December BP

 

Outdoor Walkin’

There is finally a break in the rain. I’m not sure how long it will last. My Weather App indicates we have two days with no rain. I took advantage of the semi-clear skies and 35° temperature to take a walk around the park. I think it’s the first time I’ve actually walked outside in two months.

The walk was good. I completed the mile but boy, do my hips get achy. It’s not painful. It’s an achy soreness. It’s a discomfort that makes it difficult to walk.

Once I lose the ability to walk a mile, I’m going to be thinking the end is near.

It looks like we will get some snow on New Year’s Day. I hope that happens. I would like to see some snow.

Mt Spokane looks real nice today for the first time in weeks. They got three inches overnight and it looks like there is a good crowd up there today. But not me.

I filled up the bird feeder this morning as well as the squirrel feeder. I checked my rain gauge and it held two and a half inches of water. I told you it has been coming down.

It looks like it’s going to be a mellow day around the house for me. Susan, on the other hand, is cooking away…preparing her annual, traditional New Year’s Eve meal of Hoppin’ John.

We have plans to invite some friends over tomorrow evening and go see a movie. And the annual, traditional New Year’s Eve meal of Hoppin’ John.

End of Year Update

The year is almost over so I had better do a few year end posts. 

For starters, I'm no closer to getting on the transplant list than I was. Now they want a specialist to check out my kidneys. I don't see that specialist until mid January. And so we wait.

I am weighing in today at my heaviest weight ever. 242.2 pounds. I'm staying away from all the cookies and bad stuff that float around this time of year. It's hard!

We've had nothing but rain for several days. While I'm glad I don't have to be out there with my snow blower, I would really like some snow. I check the Mt. Spokane website daily. It has been snowing up there but just barely. The snow they are getting is very wet.

That's all the updates I have for now. I'm going to kick back and think slim.

Almost on the Transplant List...Maybe

We have just returned from a Doctors appointment with the surgeon who performs the transplant surgeries. Her name is Dr. Mary Smith.

She talked to Susan and I about the challenges we are facing. My heart is one issue, but my lungs and kidneys are another.

It's possible I could end up on dialysis after the transplant and she wanted us to be aware of that. Now I have to consider if  having kidney failure and dealing with that through dialysis is something I want in my life. I think the answer is yes because the alternative is not having a life.

It sounds like they will be presenting my case to the transplant board soon. She thinks this is doable but wants us aware of the downside.    

November BP

 

Ski Season CANCELED

Lookout Pass opened on Saturday for limited skiing. They have gotten more snow since and are planning to open again this weekend. 49° North is talking about opening next weekend. Mt Spokane has snow but not near enough to open up yet.

I mention all this because I had a Doctor's appointment today. Just the regular monthly visit I've been doing since I got on the Milrinone and the PICC line.

During the course of the meeting, I brought up skiing and my plans to ski and if that was okay. Dr. Lewey kind of cringed and then said, "No!" Skiing is not a good idea right now.

I guess I can see why. They have restricted me from any heavy lifting, especially with my right arm where the PICC line is located. The other reason is the IV bag I carry in a fanny pack. It could rupture if I fall. I tried to explain that I don't fall but that didn't matter. I could fall and that might be bad.

In truth, I had a few falls last season. At least one was pretty hard.

So, I got a letter from the Doc to say I can't ski so I can get my money back for the Season Pass I bought last year. I may hold off getting the refund so I can go up at least once. This would be my 60th year of skiing and I do not want to break the streak.

October BP