Medical Issues/Recovery – Page 2

Update 4 Nov 24

Sorry for the lack of posting, but interesting things are afoot. I’m now waiting on the last bit of testing to be approved and scheduled for the neurological consult. For those new here, I was hit by lightning three years ago, and we are doing a new round of testing (with a new neurologist) as the brain is probably as healed as it is going to get. The largest surprise so far is that the MRI does show a brain in place, and not just a big echoey collapsing ancient temple with a tired hamster and busted exercise wheel in the middle of it.

Still no word on disability, but not surprised as I really don’t expect to hear anything for a while yet. Really don’t expect good news either, but that may just be the result of the last 2.5 years of process.

I’ve had to put the guitar lessons on hiatus for right now. It’s a combination of several factors including finances, schedule, and the possibility I may have to find a new place to live here in Indy. My landlord, IMO, changed the terms of kitchen access such that it (again, IMO) almost negates use. Frankly, his terms are acceptable, but it does provide me some incentive to start looking around. It also messes with many other things, from guitar to Church. It is also not my top priority as there is medical and more that needs to come first.

I also have cancelled my gym membership. Largest reason is financial, along with not being able to get there very often right now. Until other things settle down (location, etc.) it’s something I can get by without. There are ways to improvise on some of the upper body, and I do get in a good bit of walking these days.

If you did not do early voting, go vote tomorrow! I did do early voting as I have an appointment with the ENT tomorrow and a very weird bus schedule as a result. Hoping to get answers on some vertigo issues that popped up, as well as a better understanding on how my hearing is/isn’t doing.

For the latest wishlist items, and anonymous donation, THANK YOU! No info in package, but already playing with the items and testing a few things.

Between the guitar lessons and becoming a chanter at Church, I feel the music “therapy” has done a lot for me. Of the odd gaps in my memory, not being able to read sheet music and having to relearn to sing (and stay on pitch) is a weird one. Thankfully, our music director is very patient, and (like me) sees the music as excellent therapy. Which means she sees it almost as a duty and definitely as a challenge. So, she’s pushing me in her own way, which is a good thing. Hope to be doing more with that and at Church in the days ahead.

Speaking of which, our “Old World Christmas Village & Market” is Friday 6 December from 5-9 pm and Saturday 7 December from 10-3. There are gift shops, events, food, coffee & hot chocolate (and maybe more, stay tuned), and more. I will be working in The Lamp Post, which is our coffee shop/meeting room that features a replica of the bar from the Eagle & Child Pub in Cambridge where the Inklings (C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, et al) met each week. Come by and we will tell you how that replica ended up in the Church and how it is shaping a number of things. 1516 N. Delaware, Indianapolis, Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church. Oh, word is that Santa Lucia will be making a visit again this year. Yes, I am enjoying being active in the Church and may be doing even more soon.

There was something else I was going to share, but I didn’t write it down, and so it is gone. If it is important and comes back, will add it later. For those of you hitting the tip jar or the wish list, thank you! To say things remain tight is an understatement, and your gifts and prayers continue to make a big difference. By next spring we should have answers as to where things are medically, which is going to determine my future plans. No moving out of state for now as my insurance will not transfer and is very much needed. Between that and the quality of care I’m now getting, not inclined to rock the boat.

More soon. Thank you again for your patience and your help!

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.

SITREP 3 Oct 24

Yesterday saw the first part of the day given over to a phone hearing with an administrative law judge on my disability claim. Honestly, not sure how it went. Trying to get more info in from current exams and such, and we have two weeks to get more things in. The earliest I expect to hear anything is a month from now. The evening got spent with a special vespers followed by a class on the early Church fathers and the early days of the Church. Fun, interesting, and enjoying the history as well as the theological aspects.

This morning I had to be up at 0330 to get ready and catch a bus down to my regular doctor’s lab for a fasting blood draw and other delights. I actually arrived right as the lab opened, so it timed out well. Not the way I planned to spend two hours this morning (I would have preferred to sleep), but good to test the system. Stopped at the store and got a small roast for an arm and a leg that I will put in the slow cooker tomorrow. Then walked up to my favorite breakfast place in Indy for a plate of breakfast enchiladas with an over easy egg on top. Given that the route only runs every hour, was glad to only wait just under 30 minutes to catch a bus back.

Oddly tired, but a few other things to get done today if I can. Not counting on doing a lot. More soon.

Day 2 Of An Interesting Week

Met with the ortho who did my shoulders this morning. He and I both are happy with how things are going, though there is work still to do. I need to build back up muscles as I can, and keep working range of motion — even though I probably have gotten back about as much as I will get. If you push, you can keep tweaking that and getting it just a bit better.

The only problem with the reverse replacement is that you can’t really do much behind your back. The way they are designed and operate limits that a great deal. The only regret I have is that I waited until the point a regular replacement really wasn’t a good option. I miss that full range of motion. Glad for what I have, though, and no need to go back unless I develop problems.

I then used the bus to get back to the neurologist’s office for cognitive testing. There are two bus routes that go up to that hospital/medical complex, and one is a much better option time-wise. Still have to allow 2.5-3 hours for transit to be safe, but have the data and will make use of it.

When did they make cognitive testing pass/fail??? Seriously, it seemed to go well though I wasn’t as fast as the program would have liked (was computer based). Got all the right answers, eventually. No idea how it scored or went from their point of view, but got through it. Next confirmed appointment is later this month for an EEG, and they are working with insurance to approve and schedule a new MRI and a full battery of neuro-psych testing.

We are going get good data, and hope we get some answers from it. Having answers would help with planning life, from moving to other issues. I really would like to move in many ways; but, it may not be in the cards. Data and hopefully answers will help.

If anyone cares to hit the tip jar, please feel free! I thought hosting renewal was next month, but I was off on that. I got it paid even though it was an ouch. Lots of other fun joys going on too.

If you are looking at buying anything that comes from overseas or depends on parts/components from overseas, you have waited too late. The strike is going to screw this country over massively, especially given the hurricane damage and other delights. Really think striking at this time is a major blunder, but also think the timing is very deliberate. Remember it. More on that later I hope.

Really do need to do a post on emergency coms, but will say that if you can get Starlink, do it now. Also, as much as I hate to, am looking at upgrading my phone (if needed) so that I can take advantage of sat coverage for emergencies. Coms are essential, and having backups is essential. Everyone going drone crazy is missing the point that data (and coms) are the key to such operations. No data, no drones. No coms, you are truly on your own in a world of hurt. One of many lessons coming out of Appalachia.

Also remember that waiting on the government to help you in a disaster is a good and quick way to die. As for what I said yesterday about initiative and self-deploying, look to the bureaucrap in Tennessee (The Volunteer State!) demanding people stand down from helping as it would delay the official government response. I am serious, they are going to go after those who stood up and did in ways big and small. Just wait and watch.

More soon. Up early again tomorrow as I have a hearing on my disability early AM. Not sure yet what will follow, but will note that it is very unlikely I will hear a decision anytime soon. Thursday I have to get down to my GP’s lab for bloodwork for my appointment next week. Another couple of hours of bus then a nice long walk for that. Going to try to get a ride to the actual visit.

More soon. Remember, be prepared; keep your friends close; and keep your things where you can find them in the dark. Onwards!

Yet Another Quick Update

Things may be a bit sporadic this week and next. Still having sinus issues, but slowly getting that under control. On top of that, however, are medical, legal, and other appointments. Not to mention regular things, like my weekly guitar lessons, for which I thank you all very much!

Had an eye exam this morning and the eyes are physically healthy and the good news is that my far vision is about the same. Near vision, well, not so much. So, new glasses are ordered. Went with the free frames, but still having to shell out $250 for upgraded lenses. Didn’t go for the top lenses, but a middle/high-middle option that was best for progressive trifocals. Any help on those is very much appreciated, and thanks to two very kind people who have already jumped in.

Also, my thanks to a wonderful person who sent me something from my wish list! No contact info in the paperwork, but I do want to say thank you very much! If I can find an e-mail, you will be getting a proper thank you soon.

I also want to thank all those who have donated over the last month. Your kind gifts have made a big difference, and I very much appreciate you and your help!

Have to talk to a lawyer about a claim this afternoon, and later this week will be talking to a lawyer about assistance on how to deal with the person who bought my car not transferring the title. There’s something else on the calendar too, can’t remember what it is. On a more fun note, there are some extra services and even a class on the early days of the Church. Looking forward to that.

Next week includes the consult with the new neurologist, a follow-up with the ortho on the shoulders, a claim hearing, and maybe something else. Because of the consult, we are moving my guitar lesson to after I meet the ortho if weather and such permit. Doing Tuesday as my barber is going to be out for several weeks because of some eye surgery, please say a prayer for him if you can.

There is more to come, promise. Just going to be an interesting couple of weeks.

And The Good News Is…

I am alive and hope to be posting again soon. It is also that I now have confirmation on one of the things that triggered the flare a couple of weeks ago. That is also the bad news. This weekend was interesting, but I avoided another flare. Still bouncing back, but back soon I hope. Great comments on the last post, thank you all!

Monday Musical Madness

While I have several posts I want to get to this week, Monday is an odd day for posting because of my guitar lessons. Before I forget, thank you to everyone who has helped with those efforts! It truly is a neat and fun way to explore if I can learn new skills after the lightning strike. I’ve had six lessons so far, and I’m not totally horrible and having a lot of fun with it.

The lessons are every Monday morning, barring days where there is lightning or heavy rain. I’ve sprayed commercial waterproofing on the case to beat the band (ba-da-boom), but still don’t want to expose it to the wet if I can help it. If there is lightning around, well, I’m not going out. Heck, I don’t even like to go near a window. 🙂 It is almost exactly 1.75 miles to the lesson, but have found a (mostly) nice route to get there and back. I’m actually using my bus-compliant rolling grocery cart to hold the guitar for the walk. If the weather is iffy, I can take one bus downtown, switch to another, and get fairly close to where I’m going. For now, the walk does me good and gets the week off to a good start.

While the jury is still out on my ability to learn a new skill, my instructor has made it fun to try. He knows about the lightning strike and the issues, so in terms of memorizing he tends to come at it a bit sideways. He warned me today there was some rote memorization coming up, but he’s also found a way to make part of it practicing notes and techniques, which may help with getting some of it into long-term memory.

Rather than rote scales and drills (which made piano and other instrument lessons such a joy when I was a child), he’s got me doing “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” “Wipeout,” “Tom Dooley,” and “The Star Spangled Banner” to work on everything from techniques to scales. We are working on chords as well, and I’ve got the feeling that the chords are going to be combined soon into some well known music just because he is sneaky like that. Within those songs and such, I’m learning a lot and practicing transitions until my fingers can’t take it any more. When I do practice “rote” things, he has found ways to make it interesting, and even a challenge. Boring it is not.

If I didn’t mention it before, my landlord has donated a music stand to the effort. I need to get a guitar stand, and want to get a swivel-top stool for practice as the wooden chair in my room slopes funny and makes it fun to hold the guitar properly. Nothing too expensive, but not in the regular budget. Been looking for used on both, but no joy so far. A couple of big-box music stores have gone out of business here, but they mostly shipped things out to other stores rather than putting a decent price on them. Oh, not sure I ever showed you all a photo of the guitar you helped me get.

It is an Alvarez, and it was one of many owned by my barber, who actually has encouraged me to take up guitar for a number of years. He got into playing as a way to help his arthritis, and he really got into it — and into collecting guitars. I bought it from him, and my lessons are taught by a buddy of his in the barber shop while it is closed. I’m apparently one of several who come in on Monday’s when it’s closed. The buddy is a professional musician who, at 70 or 70+, is still playing at a number of venues around town. I suspect he’s forgotten more about playing guitars than I may ever learn. He makes it look so easy…

He’s also already dangled a couple of other guitars in front of me. One is a nicer acoustic, and one is an electric. On the latter, I was a bit surprised as there is a (vintage?) Stratocaster in baby/robin-egg blue but he says the other one is the better guitar and the better buy. Basically, if I keep going and get good, I might get a good price on either (or both). Good incentive as while I do have a good guitar, I’ve also learned to appreciate even better ones. If I can learn this new skill, it would be a good reward.

The only issue with the lessons is that with the time to get there, when the lesson is scheduled, and then the walk back, it does make posting on Monday’s a little bit of a challenge. Especially as I am usually having to deal with calls, follow-ups, and other delights on most Mondays. It’s not that I’m forgetting you, it’s just a busy if fun (the guitar part at least) time.

More soon!

That Bites…

I’ve mentioned before that the lightning strike that hit me caused some memory issues. Short term, well, let’s skip that for now other than to say notes and lists are a large part of my life and even then… I’ve been told by some of the rehab folks that they think most of the long-term memories are still in my brain, but that the root directory is corrupted and the brain doesn’t know how to find them. Between short- and long-term memory, well, it’s a mess (IMO).

Today, I finally got around to updating and getting on the computer a list of people for whom I offer prayers for their souls. The paper/hand-written version was falling apart and out of room. So, time to update and do it right.

In double-checking some things, I found out that some people I thought were still alive are not. Bit of a shock in a couple of cases, as I had thought about getting in touch with them. The “updated” list is going to need a bit more updating it seems.

Exhausted

Yes, I need to do a follow-up post on yesterday’s adventures but the short version is I’m exhausted. Now on antibiotics, thankful I don’t need surgery this time, and need to think outside the box on a few things.

I also need to do a post on things I think are good preparation for near-term possibilities. Things like flour, salt, and pepper are what most people think of for prep. I also think that investing in new shoes, grooming tools, and maybe some other electronics is a very good idea as well. More on this soon I hope.

For now I may take another nap, I really need to feed the girls, and practice the guitar. Maybe by this afternoon I will be up to doing that.

Most Annoying

I had really wanted to get a good solid post up yesterday, as there is a lot going on in the world. In fact, some of the “minor” things not getting much media play may have a lot more impact on us here in the U.S. than it would appear. Unfortunately, what started as the body and I not getting along great on Monday turned into full flare. Spent yesterday resting, fluids, soft foods, etc. to try to keep from having to go to the doc or ER.

Calling the GP as soon as his office opens to see what he recommends, but without a car can’t get to him and don’t trust the hospital/ER nearby anymore. Looking at heading up to the nearest facility of the group the new cardiologist is with if GP recommends or things get worse. Can get there by bus and have already pulled up the schedule(s) to get there if needed. My current thought, which may or may not be a good one, is to get a shower, go up to the nearby diner for some scrambled eggs and cheese, then catch the bus from there if needed. Trying to work out the timing(s) to get the most efficiency.

We will see. I want to be efficient and make any movement count for as much as possible. As much as I hate to admit it, think I may need an antibiotic and something other than ibu to knock things back a bit.

Anywho, here are a few of the things I’m keeping an eye on.

Bangladesh. Pray for them. The Islamists are using the situation to attack not only Hindu (a minority), but also possibly other religious minorities including Christians. If such is indeed true, you will hear about as much on that in corporate media as you do about the kidnappings, killings, and forced conversions/slavery going on in Africa. Keep an eye on religious media instead. Also, if humanitarian is not enough cause for concern, look at who backed and assisted the coup (very quietly) and who lost (India, among others).

Venezuela. I really am not sure what is going on right now, other than Wagner, Cuba, and Iran seem to be going all-in to keep Maduro in power. No surprise, they are not going to let him fall without a fight. Absent something unexpected, this is likely to be a bloody slog (see previous writing). There are some interesting tidbits popping up about Maduro and the Venezuelan gangs causing havoc in the U.S. Also interesting to note what gangs are involved and what gangs appear to be supporting Maduro or have gone over to the opposition at home.

Nicaragua. Something other than just arrests of Catholic clergy is going on. Ortega hates the Catholic Church, and that the Catholic Church has been (effectively) the last organized critic of his regime. So, no surprise at the repression, but there are disruptions in the patterns that suggest something else may be going on.

Iran. Yes, keeping an eye open for what they plan to do to Israel, but there are reasons to look well beyond that. Not the right word, but brittle keeps popping into mind. The mad mullahs are hanging on by a thread right now, and they know it. They also now have to really keep an eye on each other given the penetration by Israel and others of various factions within the power group. When you find out the innermost groups of the Revolutionary Guard are cooperating with external enemies, it tends to make you trust no one. There are investigations, purges, and more underway as shadows are seen everywhere along with little men upon the stairs (who are never there). The problem with mole hunts, however, is the tendency to see anything that even slightly sticks up (real or imagined) as a mole that needs whacking. One wonders if they may be making Angleton’s worst seem mild. I would point out a few things about those days, but I would love to see the mad mullahs make not only all his mistakes but as many new ones as possible. Besides, it was fun to watch “big k” anxiously scan the sky during the funeral.

Space. It’s more than the latest with Woeing, though that is spectacular. With what I know right now, I would not ride that capsule back down. Now, it’s possible there is data I don’t have that indicates it is perfectly safe but… That said, I agreed with Charlie Martin on X yesterday that it would not be surprising if Nelson told them to take one for the team and ride it back down. Especially since Woeing somehow decided to do away with the software on this capsule that would let it do an unmanned undocking from the ISS. Go read David Strom at Hot Air and Stephen Green at PJ for very good coverage of this, and Stephen is doing outstanding ongoing coverage of space. Check it out.

Somebody please remind me later to do two posts on space. First is on the late, great, Martin Caidin as I can just about hear him commenting on what is going on now. Second, on a previous discussion we had here about challenges to our moving off planet. Been fairly reliably informed that Elon and others are aware of the two big issues we talked about here (some excellent comments, thank you!) but there are some updates needed.

England. Two-tier keir (sorry, that creature does not deserve a cap letter) is running things into the ground even faster than expected. Lots to discuss, but when you are subjects, and disarmed subjects at that, what else did you expect? My assessment is pretty bleak (hail caliphate) but there is still a chance though not likely as it requires both spines and reproductive organs and I’m not seeing politicians or so-called leadership class/elites with such. When a female comedian and a female author have bigger pairs than the entire British political establishment combined…

Oh, before I forget, my semi-regular reminder to read Sarah A. Hoyt. Most of you do already I suspect, but always some good food for thought there, whether you agree or disagree. Personally, I agree a good bit, but it is almost always a feast rather than a small portion of food for thought. Also, there seems to be something going on with the Dragon Awards that is concerning, pay attention.

There’s more, but I need to get going. May your day be good, and be thinking about what you can do to be prepared. Then, act. Be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Oh, and keep in mind the universal maxim of what happens to disarmed populations…

Amazing News

As those of you who are regular readers know, I’ve had an interesting year on the cardiac front. There was a mystery diagnosis or two; there were interesting symptoms and odd data; lots and lots of questions; and, more than a few concerns. Throw in things not matching between previous tests and what was done in surgery or treatment…

So, I got an outside review of all things cardio, and in the process a new and fantastic cardiologist. As a result, I spent yesterday at a heart facility getting nuked, stress tested, echoed, and otherwise having all sorts of fun. Really needed to get good data, either for answers or for better questions as to be honest, the way things were trending I should have been headed towards cripple or dead.

What we found instead, amazed and delighted both my doctor and myself, and the term miraculous does apply. All that had been seen before, was gone. The mystery diagnoses were disproved in spades. In short, my heart shows as completely healed.

No apparent major or even minor blockage; no ventricular or other failure, no nothing wrong. Healed. It may not be the heart of a 20-year-old, but it is healed, whole, and going strong.

Again, miraculous is not an understatement. Lots of prayers of thanks going up, and I thank all of you who have prayed for me, especially on this.

The remaining edema is likely caused by a medication, so we are switching it out to see if that takes care of things. I will also write a bit about getting there and back, which was interesting but worked. In fact my cunning plan to get there on time worked almost too well. But that is all secondary. I’m still processing the news and the extent of the healing. I can’t describe the feeling of looking up at the EKG and thinking ‘that’s not right, that’s almost textbook normal.’

Thank you all. At least from a cardiac perspective, there is more to come!