Getting More Things Done ..

 I'm up and rarin' to go ... not really. It's about 5:20am this morning, and the Damn Cat (aka Rusty, the Crack Kitty) woke me. Figured I might as well get up since I was not sleeping well with my CPAP not working as properly as it should. Electrical tape can only fix so much of the area that has broken through, and the air just seeps out everywhere else it seems, meaning there is loud 'whooshing' noise all night. But there are things that need to get done, and I might as well start now.

So finally got the information I needed to complete the online filing for our taxes from the Wife last night. I guess I will start there this morning. Followed by a call to the MVD Abandonment department once they open around 8 - maybe 9 - this morning. The Wife asked me to run out to the discount grocery to see if they have more protein drinks that She likes for breakfast. Who knows what else they will have this week that I may decide to pick up as well. Hopefully some soda....

While doing my morning pre-med status checks, I realized I must have a Dr appointment coming up soon. I just took a couple moments and signed into the 'MyChart' for the medical system I partake in, and see I have one coming up in early May. I recorded my numbers in my log book this morning (Glucose 168, BP 140/78 - goals were Glucose=<140 and BP 140/80 or better). I haven't been the best at keeping my log, as there are times several days have gone by without a recording. Mostly because I forget. I still remember to take my meds (most days) so there is that.

The Middle Son came over yesterday and with the Younger's help, we managed to get a good portion of the front lawn taken care of. He also helped the Wife in the back yard with stuff around her garden.

Welp, nothing ain't gonna get done unless I get it started....

PeacE

A Little Bit of Quiet

 It's nice and quiet at 3:30 in the morning. Well, at least this morning it is. I have been sitting here at teh computer for the past three hours since I awoke and could not go back to sleep. I have caught up on my boook reviews I needed to complete. I've done a few searches for some possible ARCs to read/review. I've caught up on my emails (for now). Social media has been reviewed - atleast as much as I wanted to scroll through. The only options I kind ofhave left are play Warcraft, or watch some TV show/movie. Not sure which I will; chose once I post this....

Saturday was a good day. The practice Youngest had for band was cancelled, so we didn't have to rush anywhere and be somewhere at a certain time. The Wife and I ended going out shopping/running errands. I got quite a bit of walking in today - especially for me, and my legs were quite sore come evening. The walking is probably why I was in bed by 9pm as well, leading to the early hour wake-up.

Monday is my next doctor appointment, and I am a little (nervous? leery? apprehensive?) about going. Granted I just started going to the doctor again just around 6 months ago, and you know it may take a few trips to get medication dosages just right ... but I was just getting used to the new doc I was seeing. I liked him. Now he is gone and they assigned me to a new doctor - a female, but I told them it was no matter to me. I am sure the will be yet another dosage adjustment, and I am sure she will want new lab work done (test the cholesterol levels - see if that med is working). I am hoping she can switch me from Lis to Los on my BP meds, as the Lis has been giving me rashes. Then I hope she will just let me go for at least a year. With it being a new doc, I am sure I will get the regular speech about my drinking habits, my weight, my smoking, and who knows what else she will find to chastise me. Sigh. It is what it is. Shaming me doesn't encourage any change.

Later today we will be headed to Tucson for a concert. It is a group called Lo Bros, and this will be their final concert as a group together. We saw one of the shows last year, and it was nice. We bought four tickets and invited the SIL and Daughter to go. Part is early for her birthday this week. Then we will drive back home as I have the appointment, the Wife has work, and Youngest has school. Hoping to get a nap sometime this morning prior to driving this afternoon.

The back is not quite back to 100%, and it was bothering a bit more than usual after all the walking, which does not surprise me. I should be able to get through the shifts of sitting for 2-3 hours throughout the day with little discomfort.

I guess that leaves me without much else to say.

PeacE

Wish completed

 Unlike my relationship with my siblings, my children all love to get together and be around one another. Maybe it is because they are younger, and haven't had the experiences of Life that I/we have had. I don't know, but it sure makes things easier - like getting everyone together for something. Yesterday being Father's Day, I knew we were not getting together as a family, but my one wish was that at least each of the kids would call/visit me for at some point. By 11:45pm, that happened. The last of them did call me that late, which was fine, I was awake in bed playing a game on the tablet. So I went to bed happy.

In my video chat with the Daughter and SIL, we found it it may be awhile before they are able to come visit. He has a couple trips to Canada for work-related stuff, aside from the more "local" trips he has to make. So July will be very busy for him. That is a bit of a downer, but maybe we can go down a Saturday and visit. Middle Son had texted me around mid-afternoon and hoped I would have a good day. Youngest said HFD when he finally rolled out of his bedroom late afternoon. And the Oldest Son did call late that night. He wants to get together some night int he next couple weeks with me. No presents or cards, which is fine, but at least got to speak/text with each yesterday.

My Dr appointment went fine last Friday. My counts for BP and Glucose were still a "little" high than where he would like me, but after some discussion, it was decided I would stay where I am at for three months. My medication dosages were changing every 30 days, that I felt that my body wasn't being able to have enough time to work with any specific one. He thought a moment and agreed. So for now we wait and see how my counts go. I am still recording them each morning. While setting the next appointment in three months, I found out the doctor I have been seeing is leaving this group. Huh? He didn't mention it. So I am being assigned to a different doctor. They made a big deal of asking if it was okay that this new doc was a female. I told them I didn't care.

Nothing big on the agenda today. Run up to DMV and get the specialty plate assigned back to my vehicle and get it on. Then may head up tot he VFW this afternoon for a couple beers and a few chapters in my book. I've read 131/150 books this year for my goal. This morning I changed the goal to 200.

PeacE

... and the Party is Over ....

I wonder how today is going to go. I say that with the sound of trepidation making resounding echoes. I got up this morning the same time as the Wife, and I went into the office to start my day. As the norm, I did my glucose count, then my blood pressure. Wait. That isn't right. My BP reading is usually higher. Did it again. Something still not right. I changed out the batteries. Third time is the charm right? Nope. By now the Wife is wondering what I am doing, and I explained that my BP reading was way lower than normal, and the cuff didn't seem to be inflating as much as it usually does.... something is not right. We did the wrist cuff monitor, and again, on the arm one. Twice more it was lower than normal. Wife said maybe it is accurate, and I just slept better and was better rested. I don't know, but I logged the last reading for the Doc, whom I will be seeing this afternoon.

The Youngest left for school. The Wife left for work. I splurged. I ran up the road to Wendy's and got a baconator breakfast meal. Usually I just have a granola bar for breakfast, but this morning, something more called out to me. So as I finish up my seasoned potatoes, and lick my fingers, I share this with you.

Weekend plans? I don't have any. Probably wait and see how I feel. After the Doc visit later today, I am sure he will up the dosage of my metformin (and I will be asking for an extended release type) so I am sure I will have the shits all weekend. This last week plus have not been terrible, dealing only a few days of this, instead of constant. Enough talking shit already.....

PeacE

Waiting On That Other Shoe

 YEsterday was not a day that I am very happy with. I mean, most of the day was fine as it was spent with me working. After I clocked out is when things went brappy. 

When it is time, I headed to my Doctors appointment. It is just a few miles north of me, and not a long drive. As I was exiting the freeway, a frickin' rock tagged the windshield. Great. It starred when it hit, on the left, about an inch from the side edge. Mind you, I am in a rental, and I did not take the $30/day insurance, so who knows how much this will cost me when I turn it in. Needless to say, after my appoiontment, the start had grown crack line about 6-7 inches long. Grrrrr.

Back to the doctors appointment. I knew it was going to be bad. I could tell from the labwork I had done, we were going to be doing some talking. Final results: upped my BP med dosage; added a cholesterol pill, added a type-2 diabetes med, plus the glucose meter, strips, etc. Doc was putting in a referral for a nutritionist to be seen, but I don't think I am going to go that far. I am picking up the 'scripts today after breakfast.

Got up today about 7:30 and woke the Youngest. He had agreed to do the lawn this morning. afterwards, I am taking the Wife and him to breakfast/brunch. Errands will be ran (bank, Walgreens) and then I do believe we are going to get my new car. I found it online at one dealership on this side of town. Be nice to get it today, and turn this rental back in (plus fees for the windshield - sigh) on Monday. SAve a little more money.I don't know if I had mentioned, the other place I had talked to them about the car, well, he called and said someone else had reserved it. Screw them, going somewhere else today.

Guess I shoulld get some stuff done before breakfast.

PeacE

Getting Things Done Somewhat

 I'm ready for Friday to be over, and this whole week. Still trying to get things done regarding the accident. I did receive an email from my insurance stating they were transferring the funds to my account. That meant I needed to get the rental car turned back in, which I did on Wednesday. However, I still needed a vehicle for my Dr appt today, and labs on Monday. Ended up getting the same POS car I was driving the last week. It is a Nissan Maxima, and of course it sits lower than my Rav4, so getting in and out is a pain (literally). The windshield is at such an angle, that the view from the drivers seat leaves you minimal area to view traffic. There are just so many things I do not like about this car. But I have it until I get a enw one, or the 30th, which is the time I gave myself to get a car. The Rav4 I want is supposed to be arriving this next week. Hope so on Monday.

I think my BP pills got tossed in the trash. I keep them on my desk, so I see them each morning and remember to take one. I went to get one this morning and the bottle is missing. It just so happens my trash can sits just under where I had the pills sitting, and we had taken the trash out to the bins, then the street last night for pick up today. Guess who has been by already? Yeah. Couldn't even go check the trash. I only had about 5 pills left, and I wonder if the Dr is going to adjust the dosage today anyways. I do have the receipt from before that shows 3+ refills before next year, so should be okay to just get a refill.

When I finish up work today I am headed over to the Police Dept. According to their report, my keys, license, and ins papers were "in impound" at the station. Hopefully it will be there still, and not sent down to their Prop Holdings building south of downtown. I really just need the keys back, as it has the fob for the Wife's vehicle, plus the house keys. I already got a duplicate license.

Welp, need to get back to work....

PeacE

Taxes Due Day

 This week is starting out weird. Today is the 'new' date that everyone is to have their taxes completed and at least in the mail. The Wife finished ours up last night, and I will be dropping them at the Post Office this afternoon after work. With the Wife off from work most of last year, and my lower income level, it seems that we are getting some money back from both Fed and State. So, at least there is some good news.

I also have a doctors appointment today, to follow up on my HBP med, to see if it needs adjusting. Also to review my lab work, which was not the greatest. Welp, change that. I just got the call that I need to reschedule to Friday, because the Dr is out sick today. Sigh. And I just rescheduled a time for new labs (I am sure the doc will have me do them again) to next Monday, instead of tomorrow. Now I will have to figure out a way to get to those appointments, because the rental car needs to be turned in by Thursday. Looks like Lyft time.....

Speaking of rental car, I already mentioned about car shopping. I am anxious for the car to get in and me to drive home in it. I thought I had things planned well with the rental, and my appoinments, but as one can see, there are always factors one cannot plan into the equation.

I should get back to work. Only 6 1/2 hours to go ....sigh.

PeacE

So, I Went Shopping ...

 Yeah. Me. Shopping. Not the kind where I meander all over the place and look at everything (like some people I know). I went shopping, like a Man. I walked into that Toyota delalership knowing what I wanted, what I willing to pay, and they better have it. They didn't. But, as it turns out, they are due a shipment of vehicles 4/25-4/30 that actually has exactly what I want on the trailer. It's a 2022 Rav4 LE AWD, *AND* it is the same color as my old one. I didn't put a reservation on it ($3000) because that monies would not be applied to the pricing. In other words, throwing $3K out there just to secure it. Naw, I'll ltake my chances. So we talked a bit more, and I found out the price I would pay since I am not financing. All in all, a good afternoon. Just waitng the call when it comes in.

I'm still in pain. The cuts on my leg are healing well, for scratches/cuts. The swelling in my shoulder has gone down. Bruising is starting to slowly fade away. But my chest still hurts. Just below the neck area. Feels like the bone(s) are bruised. I wonder when the air bag deployed, either the force of it, or it and maybe an arm) was thrust so hard, that it feels this way. It has been slowly getting better, and I noticed rolling over in bed, etc, was not as painful this morning. But the pain is still enough it distracts me, even when sitting idle. Hopefully I will be mostly back to my normal here this week.

It is Easter Sunday. We haven't given out baskets of candy on this day for years. With most of the kids grown and out of the house, why bother? Though, I do admit RM still does stockings for us kids at Christmas. Either way, we haven't gotten together (my kids/families) for Easter since they started getting older and moving out. The Middle Son had texted the other day, his work was being closed today, and he wanted to know if we had plans. Yesterday I tenatively said if he and his older brother wanted to, we could go to Dennys for lunch today, thinking it would be one of the less crowded places. He is to get back to me this morning. I would not be surprised if I do not hear from him, or they turn it down.

I think I am going to relax most of the day. The Wife will be working on final tax figures this afternoon. She always waits until the last minute, and refuses to pay  (her words - waste) $50 for Turbo Tax, when she thinks she has to figure out the figures anyways to enter it into the program. <shrug> What do I know? The Wife has tkaen this on many years ago, though I don't remember why.

Doctor's appointment tomorrow. Based on the somewhat record I have kept of my BP readings, I thin khe may increase my HBP meds a bit in the dosage. Maybe another 5-10 milligrams. I know he will send me out for lab work again. Some of the numbers from the last one were just weird. My blood sugar and A1C were sky high, to the point it was ridiculous. Though I don't know why - I had to fast 8 hours before I went. Needless to say I expect to do them again. In fact, I need to stop now and set up an appointment time for Tuesday, so I don't have to wait forever as a walk-in. There, done!

The Wife and I went out to dinner last night. I was craving some steak, so we went to Texas Roadhouse. We expected a wait (told 35-45) and an hour later we finally got our seat. We did get our appetizer and drinks fast, but waited nearly 35 minutes for the food, which arrived somewhat just above room temperature. It was possibly our worst experience at this restaurant. I was a bit disappointed, but the food was still good, and both of us were taking home at least half, if not more, of the meal home. I just couldn't eat it all. Another good thing, as I am working on weight loss.

Welp, the day is wasting away, and I haven't done much as of yet, so I should get going.

PeacE

Oh Joy, It's Doctor Time

I had a hard time getting to sleep last night. Most nights, once the head hits the pillow, I am out pretty fast. Last night it seemed I just had too much stuff on my mind to let it go to fall asleep. I am sure most of it has to do with today, as I finally get to do my follow-up with my PCP. Granted it has been over a week since my ER visit, at least I am able to get an appointment. I just am not sure what will happen. The Wife says that an MRI will not happen for a few more days once the Dr sees me, as they have to get all the info "in a row" before they will schedule it. I don't know how it works, I have never had one before.

I spoke to HR on Friday. Mostly to check that they had all the paperwork needed from me in order to get the work comp stuff rolling. They said yes. I would assume there would be some long claim number I needed to reference when seeing the doctor, but no. Just the Insurance company name, and my social as the claim. Sounds almost too easy.

Overall, I am doing a bit better. I haven't felt the pain bad enough for the Percosets since Thursday. I have been getting by with ibuprofen as needed, not around the clock. Since get pain spasms when I cough/sneeze, certain movements that cause back twisting, etc. I have not tried to pick up anything per se. It will be interesting to see what the Dr. says about a time frame to return to work. I know I need to call my boss after the appointment to update him on what the doc says and recommends.

Three hours to go to the appointment. Guess I need to find something to do to entertain myself until then.

PeacE

Check-Up Time!!

I need to leave here in a few minutes to head to my Dr. appointment. I am hoping to be released from taking the blood pressure pills I am on. I haven't weighed myself in a couple weeks now, so I also am trying to guess about where that will come in at. Either way, I still pretty much doubled what I had lost since I saw the Doc last in July.

Today is to play catch-up. I have a few things to do around the house that I blew off this weekend. Tomorrow Preacher Tom and I are meeting for breakfast. I still need to get out and get a few more things for RM and the Wife.

Ok, my thoughts are starting to mix-in to each other. I need to get going.

PeacE

Just a Walk in the Park

I have a few moments to spare prior to me heading out to do the walk in the park. Nothing exciting much going on.

Still working the apartment hunting for the daughter. Love the way I found out about how they charge the 'hidden' fees nowadays. I had called one place that advertised 'Utilities Included' on the website, and also the pricing for a 1 brdm apt. I called and was verifying info. turns out he price they gave is only for rent, the 'all utilities' is an additional amount. I was like 'WTF?' Yeah, but because they didn't advertise that fee in association with the term 'All Utilities' they can get away with that shit. So now I see any place advertising Utils included, I add an additional amount to the advertised rent amount. Overall it is still a better deal averaged over a year, than it would be for separate utility bills, etc. I would just prefer to keep the number of expenses to a minimum, rather than 5 bills for living, make it 2 or 3. Other than that, the search continues....

My oldest son has an English drama this Friday. They are studying (or have been) 'Romeo and Juliet' and the teachers invited parents to attend the hour of the child's class. Each class will be 'acting out' a particular Act/Scene (different part for each class) and mu son's is Act 1, Scene 5. I debated looking it up, but figure the surprise will be more fun. I responded that I would be attending. Shall be interesting.

I got in touch with the pulmonary doc that my PCP had told me to call. I cannot get an appointment with him until May though. Why I am even doing this I have no clue. He only read/interpreted my sleep study report, and is supposed to review my oximeter report so I can drop this damn oxygen. Why would I need to see him? I am thinking of just calling the oxygen supply, tell them to come get their equipment and stop altogether. I still use my CPAP, and it is more help than the oxygen (which is at the lowest setting). Sometimes doctors feel like lawyers, in the way they want you to spend all your money on shit you don't need. Another frustration in life.

Okay, I am out of here.

PeacE

Allergies Can Just Go To Hell

I am so sick of having allergies. If there was a procedure to have them removed, or whatever, I would be looking into it... even if my insurance didn't cover the cost! This morning I awoke to teary eyes and a runny & clogged nose. Weird to have both (runny and clogged that is).

In a bit I got to head back over to the medical plaza in Glendale to pick up the oximeter. Am hoping my allergies clear up for this evening when I use it. But I could see it that my breathing is not good due to allergies, and that would give them the wrong data. That would be my luck.

Nothing else exciting today. We are closer to Friday. Got my results from my blood test from the doc yesterday. Cholesterol counts: bad stuff is down and close to our goal. Good stuff also dropped, so need to work on getting that up (exercise is best way). Sugar is down (good) and triglycerides are down (good). He is talking about possibly doing a stress test, or setting one up next time I visit. Seems my EKG showed some 'subtle' stuff on the left side, he thinks it may be due to the sleep apnea, or possibly the blood pressure. Either way, both are being worked on.

Okay,  can't think of anything else at the moment.

PeacE

A Crowning

So yesterday's doctor visit wasn't as good as I had hoped. Some of my disappointments were evident. I had gained 5 lbs overall in the last 3 months. Though the doc was ok with that. Considering the holidays, and that I had quit smoking, he said it was normal for some people to have some weight gain, and for me to gain only 5, was not bad. My blood pressure is still high, so I am taking a low dose med for it now. We also did blood draws for a 90 day reading on the AC1 (diabetic sugar) and my cholesterol counts. Depending on what the results are, I may need to take some more meds to help bring the numbers to a better range. Otherwise, everything else was good basically.

In 15 minutes I leave to have my cavity and crown done. Not looking forward to sitting in the dentist chair for two hours.

That's it for now.

PeacE

The Dreaded Doctor Visit

Welcome to Monday. I am not particularly happy this morning. Well, I guess I am a bit more cranky, tired, and apprehensive more than anything.

Yesterday we drove down to Tucson for the Daughter's choir concert. It is the last one of the school term that we will be able to attend (it being on a weekend rather than the weeknights). She did wonderful, of course, and we were able to get back on the road to home about 9:30pm. Tucson normally is only about an hour and half (or so) from our house. Last night, the trip home took 3 hours. Short of halfway back, there was construction(always somewhere between Phoenix and Tucson) and down to one lane. It was literally stop and go for 10 miles (rough estimate though the Wife says it was less miles than that). That alone took 45 minutes of the trip. Needless to say, we didn't make it home until after midnight (after my regular bedtime), and I had a harder time falling asleep as well. I think I was still mentally awake and running thoughts, though my body was telling me it was beat.

So, a bit less sleep than I get on a more regular basis. Top that off, I have my 3-month follow-up at the doctor. Today's check-up is going to be mostly concerning my blood pressure (to see if it has gone down any) and possible medication for it (if not improving); my weight (to see if I have been losing any); possible EKG reading (so he has a "baseline" for my file); and that's about it I think. I've said before the weight is what I am worried about most. BP I am hoping is better since I quit smoking, and started the CPAP treatment. I am hoping that medication will not be required as I prefer to not take any if I can get away with it. Speaking of, I am taking my aspirin and allergy tabs now.... before I forget. I am going to ask about getting rid of the oxygen (goes in-line with the CPAP at night) as it is such a low setting, and I don't think it makes any difference overall. Plus, it could save us $50/month.

Tomorrow morning is my dentist appointment. Notice I crammed these both within a short time. I really don't care for doctors that much, regardless what field it is. Anyways, I get a cavity done, and a crown tomorrow. Two hours in a dentist chair. Just how I love to spend ANY morning. But the good part is it will be done, and I shouldn't need any dental work aside from the cleaning/check-ups for the future.

Okay, I need to finish getting ready to head out. Will edit and update when I get back, I am sure.

Edit: Will just update the doc visit tomorrow.

PeacE

Crunch Time!!

That post title reminds me of stuff I am not supposed to be eating. Which is probably why it popped into my head this morning, as I thought about the next seven days.

I took my middle son into the dentist this morning to have a couple old fillings fixed. Seems they had fallen out, or  broken out... Either way, needed new ones. At least the area had not become a cavity again. So that little trip reminded me I have a dental appointment next Tuesday morning for a cavity, and my last crown. A nice 2-hour visit. An expensive visit. Sigh.

But before that, I have a doctor's appointment on Monday. It has been 3 months since I last saw the doc. I will be able to find out how much weight I have lost, if my blood pressure has dropped any since I quit smoking, and I am sure a few other side things as well. So I have six days to worry about if I feel I have lost enough weight. I know I am not at an end goal, but I am hoping for a significant amount. Less than ten pounds, and I will be very disappointed with myself. No excuses though. Bottom line would be that I didn't work at it hard enough. Though, I have wasted my time and made several good and reasonable sounding excuses... to ease my own self-guilt. Even if I don't need them, I have them prepared. But it sucks knowing you can't fool yourself.

So, this week I am doing that "little bit extra" for a last possible bonus to it all. Hopefully, I will be able to do it, and make it become more of a habit, so I can push a little more later on.

Nothing else much going on. I been doing a little less computer time and spending more time with my Kindle lately. I need to catch up reading on several novels I have gotten for it.

I got another one of those monthly site counts for here. It was even lower than last month. I must really have pissed off a lot of people. Or don't have phrases like "granny midget amputee porn" for search engines to pick up on for them extra hits. Either way, if you stop by, comment and say hi.

PeacE

The Results Are In

Last Wednesday was my second doctor appointment, where we had gone over the regular blood test results, sleep study, etc. Friday I got the CPAP machine, though there were issues regarding the oxygen supply (as was coming from a separate supplier). Monday, we got the oxygen taken care of. I have an oxygen concentrator now hooked in line with the CPAP. I am at a low level (1 on whatever measurement scale they use) so it isn't too bad. In fact, I really don't notice any difference with it hooked up. I am under the impression my body is noticing changes, but the change is still large enough just using the CPAP, that consciously, I don't see it.

At my appointment, we also did another blood draw. This one was to check for the sugar percentages, etc. that are a better indicator for diabetes. Diabetes runs through both sides of my family, so I was expecting to probably see some sort of indication of it, though would not know if it was going to be in a range where medication would be required at this immediate time, or if we had some room for "lifestyle changes" to help make the difference.

Today I got the results from the doctor.

The normal Diabetic range is considered to be 6.5% or higher. The higher it is, obviously some sort of control, usually through mediation, is needed. I am at 6.4%, so am just barely under the range to say "I have diabetes." Doc says the good normal range should be under 6%. At this time, he feels that we have some room to maneuver since I am preferring to make changes in my lifestyle, rather than just do medication.

First is to lower my Triglycerides. Options are: 1) lose weight and exercise, 2) use some OTC fish oil/Omega 3 capsules, or 3) use medication. Obvious choice for me is exercise and lose weight. The capsules... I dunno. Maybe as an additional help? I don't know if I want to mess with taking pills if I don't have too, so at this time I think I will work on #1.

Second, I need to increase my HDL/Good Cholesterol. Options are: 1)exercise, 2) stop smoking, 3) use of prescription medication (he notes this is not as effective though). Well, #1 is part of the first item. The stop smoking, well, I felt not ready to give that up when we spoke about it, but I guess it is time to really start to address the issue. More on this at the end.

Third, the blood pressure needs to be lowered. Options are: 1) lose weight and exercise, 2) limit salt - 4 grams or less per day, 3) use a prescription medication, or 4) use the CPAP machine for the sleep apnea. Well, again #1 is in progress, the salt, I guess I just need to watch really salty foods (there go french fries unless I order unsalted.... like that will make a difference). Prescription meds are out - don't want to take the pills if I don't need to, leaving the CPAP, which is already in use, and we will re-address in a few months when we re-evaluate how I am doing.

Right now he recommends 3 months until another appointment unless for other reasons I need to make one. At that time, we will do the EKG, as this last time, the office one was not working, and the replacement one had not arrived. For now, the EKG was not the more important of things, though he would like to make sure no heart things were out of the ordinary, though I have no complaints at this time.

Down to the bottom line. Exercise and weight loss are the very obvious. Though I have lost 10 pounds in the 4 weeks between appointments, much more is needed. With the CPAP machine, I am feeling more energetic due to better sleep, so that will help. Diet is also helping me feel a bit more energetic. I just need to motivate myself more to get out and do some form of exercise. I don't have a gym membership, and not really looking to get one at this time. Walking would be a good place for me to start, and I want to get out and get Christmas shopping done, too, so maybe I can start there. Get to know the store layouts of Wal-Mart, Kmart and the mall. No, not going to Target. I read they are owned by the French...lol.

Smoking is going to be a big step for me as well. having that bad habit since I was 18 is going to be hard to break. Yes, I know it is possible, and you hear stories about it all the time. I have been cutting back over the past handful of years, but we are talking about a complete stop. I know it would be good for me, but in my head, do I really want to stop? Yeah, dilemma there, huh? Well, I got 5 cigarettes left in last pack I have with me. After that, I am going to push for no more. Last attempt I made I was able to go 2 days before I broke down...let's see if I can make it 5 this time. They say after the fifth day, the body isn't craving anymore, and it turns into the mental part of breaking the habit. I am mental enough (take that how you will) that maybe I can do it. No, that IS how I am going to do it (got to be positive about it, right?).

Yeah. Big changes for this big guy. Place your bets now, you might win some money - though not from me.

PeacE

Some Good Amongst the Bad

I had my doctor's appointment yesterday. Believe or not, it was pretty much good news. I've lost 10 lbs in 4 weeks. I have only cut portions basically so far. Blood was drawn for an AoneC test regarding sugar in the blood. Based on the results for this will see if I need any type of medication, as well as if I have diabetes.

Today I have an appointment to get my CPAP machine. Seems in my sleep study, my sleep interrupted 106 times. One of the very rare times the doc said he has seen it that high. After they had hooked me to a CPAP the number dropped to 8. My oxygen levels were dropping to 72% (normal is 96-98%) so this should really help. I am hoping just to sleep good and actually awake refreshed feeling and maybe have a little more energy.

Nothing else much going on. Trying to get this stuff done so I can be healthier.

PeacE

Feelin' Groggy On A Sunday

While the wife is away at church with the boys, I figured I could drop a few lines here. Not much else is going on, and I'm tired of the porn clips. That was a a joke, RM.

Well, it's been a week since my Dr. visit. Things are progressing. I have been pretty good about cutting down on meal portions, and actually feel like I have lost weight, though have not weighed myself. I fear that even feeling this much better,there won't be any change....

I have my sleep study scheduled for this Thursday night. Thankfully, it isn't too far from home. I am just hoping I will be able to fall asleep there. I have some kind of subconscious thing that doesn't let me fall asleep if I am at a place that doesn't feel like home, unless I am trashed. I figured if I brought a book, I should do okay.

Other than that, I am just waiting for the blood test and x-ray results. Doc said he would mail them with a letter of explanation if things were normal. So, yeah, I am hoping to just get mail.

That's all I got for now... except this ear worm that's bugging me....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNy6ckNN7fo

PeacE

After the Visit

So I met my doc today. He's the son of the one I saw 15-20 years ago. Weird how that worked out....

Anyways, things went pretty much how I expected. Weight, smoking, drinking - all key issues we discussed.

No prostrate gland check, no finger in the ass... never had to drop my drawers. We did some talking about that, too. Since I don't have family history, and no 'obvious' problems with that area, they normally don't routine check until about 45 (6 years yet WOO!).

Weight was something we talked about alot. I got much of it to lose. At weigh-in, I was surprised at the number. I had thought I was doing better than normal the past 3-4 weeks....but obviously, if I was, I was way behind what I thought.

Need less to say, my blogs may be a bit hormonal.... or, if you prefer, me moaning like a whore cuz I can't eat what I wanna, and get tired of the healthy shit I should be eating.

Blood was drawn. And an X-ray to follow for my chest on Monday. Then I wait to hear from the doc with results.

In the meantime, my wife will be doing her best to feed me right, and still have the kids eat what we are, and keeping me outta the bar!

PeacE

Today is the Big Day

I don't think I have ever looked forward to being told that I am fat, an alcoholic, and you can fix those things - but yer still ugly. Okay, well 2 out of 3 aren't bad.

This morning I am off to my doctor for that dreaded visit. I feel I am prepared: Freshly showered and sanitized appropriately; Insurance info; Kindle to read while waiting; oh, and a sample package of Isagenix. My Sis sells those, and is trying to get me to ask the doctor about if I should use them as a supplement in dieting. Though I cannot afford it, and have no interest in it. Figure I would at least ask for her.

So, as I sit here, wayyyy to early, and my sphincter tightens up...  Nothing else exciting is happening. The daughter will be planning on being back up from college tonight for her HS homecoming. We have dinner out tomorrow for her birthday.

Oh, here's some regular messed up news for me.... the van had it's engine light come on yesterday. So Monday I will be taking it in to have something else checked and fixed. The Wife mentioned the brakes were starting to make noise too. Maybe it is all related?

So Tuesday was a crazy day. Had one hell of a hail storm come through my area. Bad enough I was worried about windows and vehicles, but everything made it through ok. Tons of rain, that we are not used to here in the desert. The hail shredded the foliage on the trees out front and covered the ground well enough, like fresh snow cover. About 4 inches deep against the house....

Okay, maybe I will update later after the dr, and after my cry session.

PeacE