Staying the Course -- 12/18/2017

[Superbob]

Wow, just one week before Christmas Day. With the kids and grandkids, we always try to "balance out" presents so as not to seem to be favoring one over the other. Material things aren't an accurate measure, I know, but don't want feelings to be hurt. My DW always frets about not having enough for me --I try to reassure her that I don't need more stuff, but she continues to worry, so I try to steer toward reasonably priced things, like a spare pair of workout shoes at $35 (on sale, half price, New Balance -- good quality).

Speaking of workout gear, I have a tacky Christmas workout shirt I got for practically nothing with discounts off Amazon -- proclaims "Working on my Santa body," with a big picture of a Santa cap and a chocolate chip cookie with a bite taken out of the corner. (Santa does love his milk and cookies.) Our teacher wore an outfit to last class that was given to the Core Fitness teachers -- "Merry Fitmas and a Happy New Rear" -- so I'm sure she will get a chuckle out of mine, which I plan to wear tomorrow. I'm thinking of wearing one of those baker's caps Krispy Kreme hands out, too. : ) Maybe there will be some more festive/tacky outfits -- 'tis the season!

A "Santa body" comes close to describing my shape; however, if I didn't work out, I would weigh at least 100 pounds more than I do! Staying the course!

Looks like my hand therapy is done, unless problems arise. Meanwhile, my wife will be starting some PT to help with balance. She's had some falls. I also have ordered her an upgraded walker that she can use both at home and when we go out. Think it offers some versatility -- can push it yourself or sit in it and be pushed (though we also have a wheelchair for that)...

Anyway, stayin' the course and trust y'all are, too.

Greetings and salutations of the season,

Superbob

 

[epstns]

It must be fun, SB, to have a consistent group of cohorts with whom to work out regularly. I miss that element from cardiac rehab. In that group, we became "workout buddies" and cheered each other on - both in fitness and in the goofy pranks and jokes. Now, I just go to a park district fitness center 5 days a week. I see a few of the same people, but not all of them every day. There is no organization to the activity - we each do our own routines. Some days there is some casual banter, most not. I'd still miss the activity, though.

It sounds like you're trending back toward "normal" - if there is such a place. It seems that the older we get, the slower we progress back toward normalcy. My wife doesn't really get it yet (she's quite a bit younger than I), but that's why I try to minimize disruptions to my routines. It just takes too long to get back into it. I'm sort of in the middle of my winter routine blowout. Last month we were out of town for a week and a half, so the exercise routine went away and the eating frenzy took over. This month, we will again be away for another week and a half, with similar bouts of larger, fancy meals. It is an annual battle I fight, trying to minimize the weight gains. Then I spend the first half of the new year trying to get rid of the pounds I gain over the holidays. The older I get, the harder THAT becomes, too.

I hope you and your DW continue progressing toward a comfortable, normal way of life and moving. I know it is yet another real pain in the rear to try to regain your abilities after any sort of event or procedure.

Now we're trying to get as ready as we can for the red-eye flights back and forth to see the kids. Be well.

 

[honeybunny]

I know what you mean by the group setting, Steve. I went to my line dance class last Thursday after 5 weeks and it was a blast. Laughed my butt off.

SB, wish I had one of those shirts! Congrats on the healing. You sound more upbeat than you have in a while.

I’m in San Francisco today on a job, flying home tomorrow. No sight-seeing; working at a refinery doing a safety study. Don’t mind the work, just don’t like the traveling part.

 

[jwinter]

Good morning all. Time to check in as I have missed some time here. Groups are a GOOD thing, especially in accountability. Really helps to stay that course!

My weeks have been filled with tests, blood transfusions(even lost count of how many), specialists, and ups and downs.

My bone marrow biopsy held no cancer markers (amen) and all tests seem ok with the exception of no iron. Bone marrow has none either. Hematologist says he suspects I have a leak somewhere (most likely gut) and it is made worse with anti-coagulation (damn, I should have picked another pig valve I guess) Best news I have is I start on iron infusions today. My hopes and prayers ride on this plan as there doesn't seem to be many answers left. "Leaky gut" does not really get much attention from this doctor(and others I have read) so I am thinking of adding some enzymes and probiotics to see if that helps at all. I may also investigate a bit more into a naturopath (sp?)

And so it goes. More questions on heme and non-heme iron, ferritin, and whatever else I can think of.

I WILL also add about the "squeaky wheel gets the grease" again. I have made a lot of phone calls and go where I can in person and do not give up until someone answers my questions or does something. I know I am not a favorite of some and just don't care. The medical system seems to warrant this kind of advocacy for ones self!

Never ever give up friends!

 

[Paleowoman]

jwinter - good to hear the bone marrow biopsy showed no cancer. I do hope the test wasn't too painfu for you. Sounds like they are on the path of discovering why you are having the iron loss problem - but sad to think that with you, and fellow forum member Harriet, that you are on anticoagulation therapy which negatively affects you because of undiagnosed probems. Wishing that they can sort things out for you.

I'm still busy going into London for this specific cardiac therapy/exercise I'm doing. Got lots of homework - I'd say it was almost like a kind of biofeedback therapy. I'm really enjoying it though - apart from the travelling that is !

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas !

 

[Superbob]

Good to hear from those of our band who have checked in this holiday week.

JWinter, big yay to no cancer in bone marrow test! If iron level drop is tied in with hemoglobin drop, let me just inject that I had to go to a cancer center for more than a year for doc to monitor my falling hemoglobin. He seemed certain that I was headed for invasive tests, probably cancer diagnosis etc. However, I did some research of my own and found that long-term use of Lisinopril could cause hemoglobin decline. Managed to get the docs to listen to me, we stopped Lisinopril and -- voila! -- hemoglobin bounced back. I don't know if this is relevant to your case at all, but just thought I would mention it. Sometimes meds that help us can also hurt us in ways not always understood. (They substituted Losartan, and my hemoglobin is just fine for now.)

Paleowoman, glad you are enjoying your cardiac therapy in London (apart from the commute). Some of the best times I have had over past 15 years have been in taking all sorts of therapy. Makes me a very dull boy, right? : )

Steve and Honeybunny, always great to hear from y'all.

Otherwise, slow here this week -- for totally understandable reasons. Wishing blessings of the season to all -- and we'll be seeing you down the course, maybe after the calendar turns. Happy and Healthy 2018 to all!

 

[Superman]

Good to read everyone's updates. jwinter, looks like some good news (no cancer) - but still, uncertainty with health stuff is frustrating. I hope your persistence pays off and you find the problem. A few years ago I had an infection that started on my finger and was working it's way up my arm in the lymphatic system. This was three months after OHS, and I spent three more nights in the hospital. One infectious disease Dr. after a another checked me out. Hit me with very powerful antibiotics, took biopsies, and nothing. I had this great big bumps on my finger, hand, and my forearm. They finally discharged me with no answers but with a short duration antibiotic treatment (10 days). After that, nothing changed. Infection still present. On a whim, I went to a dermatologist. He took one look at it and said, "Oh, that's 'Ick'". A very slow developing bacteria called mycobacterium something or other. It had be in the lab for weeks, not days, to register a positive test. And the antibiotic treatment also has to be weeks, not days. It just took being in front of the right expert. Fortunately I was able to teach quite a few of his peers as he called them all in to look at it.

Superbob - good to here therapy is done. Enjoy getting back to your workouts.

I've been "staying the course". I'm holding just over 200 lbs and getting in my classes, although only two the last couple weeks due to the busyness of the season. I did have the day off Thursday and did my spin class then and this morning. I snuck into a Christmas gift early to use my new cycling shoes this morning with the clips rather than strapping in my running shoes. I'm a sweat hog. I've done a couple "before and after" weigh ins. I lose 3 lbs of water on the bike in 45 minutes - 1 hour.

Just about ready for Christmas. Most everything is wrapped, no thanks to me. My wife is amazing. Our youngest just had his sixth birthday a couple days ago. We try to keep the birthday and Christmas separate, but he really wanted a Santa Claus cake. Making special cakes has been our thing for a long time. With five kids - we've gotten pretty good over the years.

I've got to finish grading tests. I'm sure my students would like their final grades before Christmas.

Good luck to all Staying the Course over the Holidays!!!

 

[FredW]

Wishing all the heart valve replacement folks a good holiday. Thanks everyone for being here and offering support and their experiences. Makes one feel good to have friends like these all over the world.

I won't share how many times I strayed off the course this week. Holiday cookies, good food, popcorn at the movies ... using cold and snow as good reasons to not go outside or to the gym to exercise. I'm sure many of you have been there.

Not doing a great job of staying the course in Western PA,
Fred

 

[MartinF]

Checking in late in the week. Was able to stay away from most of the sweets at work this week. The true test is on Monday!
Found a 15 lb hand weight at the Salvation Army to pair up my single. Now I need to start using the weights. I haven't had much success with the routine.
Glad to hear the positive news from jwinter.
I'm off work next week and hope keep up my walking routine. Still getting in 15-20 miles per week but would like to be at 20-25.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.