Health & Progress Report

Thanks for asking how I'm doing. It's really nice to feel your caring and concern. Here's how I am:

I've been home from the hospital for two months. I saw the doctor Wednesday and he seemed very pleased with my general health and progress. I'd been without my blood pressure medication since Sunday, but it was 124/76 when they hooked me up. I had some blood drawn so they could run some tests; my lungs are strong; kidneys are good; blood sugar levels rarely go above125, unless I've eaten rice, potatoes or pasta. I guess I'm OK.

I was pretty agitated with my weight, however; no, that's not true - I was mad as hell! It was virtually unchanged from when I left the hospital. I know that I've been getting smaller just by the way my clothes are fitting, how much more roomy my wheelchair is, people who see me talking about how much thinner I look, etc... so I was expecting a better result.

It was especially hard to take because I been through a series of strength tests with my physical therapist earlier that day ( to re-certify for continuing the home P.T.) and she was telling me how amazed she was by the huge improvement in all of the tests, and that she could see a big difference in my body as well. Needless to say, it was not the news I thought I'd hear.

I did go into a bit of an emotional dive, but I tried to fight it off and not let it get the best of me; still, it's been kickin' my butt. Yesterday the physical therapist asked about the doctor appointment so I told her. In her best PhD-speak lingo she basically said that I've been trading fat for muscle these last two months, and that muscle is heavier than fat. Duh!! I suppose I'm happy that somebody understands it - I'm not sure I'm buying it yet. The good thing is that I haven't crashed and burned over it. I know that I've been working hard and giving it my best. I've decided that while the scales don't lie, They can't necessarily tell the whole story, either.

I keep working at it each day. I push myself to do more. I am making wise choices about eating. I allow myself a "free choice" every so often to eat something I've been craving, without beating up on myself later over it. Believe it or not, it's helping me stay in control and satisfied with the radical changes I've made in the way I am eating and living.

All of that combines to keep me moving forward with faith & hope. I have fantastic family encouragement and support. Friends are very encouraging. The health care folks are great. I feel like I am still being watched over, cared for and protected by people from beyond this veiled existence, for which I am most grateful.

That's all for now.