A strange sequence of events. Well the stomach flu (if that is what it was) receded a few days ago and then came back. After a couple more days, it receded again. I doubt it will return, but who knows? This parallels some experiences I used to have with sore throats when I was much younger. I would have one for a few weeks and then it would recede--sometimes as long as a month--only to make a re-appearance. Usually, the second bout was more brief than the first.
Healthy living? I have had a dynamite week which has included 3 workouts. I can already feel a conditioning effect in muscle tone and new muscle. Most of the time it takes about 6 weeks to see a conditioning effect and I think-with fits and starts--it probably has been about that long. But a great week also contains eating out with friends.
Water retention. I have begun to be aware of the increase in water retention when I increase my sodium intake. I was getting 8-9 days between torsemide pills (Lasix). But when I ate out several times this week, while I attempted to be careful, I often cannot tell where my sodium intake for a restaurant meal is. I had to take a torsemide this morning after only 6 days. More data clearly needed. I also suspect that this may be a lifetime condition. Merde!
O2 and me. You may recall in an earlier post that my sleep doc suggested to me a trial of going without supplemental O2 overnight. O2 in the blood is measured in percentages and is called oxygen saturation. It is what is measured when the doc puts the little clamp thing (actually an oximeter) on your finger when reading your vital signs. (For those really into it a good oximeter can be bought at WalMart for about $40). The reading is in percentages. Normal is above 90%. Anything below 90% on a continuing basis is not good for one, since lower percentages involve the death of one's brain cells. I take one O2 saturation measure every morning upon arising and do a blood pressure measure, too. The heart failure team wants these data.
In my awake state (most days!), I am well above 90%. No problemo. But during sleep my respiration rate falls so much that I am below 90% without O2. The sleep doc is wondering whether my strengthened heart may not need supplemental O2 to keep my oxygen saturation within normal limits. Well, a couple of natural experiments have occurred that appear illuminating. The first was when I forgot to plug in my new portable O2 concentrator and it ran on its lithium battery until said battery pooped out at 3 a.m. one morning. When I arose a little later the first readings I got from the oximeter were well down in the 80s. Not good. The second was more subtle--no obvious human error involved. The O2 delivery tubing crimped where it joined the device and so, while the concentrator was running and producing O2, said O2 was not reaching yours truly. Another very low reading ensued upon arising. Well down in the 80s. I think the question about whether I need supplemental O2 at night has been asked and answered. At least for awhile. (To his credit, the sleep doc suggested I try without O2 intentionally later in the year, presumably to measure this with a more strengthened heart.)
Music. While I can no longer play my trumpet(s)--I have north of a dozen!--I am compensating by attempting to learn to play arranger's piano. Essentially this is what jazz pianists play: chords in the left hand melody in the right. It is challenging, but a blast. I look forward to getting in at least an hour per day, often more (until my back objects). I may not have the 10,000 hours it takes to get good at this kind of skill, but I am damned sure going to use what I have left in this way. I am helped in this by a longtime friend who is very adept at jazz piano (as well as saxophone and flute and arranging music). I may never get good enough to play for anyone save me, my ownself. That is just fine.
All for now....
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