Good Evening!
Before you read on - know that the spell check on blogger was not working tonight - and you all know that I cannot spell.
What a great day today was. I began with a good visit with my nurse and got the news that my Ins. will pay for another month of home health care - we hope it can end by then - but if not we are pretty sure they will approve another month.
After that I got dressed in my new clothes and went to the university to hear Bill Clinton speak - he was charming, charasmatic as ever, and fortunately well behaved today. It was really rather exciting. I met Bill once many years ago when I was President of Independent Charities of America - and he is so personable you wouldnt believe.
I came home and worked on making my house less of a disaster area - and then sat down for dinner in front of the TV to watch the Democratic Debate - it was wonderful. They both stopped the stupid attacks and talked clearly about their ideas and plans - finally! Hil did an outstanding job.
I am starting a contest. This little machine I carry around with me is a pain in the butt. It is an emotional issue - it keeps me from being comfortable in public - and makes strange noises that I wouldnt want to explain to someone. So I am starting a contest to name the thing. Some moniker I can use with plenty of scrcasim when speaking of it - this was a suggestion of a friend who thinks that if I approach it with a disrepectful sense of humor it will bother me less. So - here are the contest rules: 1. The name must be something I can speak and write without fear of arrest. 2. It must make me smile. That simple - just add a comment wtih your suggestion and I will pick a winner by the end of next week.
Today I finally, for the first time, I think, ate all the protein I am supposed to eat. Now you may wonder why it is so difficult to do so - I am supposed to eat 110 grams of protein each day - no serving should have more than 3 grams of sugar and 14 grams of carbs and must be 1 cup or less. I would hope it tastes good and is easy to prepare. Now - any of you who are foodies - any suggestions?
Well - it was a long day and I need my rest - so goodnight and be well. - Always - Chuck
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Snow and many other things
Hello all!
Today I woke up to some snow - not much - but I am one of those strange people who, as long as I dont need to shovel it, loves snow. It is very pretty looking out at it.
Yesterday I went shopping for some new clothes - yikes - did I need them. Holding my jeans on has been a chore and my shirts look like a little boy dressing up in his dad's clothes. Just some statistics - since I am so proud of them - I went shopping wearing a pair of jeans that had a 64 (yes - OMG) a 64 inch waist. The first pair I tried on was a 58 thinking it was wishful thinking - but no - I actually needed a 56 waist. There really is a God. When I looked in the mirror in the pants that fit - I really noticed how much weight I have lost - it was a glorious moment. So I only bought 2 pair of pants knowing that in a short while they might be needing replacement.
Following my shopping I went out to lunch and had a wonderful steak (very small one) and sat and enjoyed being like everyone else for a change. Some of you may know that shopping is the most healing and invigorating thing I can think of to do - so it was a great day.
The other thing that made the day so good was I am without my little machine for 2 days. The skin around the wound was getting so sore from the tape that we needed to give it a rest - and how great it feels to be free of that thing for a while.
I am finding many high protein foods and snacks on the net that are actually edible - and I am enjoying the new tastes. So I am hopeful that things will move along much more quickly now that I am going to get adequate protein.
Melissa - is insisting that this blog needs some pictures - to show my progress - I promise within the next 48 hours there will be pictures - When Melissa speaks - we listen.
Much love to you all - Chuck
If your state - as is mine - part of Super Tuesday next week - please sit quietly for a bit and contemplate how ready this country is for a bright and caring woman to be President.
Today I woke up to some snow - not much - but I am one of those strange people who, as long as I dont need to shovel it, loves snow. It is very pretty looking out at it.
Yesterday I went shopping for some new clothes - yikes - did I need them. Holding my jeans on has been a chore and my shirts look like a little boy dressing up in his dad's clothes. Just some statistics - since I am so proud of them - I went shopping wearing a pair of jeans that had a 64 (yes - OMG) a 64 inch waist. The first pair I tried on was a 58 thinking it was wishful thinking - but no - I actually needed a 56 waist. There really is a God. When I looked in the mirror in the pants that fit - I really noticed how much weight I have lost - it was a glorious moment. So I only bought 2 pair of pants knowing that in a short while they might be needing replacement.
Following my shopping I went out to lunch and had a wonderful steak (very small one) and sat and enjoyed being like everyone else for a change. Some of you may know that shopping is the most healing and invigorating thing I can think of to do - so it was a great day.
The other thing that made the day so good was I am without my little machine for 2 days. The skin around the wound was getting so sore from the tape that we needed to give it a rest - and how great it feels to be free of that thing for a while.
I am finding many high protein foods and snacks on the net that are actually edible - and I am enjoying the new tastes. So I am hopeful that things will move along much more quickly now that I am going to get adequate protein.
Melissa - is insisting that this blog needs some pictures - to show my progress - I promise within the next 48 hours there will be pictures - When Melissa speaks - we listen.
Much love to you all - Chuck
If your state - as is mine - part of Super Tuesday next week - please sit quietly for a bit and contemplate how ready this country is for a bright and caring woman to be President.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A little on the side - but not much sleep?
Good Morning - a chilly and drab morning in New Mexico - I am not usually in a hurry for winter to end - but I am this year. I want to spend more time outside.
Since I went into the hospital they have had me on sleeping pills - something I have never needed before - and I am now trying to stop using them - and the last two nights have been very sleepless - although I was able to spend much of the night on my side - the first since surgery - I was never a back sleeper - but had to be - and now I am able to return to my favorite ways to sleep - now only if I could actually sleep.
Seems my infections are getting better - and there is no indication that the Mersa is the bad kind - although at this point a little flesh eating might not be a bad thing - lol.
I actually have a meeting today at work - so I guess I am really back to the grind. I would love to stay home and read all day - it is just that type of day here - but I guess the bills need to be paid somehow.
Well - be well all - and thanx for all the comments.
Hugs - Chuck
Since I went into the hospital they have had me on sleeping pills - something I have never needed before - and I am now trying to stop using them - and the last two nights have been very sleepless - although I was able to spend much of the night on my side - the first since surgery - I was never a back sleeper - but had to be - and now I am able to return to my favorite ways to sleep - now only if I could actually sleep.
Seems my infections are getting better - and there is no indication that the Mersa is the bad kind - although at this point a little flesh eating might not be a bad thing - lol.
I actually have a meeting today at work - so I guess I am really back to the grind. I would love to stay home and read all day - it is just that type of day here - but I guess the bills need to be paid somehow.
Well - be well all - and thanx for all the comments.
Hugs - Chuck
Monday, January 21, 2008
Ah - back to work and other things fun
Well I am actually scheduling meetings for my job - so I must be getting better. Actually had to go out today and purchase a 2008 filler for my daytimer - so I am getting serious - Hope I didnt miss anything these first 21 days.
Went to Borders yesterday and purchased several magazines on islands - I cannot quite seem to make any final decision - which is just as good until I know when I will be machine and nurse free - cause I aint taking either with me. I also have my special friend John - from Tarpon Springs, FL working on this - he is a travel agent - in the meantime I think he is going to work me into a trip to Greece next year.
My morning visit with the nurse didnt go so well this morning - apparently I have some new infections in both of the wounds - and the first run through the lab was not all good. I will know more later this week - but do be kind enough to send out some positive vibes.
A heat wave hit Albuquerque today - it was 44 when I went out a bit ago - it has been in the 30's and some 20's for the past week. It almost felt balmy.
Well - stay tuned for the latest news - and pray for my friend MP who is considering the same surgery I had - at least the gastric by pass part - lol - and is not sure about the decision. It will be wonderful and will change her life - it takes courage to do this - specially since she knows me so well - I hope she finds it.
Blessings - Chuck
Went to Borders yesterday and purchased several magazines on islands - I cannot quite seem to make any final decision - which is just as good until I know when I will be machine and nurse free - cause I aint taking either with me. I also have my special friend John - from Tarpon Springs, FL working on this - he is a travel agent - in the meantime I think he is going to work me into a trip to Greece next year.
My morning visit with the nurse didnt go so well this morning - apparently I have some new infections in both of the wounds - and the first run through the lab was not all good. I will know more later this week - but do be kind enough to send out some positive vibes.
A heat wave hit Albuquerque today - it was 44 when I went out a bit ago - it has been in the 30's and some 20's for the past week. It almost felt balmy.
Well - stay tuned for the latest news - and pray for my friend MP who is considering the same surgery I had - at least the gastric by pass part - lol - and is not sure about the decision. It will be wonderful and will change her life - it takes courage to do this - specially since she knows me so well - I hope she finds it.
Blessings - Chuck
Thursday, January 17, 2008
A Return from the Darkness
As one approaches Lubbock, TX from the northwest, the very first significant building one sees is the University Medical Center.
There it was looming over the horizon and my skin began to crawl. I took a moment and assured by inner child that we were spending the night at the Embassy Suites NOT the hospital and things began to calm down.
I spent a quite and comfortable night at the hotel and in the morning made my way to see Dr. Syn. Well after 2 hours of waiting I was escorted into his office and the exam began. The very good news is that he thinks I am doing great. He feels that the wounds will be closed within the next 20-30 days and I will be free of machines and daily nurse visits. He said I wasn't getting enough protein and could tell so by looking at me. But the very very good news is that I have officially lost 127 pounds. He was thrilled. He also said once I was spending 20 minutes a day on the treadmill, as he told me to, I would be losing much more. Overall he was very pleased.
The trip home began and went on and on and on for the next 6 hours. It was a good but very long and taxing trip. The 12 hours of driving, the dragging stuff in and out of a hotel, etc. was the most I have done since the end of September and it did me in. I am rested now and ready for the next goal.
Many of you know that I am vain - never really tried to hide that - and that my hair is my big thing - o God the Hair. Well I am losing it - in handfuls - now before you panic as I did - it is about month 3 after this surgery that this happens - and I am told it will grow back. Dr. Syn, who loves to kid me about my vanity (I once asked him if there were hospital gowns in different colors) says not to worry. Well - I worry. We will see what happens next.
Today as I awoke to the Today Show - it was 12 degrees in Albuquerque - so I am staying warm and wrapped in a wonderful throw near the TV all day. Be well and many blessings to you all.
Chuck
Go Hillary!!!
There it was looming over the horizon and my skin began to crawl. I took a moment and assured by inner child that we were spending the night at the Embassy Suites NOT the hospital and things began to calm down.
I spent a quite and comfortable night at the hotel and in the morning made my way to see Dr. Syn. Well after 2 hours of waiting I was escorted into his office and the exam began. The very good news is that he thinks I am doing great. He feels that the wounds will be closed within the next 20-30 days and I will be free of machines and daily nurse visits. He said I wasn't getting enough protein and could tell so by looking at me. But the very very good news is that I have officially lost 127 pounds. He was thrilled. He also said once I was spending 20 minutes a day on the treadmill, as he told me to, I would be losing much more. Overall he was very pleased.
The trip home began and went on and on and on for the next 6 hours. It was a good but very long and taxing trip. The 12 hours of driving, the dragging stuff in and out of a hotel, etc. was the most I have done since the end of September and it did me in. I am rested now and ready for the next goal.
Many of you know that I am vain - never really tried to hide that - and that my hair is my big thing - o God the Hair. Well I am losing it - in handfuls - now before you panic as I did - it is about month 3 after this surgery that this happens - and I am told it will grow back. Dr. Syn, who loves to kid me about my vanity (I once asked him if there were hospital gowns in different colors) says not to worry. Well - I worry. We will see what happens next.
Today as I awoke to the Today Show - it was 12 degrees in Albuquerque - so I am staying warm and wrapped in a wonderful throw near the TV all day. Be well and many blessings to you all.
Chuck
Go Hillary!!!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Back to Bush Country
Well, bright and early in the morning - which anymore has become about 10 AM - I leave for the beautiful city of Lubbock - a return to the nightmare - to see Dr. Syn and get my first report from him on my progress.
I am sure he will say I am still not eating enough protein or walking enough - but I really am doing the treadmill each day - and he will be right - I am still not eating enough protein. Do you know how difficult it is to find high protein, low sugar anything that tastes good? And one can swallow only so much skinless cooked chicken. I am increasing my sugar ability a bit so I can move to some of the edible protein bars - but still being careful not to take in to much sugar.
There are few comments being made anymore - maybe this is just an exercise for myself these days. But it feels good to sit down and say some things about this process now and again.
Food and I are having a real battle - I am never hungry - and food doesn't really taste all that amazing anymore - maybe that is the lack of fried, sauced, and sugared food - but I do understand that.
I have finally hooked up on the Dr.'s patient message boards and chat room and that has been very helpful. I am meeting a lot of new people who are having some of the same issues I am having and finally found the Albuquerque support group - I will join upon my return from TX.
Well - off to bed so I am ready for the long trip tomorrow - hugs - Chuck
I am sure he will say I am still not eating enough protein or walking enough - but I really am doing the treadmill each day - and he will be right - I am still not eating enough protein. Do you know how difficult it is to find high protein, low sugar anything that tastes good? And one can swallow only so much skinless cooked chicken. I am increasing my sugar ability a bit so I can move to some of the edible protein bars - but still being careful not to take in to much sugar.
There are few comments being made anymore - maybe this is just an exercise for myself these days. But it feels good to sit down and say some things about this process now and again.
Food and I are having a real battle - I am never hungry - and food doesn't really taste all that amazing anymore - maybe that is the lack of fried, sauced, and sugared food - but I do understand that.
I have finally hooked up on the Dr.'s patient message boards and chat room and that has been very helpful. I am meeting a lot of new people who are having some of the same issues I am having and finally found the Albuquerque support group - I will join upon my return from TX.
Well - off to bed so I am ready for the long trip tomorrow - hugs - Chuck
Friday, January 11, 2008
All the news thats fit to print
Hey - hello there and welcome to the blog.
Today is one of my lazy days - I allow 2 of them a month - days when I just dont do anything I dont have to do - they are nice.
I have caught a bit of a cold and am using that as my most significant reason for taking the day off.
Yesterday I actually went to work. Yes - I spent a 1/2 day in the office at my desk - yikes - it felt very strange but also felt good. It did encourage me to check with social security and see what life would be like if I retire at 60 tho - work? Who thought of that idea?
My sister is successfully through the surgery she had yesterday and resting - do keep her in your thoughts.
January has been a busy month - Brian and Sherri were here for a long weekend over New Years, JC and Mary left yesterday, I travel to Lubbock on Monday to see the Dr. (you can bet it aint to see the scenery), and I believe I have found the place to go on my vacation.
Yes - as boring as this might sound - I think I will go to Hawaii. I have never been there - Hilton has a couple of beautiful properties there - and the process will be much easier. My next to final choice was Samoa - but I discovered that they fly you to New Zealand and then back to Samoa - a flight of $3600 - which is much more than the entire vacation would have cost - yikes. Well I guess a week in Hawaii cant be all bad. Hilton Waikoloa Village is the resort I have picked - on the Big Island - I am sure it will be a wonderful experience - anyone up for going along?
Well - back to being lazy today - much love - Chuck
Today is one of my lazy days - I allow 2 of them a month - days when I just dont do anything I dont have to do - they are nice.
I have caught a bit of a cold and am using that as my most significant reason for taking the day off.
Yesterday I actually went to work. Yes - I spent a 1/2 day in the office at my desk - yikes - it felt very strange but also felt good. It did encourage me to check with social security and see what life would be like if I retire at 60 tho - work? Who thought of that idea?
My sister is successfully through the surgery she had yesterday and resting - do keep her in your thoughts.
January has been a busy month - Brian and Sherri were here for a long weekend over New Years, JC and Mary left yesterday, I travel to Lubbock on Monday to see the Dr. (you can bet it aint to see the scenery), and I believe I have found the place to go on my vacation.
Yes - as boring as this might sound - I think I will go to Hawaii. I have never been there - Hilton has a couple of beautiful properties there - and the process will be much easier. My next to final choice was Samoa - but I discovered that they fly you to New Zealand and then back to Samoa - a flight of $3600 - which is much more than the entire vacation would have cost - yikes. Well I guess a week in Hawaii cant be all bad. Hilton Waikoloa Village is the resort I have picked - on the Big Island - I am sure it will be a wonderful experience - anyone up for going along?
Well - back to being lazy today - much love - Chuck
Sunday, January 6, 2008
2008
Good Morning - it is a chilly morning in New Mexico and my friends JC, Mary, and I are hanging art. I have found so many wonderful pieces since I have come to the Southwest and they have been taking up space in my front closet for ages. It is much easier to hang art with 3 people so now it is all done.
The New Year is off to a good start - the wounds are getting smaller, I am getting around much better, I am learning how to cook meals of mostly protein, and they finally took Brittany's kids away from her.
Iowa does not exist any more as far as I am concerned - but Hillery will make a comeback quickly and strongly.
I am still in search of the location of my big R&R trip in Feb/Mar and very few suggestions have come in from my friends but the search on the net continues to be fun. I am learning where the best beaches in the world are - and they haint cheap places to visit. Maybe I will just take a big bag of sand and go visit my wonderful nephew and his family in Orlando.
Well - off to finish the work of the day.
Blessings - Chuck
The New Year is off to a good start - the wounds are getting smaller, I am getting around much better, I am learning how to cook meals of mostly protein, and they finally took Brittany's kids away from her.
Iowa does not exist any more as far as I am concerned - but Hillery will make a comeback quickly and strongly.
I am still in search of the location of my big R&R trip in Feb/Mar and very few suggestions have come in from my friends but the search on the net continues to be fun. I am learning where the best beaches in the world are - and they haint cheap places to visit. Maybe I will just take a big bag of sand and go visit my wonderful nephew and his family in Orlando.
Well - off to finish the work of the day.
Blessings - Chuck
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)