#2554, Monday, November 30, '20: When you're wrong

Post 2554

- 9 years and 335 days since I started this blog -

Rio Tomebamba, Cuenca, Ecuador (February, 2020)

Daily Comment

I got a couple of texts from my Pharmacy (Walmart) on Friday. One was asking if I wanted to refill my thyroid medicine (yes). A few hours later, I got a text saying my prescription was ready.

Saturday morning, I got another text saying my prescription was ready, but for a different price. Later that afternoon, I went to pick it up. Until I got home, I didn't realize one prescription was new, and I wasn't expecting anything new - I hadn't discussed any new medications with my cardiologist (who wrote the new Rx) earlier that week.

I looked up the new medicine, and found it was for angina. I have never had angina. In fact, I was under the impression that Dr. Smith specifically didn't want to prescribe any new medications for me, because that's what she said last Wednesday.

We were going to implant a 'loop' instead, and monitor my heart rhythms 24/7 until she was satisfied that a-Fib wasn't a problem. I have never had a reason to discuss angina with her (or anybody else, for that matter). 

Today, I spoke with her again, to see what was going on, and correct the error. Which was mine. It turns out the medication has multiple benefits, besides protecting against angina. One of which is preventing a-Fib.

The reason for the prescription was two-fold: the doctor found out, shortly after we spoke, that the 'loop' implant was likely not going to be available short-term, which was what she had been trying to set up - to do the implant before Christmas. 

Secondly, when she said she didn't want to prescribe a-fib medication, she was referring to the specific one I had been given after my episode of a-fib the night after my surgery. It was that medicine that had too many side-effects and interactions, which she didn't want to see me take unsupervised.

I got that wrong - I thought she was giving me her reasons to not prescribe anything. Instead, she was giving her reasons for the medicine she was prescribing, which is both effective at reducing a-fib and mild with few side-effects.

I was wrong in what I thought I heard last Wednesday. Even so, this blip in my otherwise strong recovery set me off for a while. It took me a few days to let it go, which is unusual, in that 'getting over it' is usually easy and quick for me. 

Perhaps my ability to cope has been slightly compromised by the pandemic.

I'm going with that, for now.

I'm grateful for the excellent care I've received since my bypass operation.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    203.0 lbs.

Previous Weight (11/27/20):        200.8 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     + 2.2 lbs.

Diet Comment

Something about the weekends... Unlike last weekend, when I gained almost exactly the same amount, I did not indulge this weekend. I can't account for the weight gain.

Food Log

Breakfast
10:35am: Oatmeal with wild blueberries and peanut butter.

Lunch
2:45pm, from CoreLife Eatery: Chicken bone broth bowl, with kale, falafel, tofu, bean sprouts, black beans, carrots, almonds, peppers. A Quest bar.

Dinner
8:10pm: Organic, 93% lean burger with guacamole with homemade coleslaw and a salad (Spring Mix, baby spinach, shaved parmesan cheese, walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette).

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 2;   Coffee: 0 oz.;  Water: 84+ oz.; 

 Please leave a comment when you visit my blog.
Thank you!

#2553, Friday, November 27, '20: Another pandemic day, but less

Post 2553

- 9 years and 332 days since I started this blog -

Textile shop interior, Calle Largo, Cuenca, Ecuador

Daily Comment

Thanksgiving was different this year - I spent it alone, for, perhaps, the first time in my life.

I did connect with the whole family via a Zoom meeting, and had a few FaceTime chats as well, but, well, mostly, I ate an edible and just watched TV.

I woke up today feeling good, feeling well, though, for the first time since Tuesday night. I had let the one small incident of my a-fib, followed a few hours after by feelings of chest congestion and indigestion, get me down. Today, I didn't feel like that - I'm over it, I've let those feelings go.

It's occurred to me that with my ongoing monitoring, I may be staying local for longer than I thought I would. 

I shrugged it off - what will be, will be. We'll see what unforeseen things come my way with these new developments.

So, I took another day off from exercise (hopefully, the last for awhile), ordered a prescription refill, watched a lot of TV, did my Duolingo practice, played many games of Sudoku, and did my weekend investment updates.

I'm grateful for the day, another day full of possibilities, and lived.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    200.8 lbs.

Previous Weight (11/25/20):        200.9 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 0.1 lbs.

Diet Comment

Maintaining my loss? 3-day plateau? Ah, well, all good.

Food Log

Breakfast
1:15pm: 93% lean organic hamburger on Ezekiel 4:9 Flax toast with guacamole.

Lunch
6:25pm: A Quest bar and peanut butter.

Dinner
8:10pm: Brussel sprouts with parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar. Hot and spicy pork rinds.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 2;   Coffee: 0 oz.;  Water: 84+ oz.; 

 Please leave a comment when you visit my blog.
Thank you!

#2552, Wednesday, November 25, '20: What a difference a day makes

Post 2552

- 9 years and 330 days since I started this blog -

Textile shop interior, Calle Largo, Cuenca, Ecuador

Daily Comment

I didn't sleep well, or for very long (just over four hours according to my FitBit).

I felt better than when I went to bed, but not rested, and not good. I cancelled my Cardiac Rehab.

At around noon, I got a call from my Cardiologist, the beautiful Dr. Smith.

She started by telling me. "I bet you didn't think you'd be hearing from me so soon." True dat. 

Apparently, she'd just seen an incident report from my cardiac rehab. Last week, I had a moment when my pulse shot up, and they ended my exercise for the day. At the time, I asked if they'd seen a-Fib, and they said they had not.

Dr. Smith said they were wrong. And she was concerned. A-Fib is dangerous, she said, and she wanted to address it. She laid out three alternatives: Do nothing, medicate, or monitor.

She wanted to monitor - meaning, a repeat of my month-long full-time cardiac monitor, but longer-term. Except this time, she wanted to do an implant (no wires, device the size of a paper clip with a bullt-in battery that lasts two to three years), a five-minute procedure.

I can't say no to her. So, sometime before Christmas, that will happen.

I'm grateful for the great medical care that I somehow have lucked into getting.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    200.9 lbs.

Previous Weight (11/24/20):        202.0 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 1.1 lbs.

Diet Comment

I'm below last Friday's weight today, and the trend is for losing more. Good - that's the plan.

Food Log

Breakfast
11:35am: Scrambled eggs and oatmeal (with peanut butter and wild blueberries).

Lunch
Skipped.

Dinner
10:30pm: Kale and spinach curry with lentils on riced cauliflower, Ezekiel 4:9 Flax sprouted grain toast with guacamole, and 'Wholesome Medley' (almonds, cashews, peanuts, dark chocolate, dried cherries and cranberries).

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 1;   Coffee: 24 oz.;  Water: 72+ oz.; 

 Please leave a comment when you visit my blog.
Thank you!

#2551, Tuesday, November 24, '20: Good stuff with an iffy ending

Post 2551

- 9 years and 329 days since I started this blog -

Textile shop interior, Calle Largo, Cuenca, Ecuador

Daily Comment

I had a meeting with my cardiologist, the beautiful Dr. Smith, who I am crushing on quite a bit.

The news was all good.

I have had no adverse conditions since she last saw me, including a thirty-day. 24/7 monitor, labs done by my Primary, and feedback from my cardiac rehab.

My lift restrictions were eased, from a ten-pound maximum to twenty-five pounds. 

And, she doesn't need to see me for six months(!).

I did my twenty-two minutes of heavy hands. then went to an i am Fool rehearsal.

Which was great, until I got hit by a wave of tiredness, which sometimes happens, especially on days when I don't sleep well. like today.

I went home, made myself a salad for a late dinner. Immediately after finishing, I felt off. My lungs felt just a bit congested, my gut was a little queasy. Nothing severe, but not too subtle. 

I took my blood pressure, it was good, and my pulse was normal, too. For a moment, I wondered if I should go to urgent care, anyway. But I was already feeling a little better.

I went to bed, not feeling at all like sleeping.

I'm still grateful for the good news I got.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    202.0 lbs.

Previous Weight (11/23/20):        203.2 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 1.2 lbs.

Diet Comment

A nice loss to begin my post-weekend slim-down.

Food Log

Breakfast
1:35pm: Mushroom and cheese omelet (eggs, bella mushrooms, shaved parmesan cheese, onions, peppers) and oatmeal with peanut butter and wild blueberries.

Lunch
Skipped.

Dinner
10:20pm: 

Arugula, cabbage, chard, kale, spinach, roasted turkey breast, shaved parmesan cheese, walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 2;   Coffee: 0 oz.;  Water: 88+ oz.; 

 Please leave a comment when you visit my blog.
Thank you!

#2550, Monday, November 23, '20: Crap day

Post 2550

- 9 years and 328 days since I started this blog -

Textile shop interior, Calle Largo, Cuenca, Ecuador

Daily Comment

I guess, sooner or later, everybody has a shitty day.

That would be today for me.

It started with a bunch of work on my investments, left incomplete as I had to go to cardiac rehab.

Which was also kind of a drag, because my weight was up but I also skipped breakfast (a no-no, according to the rehab guidelines). 

So, I was dragging on the machines, and then my workout was cut short for another horrible education film. The content of these films are important to know, but so far, I've learned nothing new.

I ordered lunch from CoreLife, and stopped at Wegman's to pick up a couple of things I missed yesterday.Then I was really tired when I got home.

I didn't feel great after eating and tried to take a nap - something I always fail at, no exception today. So, more work on the computer, then lots of TV.

Crap day.

I'm grateful, anyway, for the rarity of days like today, and because, even with days like this, I appreciate all the good things in my life.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    203.2 lbs.

Previous Weight (11/20/20):        201.0 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     + 2.2 lbs.

Diet Comment

An indulgent weekend and my weight is up. It won't be an indulgent week.

Food Log

Breakfast
Skipped.

Lunch
1:35pm:

From CoreLife Eateries (takeout): Sriracha ginger tofu with ancient grains (sriracha, shredded beets, roasted organic tofu, quinoa, spicy broccoli, kale, ginger, carrots, carrot chili vinaigrette). 

Dinner
8:10pm: 

Mushroom and cheese omelet with onions and peppers, and brussel sprouts with bacon.

Snack
9:55pm: 'Wholesome Medley' (almonds, cashews, peanuts, dark chocolate, dried cherries and cranberries) and grapes.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 2;   Coffee: 0 oz.;  Water: 98+ oz.; 

 Please leave a comment when you visit my blog.
Thank you!

#2549, Friday, November 20, '20: No comment

Post 2549

- 9 years and 325 days since I started this blog -

Sunset, Wilbur-By-the-Sea, Florida

Daily Comment

I've got nothing to say, but it's okay.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    201.0 lbs.

Previous Weight (11/19/20):        202.6 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 1.6 lbs.

Diet Comment

For once, at least for once in the last four months, the biggest loss of the week happened on a Friday! I am hoping to come out of the weekend at around my 'prime' goal weight of 200 lbs.

Food Log

Breakfast
12:15pm: Sautéed greens with eggs and cheese (arugula, chard, kale, spinach, onions, peppers, eggs, parmesan cheese) and oatmeal with peanut butter and wild blueberries.

Lunch
6:00pm: Grapes, walnuts and manchego cheese.

Dinner
10:10pm: Salmon burger with guacamole, almonds and manchego cheese, and a Quest bar.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 0;   Coffee: 24 oz.;  Water: 72+ oz.; 

 Please leave a comment when you visit my blog.
Thank you!

#2548, Thursday, November 19, '20: My right calf, part 2

Post 2548

- 9 years and 324 days since I started this blog -

Sunset, Wilbur-By-the-Sea, Florida

Daily Comment

Today I spoke with my Primary Care guy, Nick (not Dr. Nick - he's a PA), and my therapy team at Cardiac Rehab - including the cardiologist there (whose name I never remember).

The cardiac rehab folks were very helpful, and had new-to-me information regarding the non-surgical way of healing my calf problem.

Long-story-short, I changed my mind, and canceled my December first angiogram.

I walked out of my second educational video at rehab, too. It was about stress, it's bad effects, and how to deal with it. 

I live a pretty stress-free life. Of course, I don't have to deal with an awful lot of stress-inducing environments any more, since I've embraced being single and retired from work with enough money to maintain my lifestyle.

Of course, what I've actually done is simple accept what I have with gratitude.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    202.6 lbs.

Previous Weight (11/18/20):        202.8 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 0.2 lbs.

Diet Comment

I like a small loss that continues establishing a trend of weight loss. I think I've said that before.

Food Log

Breakfast
10:35am: Scrambled eggs, oatmeal made with peanut butter and wild blueberries, and grapes.

Lunch
3:25pm: Some cookies.

Dinner
8:10pm: Vegetarian sloppy joe (Quorn Grounds, Wegman's Grandpa's Sauce, spinach and kale) over edamame and mung bean fetuccini. A Quest bar.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 2;   Coffee: 0 oz.;  Water: 84+ oz.; 

 Please leave a comment when you visit my blog.
Thank you!

#2547, Wednesday, November 18, '20: My right calf

Post 2547

- 9 years and 323 days since I started this blog -

Sunset, Wilbur-By-the-Sea, Florida

Daily Comment

I met with a vascular surgeon today.

We were talking about the problem of my right calf cramping whenever I walk.

He gave me two alternatives.

The first was to do a cath and place a stent. 

The second was to do lot of walking, walking through the pain, and over time, the body would develop an ancillary network of that would ease the pain.

He liked the second solution, because a surgery would be a temporary solution, and could possibly have complications years later. The complications could be serious.

That's the way I'm going to go, though. This problem is two years old. I have always walked through the pain. Right now, it is inhibiting my cardiac recovery.

I'll have the stent placed before Christmas.

I'm grateful for all my possibilities.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    202.8 lbs.

Previous Weight (11/17/20):        203.3 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 0.5 lbs.

Diet Comment

I like a small loss that continues a trend.

Food Log

Breakfast
10:35am: Mushroom and cheese omelet on a slice of Ezekiel 4:9 Flax toast.

Lunch
3:45pm: 

Arugula, cabbage, chard, kale, spinach, roasted turkey breast, walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette.

Dinner
9:10pm:

Vegetarian sloppy joe (Quorn Grounds, Wegman's Grandpa's Sauce, spinach and kale) on riced cauliflower. 

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 0;   Coffee: 24 oz.;  Water: 108+ oz.; 

 Please leave a comment when you visit my blog.
Thank you!

#2546, Tuesday, November 17, '20: Catching up

Post 2546

- 9 years and 322 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

I spoke with my son, my sister and my brother today. I also spoke to my friend Jerry, in Mexico, coming back to the US tomorrow - to get ready to move to Mexico permanently in the New Year.

Just catching up.

I haven't been my usual busy self when it comes to calling people and communicating, so it was nice to do.

I had blood drawn for a PSA, and the results were excellent - I have a vanishingly low score, meaning I am unlikely to have prostate cancer. I wish the test were more definitive, but will still take the win. 

I made my meals (below), practiced Spanish on my phone's Duolingo app, did 22 minutes of Heavyhands walking (curling 2lb dumbbells while I walk in place) and watched TV - I'm in the middle of Wentworth, an Australian women's prison series.

That's my day.

I'm grateful for being alive.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    203.3 lbs.

Previous Weight (11/16/20):        203.4 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 0.1 lbs.

Diet Comment

Well, at least it isn't a gain.

Food Log

Breakfast
1:45pm:

Oatmeal (made with peanut butter), a mushroom and cheese omelet (with onions and peppers), and grapes.

Lunch
Skipped.  

Dinner
7:20pm: Vegetarian sloppy Joe (Quorn grounds, Wegman's Grandpa's Sauce Goes Vegetarian, kale and spinach) and cottage cheese. A Quest bar and peanut butter.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 0;   Coffee: 24 oz.;  Water: 84+ oz.; 

 Please leave a comment when you visit my blog.
Thank you!

#2545, Monday, November 16, '20: Diet and health

Post 2545

- 9 years and 321 days since I started this blog -

Daily Comment

I've made some changes in my diet. I've added oatmeal and more fruit (grapes, so far). And more bread (sprouted whole-grain, thank you).

I have also cut back on red meat.

I've made these changes to make my diet more heart-friendly, per education from my Cardiac Rehab.

Here's the thing though: These changes may be good for the heart, but they may not be good for keeping my diabetes at bay. This conflict is one I'll be looking to resolve for a while. 

For one thing, with the extra carb load, my weight is up. I had a blood test last week, and my H1AC levels were higher than they've been for eight years - not, mind you, dangerously high by any means (as my Primary care provider confirmed), but still, giving me something to think about. 

Diabetes is a bigger danger to my heart than a bad diet. And, while my diet may include some non-heart healthy factors, my diet is, overall, excellent for keeping me healthy - as evidenced by how good I felt before my surgery, and how well I've recovered since.

Also, I'm not convinced that there's a diet component to my heart disease - I think it's in my DNA (for what it's worth, my brother agrees with this).

Right now, I think the main thing is for me to find some balance.

I'm grateful for the opportunities to experiment with my life, in the name of enabling me to increase my happiness and health.

Food and Diet 

Today's Weight:                    203.4 lbs.

Previous Weight (11/13/20):        204.1 lbs.

Net Loss/Gain:                     - 0.7 lbs.

Diet Comment

Well, that's better. I'm still heavier than I want to be (by about five pounds), but this doesn't feel unhealthy.

Food Log

Breakfast
10:25am:

Fried egg with parmesan cheese and chipotle Tabasco sauce with oatmeal with peanut butter and wild blueberries.

Lunch
3:25pm: A Quest bar and cottage cheese.

Dinner
8:10pm:

Spinach, kale and lentil curry on edamame and mung bean fettuccini.

Snack
3:25pm: A Quest bar and cottage cheese.

Liquid Intake

   Espressos: 2;   Coffee: 0 oz.;  Water: 100+ oz.; 

 Please leave a comment when you visit my blog.
Thank you!