Medical Issues/Recovery – The Laughing Wolf

I’m Back

At least sorta. I needed the week after Holy Week to recover on several levels, and am still taking it easy this week where I can. I’m also doing some discernment on some things as I want to be sure I am doing the right thing, at the right time, and for the right reasons.

Along those lines, I’ve accepted/decided that, barring something very unexpected, I will not be able to make the Lightning Strike/Electrical Shock Survivors association annual meeting this year. The transportation costs were just too high, and were going to be at least $1,200+ So, right now looking at ways to get down to visit family and friends in Chattanooga and Georgia some other way. What funding I did have for this had to go into a local transportation option (see next post). One day I will get to attend it.

Had a visit with my GP yesterday, and it went very well. While I was just a shade low on red blood cells and hemoglobin (eating more greens prescribed), the other numbers were fantastic. Cholesterol low, bad cholesterol very low, kidneys excellent, liver excellent, digestive system much happier now that I am back on a Mediterranean-influenced keto diet. Already down a couple of inches and several pounds. For now, trying to stay with two meals a day, no snacking, and Lenten portions as that seems to work very well.

So, GP and Cardiologist happy. We may even be looking at reducing or eliminating a couple of the meds I’ve been on. The less meds, with good results, the better. Some more neuro testing coming up in June, will be interesting to get those results.

Onwards!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Bike: Thoughts And Suggestions?

I’m looking at getting a bicycle to aid in getting around town. Part of me wants a cargo bike, but those cost as much as a car, even used. I will admit I’m even looking at an e-bike so I can cover a fair bit of territory at need.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I know things have changed a bit since the days of my much-missed Raleigh Record, but need something sturdy, probably larger tires given the road and other conditions around here, and that I might can mount saddlebags and a back deck onto. Given some of the drivers around here, defensive auto-cannons might not be a bad option.

Found one place not far away that lets you rent bikes to try on nearby trails before purchasing. Seems like a good idea for me to try a couple and be sure the vertigo and other delights don’t preclude me from riding a bike after the lightning strike.

Any constructive thoughts and suggestions are most welcome. I know little these days about brands of regular or other bikes. Have found some places that sell used, plan to check them out too once I do some investigating and trials.

Lightning Tales: An Oddity

Can’t remember if I shared this or not, so if a repeat, enjoy!

A few days ago, the wonderful Leslie Eastman at Legal Insurrection tagged me on a story about a lightning strike victim in Australia. This lady had her eyes change color after the strike. The article also talked about others who had changes to eye color and even improvement in eyesight after a strike.

It was not something I had even thought to check, nor had I noticed much as I am not given to staring long and soulfully into my own eyes in the mirror. So, I went and checked. Now, my eyes were half brown and half green, growing more green over time. Now, my eyes are half brown, maybe a bit more brown, and what was green is now blue. Fascinating.

Not sure what if anything it means, but it is interesting. Just thought I would share.

SQT: Random

Okay, I would say sorry for not posting more but it is Lent, there is a lot going on in the important world, and the alleged “real” world has taken last place. Some posts I want to do, but things are going to be interesting between now and Pascha. Don’t expect to see much of me at all during Holy Week. Right now, looks like I will be chanting or otherwise occupied for about ten straight days, and I am reserving the Monday following for recovery.

First up, there were some sensational reports of one of Vladimir’s cars “blowing up” from some of the pundit (grifter) class on X. I couldn’t find any reputable sourcing for the claim. Which may be because apparently one of the fleet of cars available to Vladimir (and possibly others) caught fire and burned. It happens. In this case, everything seems to point to normal, not abnormal reasons.

Second up, there appears to be some interesting maneuvering going on behind the scenes in Moscow. I’ve noted before that the curtain is up as they try to keep things out of the public eye, but some signs still get through. As efforts to bring about peace in Ukraine advance, I suspect more will get seen in public. Really do need to do a full post as many seem to be missing some key points. Someone remind me please.

Third, it really doesn’t matter which scenario on the Signal leak was right (though some others have come out in support of it being deliberate) as the net result is that Jeffrey Goldberg (and quite likely The Atlantic) are toast. The move has already started on the left, which while somewhat endorsing him and what he did, the pull back has already begun. Distancing is a thing, and if you pay attention to the patterns, it is well underway on the left. I suspect it will get stronger. There will be a pretense of support, of membership/friendship, but the cooling that is underway will only turn colder over time. Add in the fact that sources are noting his actions, and his ability to get any form of inside scoops is going to take a hit. Is probably already taking a hit. My bet right now is that absent something major (and unexpected) he’s faded away in five years.

Fourth, note the attack shifts underway. On the Signal non-issue, it went from demanding to know who did it to attacking Pete as soon as possible. It’s not the only such change in targeting. Call it out, point it out, make it impossible to miss. Corporate media is all in on it, and such needs to be pointed out to the normies (if you will).

Fifth, same is being done in regards the deportations. The new cry is “due process” where no due process will be good enough. Media and politicians are gleefully lying in unison via leaving out key bits of information (for example, a judge had found the “innocent father” was a member of MS-13 years ago) in what they say and pitch. Again, this needs to be pointed out frequently, loudly, etc.

Sixth, same is being done in the Tesla terrorism. Saw one about ‘a life ruined for a piece of gum.’ No, it was ruined because the person made the choice to become a terrorist and the damage was above a certain dollar amount. It had nothing to do with free speech or gum chewing, everything to do with willful and deliberate actions. Again, point out, call out, mock, and shame.

Seventh, same is being done with Social Security. It has been stated directly and unequivocally that the Admin is going to protect (and strengthen) Social Security and Medicaid. No surprise at the politicians wasting no time in claiming that Trump, Musk, Bigfoot, and the Loch Ness Monster are all out to destroy both and put our elderly out into the cold. Again, call it out.

I could go on, but, you get the idea. Those online a good bit know, those who sanely and rationally are not terminally online do not. Help get the word out to them, as it does indeed make a difference. We are in a fight for our Freedoms and our Republic. Winning is far from guaranteed, and it takes fighting on many fronts. The information front is critical, be a part of the good fight.

I’m out of time this morning, so will skip a few other things. Imperial judges and an out-of-control judiciary (enabled by a rotten congress) are one topic. Lots of good science news out there too. Love the new polar-orbit manned mission from Space X. About time.

For those interested, I had my first session with a vocal coach yesterday as part of my efforts to re-learn how to sing (and read music) after the lightning strike. In fact, the coach took me on in part because of the issues as they found them fascinating. Quick takes from the first visit is that I am indeed a bass-baritone, lower range is quite good, going to have to do a lot of work to extend my range back up into tenor. Once we get that going, we will work other issues. Everything from posture to how I’m standing are being worked on. Frankly, it was fun and I had a great time singing in my good range.

Tomorrow is multiple services at Church, so not sure I will be posting. Thursday maybe. Friday no, as I have homework. If I didn’t mention it before, I’m learning how to plot out Vespers, Matins, and Liturgies. Right now, plotting out what is done, by whom, and when takes me a good bit of time. I need to get to the point where I can do it in right around an hour. Given that it involves multiple reference books, it is complex. If I haven’t told the larger story, remind me and I will do so for anyone interested. Saturday, well, who knows.

Oh, and for those who want to show off by having histrionics over typos or grammar issues, I simply will point out that we should see how well YOU do after you are hit by lightning. I will add that you are not covering yourself in glory or showing how smart you are, except in a very Fredo way.

More soon.

Random Thoughts On A Friday

Not sure I am up to a full post today, but did want to share a few thoughts while I could. More on the personal in a bit. For now…

I’m unsurprised at the rash of SWATtings going on right now. It has long been a favored tactic of progressives and is effective. Sadly, it has even resulted in deaths. Those behind these really do hope for that I fear, but also seem to think it will intimidate people. I think they are wrong about that, and they should stop to think that if there is a death the FBI may be the least of their worries.

It is interesting that so far, the majority of those being swatted are on various enemies lists coming out of Ukraine. This is not to suggest Ukraine is behind it, but that the lists do make a good “shopping list” for some of the more unstable on the progressive side. Sending the pizzas (again, it appears that all of those SWATted have had pizzas show up right after, that are ordered prior to the event) is a message.

Frankly, I’m surprised there hasn’t been more violence. People who are having their rice bowls kicked over seldom like it, and when you see the system that you and yours have spent generations (keep in mind, a lot of this started under Woodrow Wilson) building up, and achieved unprecedented growth in the last twenty years (astronomical during the past four), you tend to be a little upset. Particularly if you are not in the top tier. They are upset, but have fallbacks. The next tier down does not have those same levels of fall back as they were still building.

If you are midway (or further) down, it’s worse and that’s also usually where you find your true believers and less-stable people. They are in the worst shape and are going to be far more likely to do rash things. This is the group you see on social media calling for assassinations and actually taking part in attacking Tesla and Tesla owners. They make good cannon fodder and will be used as such. See my earlier post this week for some background.

I will say that the SWATting needs to be dealt with quickly and strongly. So do the many other instances of law breaking underway (building takeovers, movement blocks, etc.) but those are mostly dependent on local action. However, SWATting, as it uses interstate communications, can get Federal help and the FBI is now assisting. It also has the ability to prosecute on it’s own if needed. We will see. It needs to be prosecuted as the attempted pre-meditated murder it is. If that is done, you will see it drop to almost zero rapidly.

I’ve lost track of when Space X is going to try to launch the crew again, but glad they stopped the last launch. For all I loathe the perfect safety culture/no failures club, a manned launch is not something where you want or need to run risks. Hoping they continue to have an unblemished launch record and that they get the “stranded” astronauts home soon.

Going to look at a duplex today, and am following up on some other prospects. Not rushing, but not dwadling (too much) either. I may have to go for larger than I might like, so I can get everything out of storage and get rid of most of it (keeping books, cooking gear, and some Christmas stuff). I want to downsize (except for my books, I want more, more, more).

Looking at a vocal coach to help me with my relearning how to sing. I have sorta relearned to read sheet music, but as with the guitar I can’t tell you the notes I’m playing. Show me where my fingers go and I can play a song on the guitar. If someone hits the first note on a page, I can (mostly) sing the rest. I have problems staying on pitch, and in dealing with some range issues. I’ve actually been singing alto a bit to get by, but tenor/baritone and bass seem to be more my range. Our music director is working with myself and another gentlemen to help us get better, but some extra lessons and help won’t hurt a bit.

If I seem a little off the next few weeks, we are doing a rather significant diet change. I am going back to a keto variant and feeling it. However, given a number of digestive issues and other delights, it needs to be done. A number of foods seem to cause problems, most of which are carbs, so… I may share more of the diet as we work things out.

More soon I hope. Take care of yourselves, be safe, and be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

I Could Use Some Help

First, I want to thank everyone for the very kind and (very) much appreciated gifts and prayers that have gotten me through the last couple of years. While things are now more stable, they still remain “interesting” financially and otherwise.

Which leads to this request that if you like my writings, please do hit the tip jar. There are a couple of things coming up where I could use it.

First, I am starting to look at getting a place of my own. Currently, I rent a room in a house and while not a bad situation there are some issues. I know what I want to do, now praying that I am shown what I am supposed to do. I’m actually going to have to buy a couple of pieces of furniture, some household equipment (thanks for the excellent vacuum cleaner suggestions in an earlier post), and other delights.

Second, I have decided that if at all possible, I want to accept the invitation to attend the Lightning Strike and Electrical Shock Survivors annual meeting. A number of the events/panels sound interesting and it would be good to meet with other survivors. That part will be free. The hotel and transport are up to me. I think I may have found a way to cut out a day of convention hotel (even at a discount it is expensive by my standards these days). While I have the chance, I will also use the trip to visit some friends and relatives. It may well be the last chance to see some them in this lifetime.

I’m already looking to see what deals I can find on a rental car for a week, and other issues. Will probably take food and such with me, save a bit that way.

So, again my thanks for all that has already been done. I hate asking, but my margins are a bit thin right now.

A Reluctant Change In Plans

For those interested in my journey after being struck by lightning, it is time for an update. Some major changes have occurred, and I want to share with you what that means for some life plans.

There is a lot of good news and I prefer to start with it. First up, my heart continues to do miraculously well. I met with the cardiologist last week (I think) and things are still going very, very well. While there are still some issues (BP and such), the heart itself is amazingly healthy. Which is interesting since last spring things weren’t looking so good as there was a thought I might have to have more surgery. However, not all that long after my Baptism into the Orthodox Church, the new cardiologist (who I like and trust) ran tests that showed pretty much complete healing. So much so he wants me to join a gym and start hitting some weights. I like the idea as walking only gets you so far. Puns intended.

Last fall, I met with a new neurologist to run a series of tests as at that point the brain was supposed to be healed as much as it was going to heal. Time to see what we could see and if any trend lines could be spotted. We’ve done the MRI and one phase of testing; sadly, the rest of the testing can’t be done until June (which is a story for another day).

Tied into that, last fall if you are a regular you may remember I started having vertigo issues. Unsurprisingly, after the fiasco with the first attempt at testing, we finally did get the tests the ENT wanted run. However, balls were again dropped and I just got the results a couple of weeks ago. The cause was not vestibular, as pretty much all of us expected, but neurological. The ENT thinks that it is a result of the brain continuing to rewire itself.

Continuing to rewire itself. More than three years after the lightning strike. To make it even more interesting, not all of that rewiring appears (to me) to be related to the lightning strike. Short version is that my noggin has been injured three different times. Not going to get into the other two, but where I am seeing a lot of change relates to that very first time many years ago. All I can say is I am grateful and looking forward to seeing what happens/how far it goes.

For now, routines, notes, and other bits of help work and for the most part work well. I’m sure not going to complain, as I know people who’ve pretty much had to start over after being hit. Me, I’ve had to relearn how to read music and sing, which is nothing in comparison. It does make me wonder about the poor guy on video who got hit three times in less than five minutes. There are still gaps in my memories, but every now and then something triggers a cascade that restores some of them. I don’t need a keeper, yet, but having someone around might not be a bad idea. More on that in a minute. For now, what I see as ongoing are the brain farts and some issues with time perception. An example of the latter is thinking it’s been two weeks since I talked with someone when it’s really been a year or more.

Oh, there’s more but that’s life. I should also add on the good news front that the vertigo has mitigated a good bit.

As I think I mentioned before, the other bit of good news is that after a long process, I was granted disability. Honestly, I have some mixed emotions but it is for the best. Now making that interesting was finding out that I was being moved from my previous medical insurance over onto Medicare and Medicaid. A bit more of an adventure than I cared for, but it is done.

Yet, it is not done. As all this was going on, I was told that my premium would be covered, as would the cost of a full-up plan. There are some other little bits, but as long as I stay in Indiana that is covered tax free. Given that my disability payment isn’t much, this is huge. It also allows me to keep my core care team, which is very important to me. Especially since we may still be working recovery issues much longer than planned (for which I do give thanks).

Turning from matters physical to matters spiritual, as long-time readers know, I found a new Church home last year. Well, I found it the year before but formally joined last year. It has been an amazing and wonderful experience. I’ve even gotten to take some “courses” on the Church Fathers and other topics, which I’ve very much enjoyed. I also became a Chanter and there is a possibility that I might even be tonsured so I can serve as a reader and altar server. We will see.

I’ve also been blessed with getting to know some wonderful people. Our music director has been working with me on re-learning music and singing, agreeing that it was good therapy for me. Things are improving and I’m even starting to look for options for some voice coaching for the singing. With all the health issues of late, not being doing as much with the guitar as I would like but hope to change that soon as well. There are others as well, too many to list, who are helping me in my journey.

For all that my particular Church is known for sending members forth, I would like to stay there for a while. I’ve got lots to learn and they are quite gracious about working with me and my limits — and helping me push them at need. And that doesn’t even touch some of the friendships. I’m lousy at those, but who knows…

I know I’ve said before I had accepted that I couldn’t go off on my own and live the hermit life, but the last few weeks have driven that home to me with a vengance. Almost like someone is trying to pound it through my thick skull. I’ve finally accepted that not only do I need people nearby, but I also need people that can and will check in on me.

All this forces me to accept that I can’t move out West this year, or probably any time soon. Which on one level is a shame since this winter has reminded me of every reason I want to do it. I’m also having to accept that I need to stay in Indianapolis for now. I’m also realizing that I need to get a place of my own (or at least with my own kitchen) as my current situation is not the right situation for the future.

I’d really like to find a small house, or even a duplex, preferably with a basement. A basement is not only good for storage, but a good place to ride out a thunderstorm at need. Most apartments these days don’t let you have grills and smokers, and I want both. I’ve started looking around, but if anyone out there hears of anything here in Indy, let me know. Provided it doesn’t have barricade bars on the doors — no joke, looked at one house online that had them, told me all I needed to know about the neighborhood. Would love to find something close to the Church, but prices around there have gone up through the roof as the neighborhood has improved.

I will be updating the GiveSendGo here soon, as while I will be moving it will not be out West. At least not yet. It’s funny, and telling, that every time I thought there was a chance, something happened to prevent it. I can’t be sad though, as each has brought both physical and spiritual healing. What the future holds I do not know, but I continue to have Faith that I will be shown the path.

Thank you for being a part of this journey, and for all your help and encouragement these last 3.5 years. Your prayers and generosity have helped me get this far, and recover far more than I really expected. Thank you.

More to come…

Whew

I had planned to get another post up today, but had to head out this morning to an appointment. From there, I did a bit of grocery shopping in an area where the sidewalks were at least semi-clear, as they are not cleared in most of Indy from what I can tell. Makes walking, much less getting my bus-compliant grocery cart around. One errand turned into about three, and there was much walking in the snow. Also, I had to clear a path through the snow down the driveway and to the garage for myself and the grocery cart.

And it has wiped me out. The cough from the URI is still not completely gone, and hopefully the gut is returning to normal. I might not should have pushed as much as I did, but we have more snow forecast for tomorrow and Sunday. Joy. So, I’m stiff, sore, and sleepy already.

So no boom, er, post today. There will be a post tomorrow. There is always a post tomorrow. Sorry, couldn’t resist abusing that quote.

More soon. Be prepared and keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Sorry For The Silence

Long story short: I’ve been battling a URI that has bounced back, and a gut bug on top of that. My chest muscles actually hurt from the coughing, despite the cough medicine. Been dealing with low-grade (degree or two) of fever and chills, but this time it seems to really (maybe) have broken. I generally don’t get URIs, but this thing seems to be related to what I had more than a month ago that never fully went away.

As for the gut bug, I thought food poisoning at first, but presentation wasn’t right and found out that there is a bug going around that fits the bill. Joy. Both at once was a bit much. Trying to take care of myself, plan to rest a lot this week. More soon as there is a LOT going on.

Posting Delayed

There are things to discuss, from Russia to thoughts on stocking OTCs in emergency kits. Unfortunately, I woke up to the room spinning and dancing in ways I haven’t seen since one unfortunate morning back in my undergraduate days.

The vertigo seems driven by my right ear, and this morning I realized my right sinuses were not clear and the right ear has pressure. Explains the unusual vertigo, which made doing morning prayers a bit of a challenge. Afraid my bows and such were very slight and careful today. Upping the vitamin C, have started taking my carefully horded decongestant, and annoyed I can’t find the emergency bottle of Afrin. Thinking lots of water and hot tea a good thing today too.

Hope to get a post or two up later. I also have to assemble my new grocery cart (thank you to those hitting the tip jar!) as the upgrade is needed. New cart lacks four-wheel drive, but the front wheels swivel which means I don’t have to pop wheelies to steer and it holds almost twice the weight of my current cart. Which means in reality I can handle a third again the weight of my current cart without damaging the cart. It also has a liner to prevent things from falling out.

Did I mention that the new cart (and old until I sell it) have a place in my bugout plan? Yep, if I have to leave by shanks mare or other transport, I plan to use the cart as well as ruck, etc. Already have an idea of how to attach it to a bike at need. The more modes you have for each step, the better. It’s not huge, but you might be amazed at how much you can get in, including large containers of water.

More soon I hope.