Positively Tuesday: Health Check-in

    

     With DH stealing my thunder on the health issues front, lol, I thought an update might be in order. When we last checked in on Sam, she had positive biopsy results, though still irregular "swab" tests. This means I'll have to have the oh so fun pap more regular than most people do, perhaps as often as every three months, but no less than every six. I am back the end of February and the slides will be compared to see if it can be stretched to six month intervals. My blood pressure is slowly getting back to the good range, and I am out of the even if temporary, pre-hypertension stage. This was a big deal for me as I always historically had low blood pressure and very thin blood. On that front, iron levels are A-OK, another good thing. As a bi-product of cooking for DH with lower salt, I too have reduced my intake. 

     I have been very good about taking  the daily top off dose of the Vitamin D, but that hasn't been rechecked, so perhaps we'll see next month. I feel less fatigued but I also am listening to my body and just going to bed when I am tired. I've been very good about the daily women's multi vitamin dose and besides sniffles, and an occasional day with a headache, I've not succumbed to the bad cough/cold and flu like illnesses so many others have had this winter. The sleep test did show apnea and I go to a consult at the sleep clinic next month as well. I do not want the C-PAP machine, so want all other options ruled out. I get my sleep might be disrupted, but honestly, the night when I sleep at least 5 hours without waking up to use the bathroom, I actually do feel rested. Not to contradict medical folks and their sleep study tests, but I think my issues with a good night sleep are more bladder than breathing.  

     I am approved to get another knee injection of cortisone. I am on the fence as to whether I had enough relief to justify it. I might go again, and then really track if  relief is worth the bother. I am not going to physical therapy any more, but do the exercises for strength and balance as shown. Overall, some things have stayed the same, and others improved, so generally I'm doing better. The fear factor I had in November is gone with the positive test  results. 

     On the hubs front. DH has another appointment next month, timed with his pre-colonoscopy visit. He looks and seems more like himself, though I'm happy to say, he has backed off work a little bit. He has done so well not eating fast food or Subway, and takes his healthy lunch everyday. He had gotten so thin, and seems to be putting a little weight back on, and in good places-not the middle. I think though he may have thrown away good money on the gm membership. His plan to go at least 3-4 times a week has been a bust. Unfortunately, he is committed for a year. Maybe when DD1 gets home, she can go a time or two with him and help him get on a routine. 

     Speaking of DD1, she actually found a branch of her gym in Auckland and was able to use it the morning after she landed to help keep her routine in order. After the long flight and a little exploring, and before meeting up with her tour, I'm sure it felt good to have her own routine. My exercise has been mostly my therapy exercises, some very light yoga and stretching, taking a couple 10 minute walks around our building when I can fit them in, and the walks for pup. Probably not enough, but something.