Preparations

Last week was a very difficult week. I had three days of different forms of medical tests and examinations. I have been poked and prodded and I have answered a thousand questions. It isn't that I am in any worse physical condition, it's that the doctor's want to make sure they are on top of the surgery. The last appointment was with a cardiologist who talked about risk management. I guess that the judgment is that my risk is rather low. This is good news. The only problem is that he followed that assessment with an order for an echo cardiogram. I had that Thursday. It's a rather easy test, kind of like a sonogram. I won't know any results until next week since Friday was Good Friday and I am sure little work was done that day. In the mean time I diet away at 1000 calories per day with no fat.

Next week will be I hope more stress free. The tests were not strenuous like the colonoscopy but the whole process was stressful. Oh and to add to the stress I testified before the Legislature's Judiciary committee on Wednesday. A fun week.

It is Easter Morning as I write this. I wish you new life and the peace which resurrection brings. I know a bit about resurrection and rebirth. Easter is about renewal. I hope you are renewed today and every day. God's Peace!

Love,
Shel

Test Done!

I spent last night having a sleep evaluation. It is the second one I have had in my life. The first was 14 or 15 years ago. At that time I was found to have obstructive sleep apnea. It is a condition that lowers the quality of sleep one has because you actually stop breathing for a while (an apnea)while you sleep. Your body is forced to gasp for air pulling you out of the refreshing deep sleep. The remedy all those years ago was to use a device when I sleep called a CPAP machine. The CPAP blows air into your nose and throat through a mask, keeping the airway open. It is simple, efficient, at time awkward and definitely unromantic (that hasn't been a problem recently, sigh.)

I have been using the original CPAP machine all these years with the same settings. My ENT Doctor wanted me to be reevaluated so I could get new equipment (insurance companies require this) and possibly new settings.

The test required me to sleep 4 hours without the CPAP. I was covered head to toe with wires measuring various things. I had a hard time sleeping without the CPAP, I was in a strange bed, I was covered with wires and they were plowing the parking lot all night. I still have the apnea, how severe I won't know for two weeks. It is likely that I will be getting new CPAP equipment at long last. I am hoping for a real nice night's sleep tonight in my own bed!

You sleep well tonight!
Love,
Shel

Speaking of ....

Speaking of sleep, tonight I have an all night medical test. I will therefore be sleeping away from home. My only concern is the fact that tonight we are likely to be having a big snow storm. It will be no problem getting to the test, but getting home at 6 am tomorrow might be a little tricky. This is yet another medical adventure along with a weather adventure. Oh my!

Stay safe and warm during the snow.

Love,
Shel