Well, I talked to my regular doctor on the telephone a couple hours ago. I had a MRI done on the cervical and lumbar spine the beginning of last week. It showed nothing other than some general arthritis in the lumbar area, but there was a "moderate" nerve compression on the left side of the C3 and C4 vertebrae in the neck. The arthritic condition in that vicinity was also noted. An epidural type of surgery was mentioned. I guess that would mean injections. However, since the pain is not localized, my doctor did not believe that would helpful. Anyway, he wants me to make another appointment with him to discuss it further. I have asked my father to go with me for support. I really don't want to rely on narcotic pain killers and muscle relaxants for the rest of my life. Something has to be out there that would be beneficial.
Lastly, I was in a relationship that I thought had potential to be long-term. However, it has been reduced to mere friendship now. I'm not going to devalue friendship, but I loved someone who didn't love me back. It's a shame, but I keep telling myself that no one can have too many friends. At least, that's always been my philosophy! I'm giving this other person the space that they have needed, and maybe, just maybe, we will turn out to be really good friends. Actually, we had very good communication, but I was always ignoring the excuses and warning signs. I wanted to believe we were lovers and that this was the next long-term relationship in my life. I guess I was the best of dreamers. Well, I'm going to let things cool off, and like I said, give this individual the space that they even told me they desired. I could listen but not hear, the subtle difference.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A Little Bit of Everything...
It has been almost three weeks now, and I'm still waiting to be referred to get my MRI done. I'm also waiting to hear from the same doctor's office to see when I can visit a neurologist. I was told it might take some time before I can see them, usually several months! Anyway, I am still in a lot of pain. Conversely, I have been feeling very good emotionally this week. I haven't felt this good in a long time. I think the medications are all finally right, the psychotropic ones, even though I am still taking 13 drugs total. Remember 4 of them are pain-related right now. Two are for allergies, two are heart-related, two are to treat the bipolar illness, two are for sleep, and one is for acid reflux. My insurance is crazy. They are more likely to pay for Viagra than they are to pay for a drug for acid reflux. They don't pay for my Clonazepam (Klonopin,) which is a benzodiazepam and is nearly $33 a month. Now, as of this year, they are not paying for my Somnote (the capsule form of Chloral Hydrate.) It is $82 a month. Both of these medicines are largely for sleep. Klonopin tends to keep you more at an even keel as well. Lastly, they stopped paying for Zyrtec, even though it is now generic. That's another $10 to $15 each 100 days. So, even though I have Medicaid, I still put out quite a bit in prescription drugs monthly.
I wanted to take this opportunity to give my condolences to one of my best friends who just lost his father. I can't imagine losing either one of my parents. Even though I don't see eye to eye on most issues with my mother or father, I still love them very deeply. And they not only tell me that they love me, they demonstrate it through many of their actions. I hope both of them are around for many more years, healthy, of course. However, I realize no one knows what the future holds. Who knows, I could go out driving on an errand tomorrow and be killed in an car accident. I'm the youngest, yet I could go first in some kind of tragedy. Like I said, nobody knows. I realize, however, that I don't work, unlike my sister, and I could be there for one or both of my folks, if at any time, they needed help that I could provide. I just hope they remain healthy until it is their time to pass on to the other side. Both of my mother's parents died with a heart that just stopped. Wouldn't that be the best way to leave this earth? Okay, I've talked enough morbidity in one blog. Anyway, Buzz, my thoughts and prayers are with you, your brothers, and especially your mother, as you all work your way through the process of grief. Please communicate with me when you are ready to talk!
Lastly, I have been going through a lot with my relationship with Louis. I think he is afraid of a long-term relationship, because he has never been in one that lasted more than six months. He tells me the other night, ironically the first night that I really started to feel better emotionally, that I can't be all that he needs in a boyfriend. He says that I can't motivate him to do things, to be with his friends and get out of the house as he needs. First of all, I've only met one of his friends at this point, and how could I encourage him to do something with someone I don't even know? I have no idea what any of his male friends are like. I could always support his desire to get out and be with somebody, even without my presence. Apparently, he feels the need to do things and participate in events on a regular basis. A steady relationship can work when one goes out and does something while the other stays home. I have no problem with it, anyway. Then, he tells me that I'm making him feel tied down. He said that he is not the kind of person who has a phone conversation with his significant other every single day. I really have no problem if we don't talk every day. I really enjoy hearing his voice each day, but if he feels less bothered to let a few days go by without conversation, then I guess I'll let it be that way. I really want to have a long-term relationship with Louis. In fact, I told him that I already love him. I have always said it in a manner where he would feel no pressure to respond likewise. I believe we are so complimentary, and there is a lot more about Louis that I like than anything that would be objectionable at all. There are two issues with him that are consistently a problem. First of all, he is always making suggestions. It is not that I care that he would advise me one way or another on an issue, it's just that sometimes he can be a bit on the pushy side. I know it's just because he cares, but he has in the past made suggestions that feel more like demands. However, I must say that he is realizing that he is doing this far too often, which certainly is a start. The other thing, the issue that bothers almost everybody he knows is his tardiness. He is always late!!! I try not to let it bother me, but at times, he is so far behind, that it alters our plans, or at least shortens the time that we spend together. In this area, I don't know if or how I can motivate him to be more prompt. I think the change has to come from within him, and I don't think confronting him all the time will make a difference. Anyway, that's all the lastest concerning the love of my life.
I wanted to take this opportunity to give my condolences to one of my best friends who just lost his father. I can't imagine losing either one of my parents. Even though I don't see eye to eye on most issues with my mother or father, I still love them very deeply. And they not only tell me that they love me, they demonstrate it through many of their actions. I hope both of them are around for many more years, healthy, of course. However, I realize no one knows what the future holds. Who knows, I could go out driving on an errand tomorrow and be killed in an car accident. I'm the youngest, yet I could go first in some kind of tragedy. Like I said, nobody knows. I realize, however, that I don't work, unlike my sister, and I could be there for one or both of my folks, if at any time, they needed help that I could provide. I just hope they remain healthy until it is their time to pass on to the other side. Both of my mother's parents died with a heart that just stopped. Wouldn't that be the best way to leave this earth? Okay, I've talked enough morbidity in one blog. Anyway, Buzz, my thoughts and prayers are with you, your brothers, and especially your mother, as you all work your way through the process of grief. Please communicate with me when you are ready to talk!
Lastly, I have been going through a lot with my relationship with Louis. I think he is afraid of a long-term relationship, because he has never been in one that lasted more than six months. He tells me the other night, ironically the first night that I really started to feel better emotionally, that I can't be all that he needs in a boyfriend. He says that I can't motivate him to do things, to be with his friends and get out of the house as he needs. First of all, I've only met one of his friends at this point, and how could I encourage him to do something with someone I don't even know? I have no idea what any of his male friends are like. I could always support his desire to get out and be with somebody, even without my presence. Apparently, he feels the need to do things and participate in events on a regular basis. A steady relationship can work when one goes out and does something while the other stays home. I have no problem with it, anyway. Then, he tells me that I'm making him feel tied down. He said that he is not the kind of person who has a phone conversation with his significant other every single day. I really have no problem if we don't talk every day. I really enjoy hearing his voice each day, but if he feels less bothered to let a few days go by without conversation, then I guess I'll let it be that way. I really want to have a long-term relationship with Louis. In fact, I told him that I already love him. I have always said it in a manner where he would feel no pressure to respond likewise. I believe we are so complimentary, and there is a lot more about Louis that I like than anything that would be objectionable at all. There are two issues with him that are consistently a problem. First of all, he is always making suggestions. It is not that I care that he would advise me one way or another on an issue, it's just that sometimes he can be a bit on the pushy side. I know it's just because he cares, but he has in the past made suggestions that feel more like demands. However, I must say that he is realizing that he is doing this far too often, which certainly is a start. The other thing, the issue that bothers almost everybody he knows is his tardiness. He is always late!!! I try not to let it bother me, but at times, he is so far behind, that it alters our plans, or at least shortens the time that we spend together. In this area, I don't know if or how I can motivate him to be more prompt. I think the change has to come from within him, and I don't think confronting him all the time will make a difference. Anyway, that's all the lastest concerning the love of my life.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Not So Good Health News...
Well, I wrote about the improvement in my heart function last time, but I didn't mention what's been going on with me lately. I have been in severe pain from the neck and shoulders area all the way down to the feet. A multitude of blood tests were done to rule out a number of possibilities, and they all came back negative. Now, I've waited two weeks at this point to get an MRI scheduled. My doctor believes I either have a tumor growing in my cervical spine vicinity, or I have a pinched nerve in that area. An MRI would show what's happening, but I have a feeling that my insurance doesn't want to pay for it, because it is very expensive. At the same time, I'm taking four different medications for the pain alone. I'm taking Lortab (the narcotic pain reliever), the top dose of Ibuprofen, Soma (a muscle relaxant), and Neurontin (which is suppose to relieve neuralgia... any type of nerve pain.) It's taking all four of these drugs to touch the pain. Why does it seem like there always has to be something that's not quite right with me? I have no idea. But, I don't believe in bad luck.
Anyway, it's not all bad news. Louis, who I wrote about in the last blog, is still there for me, constantly. If we miss a day talking to each other, it's a rare occasion. Nothing that I've gone through has freaked him out. He always has advice, even though I don't appreciate all of it. But, I've definitely needed someone other than my parents to talk to regularly. I have other friends, but they all have very hectic schedules. I don't blame them for not contacting me frequently. I'm the type of person who is introverted and has very few close friends. Louis, on the other hand, is an extrovert who needs to be with friends almost every day. So, after talking many times, I think he finally understands I'm not the socially needy type of individual. I like all the time I spend alone. As long as I have my music, both to play and listen to, I'm perfectly content. Well, it looks like an August heat wave is going to set in this weekend. I hope all the people in the eastern half of the country have a cool place to be. In the long term, it looks like temperatures will return to a more normal type of heat by the latter part of next week. I hope we have nothing like last August where Louisville hit over 100 degrees F at least ten times! Well, keep cool! I mean that in the literal and figurative types of speech.
Right now, I have a showdown going on with my parents. My dad put a McCain sticker on his car. I said to myself that once he does it that I'm going to find an Obama sticker and show my support for the other side. I can't believe anyone would support a candidate that would continue four more years of failed Bush policies. Our economy is a wreck, and Bush policy supports corporate greed by giving them tax breaks. We learned in the 1980s under Reagan that trickle down economics doesn't work. They don't create more jobs, they keep the money. It's time tax breaks were given to those who need it. I know it sounds cliche, but the rich get richer and the poor get poorer under a Republican administration. The middle class has virtually disappeared. They said today in the news that Obama is playing the race card, but racism is quite alive and well in 2008. I think there are a lot of people who won't vote for Obama simply because he's black. And there remains the myth that he is somehow Muslim. He has said directly into the camera that he has never been a Muslim. If he is a liar, he's a damn good liar. Anyway, that's my political soapbox for this day. Please respond as you so desire...
Anyway, it's not all bad news. Louis, who I wrote about in the last blog, is still there for me, constantly. If we miss a day talking to each other, it's a rare occasion. Nothing that I've gone through has freaked him out. He always has advice, even though I don't appreciate all of it. But, I've definitely needed someone other than my parents to talk to regularly. I have other friends, but they all have very hectic schedules. I don't blame them for not contacting me frequently. I'm the type of person who is introverted and has very few close friends. Louis, on the other hand, is an extrovert who needs to be with friends almost every day. So, after talking many times, I think he finally understands I'm not the socially needy type of individual. I like all the time I spend alone. As long as I have my music, both to play and listen to, I'm perfectly content. Well, it looks like an August heat wave is going to set in this weekend. I hope all the people in the eastern half of the country have a cool place to be. In the long term, it looks like temperatures will return to a more normal type of heat by the latter part of next week. I hope we have nothing like last August where Louisville hit over 100 degrees F at least ten times! Well, keep cool! I mean that in the literal and figurative types of speech.
Right now, I have a showdown going on with my parents. My dad put a McCain sticker on his car. I said to myself that once he does it that I'm going to find an Obama sticker and show my support for the other side. I can't believe anyone would support a candidate that would continue four more years of failed Bush policies. Our economy is a wreck, and Bush policy supports corporate greed by giving them tax breaks. We learned in the 1980s under Reagan that trickle down economics doesn't work. They don't create more jobs, they keep the money. It's time tax breaks were given to those who need it. I know it sounds cliche, but the rich get richer and the poor get poorer under a Republican administration. The middle class has virtually disappeared. They said today in the news that Obama is playing the race card, but racism is quite alive and well in 2008. I think there are a lot of people who won't vote for Obama simply because he's black. And there remains the myth that he is somehow Muslim. He has said directly into the camera that he has never been a Muslim. If he is a liar, he's a damn good liar. Anyway, that's my political soapbox for this day. Please respond as you so desire...
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
A Long Time Has Passed...
Hello readers! I haven't blogged in months now. I am now inspired because there is a new love in my life. Yes, this person is 20 years my senior, but our relationship seems to work out just fine. We are both fans of an eclectic collection of music, but we both seem to love the original disco from the 1970s. I have always felt like I was born in the wrong generation, well, at least I'd like to have been about 10 years or so older, so I could have enjoyed that time period of music as an adult. He is a big fan of classical music, jazz, Broadway soundtracks, and a bit of pop music here and there. I don't think he understands my love of rock music, sometimes heavy rock, but he knows I play guitar and love to figure out guitar riffs from the past. He has yet to hear my music compostions on the keyboard or the two guitar songs I have written and performed on tape. One of the guitar song lyrics are from a poem I wrote some time back, the other was an off-the-cuff love song that I wrote for my ex about 10 years ago. In one of the two songs, I used the B7 chord, which is very difficult to play on the acoustic guitar. I have to develop tough fingertips in order to do it, as well as keep my finger nails trimmed practically to the quick!
I am writing today because I am having an off-day. I am so tired that I don't feel like doing a thing! Part of it is my fault, but I slept very little last night. I didn't get myself to the pharmacy last night to pick up a medicine that plays a role in my time and quality of sleep. Anyway, I thought it was time to blog after many months of silence, especially after meeting someone who has brought inspiration back into my life! After meeting Louis, I began playing music again, which is something I hadn't done in many, many months. I'm referring to actually picking up an instrument and playing it. I am always listening to music on my stereo! Right now, I'm trying to put together a collection of songs onto cd from about the mid '70s to the mid '80s to play when the family gets together at the swimming pool at my mom and dad's house. I'm choosing songs that my parents could tolerate, but would be appreciated by me, my sister, and her husband. Right now I have about 40 songs selected, so it will probably take 2 discs to put them together. I know, I don't believe it's legal, but I think since I bought the cds, I should have the right to make a collection of my own.
Well, I do have other good news. The last time I had a check on my cardiac output, the numbers improved. I was going to have to have a pacemaker/defibrillator surgically implanted, but since my ejection fraction went up, that procedure became unnecessary... at least any time soon. Thank God!!! I wasn't looking forward to the implant surgery. At the same time, I have heard that a lot of people have felt tremendously better after getting the pacemaker. I may want to do it anyway... at least some time down the road. I guess I didn't mention that I had an increase in the dosage of one of my heart medications before the last test was done. The cardiologist thought the higher dose of medication might improve my heart function, and, well, I guess he was right.
It won't be difficult to remember the date I met Louis because it was on June 21st... the summer solstice! Any weather guy is aware of such things as the longest day of the year. Our relationship has moved rather fast, mostly because we have been open and honest about everything in our lives. At first, Louis thought I was rather self-absorbed because I kept rattling on about myself and all my life stories. He didn't think I was showing much interest in him. But, since he was honest enough to tell me that early on, we have been more equal in sharing information about ourselves. Sometimes, I just need to be quiet and let the other person talk. I used to be so shy, but lately, there has been a significant change in my personality. Everybody has noticed! At times, I think I become manic and really chatty. I probably need to share this with my psychiatrist, but it feels good to be a more outgoing person. I've become really excited to do karaoke of late. I think I'm now the least timid person in my family doing karaoke. I've had compliments about my singing, so I suppose I'm a bit more confident. I love to sing. One of my neighbors in my condominium complex suggested that I join a choir. I'll have to give that some thought. I don't go to church anymore, so I guess it will have to be a secular type of choir. I know that I probably should go to church somewhere, but I really have no interest in doing so. I don't think I'm missing anything really, except for perhaps the social aspect. I still believe in God, but I have become rather indifferent about organized religion. It might have something to do with my more left-leaning politics of recent times. Louis and I come from two different religious traditons, but it doesn't bother me in the least. I think we are all God's children, and I remember that my "big brother" once told me that God doesn't create any junk, so what do I have to worry about?
Well, on this very hot and humid July afternoon, it is getting ready to storm, so I probably should get off-line. Geez, was it ever miserable when I went outside today! I hope this thunderstorm knocks the temperature down a good 15 or 20 degrees F. I, personally, can't wait for autumn! I despise hot weather! I think once my mom and dad pass away, I should move to the west coast or something. I saw the high in San Francisco several days ago was only 63 degrees F. I would give anything for such a lovely cool day! Anyway, I guess I've written enough for today. I know several of you have wondered what had happened to me. Well, I'm back. I will be writing again soon. Next time I'll share about my Whiteley family reunion last month. It was wonderful, and I was actually the one who organized it! I missed several family members, but I certainly enjoyed the company of those who came. More later... :o)
I am writing today because I am having an off-day. I am so tired that I don't feel like doing a thing! Part of it is my fault, but I slept very little last night. I didn't get myself to the pharmacy last night to pick up a medicine that plays a role in my time and quality of sleep. Anyway, I thought it was time to blog after many months of silence, especially after meeting someone who has brought inspiration back into my life! After meeting Louis, I began playing music again, which is something I hadn't done in many, many months. I'm referring to actually picking up an instrument and playing it. I am always listening to music on my stereo! Right now, I'm trying to put together a collection of songs onto cd from about the mid '70s to the mid '80s to play when the family gets together at the swimming pool at my mom and dad's house. I'm choosing songs that my parents could tolerate, but would be appreciated by me, my sister, and her husband. Right now I have about 40 songs selected, so it will probably take 2 discs to put them together. I know, I don't believe it's legal, but I think since I bought the cds, I should have the right to make a collection of my own.
Well, I do have other good news. The last time I had a check on my cardiac output, the numbers improved. I was going to have to have a pacemaker/defibrillator surgically implanted, but since my ejection fraction went up, that procedure became unnecessary... at least any time soon. Thank God!!! I wasn't looking forward to the implant surgery. At the same time, I have heard that a lot of people have felt tremendously better after getting the pacemaker. I may want to do it anyway... at least some time down the road. I guess I didn't mention that I had an increase in the dosage of one of my heart medications before the last test was done. The cardiologist thought the higher dose of medication might improve my heart function, and, well, I guess he was right.
It won't be difficult to remember the date I met Louis because it was on June 21st... the summer solstice! Any weather guy is aware of such things as the longest day of the year. Our relationship has moved rather fast, mostly because we have been open and honest about everything in our lives. At first, Louis thought I was rather self-absorbed because I kept rattling on about myself and all my life stories. He didn't think I was showing much interest in him. But, since he was honest enough to tell me that early on, we have been more equal in sharing information about ourselves. Sometimes, I just need to be quiet and let the other person talk. I used to be so shy, but lately, there has been a significant change in my personality. Everybody has noticed! At times, I think I become manic and really chatty. I probably need to share this with my psychiatrist, but it feels good to be a more outgoing person. I've become really excited to do karaoke of late. I think I'm now the least timid person in my family doing karaoke. I've had compliments about my singing, so I suppose I'm a bit more confident. I love to sing. One of my neighbors in my condominium complex suggested that I join a choir. I'll have to give that some thought. I don't go to church anymore, so I guess it will have to be a secular type of choir. I know that I probably should go to church somewhere, but I really have no interest in doing so. I don't think I'm missing anything really, except for perhaps the social aspect. I still believe in God, but I have become rather indifferent about organized religion. It might have something to do with my more left-leaning politics of recent times. Louis and I come from two different religious traditons, but it doesn't bother me in the least. I think we are all God's children, and I remember that my "big brother" once told me that God doesn't create any junk, so what do I have to worry about?
Well, on this very hot and humid July afternoon, it is getting ready to storm, so I probably should get off-line. Geez, was it ever miserable when I went outside today! I hope this thunderstorm knocks the temperature down a good 15 or 20 degrees F. I, personally, can't wait for autumn! I despise hot weather! I think once my mom and dad pass away, I should move to the west coast or something. I saw the high in San Francisco several days ago was only 63 degrees F. I would give anything for such a lovely cool day! Anyway, I guess I've written enough for today. I know several of you have wondered what had happened to me. Well, I'm back. I will be writing again soon. Next time I'll share about my Whiteley family reunion last month. It was wonderful, and I was actually the one who organized it! I missed several family members, but I certainly enjoyed the company of those who came. More later... :o)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
My Sister's Wedding and Other Odds and Ends
Last Friday night, my sister got married for the second time. She is now Mrs. Thomas Craig Rayhill. I like Craig, as he is known by. He is a bit of a redneck, which worries me some, but he has never been unkind or disrespectful to me. He wants me to teach him how to play the guitar. Of course, I can only teach him the chords and some of the riffs to songs I know that I figured out how to play on my own. Right now, I don't even have any picks. I've lost all of my picks through the big hole toward the bottom of the guitar. Once they're lost in there, I can never seem to get them out. Anyway, back to my sister's wedding and my new brother-in-law. They played all the typical songs that a dj would play at a wedding dance. I got out on the floor for 4 songs, at least 2 of them slow, and that's all I could muster. They played one country song that just emphasizes how redneck my new bro is. The lyrics are sung by a male country singer and it goes to the effect that she sees "Bambi" and he sees "antlers over the mantle." Apparently, he and his brothers go shootin' from time to time. I can't imagine, but anyhow, Michelle and Craig's first dance was to the song "When You Say Nothing At All," Alison Krauss's cover version. It was perfect for them.
Saturday morning, after the wedding, I woke up to a nightmare. My kitchen sink was overflowing with thick, black water. My dad came over and siphoned out both sides of the sink and tried to use a plunger on it, but that was just the beginning of the "fun." The maintenance man was called out on an emergency basis Saturday evening, and he used a 25-foot auger to snake through the pipes, and after four hours, he could get nowhere beyond like 21 feet. Then, he called the plumbers that are contracted through the complex's advisory board to come out that night and give it a try with a power unit. They had no success either and came back the next morning, sawed into the hallway wall where my pipes are, the access panel if you will, and ended up snaking their way into my neighbor's condominium across the hall where I still don't know if any damage was done by their power unit. I haven't heard from my neighbor. Anyway, they had to come back Monday morning, thinking they were going to have to tear up the flooring in the hallway to get to the blocked pipe. Luckily, they checked my sink after doing a bit of jackhammering in the hall to find out that the vibrations from the jackhammer unclogged the pipelines. Thank God! Really! Today, Tuesday, I'm just kicking back and doing nothing and it feels great. Of course, I still have quite a bit of clean-up work to do, but I've done enough that I can at least function in the kitchen. My dad also used this plumbing mess time to put up blinds for me in the front room and two air-conditioning units, one in the bedroom window and one in the front room window. I helped some, of course. They don't turn on the condominium central air until they absolutely have to, usually some time in April. It can easily reach 80 degrees F in March during a particularly warm spell, and it gets miserable inside. I got a note from my doctor stating that I had seasonal allergies, which got the approval of the board so I could have the window units installed. More later...
Saturday morning, after the wedding, I woke up to a nightmare. My kitchen sink was overflowing with thick, black water. My dad came over and siphoned out both sides of the sink and tried to use a plunger on it, but that was just the beginning of the "fun." The maintenance man was called out on an emergency basis Saturday evening, and he used a 25-foot auger to snake through the pipes, and after four hours, he could get nowhere beyond like 21 feet. Then, he called the plumbers that are contracted through the complex's advisory board to come out that night and give it a try with a power unit. They had no success either and came back the next morning, sawed into the hallway wall where my pipes are, the access panel if you will, and ended up snaking their way into my neighbor's condominium across the hall where I still don't know if any damage was done by their power unit. I haven't heard from my neighbor. Anyway, they had to come back Monday morning, thinking they were going to have to tear up the flooring in the hallway to get to the blocked pipe. Luckily, they checked my sink after doing a bit of jackhammering in the hall to find out that the vibrations from the jackhammer unclogged the pipelines. Thank God! Really! Today, Tuesday, I'm just kicking back and doing nothing and it feels great. Of course, I still have quite a bit of clean-up work to do, but I've done enough that I can at least function in the kitchen. My dad also used this plumbing mess time to put up blinds for me in the front room and two air-conditioning units, one in the bedroom window and one in the front room window. I helped some, of course. They don't turn on the condominium central air until they absolutely have to, usually some time in April. It can easily reach 80 degrees F in March during a particularly warm spell, and it gets miserable inside. I got a note from my doctor stating that I had seasonal allergies, which got the approval of the board so I could have the window units installed. More later...
Sunday, March 9, 2008
After the Big Snow...
Well, I think Friday's snowstorm was the fourth largest on record for Louisville at 14.4 inches. Now it's Sunday and in the 40s with the big melt-down well underway. Actually, I can't believe how fast that much snow is evaporating. I guess it's the higher sun angle of March... about the equivalent of the first of October. It sure doesn't feel very cold out there. I felt overdressed when I went to pick up a couple of prescriptions. At this rate, the snow should be gone by some time Tuesday when the high is expected to reach into the 50s. I guess I should say all the snow should be gone except those huge snow piles in the shopping center parking lots across town.
Also, there is a relatively new music artist that I'm now fond of that has to be gay. With his lyrics and his angst, it's pretty obvious, but he makes a big production of his music. He has strings. He has choirs. I'm talking about Rufus Wainwright. I'd hate to have that name, but anyway, the music has some of the characteristics of a lot of my favorite music artists and music groups. ELO, Queen, Elton John, and ABBA are some that come to mind, at least musically. None of those sing lyrics so overtly homosexual, with the exception of a few Queen songs I can think of. But, Rufus is very talented, and I hope he goes far. He says in his liner notes that his mother is his biggest fan and thinks he can do no wrong hardly. Oh well, if my mother felt that way, she'd go to PFLAG meetings and encourage me to mingle and meet that special someone. But, I've been alone for 3 years now and with my health, I don't see that changing anytime soon. Anyway, I feel music is the love of my life, and I'm not sure I'd want to change that fact. By the way, I think I have the best parents in the world. They just have to abide by their unbending biblical moral code and I understand that. I really do. Enough for now...
Also, there is a relatively new music artist that I'm now fond of that has to be gay. With his lyrics and his angst, it's pretty obvious, but he makes a big production of his music. He has strings. He has choirs. I'm talking about Rufus Wainwright. I'd hate to have that name, but anyway, the music has some of the characteristics of a lot of my favorite music artists and music groups. ELO, Queen, Elton John, and ABBA are some that come to mind, at least musically. None of those sing lyrics so overtly homosexual, with the exception of a few Queen songs I can think of. But, Rufus is very talented, and I hope he goes far. He says in his liner notes that his mother is his biggest fan and thinks he can do no wrong hardly. Oh well, if my mother felt that way, she'd go to PFLAG meetings and encourage me to mingle and meet that special someone. But, I've been alone for 3 years now and with my health, I don't see that changing anytime soon. Anyway, I feel music is the love of my life, and I'm not sure I'd want to change that fact. By the way, I think I have the best parents in the world. They just have to abide by their unbending biblical moral code and I understand that. I really do. Enough for now...
Friday, February 22, 2008
Ice Storm Warning Yesterday and Health News
Yes, it was another eventful winter storm yesterday. Louisville experienced sleet and freezing rain for the balance of the afternoon and evening with temperatures climbing through the 20s. Untreated roads and other pathways became a sheet of ice and very treacherous. Unlike last week's storm, which produced around 4 inches of snow before the ice began, this storm was mainly the ice... the ice being much worse than the snow. Schools and businesses shut down by the noon-time hour, then the city was basically closed for business in the afternoon. This morning around 10 AM, the temperature was still only 34 degrees F. The ice is not melting quickly as fog and light rain showers move in. Tonight, we may have a brief period of light snow before it all comes to an end.
In health news, the cardiologist specializing in pacemakers and defibrillators basically told me I need the defibrillator device. He said my heart has sufficiently weakened to the point that a bad heart rhythm could kill me at any time. The defibrillator would shock the heart back into its proper rhythm if this event occurred. I asked him about exercise, and he said that it probably would not strengthen the heart, but certainly wouldn't be a bad thing to do. I especially think so since I need to lose about 30 pounds to be average weight. Unfortunately, a bad side effect of the atypical anti-psychotic drug I take is weight gain, but I'm nowhere near the top dose. I'm taking 300 mg of Seroquel and the top dose is 800 mg. I'm just happy that I'm not hearing voices with this relatively low-dose of medication. A few weeks ago, I was taking three different anti-psychotic drugs... the Thorazine being taken mostly for sleep. Now I'm taking Chloral Hydrate syrup for sleep, the only potential risk being respiratory, not cardiac. The specialist I saw yesterday said that he would have worried about the Thorazine if I were still taking it because it could cause adverse cardiac effects. It's a good thing I stopped taking the Thorazine when I did because my dad tells me he has noticed some involuntary limb movements which could have deteriorated to tardive dyskinesia had I continued taking the Thorazine. My psychiatrist warned me of stiffness with taking the Thorazine, but not the involuntary movements. All of these drugs are potent and have the potential to help or to hurt you. I'm just glad I didn't develop the t.d. because it is potentially irreversible and people would likely treat you like you were crippled or worse. Back to the heart... the doctor is going to try and increase my heart medications to see if my cardiac output improves with them in a couple months. If not, it looks like I'm going to get the defibrillator.
In health news, the cardiologist specializing in pacemakers and defibrillators basically told me I need the defibrillator device. He said my heart has sufficiently weakened to the point that a bad heart rhythm could kill me at any time. The defibrillator would shock the heart back into its proper rhythm if this event occurred. I asked him about exercise, and he said that it probably would not strengthen the heart, but certainly wouldn't be a bad thing to do. I especially think so since I need to lose about 30 pounds to be average weight. Unfortunately, a bad side effect of the atypical anti-psychotic drug I take is weight gain, but I'm nowhere near the top dose. I'm taking 300 mg of Seroquel and the top dose is 800 mg. I'm just happy that I'm not hearing voices with this relatively low-dose of medication. A few weeks ago, I was taking three different anti-psychotic drugs... the Thorazine being taken mostly for sleep. Now I'm taking Chloral Hydrate syrup for sleep, the only potential risk being respiratory, not cardiac. The specialist I saw yesterday said that he would have worried about the Thorazine if I were still taking it because it could cause adverse cardiac effects. It's a good thing I stopped taking the Thorazine when I did because my dad tells me he has noticed some involuntary limb movements which could have deteriorated to tardive dyskinesia had I continued taking the Thorazine. My psychiatrist warned me of stiffness with taking the Thorazine, but not the involuntary movements. All of these drugs are potent and have the potential to help or to hurt you. I'm just glad I didn't develop the t.d. because it is potentially irreversible and people would likely treat you like you were crippled or worse. Back to the heart... the doctor is going to try and increase my heart medications to see if my cardiac output improves with them in a couple months. If not, it looks like I'm going to get the defibrillator.
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