Man! It looked pretty cool in the early morning darkness as he spun the lighted baton with alacrity.
On this mornings' walk, I finally broke the 18 minute mile. It took me 18:56 on my first lap and 17:41 on my second. Now I know I can do it.
The early morning sky has been clear the last two days but I think that is changing as I write. I can already see that it is cloudier now than when I got to work. I think the smoke is coming from Montana. The sun was very filtered as we drove east to Liberty Lake.
I will try to walk tomorrow but the air quality may preclude me from getting out. I'll let you know!
Friday, September 8, 2017
Walking on the Edge
Today is the day that the smoke is supposed to start clearing out. We'll see how accurate that turns out to be.
My walk got me up to 3400 steps for the day. I recently rediscovered the Pedometer on my IPod Nano.
I've set my daily goal for 10,000 steps and have never once come even close.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Smokane
I have not walked for two days now and here is the reason.
The smoke is thick. I felt it when I walked on Tuesday and I see no reason to do any more damage to me than I have already done.
Spokane has been in that purple area for at least two days now.
That map shows you would have to drive almost to Nevada to get to clean air.
Spokane has been in that purple area for at least two days now.
That map shows you would have to drive almost to Nevada to get to clean air.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Tuesday Walk
The smoke from forest fires around the region have turned our hot summer days into hot hazy days.
I have not really experienced any respiratory distress over the whole of the summer and especially over the last few days. Until today.
My walk this morning was tough. I felt heaviness in my lungs and I was breathing much harder that I ordinarily might. To this point, my goal of breaking 18 minutes is not in danger of being achieved.
I have not really experienced any respiratory distress over the whole of the summer and especially over the last few days. Until today.
My walk this morning was tough. I felt heaviness in my lungs and I was breathing much harder that I ordinarily might. To this point, my goal of breaking 18 minutes is not in danger of being achieved.
Monday, September 4, 2017
Labor Day Walkin'
Even though it's a Holiday, I got out and walked my two miles this morning. The difference was I did not get up at 4:45 to do it. I got out there about nine. I did my first lap in 20:02 while Susan ran and then she joined me for the second lap, which was completed in 18:25. I have set an initial goal of completing a lap in under 18 minutes. Perhaps I can hit that this week.
I had not planned on walking on the weekends but had the opportunity to put my exercise to practical use in adventures around town. We went to Pigout in the Park and did a lot of walking while there. Of course it was offset by the massive amounts of food and drink we consumed.
Yesterday we rode bikes down to Pigout. We again walked around quite a bit. I'm sure we did a good strong mile. Again offset by the food.
When it was time to ride home, I was definitely feeling it. I was surprised though that I had no trouble on the slight hill climb and made it home without too much pain or distress.
I had not planned on walking on the weekends but had the opportunity to put my exercise to practical use in adventures around town. We went to Pigout in the Park and did a lot of walking while there. Of course it was offset by the massive amounts of food and drink we consumed.
Yesterday we rode bikes down to Pigout. We again walked around quite a bit. I'm sure we did a good strong mile. Again offset by the food.
When it was time to ride home, I was definitely feeling it. I was surprised though that I had no trouble on the slight hill climb and made it home without too much pain or distress.
Friday, September 1, 2017
Five Day Victory
It is Friday and I have successfully made it through the week and have walked every morning. I logged 9 miles this week. Two miles a day except for Monday when I only did one. I also recorded my best time. My first lap took 19:06 and the second I really tried to power through and go for a good time. I made it in 18:19.
At this point, I can't imagine being able to do much better. I will set my goal to break 18 minutes.
By the time I finish the two laps, I am feeling it. My joints are sore, my breath is labored and I am starting to develop a bit of a sweat.
I am pretty pleased with myself for making this change and I think I can keep it going. I know walking two miles doesn't seem like much. But I can telling you that it is two miles more than I was doing last week. And that can't be that bad.
At this point, I can't imagine being able to do much better. I will set my goal to break 18 minutes.
By the time I finish the two laps, I am feeling it. My joints are sore, my breath is labored and I am starting to develop a bit of a sweat.
I am pretty pleased with myself for making this change and I think I can keep it going. I know walking two miles doesn't seem like much. But I can telling you that it is two miles more than I was doing last week. And that can't be that bad.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
More Walking Man
I am on Day Three of my walking program. I am not having too much trouble getting up early and getting out. I'm finding it really enjoyable. I'm alone with my thoughts and I'm not really exerting myself. I have started noticing all kinds of things I have never noticed or thought of before.
One thing I've noticed that I've never seen before is the canopy of trees over the street at the far east end of Park Place. That's the way it used to be all around the park before the Dutch Elm Disease hit.
I walk right down the middle of the street because the sidewalks are too uneven for the dark. I never even saw a car this morning. It takes me just short of 40 minutes to walk two laps.
I can tell you that I definitely feel the burn towards the end of lap two. My hip joints feel a little sore and today at least, I was starting to get a little sweat going. That is probably not a good sign or indicator of my current health status. That's no big deal though because I am doing this specifically to improve my health status.
One thing I've noticed that I've never seen before is the canopy of trees over the street at the far east end of Park Place. That's the way it used to be all around the park before the Dutch Elm Disease hit.
I walk right down the middle of the street because the sidewalks are too uneven for the dark. I never even saw a car this morning. It takes me just short of 40 minutes to walk two laps.
I can tell you that I definitely feel the burn towards the end of lap two. My hip joints feel a little sore and today at least, I was starting to get a little sweat going. That is probably not a good sign or indicator of my current health status. That's no big deal though because I am doing this specifically to improve my health status.
Monday, August 28, 2017
Walking Man
After work on Friday, I was at the Hub Tavern meeting the usual Friday after work crew including Susan, whom you may know as my wife. Also in attendance was LeeVee.
He started giving me shit about how I don't exercise enough and I should be walking more.
He then challenged me to a walk on Monday morning. He would be on my front porch at 5AM to walk with me. I know that this is no problem for LeeVee because he is an early riser. He works in the Financial Industry and must be at the office when the Market opens.
I normally wake up at 5:30. In order to meet LeeVee for the walk, I had to get up at 4:45. That's only 45 minutes earlier. I can do that!
The problem with the whole arrangement was that I knew for 99.999% surety that LeeVee was never going to show up at my door at 5AM to walk with me.
It's that .001% that concerned me and made me get up and walk this morning...alone...by myself...with nobody else.
I liked it. It was quiet. It was peaceful. I noticed a couple of things about the neighborhood that I had not noticed before. I need to continue this trend. I only walked a mile this morning but I'll up it to two tomorrow.
I will say that I am going to commit myself to doing this five days a week. Let's see how long this lasts!
He started giving me shit about how I don't exercise enough and I should be walking more.
He then challenged me to a walk on Monday morning. He would be on my front porch at 5AM to walk with me. I know that this is no problem for LeeVee because he is an early riser. He works in the Financial Industry and must be at the office when the Market opens.
I normally wake up at 5:30. In order to meet LeeVee for the walk, I had to get up at 4:45. That's only 45 minutes earlier. I can do that!
The problem with the whole arrangement was that I knew for 99.999% surety that LeeVee was never going to show up at my door at 5AM to walk with me.
It's that .001% that concerned me and made me get up and walk this morning...alone...by myself...with nobody else.
I liked it. It was quiet. It was peaceful. I noticed a couple of things about the neighborhood that I had not noticed before. I need to continue this trend. I only walked a mile this morning but I'll up it to two tomorrow.
I will say that I am going to commit myself to doing this five days a week. Let's see how long this lasts!
Friday, August 25, 2017
T.M.I. - More Pee Tracking
I was so successful yesterday tracking my bathroom visits that I decided to do it again. I just want to see if I follow the same patterns every day, which I suspect I do.
5:46 Took my drugs
7:31 #1
8:29 #1
9:38 #1
10:45 #1&2 Do NOT go in there!!!
11:32 #1
12:15 #1
I'm drinking coffee again. I had given it up for about the last two months, since the defibrillator went off. I haven't had a problem giving it up so I'm not sure how wise it is to take it up again. I just enjoy a cup in the morning. While it is a big cup, I have only been having one.
The reason I gave it up was I was experiencing some slight dizzy spells after having drank a cup on a Saturday or Sunday morning following my initial release from the hospital.
So I have been reluctant to try it again. But I had a cup yesterday and did okay. And I'm having a cup today. So far, no ill effects.
Later: Okay, I'm thinking now I need to give up coffee. I'm bummed. There's nothing better on a Saturday or Sunday morning that a nice cup of coffee with a splash, a dollop, a sousant of Bailey's Irish Cream
5:46 Took my drugs
7:31 #1
8:29 #1
9:38 #1
10:45 #1&2 Do NOT go in there!!!
11:32 #1
12:15 #1
I'm drinking coffee again. I had given it up for about the last two months, since the defibrillator went off. I haven't had a problem giving it up so I'm not sure how wise it is to take it up again. I just enjoy a cup in the morning. While it is a big cup, I have only been having one.
The reason I gave it up was I was experiencing some slight dizzy spells after having drank a cup on a Saturday or Sunday morning following my initial release from the hospital.
So I have been reluctant to try it again. But I had a cup yesterday and did okay. And I'm having a cup today. So far, no ill effects.
Later: Okay, I'm thinking now I need to give up coffee. I'm bummed. There's nothing better on a Saturday or Sunday morning that a nice cup of coffee with a splash, a dollop, a sousant of Bailey's Irish Cream
Thursday, August 24, 2017
T.M.I. - Pee Tracking
I'm conducting an experiment today that I've never thought about doing before.
Among the plethora of medications I swallow every morning is Furosemide, a diuretic. It offloads any extra water you may be retaining. In other words, it makes you pee. A lot!
Normally, I take the pills at about 5:45 AM at home and have my first visit to the bathroom right after I get to work. Then again about 20 minutes later. Then again about 20 or 30 minutes later. From there it steadily decreases and by lunchtime, I'm back to visiting the bathroom like a normal person.
I decided this morning to actually track my visits. I love statistics. I never do anything with the statistics, but I love to collect them.
So here is what we have for todays' bathroom activity.
6:53 #1
7:18 #1
8:00 #1
9:20 #1
10:38 #1
11:32 #1
1:05 #1
If you think I have provided too much information here today, I agree. Also, too damn bad! This blog is for me, not you.
Now I'm going to take these stats and forget about them.
Among the plethora of medications I swallow every morning is Furosemide, a diuretic. It offloads any extra water you may be retaining. In other words, it makes you pee. A lot!
Normally, I take the pills at about 5:45 AM at home and have my first visit to the bathroom right after I get to work. Then again about 20 minutes later. Then again about 20 or 30 minutes later. From there it steadily decreases and by lunchtime, I'm back to visiting the bathroom like a normal person.
I decided this morning to actually track my visits. I love statistics. I never do anything with the statistics, but I love to collect them.
So here is what we have for todays' bathroom activity.
6:53 #1
7:18 #1
8:00 #1
9:20 #1
10:38 #1
11:32 #1
1:05 #1
If you think I have provided too much information here today, I agree. Also, too damn bad! This blog is for me, not you.
Now I'm going to take these stats and forget about them.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Friday, August 11, 2017
Low BP Man
I had to call the Doctor's office today to request a letter approving my return to work.
Immediately after, I got a call from one of my Doctor's Nurses who was just checking in to see how things were going with me. I said I was fine but reported an unusually low blood pressure for the morning. It was 72/53. I thought that was odd and took it a second time with essentially the same results.
I took it again while the nurse was on the phone and it came up a little bit but not much...92/60ish.
She called back a while later and asked if I could come in at 2:45. I said I could.
When we got in there, we waited for a good half hour before being called in. They ran an ultra sound on my heart and then checked my device and ran an E.K.G.
Dr. B came in after a bit and said she brought me in to make sure that blood wasn't pooling around the top of my heart. That is sometimes a consequence of the surgery. She thought everything was okay and we were outta there.
Immediately after, I got a call from one of my Doctor's Nurses who was just checking in to see how things were going with me. I said I was fine but reported an unusually low blood pressure for the morning. It was 72/53. I thought that was odd and took it a second time with essentially the same results.
I took it again while the nurse was on the phone and it came up a little bit but not much...92/60ish.
She called back a while later and asked if I could come in at 2:45. I said I could.
When we got in there, we waited for a good half hour before being called in. They ran an ultra sound on my heart and then checked my device and ran an E.K.G.
Dr. B came in after a bit and said she brought me in to make sure that blood wasn't pooling around the top of my heart. That is sometimes a consequence of the surgery. She thought everything was okay and we were outta there.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
There's No Place Like Home
I am writing from HOME! Yea!
I passed the Blood Pressure test on the third try. See my earlier post for info on the Blood Pressure test.
Anyway, I am home for a few days. I'm going to go back to work on Monday. In the meantime, I'm feeling a little tired. I think I shall nap.
I passed the Blood Pressure test on the third try. See my earlier post for info on the Blood Pressure test.
Anyway, I am home for a few days. I'm going to go back to work on Monday. In the meantime, I'm feeling a little tired. I think I shall nap.
Not my Last Post
I am writing from bed 1 of Room 601 at the Sacred Heart Get-Yourself-Better Institute. It is early in the morning. I was unable to update anything yesterday because I had to lay flat on my back for about nine hours in order for my wound to heal sufficiently.
I got the catheter removed just moments ago and finally allowed to sit up.
The procedure went well in that I survived it. I am bruised, banged up and hairless.
I will get to go home today and so that is good.
We won't really know how successful the Ablation was for a while. I have been on a drug called Amiodorone, which stopped the extra beats in my heart. Now I have to be weened off it in order to figure out if the Ablation worked.
In the meantime, I have been almost completely shaved. I have a giant bruise on my groin where they inserted the Ablation hose. I woke up with a catheter and again...like last year, it is very painful to pee. Now that it's out, I can tell it won't be as bad as last year.
Additionally, my lips are bruised. I assume that is from whatever tubuals they jammed down my throat.
The picture really doesn't show it that well.
As soon as I can pass the blood pressure test, they will set me free.
First they take my blood pressure while I'm flat on my back. (151/73) Then they take it while I am sitting up. (140/73) Finally, they take my blood pressure while standing. (95/72) The top number needs to be with 20 points for all three reading.
I've done it twice and waiting for another try. I'll eat some breakfast first.
I got the catheter removed just moments ago and finally allowed to sit up.
The procedure went well in that I survived it. I am bruised, banged up and hairless.
I will get to go home today and so that is good.
We won't really know how successful the Ablation was for a while. I have been on a drug called Amiodorone, which stopped the extra beats in my heart. Now I have to be weened off it in order to figure out if the Ablation worked.
In the meantime, I have been almost completely shaved. I have a giant bruise on my groin where they inserted the Ablation hose. I woke up with a catheter and again...like last year, it is very painful to pee. Now that it's out, I can tell it won't be as bad as last year.
Additionally, my lips are bruised. I assume that is from whatever tubuals they jammed down my throat.
As soon as I can pass the blood pressure test, they will set me free.
First they take my blood pressure while I'm flat on my back. (151/73) Then they take it while I am sitting up. (140/73) Finally, they take my blood pressure while standing. (95/72) The top number needs to be with 20 points for all three reading.
I've done it twice and waiting for another try. I'll eat some breakfast first.
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
My Last Post?
I am about to walk out the door where Susan will drive me down to Sacred Heart Medical Center for my Ablation procedure. The procedure is scheduled for around 11:00 and I have to report in at 8:00.
It remains to be seen if I will be back home tonight, tomorrow or never again.
Let's try not to be negative.
It remains to be seen if I will be back home tonight, tomorrow or never again.
Let's try not to be negative.
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Dive In Movie Night
We have a busy weekend in front of us with lots of social gatherings to attend. The first was last night. Our neighbors were having a pool party. The theme was "Dive In Movie". They hauled a big screen TV out to the patio and after some socializing, we all watched "Jaws".
It was a great evening and here are some pictures.
Here are some more pictures
The one odd weather event for the night was smoke. It had been a beautiful clear day all day until about five o'clock. Then the smoke blew in thick and heavy and obliterated the sun. It really cooled everything down which was nice, but it was kind of odd. Towards the end of the movie, you could start to see the moon, but here is what it looked like.
Our next event for Saturday evening was a trip to the Spokane River in the valley for Chuck O'Connor's birthday. I met Chuck and Maggie years ago when I bar tended in the valley. We go to their summer party every year and it's always a great time.
Unfortunately, I got a call from Maggie today and she was wondering why we didn't make the party. It was last night!
DAMN!!! We missed it!
If she had not called, we would have gone out there and showed up and realized we were idiots.
In the meantime, it is Saturday afternoon right now...about 2:00. I have been watering and Susan is out with my Mom playing with jewelry.
We have a guy here working on the roof. Just some minor repairs to the Carriage House and some wind damage to the main house roof. The guy's name is Mitchell and I've known him since before he was borned. He is the son of our buddy Mark, whom we have mentioned and chronicled here on many occasions.
Here are some more pictures.
So, that's our day.
It was a great evening and here are some pictures.
Unfortunately, I got a call from Maggie today and she was wondering why we didn't make the party. It was last night!
DAMN!!! We missed it!
If she had not called, we would have gone out there and showed up and realized we were idiots.
In the meantime, it is Saturday afternoon right now...about 2:00. I have been watering and Susan is out with my Mom playing with jewelry.
We have a guy here working on the roof. Just some minor repairs to the Carriage House and some wind damage to the main house roof. The guy's name is Mitchell and I've known him since before he was borned. He is the son of our buddy Mark, whom we have mentioned and chronicled here on many occasions.
Here are some more pictures.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Walk About Report
I have been walking a lot lately. Well, a lot for me. I go out at lunch and do a mile. It's very very hot out and it looks like that condition is expected to continue. That adds to the difficulty of the walk.
Basically, I walk down to the store or a fast food place, have some lunch, and walk back. I know that it's a mile, down and back.
I need to go to the grocery store more and stay away from the fast food. One of the nurses at the hospital told me that if the food comes to me through a window, I should not be eating it.
Of course, I am still not able to drive so nothing is coming to me through a window. However, the counter that is attached to the window is the same thing.
I will say that I am noticing that the pain in my hips that I have complained about is not as severe. That means I am improving. Improvement is good. Therefore, I am good!
For the second day in a row, I took the bus home from work. It takes about an hour AND I get to walk some more. The bus has sure been crowded. It's hard to get a seat to yourself. I lucked out today but not so much yesterday.
Basically, I walk down to the store or a fast food place, have some lunch, and walk back. I know that it's a mile, down and back.
I need to go to the grocery store more and stay away from the fast food. One of the nurses at the hospital told me that if the food comes to me through a window, I should not be eating it.
Of course, I am still not able to drive so nothing is coming to me through a window. However, the counter that is attached to the window is the same thing.
I will say that I am noticing that the pain in my hips that I have complained about is not as severe. That means I am improving. Improvement is good. Therefore, I am good!
For the second day in a row, I took the bus home from work. It takes about an hour AND I get to walk some more. The bus has sure been crowded. It's hard to get a seat to yourself. I lucked out today but not so much yesterday.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Friday, July 28, 2017
Squirrel Head
It has been just over a month since "the event" that put me in the hospital. It's been a long month. I still can't drive which is really driving me crazy, (great pun) which is weird cuz I can't drive.
I just returned from a lunchtime walk down to the grocery store. I figure it's a mile trip down and back and that feels pretty good. It's hot today, hell...it's been hot for weeks now, which makes the walk a little more challenging.
I have no problem with the walk but I start to feel some soreness or stiffness in my hips...more specifically, my butt dimples. That's right, I have butt dimples! I'm referring to the sides of my butt.
While down at Albertson's, I ran into a character I have seen around town for many years. He is an older gentleman with a gray close cropped beard and mustache. I tried to take a picture of him but it's hard to do and be inconspicuous.
This guy catches my attention because he has the worst wig in the world. It is this giant sandy blond squirrel that sits on his head so unnaturally that it is immediately apparent that it is a wig.
I kind of followed behind him in the store and got the wonderful show of watching peoples expressions as he passed by them. They all did a double take and then a small slight smile appeared on the faces. It was great.
I just returned from a lunchtime walk down to the grocery store. I figure it's a mile trip down and back and that feels pretty good. It's hot today, hell...it's been hot for weeks now, which makes the walk a little more challenging.
I have no problem with the walk but I start to feel some soreness or stiffness in my hips...more specifically, my butt dimples. That's right, I have butt dimples! I'm referring to the sides of my butt.
While down at Albertson's, I ran into a character I have seen around town for many years. He is an older gentleman with a gray close cropped beard and mustache. I tried to take a picture of him but it's hard to do and be inconspicuous.
This guy catches my attention because he has the worst wig in the world. It is this giant sandy blond squirrel that sits on his head so unnaturally that it is immediately apparent that it is a wig.
I kind of followed behind him in the store and got the wonderful show of watching peoples expressions as he passed by them. They all did a double take and then a small slight smile appeared on the faces. It was great.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Waiting for Ablation
August Eighth is the date set for the Ablation. In the meantime, I am stable and going to work. There is however, a difficulty that is difficult in it's difficultness. I am not allowed to drive.
It really sucks!
I have to think about everywhere I go and how I am going to get there.
Fortunately, a fellow employee at work lives near me and offered to drive me to work and back. That's a big load off Susan. And it saves me from riding the bus.
Even the bus isn't that bad. My only objection to taking the bus is that I'm soooo much better than all those people. (Did I say that out loud?) No, my problem with the bus is the extra time it takes. My 20 minute car ride to work takes an hour on the bus.
But, I think it is for the best that I do not drive until we are sure I'm not going to pass out in the drivers' seat. I don't mind killing myself as much as taking out someone else with me.
Even the bus isn't that bad. My only objection to taking the bus is that I'm soooo much better than all those people. (Did I say that out loud?) No, my problem with the bus is the extra time it takes. My 20 minute car ride to work takes an hour on the bus.
But, I think it is for the best that I do not drive until we are sure I'm not going to pass out in the drivers' seat. I don't mind killing myself as much as taking out someone else with me.
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Lazy, Hazy, Crazy
It's a lazy weekend around the house as we, me mostly, are not able to do much.
I have determined that I should lay off the coffee. I am experiencing some slight dizzy spells and the only difference between today and the whole rest of this past week is that I had coffee this morning.
Our friends Arnie and Haley are in town from San Francisco for their annual trip to Priest Lake. We had planned to go up and spend a couple of days with them but I don't think we should be that far away from medical care, should the need arise.
We went to a baseball game last night and watched the Indians lose in the last inning. The closing pitcher threw nine pitches before being removed and eight of those pitches were balls.
With the bases loaded, a guy hit a nice solid double and two runs came in to take the lead.
Even with all that, it was a nice evening out with long time friends on a wonderful warm summer evening.
I have determined that I should lay off the coffee. I am experiencing some slight dizzy spells and the only difference between today and the whole rest of this past week is that I had coffee this morning.
Our friends Arnie and Haley are in town from San Francisco for their annual trip to Priest Lake. We had planned to go up and spend a couple of days with them but I don't think we should be that far away from medical care, should the need arise.
We went to a baseball game last night and watched the Indians lose in the last inning. The closing pitcher threw nine pitches before being removed and eight of those pitches were balls.
With the bases loaded, a guy hit a nice solid double and two runs came in to take the lead.
Even with all that, it was a nice evening out with long time friends on a wonderful warm summer evening.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Happy Independence Day
It is the last day of our four day holiday and again, we are hanging close to home. We have friends coming over for dinner and then we are going to go downtown and watch the fireworks.
Yesterday was a little more shaky for me than usual. I felt much closer to dizziness than in I have. I laid down for a little nap mid day and felt better after that.
We went over to the pool again yesterday and hung out for a couple of hours.
Other than that, Susan has been cleaning and I have been napping.
I'm trying to help out w\here I can but it's pretty limited right now and not really all that helpful.
Updates to follow as needed.
We invited Kelly and Ron for dinner, followed by a trip downtown to watch the fireworks.
Rather than ride the bikes downtown, we decided to drive because of infirmed me. With my unreliable stability and dizzy issues, it did make seem prudent to ride bikes.
So we drove down, paid the ten bucks to get into the Arena Parking Lot and then set up camp. It wasn't as great being that far away from the pyrotechnics, but it was good enough. And for this summer, at least the next few weeks, good enough is good enough.
Yesterday was a little more shaky for me than usual. I felt much closer to dizziness than in I have. I laid down for a little nap mid day and felt better after that.
We went over to the pool again yesterday and hung out for a couple of hours.
Other than that, Susan has been cleaning and I have been napping.
I'm trying to help out w\here I can but it's pretty limited right now and not really all that helpful.
Updates to follow as needed.
We invited Kelly and Ron for dinner, followed by a trip downtown to watch the fireworks.
Rather than ride the bikes downtown, we decided to drive because of infirmed me. With my unreliable stability and dizzy issues, it did make seem prudent to ride bikes.
So we drove down, paid the ten bucks to get into the Arena Parking Lot and then set up camp. It wasn't as great being that far away from the pyrotechnics, but it was good enough. And for this summer, at least the next few weeks, good enough is good enough.
Sunday, July 2, 2017
Holiday Hanging Out
This is Day Two of the Independence Day Four Day Holiday Hangin' Weekend. At least that is what Susan and I are doing. Hangin'! Cuz we're soooooo hip.
We have no big plans for the weekend other than hanging close to home. We had a couple of offers to go to the lake and we usually go canoeing on the Little Spokane River on July Fourth.
Because of extenuating circumstances that make us want to be near medical facilities if the need arises, we are just hanging out here at the estate on Corbin Park...a mere 15 minutes from the hospital.
Fortunately, no need for the hospital has yet come to pass. I went to work on Friday and had no major issues. We both worked around the yard yesterday and Susan mowed. She hasn't had to do that in a good 10 years.
I'm feeling a little run down today so I'm taking it easy. I have just awoken from a short nap where I believe I actually slept.
We are about to head across the street to visit our neighbors, Tammy and Lou. They have a pool. Not a white trash pool. An actual hole in the ground pool with many hundreds of gallons in it, heated to a delightful 79.8 degrees.
Then we are going to go to dinner with Mom and celebrate her birthday, which was yesterday. So that's the latest from here.
Happy Fireworks!
We have no big plans for the weekend other than hanging close to home. We had a couple of offers to go to the lake and we usually go canoeing on the Little Spokane River on July Fourth.
Because of extenuating circumstances that make us want to be near medical facilities if the need arises, we are just hanging out here at the estate on Corbin Park...a mere 15 minutes from the hospital.
Fortunately, no need for the hospital has yet come to pass. I went to work on Friday and had no major issues. We both worked around the yard yesterday and Susan mowed. She hasn't had to do that in a good 10 years.
I'm feeling a little run down today so I'm taking it easy. I have just awoken from a short nap where I believe I actually slept.
We are about to head across the street to visit our neighbors, Tammy and Lou. They have a pool. Not a white trash pool. An actual hole in the ground pool with many hundreds of gallons in it, heated to a delightful 79.8 degrees.
Happy Fireworks!
Friday, June 30, 2017
Back to Work?
I am writing from the comfort of the very chair where the last hideous week began from on unto. Yup! I'm back at work.
I am going to have a very difficult month coming up because I cannot drive. By Doctor's orders, I am forbidden from driving until one month after the Ablation...which has not yet been scheduled.
The really difficult part will be to keep a civil tongue in my head while Susan chauffeurs me around. Let me say upfront that she is not a bad driver. She is in fact, a very good driver. But she is a very cautious drivers. Too cautious for my sensibilities.
As we were hurtling towards Liberty Lake in the 70 MPH zone at 60, I was screaming in my head to SPEED UP!
But I didn't. That is not my place. My place is in the Passenger Seat. SO SPEED THE HELL UP!
I stayed home yesterday simply because I was unsure of how I would do back in the world. I puttered around the house, did some light cleaning, a few little projects and I did okay. I'm ready to face the world of gainful employment.
I am going to have a very difficult month coming up because I cannot drive. By Doctor's orders, I am forbidden from driving until one month after the Ablation...which has not yet been scheduled.
The really difficult part will be to keep a civil tongue in my head while Susan chauffeurs me around. Let me say upfront that she is not a bad driver. She is in fact, a very good driver. But she is a very cautious drivers. Too cautious for my sensibilities.
As we were hurtling towards Liberty Lake in the 70 MPH zone at 60, I was screaming in my head to SPEED UP!
But I didn't. That is not my place. My place is in the Passenger Seat. SO SPEED THE HELL UP!
I stayed home yesterday simply because I was unsure of how I would do back in the world. I puttered around the house, did some light cleaning, a few little projects and I did okay. I'm ready to face the world of gainful employment.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Freedom
It is just after 7:00AM and I am hoping breakfast will be coming along soon. That will hopefully be followed by discharge, but nobody has been in here to provide any of that information.
Dr. B. was just in and getting me out is in process. Still no date on an Ablation.
11:55AM: FREE AT LAST! You know the rest.
We have just arrived home and it is nice to be free. I can pee into a toilet. I'm not tethered to an IV pole. There is not a large challenged man snoring two feet away from me.
I think it is time for a nap!
Dr. B. was just in and getting me out is in process. Still no date on an Ablation.
11:55AM: FREE AT LAST! You know the rest.
We have just arrived home and it is nice to be free. I can pee into a toilet. I'm not tethered to an IV pole. There is not a large challenged man snoring two feet away from me.
I think it is time for a nap!
Hospital Summer Camp - Day LAST
Just to make everything perfect for this visit before I get out of the hospital, I have been visited by my old friend Gout.
I felt the first twinge of pain in my knee around 8:00 last night when Susan was here. I almost said something for her to bring my steroid pills in the morning but decided against it because I am supposed to be released in the morning. I figured that would be enough time to get the pill and counteract the onset of gout.
It is now 3:00AM...barely seven hours since I first felt its wrath, and it is in nearly full bloom.
My hope is to get out of here early and get to one of my pills.
In the meantime, I am battling the snores of my roommate, Timothy. He has had lots of respiratory treatments throughout the day and as night fell, it seemed like they might have helped. His snoring early in the evening was pretty mild.
But he has blossomed into his full potential now and there is not much sleep going on in Bed 2 here in Room 655.
Timothy just walked past me on his way to the bathroom. He did not alert the nurse like he is supposed to and it sounds like he (or a horse) is peeing into the toilet rather than the plastic bottle they use to measure our output.
The other distressing thing is that he has already peed all over the floor by his bed and when he has gone into the bathroom, he is not terribly accurate.
Yup! I just went in there to check and someone needs to call housekeeping. I'm just glad I have already made use of the facilities.
So...Medically, the plan is to discharge me this morning. The earlier the better. Dr. Byazrova has decided I need an Ablation, which is what I have wanted as well.
So they will send me home stabilized with the addition of Amneoderone, the drug that stabilizes my PVC's. I can go back to work whilst we wait for a date. Dr. B said it would be within three weeks.
Okay, I'm either going to try and lay back down for a while or call up a movie on Netflix.
I felt the first twinge of pain in my knee around 8:00 last night when Susan was here. I almost said something for her to bring my steroid pills in the morning but decided against it because I am supposed to be released in the morning. I figured that would be enough time to get the pill and counteract the onset of gout.
It is now 3:00AM...barely seven hours since I first felt its wrath, and it is in nearly full bloom.
My hope is to get out of here early and get to one of my pills.
In the meantime, I am battling the snores of my roommate, Timothy. He has had lots of respiratory treatments throughout the day and as night fell, it seemed like they might have helped. His snoring early in the evening was pretty mild.
But he has blossomed into his full potential now and there is not much sleep going on in Bed 2 here in Room 655.
Timothy just walked past me on his way to the bathroom. He did not alert the nurse like he is supposed to and it sounds like he (or a horse) is peeing into the toilet rather than the plastic bottle they use to measure our output.
The other distressing thing is that he has already peed all over the floor by his bed and when he has gone into the bathroom, he is not terribly accurate.
Yup! I just went in there to check and someone needs to call housekeeping. I'm just glad I have already made use of the facilities.
So...Medically, the plan is to discharge me this morning. The earlier the better. Dr. Byazrova has decided I need an Ablation, which is what I have wanted as well.
So they will send me home stabilized with the addition of Amneoderone, the drug that stabilizes my PVC's. I can go back to work whilst we wait for a date. Dr. B said it would be within three weeks.
Okay, I'm either going to try and lay back down for a while or call up a movie on Netflix.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Hospital Summer Camp - Day 4
I had a very long night. This must be what it's like for Susan to sleep with me.
My neighbor Tim can fall asleep in two seconds and the snoring is atrocious. He has sleep apnea so he will be very quiet for several seconds, followed by a gigantic snoring inhale at a very high level of sound. And that goes on all night.
I'm sure I dozed but I do not feel like I got a lot of sleep. Certainly not a good nights' sleep.
The rumor for today is they are sending me home. They cannot arrange a lab to perform a procedure on me. Since I am stable and have not been shocked, they feel comfortable sending me home and having me come back at a later date.
All of that is conjecture at this point because I have not yet talked to Dr. Byazrova, who is holding all the cards.
I am reminded that this is pretty much the exact script from last summer when I went home for three days and then came back to the E.R. in the middle of the night with a heart rate of 160.
Then I spent eight days here waiting for a procedure to be arranged.
It is now approaching 11:00AM and we still know nothing more.
Timothy continues in his natural state of sleeping all through the day while snoring as loud and as annoyingly as possible.
My neighbor Tim can fall asleep in two seconds and the snoring is atrocious. He has sleep apnea so he will be very quiet for several seconds, followed by a gigantic snoring inhale at a very high level of sound. And that goes on all night.
I'm sure I dozed but I do not feel like I got a lot of sleep. Certainly not a good nights' sleep.
The rumor for today is they are sending me home. They cannot arrange a lab to perform a procedure on me. Since I am stable and have not been shocked, they feel comfortable sending me home and having me come back at a later date.
All of that is conjecture at this point because I have not yet talked to Dr. Byazrova, who is holding all the cards.
I am reminded that this is pretty much the exact script from last summer when I went home for three days and then came back to the E.R. in the middle of the night with a heart rate of 160.
Then I spent eight days here waiting for a procedure to be arranged.
It is now approaching 11:00AM and we still know nothing more.
Timothy continues in his natural state of sleeping all through the day while snoring as loud and as annoyingly as possible.
Monday, June 26, 2017
Hospital Summer Camp, Day Three
I woke up about 1:15 last night when my chest exploded on me. My defib went off again and it is certainly an unpleasant way to wake up.
They gave me a pill that calmed the PVC's and now as 9AM is approaching, I've had no further repercussions.
I lost my roommate yesterday and have had this place to myself for the last twelve hours.
That has just ended with the arrival of a very large man in his 30's named Timothy who might have pneumonia. He is very difficult to understand. He might have only a partial tongue. Plus he only has one level of speaking which is LOUD.
It just keeps getting better.
As for the plans for me, we are hoping for a procedure. Whether the procedure is an EP study, a heart cath or an Ablation remains to be seen.
So I shall continue to sit here and wait.
They gave me a pill that calmed the PVC's and now as 9AM is approaching, I've had no further repercussions.
I lost my roommate yesterday and have had this place to myself for the last twelve hours.
That has just ended with the arrival of a very large man in his 30's named Timothy who might have pneumonia. He is very difficult to understand. He might have only a partial tongue. Plus he only has one level of speaking which is LOUD.
It just keeps getting better.
As for the plans for me, we are hoping for a procedure. Whether the procedure is an EP study, a heart cath or an Ablation remains to be seen.
So I shall continue to sit here and wait.
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Summer of 17 in the Hospital, Day Too
When I woke up this morning, they told me not to eat anything. There was the possibility of a procedure scheduled for 12:30. But that didn't happen.
Instead they took me down into the bowls of the hospital for a stress test around 8:30. This was a Nuclear Stress Test. The procedure is to put me under this camera that takes a panoramic series of pictures of my heart. Then they put me on a treadmill, get my heart rate up to 136 and inject me with something radioactive. That way, it really lights up my stressed heart when they put me back under the camera for a second series of photos.
I told them it was unlikely my heart rate would get to 136 because of the statin drugs I am on. When I work out at the gym, the best I have ever achieved is 110 beats per minute.
They agreed it would probably be difficult and decided to shoot me up with a drug that tricks my heart into thinking it's going at 136 and then complete the stress test that way.
The over/under of it all is that my heart looks no different from last summer. I have no blockages or closures. So that is good to know.
The rumor now is that I will go in tomorrow for an Electro Physical Study. They call it an E.P. Study. They go in just as if I was having an Ablation and try to tickle my heart to make the PVC beats that have been causing me all this trouble.
I don't know exactly when that will happen but they are denying food after midnight. So that's a good sign.
Instead they took me down into the bowls of the hospital for a stress test around 8:30. This was a Nuclear Stress Test. The procedure is to put me under this camera that takes a panoramic series of pictures of my heart. Then they put me on a treadmill, get my heart rate up to 136 and inject me with something radioactive. That way, it really lights up my stressed heart when they put me back under the camera for a second series of photos.
I told them it was unlikely my heart rate would get to 136 because of the statin drugs I am on. When I work out at the gym, the best I have ever achieved is 110 beats per minute.
They agreed it would probably be difficult and decided to shoot me up with a drug that tricks my heart into thinking it's going at 136 and then complete the stress test that way.
The over/under of it all is that my heart looks no different from last summer. I have no blockages or closures. So that is good to know.
The rumor now is that I will go in tomorrow for an Electro Physical Study. They call it an E.P. Study. They go in just as if I was having an Ablation and try to tickle my heart to make the PVC beats that have been causing me all this trouble.
I don't know exactly when that will happen but they are denying food after midnight. So that's a good sign.
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Back in the Pital
It is 6:37 AM. I am writing from bed two of hospital room 655 at Sacred Heart Medical Center.
I was brought in yesterday by ambulance from work.
I was sitting at my desk discussing a job with Laura and Emily when I suddenly became dizzy. I warned them I was having a dizzy spell and the next thing I knew, Laura was propping me up with my face in her side.
I passed out and my defibrillator went off...twice.
They called 911, the Paramedics showed up and it was decided to take me to the E.R.
My heart is trying to relive last summer when I spent a good portion of my vacation time in the hospital. My heart is producing PVC's...extra heart beats, that make the heart much less efficient.
I think they have PVC's under control now and the goal for today is to figure out what they are going to do with me.
When I know more, you'll know more.
It's now 7:30 and I just finished reviewing all my posts from last June, July and August. I was quite prolific then as most of the time was spent in the hospital and I had nothing to do but write a blog.
It was a good thing to do however because I have forgotten a lot of the details from last year. Now I'm caught up and able to recall much of last summer's fun.
I was brought in yesterday by ambulance from work.
I was sitting at my desk discussing a job with Laura and Emily when I suddenly became dizzy. I warned them I was having a dizzy spell and the next thing I knew, Laura was propping me up with my face in her side.
I passed out and my defibrillator went off...twice.
They called 911, the Paramedics showed up and it was decided to take me to the E.R.
My heart is trying to relive last summer when I spent a good portion of my vacation time in the hospital. My heart is producing PVC's...extra heart beats, that make the heart much less efficient.
I think they have PVC's under control now and the goal for today is to figure out what they are going to do with me.
When I know more, you'll know more.
It's now 7:30 and I just finished reviewing all my posts from last June, July and August. I was quite prolific then as most of the time was spent in the hospital and I had nothing to do but write a blog.
It was a good thing to do however because I have forgotten a lot of the details from last year. Now I'm caught up and able to recall much of last summer's fun.
Monday, June 5, 2017
Bike to Work 1
For the first time this season, I rode my bike to work today.
To refresh your memory, the definition of me riding my bike to work is that I ride my bike two miles downtown to catch the bus, which I then ride for the next 12 miles, and then bike the final 1/2 mile down Appleway to work.
It was pretty chilly on the ride downtown but I persevered and made the trek. I was rewarded with this beautiful view.
The river continues to run pretty high. It is getting close to getting shut down for the summer which means I have again missed some prime white water canoeing.
Today is also the day they decided to start a major road project out here at Liberty Lake. I think they are resurfacing Liberty Lake Drive, which is the first busy cross street you come to upon exiting the freeway.
It took 20 minutes to travel the last half mile off the freeway. It's going to be a long summer.
When it came time to head for home, I left early to head of to the Park & Ride. That way I will be assured of getting my bicycle a place on the rack...which only holds two bikes.
Because of the traffic, the bus was 20 minutes late. There was no quick way out of Liberty Lake at 4:30.
When I got on the bus, there was nobody on it. As we passed all the stops on the way out of the Double L's, nobody got on. It was just the Bus Driver and me.
As it turned out, the Driver was a guy I know through Susan. His name is Jax and Susan used to work with him at Catered4You.
We had a great time talking and driving the bus to downtown.
To refresh your memory, the definition of me riding my bike to work is that I ride my bike two miles downtown to catch the bus, which I then ride for the next 12 miles, and then bike the final 1/2 mile down Appleway to work.
It was pretty chilly on the ride downtown but I persevered and made the trek. I was rewarded with this beautiful view.
Today is also the day they decided to start a major road project out here at Liberty Lake. I think they are resurfacing Liberty Lake Drive, which is the first busy cross street you come to upon exiting the freeway.
It took 20 minutes to travel the last half mile off the freeway. It's going to be a long summer.
When it came time to head for home, I left early to head of to the Park & Ride. That way I will be assured of getting my bicycle a place on the rack...which only holds two bikes.
Because of the traffic, the bus was 20 minutes late. There was no quick way out of Liberty Lake at 4:30.
When I got on the bus, there was nobody on it. As we passed all the stops on the way out of the Double L's, nobody got on. It was just the Bus Driver and me.
As it turned out, the Driver was a guy I know through Susan. His name is Jax and Susan used to work with him at Catered4You.
We had a great time talking and driving the bus to downtown.
Friday, May 12, 2017
Gout Break Again
After work yesterday, I went to a friends house to help with some yard clean up. My friend Gail, is someone I grew up with. Our parents were friends and we all grew up together out at the lake in the summer and on the ski hill in the winter.
She has a bunch of trees that need to be pruned back and I agreed to help her. I was only there for a couple of hours and by the time I was leaving, my feet were pretty painful and I felt just a twinge of knee pain in my right knee.
By the time I got home, the knee pain was increasing and continued to get worse as the night wore on.
I assumed another gout attack and took two steroid pills when I went to bed. The pain was better this morning but I took another steroid pill just to help knock it out.
My knee feels pretty good right now although I'm back to feeling just a twinge of discomfort.
Thank the Lord I have these steroids pills. They really knock out the on set of Gout.
5:15PM: I am happy to report that any sign of gout pain in my knee is gone.
She has a bunch of trees that need to be pruned back and I agreed to help her. I was only there for a couple of hours and by the time I was leaving, my feet were pretty painful and I felt just a twinge of knee pain in my right knee.
By the time I got home, the knee pain was increasing and continued to get worse as the night wore on.
I assumed another gout attack and took two steroid pills when I went to bed. The pain was better this morning but I took another steroid pill just to help knock it out.
My knee feels pretty good right now although I'm back to feeling just a twinge of discomfort.
Thank the Lord I have these steroids pills. They really knock out the on set of Gout.
5:15PM: I am happy to report that any sign of gout pain in my knee is gone.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Nickers Report
My breathing was back to normal today. I felt good when I got up and I wasn't wheezy or short of breath.
I would also like to report that yesterday's underwear is in the garbage. Not so much from the A.G.E. damage (which was there) but because it just seemed time. They were in pretty sad shape. I keep underwear waaaaaaaay too long. I have to start winnowing out the underwear before it is past its prime.
Okay, sorry to be dealing in such unpleasant and graphic post but I gotta be me!
I would also like to report that yesterday's underwear is in the garbage. Not so much from the A.G.E. damage (which was there) but because it just seemed time. They were in pretty sad shape. I keep underwear waaaaaaaay too long. I have to start winnowing out the underwear before it is past its prime.
Okay, sorry to be dealing in such unpleasant and graphic post but I gotta be me!
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
A.G.E.'s
Today we are going to discuss Anal Gaseous Emissions. (A.G.E.'s)
Frankly, I think "Gaseous Anal Emissions" flows better but I dislike the acronym.
Anyway, I was standing in the check out line at the grocery store buying my morning apple and assorted sundry items when a very small fart went awry. I knew instantly that I had made a little problem in my pants. Fortunately, it was not a major problem.
I got out of the store and made it to work, and a beeline to the Men's Room. Since arriving at work, I been to the bathroom several times. (Arriving at work, punching in and then heading straight to the lavatory is not the way to get Employee of the Month.)
I would like to say I have things under control now but it's a little early to make that pronouncement.
In any event, I am pleased and embarrassed to share this with you.
Additionally, I will report the continuation of my Morning Respiratory Distress. It's just hard to breath in the morning. Once I get my day going, it's not as bad.
Frankly, I think "Gaseous Anal Emissions" flows better but I dislike the acronym.
Anyway, I was standing in the check out line at the grocery store buying my morning apple and assorted sundry items when a very small fart went awry. I knew instantly that I had made a little problem in my pants. Fortunately, it was not a major problem.
I got out of the store and made it to work, and a beeline to the Men's Room. Since arriving at work, I been to the bathroom several times. (Arriving at work, punching in and then heading straight to the lavatory is not the way to get Employee of the Month.)
I would like to say I have things under control now but it's a little early to make that pronouncement.
In any event, I am pleased and embarrassed to share this with you.
Additionally, I will report the continuation of my Morning Respiratory Distress. It's just hard to breath in the morning. Once I get my day going, it's not as bad.
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Breathing is Good
I want to take this space today to take note of a breathing issue. I felt it yesterday but it was more pronounced today.
I woke up feeling wheezy and it seemed to take some effort to take a full deep breath.
I am feeling okay now and I am monitoring the condition.
I'm probably only weeks ago from being pre-emphazymic and walking around with an oxygen tank.
I woke up feeling wheezy and it seemed to take some effort to take a full deep breath.
I am feeling okay now and I am monitoring the condition.
I'm probably only weeks ago from being pre-emphazymic and walking around with an oxygen tank.
Monday, May 1, 2017
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
PF 2017-04-17
I made it in to Planet Fitness last night. I started out on a stair climber and soon realized I was way out of my league. I lasted about a minute.
I made it over to the elliptical and got to work. I was on it for 25 minutes, covered 1.43 miles and burned 250 calories.
I am heading these posts with a "PF" which stands for Planet Fitness followed by the date of the workout. That might be an easier way to identify my workout posts.
I made it over to the elliptical and got to work. I was on it for 25 minutes, covered 1.43 miles and burned 250 calories.
I am heading these posts with a "PF" which stands for Planet Fitness followed by the date of the workout. That might be an easier way to identify my workout posts.
Monday, April 17, 2017
Dr O'Connor
I had a follow up appointment today with Dr. O'Connor to check on my Gout. The quest now is to bring the Uric Acid in my blood down and try to find out what contributes to the build up of Uric Acid.
My knee feels pretty good today although there continues to be a weak feeling in the knee joint. I can lower myself on the stairs smoothly with my left knee but the weakness in my right knee will not allow me to lower to the next step smoothly. I drop hard and with a little discomfort because I don't have the strength to perform a smooth, slow decent.
I did ask for and receive another supply of Steroid pills to have on hand in case another outbreak of gout attacks me. So, the next time I feel that pain starting to build in my knee, I will inundate it with my own full frontal assault of steroids.
My knee feels pretty good today although there continues to be a weak feeling in the knee joint. I can lower myself on the stairs smoothly with my left knee but the weakness in my right knee will not allow me to lower to the next step smoothly. I drop hard and with a little discomfort because I don't have the strength to perform a smooth, slow decent.
I did ask for and receive another supply of Steroid pills to have on hand in case another outbreak of gout attacks me. So, the next time I feel that pain starting to build in my knee, I will inundate it with my own full frontal assault of steroids.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
EASTER
It's Easter Sunday. Happy Resurrection Day!
I am happy because it seems as though my gout is gone...for now. I can trundle down a set of stairs at a youthful pace. I still have an uneven cadence about it though and I don't care for that. I think that is a feature of the gout that will stay with me.
My weight went up. I'm at 217. I'm not sure what I did to make it so but I clearly made a culinary mistake somewhere.
Susan gets to end her moratorium on beer today. That means we will be having a beers at some point today and possibly at the Hub.
I'll be back with exciting tales from "Meals on Wheels", which we will be delivering after church.
Later that day: We have successfully completed the day with a little church, a little service and a lot of food.
We got to church early and Susan began setting up the copious piles of food she had prepared for the coffee hour after the service.
As tradition provides, there was a bunny cake, pictured below.
In the basement of the church, crews were diligently preparing scads of food that several volunteers delivered unto the multitude of peoples who get "Meals on Wheels".
Susan had signed me up for a route but they did not have my name when I checked in. Nonetheless, they managed to find a route for me and it could not have been better. It was one stop at an apartment building run by Catholic Charities. I had ten meals to deliver. The hardest part of the delivery was getting into the building. We had to try and call one of the meal recipients on the intercom to get the Security Doors open. It was a very cumbersome system to navigate through and every time we came close to finding a name, they did not exist in the system or they did not answer the call.
In the meantime, there was this lady sitting in the lobby of the building...not twenty feet away from us...watching us struggle to get in and she just sat there. Finally, an elderly gentleman came into the lobby area, saw us and walked over to activate the doors.
Thank you ma'am! You are very helpful.
So, we got our meals delivered and returned to the church for clean up. There was still some food delivery activity going on and I decided to pack up a few meals and deliver them to the group of perennial beggars that are stationed at the bottom of the hill below the church. I gave out four meals there and one meal down and around the corner from there. I could have given away two more meals, had I had them.
To my great surprise and relief, most of the clean up was done when I returned. I vacuumed the floor while Susan helped in the kitchen. We ended up with some lovely ham-bones and large chunks of ham that will be turned into Split Pea soup in the near future.
As the tradition continues, we went to Das Stein Haus for an Easter Buffet. There were eight of us in all and a delightful time was had.
It was approaching 3:00 when we got home. It had been a lovely day and it was holding but the forecast was threatening rain for late in the day.
We decided to try and fit our painting projects in. Susan with her shutters and I with my shelves. We were successful and did it quickly enough that we were able to include a nap prior to walking over to the Hub at 5.
All in all, a good day except for the extra pounds I expect to have added.
I am happy because it seems as though my gout is gone...for now. I can trundle down a set of stairs at a youthful pace. I still have an uneven cadence about it though and I don't care for that. I think that is a feature of the gout that will stay with me.
My weight went up. I'm at 217. I'm not sure what I did to make it so but I clearly made a culinary mistake somewhere.
Susan gets to end her moratorium on beer today. That means we will be having a beers at some point today and possibly at the Hub.
I'll be back with exciting tales from "Meals on Wheels", which we will be delivering after church.
Later that day: We have successfully completed the day with a little church, a little service and a lot of food.
We got to church early and Susan began setting up the copious piles of food she had prepared for the coffee hour after the service.
As tradition provides, there was a bunny cake, pictured below.
In the basement of the church, crews were diligently preparing scads of food that several volunteers delivered unto the multitude of peoples who get "Meals on Wheels".
Susan had signed me up for a route but they did not have my name when I checked in. Nonetheless, they managed to find a route for me and it could not have been better. It was one stop at an apartment building run by Catholic Charities. I had ten meals to deliver. The hardest part of the delivery was getting into the building. We had to try and call one of the meal recipients on the intercom to get the Security Doors open. It was a very cumbersome system to navigate through and every time we came close to finding a name, they did not exist in the system or they did not answer the call.
In the meantime, there was this lady sitting in the lobby of the building...not twenty feet away from us...watching us struggle to get in and she just sat there. Finally, an elderly gentleman came into the lobby area, saw us and walked over to activate the doors.
Thank you ma'am! You are very helpful.
So, we got our meals delivered and returned to the church for clean up. There was still some food delivery activity going on and I decided to pack up a few meals and deliver them to the group of perennial beggars that are stationed at the bottom of the hill below the church. I gave out four meals there and one meal down and around the corner from there. I could have given away two more meals, had I had them.
To my great surprise and relief, most of the clean up was done when I returned. I vacuumed the floor while Susan helped in the kitchen. We ended up with some lovely ham-bones and large chunks of ham that will be turned into Split Pea soup in the near future.
As the tradition continues, we went to Das Stein Haus for an Easter Buffet. There were eight of us in all and a delightful time was had.
It was approaching 3:00 when we got home. It had been a lovely day and it was holding but the forecast was threatening rain for late in the day.
We decided to try and fit our painting projects in. Susan with her shutters and I with my shelves. We were successful and did it quickly enough that we were able to include a nap prior to walking over to the Hub at 5.
All in all, a good day except for the extra pounds I expect to have added.
Friday, April 14, 2017
214.1
Last night, Susan and I attended Maundy Thursday services at our church and then went to Planet Fitness for a little exercise.
It was her first time and I'm not sure how impressed she was. She got on the elliptical next to me and we went 30 minutes. I quit just short of thirty minutes when my display said I had burned 300 calories.
She didn't think the elliptical is the machine for her and next time will probably use a treadmill.
Afterward, we went home and soaked in the hot tub. We have used the hot tub more in the last two weeks than we have all winter. I need to drain it and change out the water but I haven't been able to schedule a good time to do it. Draining it means it is down for two days and THAT is when I will really want to use it.
I left the house without breakfast this morning and just thought to myself that I would stop at Burger King and get a Croissandwich. Then I remembered that I am not eating that way any longer. Once I came to that realization, I was fine with not having the death burger for breakfast.
As you can see from todays' header, the meal plan is working. I'm not calling it a diet because a diet indicates eating a certain way until one has lost weight. My plan is to eat this way consistently in order to get to my ideal weight...and stay there.
What is my ideal weight? That's a good question. I think it is around 200 poundages.
It was her first time and I'm not sure how impressed she was. She got on the elliptical next to me and we went 30 minutes. I quit just short of thirty minutes when my display said I had burned 300 calories.
She didn't think the elliptical is the machine for her and next time will probably use a treadmill.
Afterward, we went home and soaked in the hot tub. We have used the hot tub more in the last two weeks than we have all winter. I need to drain it and change out the water but I haven't been able to schedule a good time to do it. Draining it means it is down for two days and THAT is when I will really want to use it.
I left the house without breakfast this morning and just thought to myself that I would stop at Burger King and get a Croissandwich. Then I remembered that I am not eating that way any longer. Once I came to that realization, I was fine with not having the death burger for breakfast.
As you can see from todays' header, the meal plan is working. I'm not calling it a diet because a diet indicates eating a certain way until one has lost weight. My plan is to eat this way consistently in order to get to my ideal weight...and stay there.
What is my ideal weight? That's a good question. I think it is around 200 poundages.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
216.4
I'm not very good about going to Planet Fitness. The best I seem to be able to do is attend twice in a row. Then I miss many days.
I went on Tuesday and met Mark. He got on the Elliptical next to me and soon passed my distance. I left after 30 minutes so I'm not sure what Mark did after that.
Last night, I was feeling really tired. I went to the Emerson-Garfield Neighborhood Meeting and was fine through that. But when I got home and sat down in front of the tube, I started to drift.
We ended up going to bed at 10:30 in the middle of a show. I recorded it so we can come back and finish at our convenience.
I have been doing a pretty good job of following my diet plan the last few days and it has paid off with weight loss. Nothing dramatic, a pound or so a day.
The tough part now is that I want a burger or something. I have to fight that urge and stay on track. I think I will burn through the craving phase. At least, I'm hoping I will burn through the craving phase.
I went on Tuesday and met Mark. He got on the Elliptical next to me and soon passed my distance. I left after 30 minutes so I'm not sure what Mark did after that.
Last night, I was feeling really tired. I went to the Emerson-Garfield Neighborhood Meeting and was fine through that. But when I got home and sat down in front of the tube, I started to drift.
We ended up going to bed at 10:30 in the middle of a show. I recorded it so we can come back and finish at our convenience.
I have been doing a pretty good job of following my diet plan the last few days and it has paid off with weight loss. Nothing dramatic, a pound or so a day.
The tough part now is that I want a burger or something. I have to fight that urge and stay on track. I think I will burn through the craving phase. At least, I'm hoping I will burn through the craving phase.
Monday, April 10, 2017
218 pounds and Losing
I made it to the new Planet Fitness on Northwest Blvd after work and did thirty minutes on the Cross Country Elliptical. It was tough but I made it. I covered 1.81 miles and burned just over 300 calories. I am hoping to watch that number increase as I report it here. Of course, I may be lying...but that would defeat the purpose of the stupid blog.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
It's Baaaa-ack!!!
As I sit in front of the computer with my morning coffee (heavily adulterated with Bailey's Irish Cream), I am forced to ponder if the return of my gout knee has anything to do with my heavily adulterated coffee.
Yup! The gout is back and it really pisses me off. I have altered my diet to remove beer and sweets and grains, However, I have had lots of protein (meats) and that is probably where the purines are coming from.
It sure is frustrating. Yesterday I could walk, today...not so much.
8:58PM: The difference in the way I feel right now as opposed to how I felt this morning is astonishing. I am astonished. The astonishment I feel cannot be measured on an Astonishometer.
I believe the reason for the change is the two steroid tablets I took this morning. I had three tablets left over from the Z-Pack Dr. O'Connor prescribed for me last month. I took two this morning and I will take the last one tonight before I go to bed.
Being able to walk again without a limp is very encouraging to me to buckle down and do something with my diet to keep gout away.
Unfortunately, I am finding that the dietary change I am trying to make may collide directly into an anti-gout, anti-heart disease diet that I should also be following.
For now, I'm going to continue to eat eggs in the morning, along with the occasional slice of bacon or a slice of ham.
However, I am happy to report for now that I can walk again. And climb stairs. And bend over and pick things up. You know...like a five year old!
Yup! The gout is back and it really pisses me off. I have altered my diet to remove beer and sweets and grains, However, I have had lots of protein (meats) and that is probably where the purines are coming from.
It sure is frustrating. Yesterday I could walk, today...not so much.
8:58PM: The difference in the way I feel right now as opposed to how I felt this morning is astonishing. I am astonished. The astonishment I feel cannot be measured on an Astonishometer.
I believe the reason for the change is the two steroid tablets I took this morning. I had three tablets left over from the Z-Pack Dr. O'Connor prescribed for me last month. I took two this morning and I will take the last one tonight before I go to bed.
Being able to walk again without a limp is very encouraging to me to buckle down and do something with my diet to keep gout away.
Unfortunately, I am finding that the dietary change I am trying to make may collide directly into an anti-gout, anti-heart disease diet that I should also be following.
For now, I'm going to continue to eat eggs in the morning, along with the occasional slice of bacon or a slice of ham.
However, I am happy to report for now that I can walk again. And climb stairs. And bend over and pick things up. You know...like a five year old!
Friday, March 31, 2017
Final Ski Day 2017
I managed to get in one more day of skiing today.
I took the afternoon off and along with my co-worker Don, we went up to Mt Spokane and skied.
It looked like a beautiful day when I checked the webcams but the clouds had moved in by the time we got up there at 1:00PM.
Nonetheless, a bad day on the slopes is better than a good day at work.
We skied nine runs and pretty much covered the whole hill.
The back side was the best snow but the B-29 on the waaaay front side was very enjoyable as well.
Here is a picture that Don took. His camera has this cool panoramic feature that stitches several photos into one.
When they told us last run, Don and I hiked up to the Vista House at the very top of the mountain and drank a couple of beers he had brought along. I have not had a beer in several weeks and I was a little reluctant to have one. But I decided that two beers are not going to bring on the gout, and if they do, I really need to know that.
They tasted really great...especially that first sip.
After the beers and the view, we made our last run on the B-29. I do not know why, but it is my favorite run on Mt. Spokane. It represents some distant, childhood fond memory that I cannot explain. I have always enjoyed the B-29. Perhaps it is a subconscious love of old war planes.
Now that I am home, it is time to hit the hot tub and try to soothe the aching muscles.
I took the afternoon off and along with my co-worker Don, we went up to Mt Spokane and skied.
It looked like a beautiful day when I checked the webcams but the clouds had moved in by the time we got up there at 1:00PM.
Nonetheless, a bad day on the slopes is better than a good day at work.
We skied nine runs and pretty much covered the whole hill.
The back side was the best snow but the B-29 on the waaaay front side was very enjoyable as well.
Here is a picture that Don took. His camera has this cool panoramic feature that stitches several photos into one.
They tasted really great...especially that first sip.
After the beers and the view, we made our last run on the B-29. I do not know why, but it is my favorite run on Mt. Spokane. It represents some distant, childhood fond memory that I cannot explain. I have always enjoyed the B-29. Perhaps it is a subconscious love of old war planes.
Now that I am home, it is time to hit the hot tub and try to soothe the aching muscles.
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