Clot Scare

It's been an unproductive week for me. We went out last Monday to check-out something. The vaccination site though on my left arm was still painful and felt warm. It was strange since it's been a week since I was vaccinated. I had two vaccinations in the past two weeks. First one was for flu and the second one was anti tetanus and diphtheria (to also prevent pertussis which is hard to treat according to my doctor). My infectious disease doctor advised to get vaccinated since I've been hospitalized twice in the past 8 months. I'm still due to get the pneumonia and shingles vaxx. 

Anyway, I felt really bad on Tuesday. I slept most of the day since my whole body hurts. I also felt very lightheaded on Wednesday. I started having a terrible headache by Wednesday evening. I took the medication my neurologist gave me for migraine. It worked, but I still had a nagging headache until today. I also had upper back pain on and off since yesterday. 

The upper back pain concerned me a lot since it's the same area that hurt when I had my last PE* in 2021. The pain was still there when I woke up. Sweetie cancelled by pulmo rehab appointment since I didn't feel well. I kept telling myself not to worry too much since it may just be pain from the scars in my lungs. My oxygen saturation is also normal. I still took it slow today and used my collection of pain ointments/oils. I read up about Boostrix and what I went through are its side effects. It was probably weirder for me because I'm immuno-compromised.

I watched a movie on Netflix with Miggy and I felt a bit better by early evening. I also watered the plants and played with the cats. The kitties surrounded me and they helped to relax me. I feel better now and will report what happened to my doctor since I'm still due to get two more vaccinations. Maybe we need to space it out since my body takes longer to recover.   

*PE - pulmonary embolism

#BeKind #StaySafe

Wellness Wednesdays: A Little Added Care a Day Goes a Long Way

I was having more bad days than good days the past few months. It's annoying since I'm unproductive on those days. I've accepted the fact that it's going to be that way. My doctors have helped the best way they could, but if I want to increase my energy and stamina I have to work harder. 

For this Lenten season I have resolved to take better care of myself. For the 40 days of Lent I have resolved to do the following everyday:

• Exercise - to be consistent I tied the mini-exercises I do with some chores. Wall push-ups while preparing coffee and more movement through chores (i.e. dishwashing or cooking). The general aim is to walk at least 1,500 steps per day around the house. Stop when feeling unwell. Aim for a long walk at least once a week.
• Self-care - daily skincare. I realized that I've been so lucky because my skin has generally been unaffected by my medical issues. I have to take care of it though, so I have resumed my skincare routine. I also started to have more white hair, so I'm taking care off my hair too. 
• Keep my mind working - found it easier to blog ahead. I feel a bit anxious if I blog on the same day, so I've been trying to write at least a day ahead. If my muse is in the mood I try to write up to 3 days ahead. This gives me time to do other things. 
• Have a working goal - I have so many interests and hobbies. I sometimes get overwhelmed with everything I want to do. I now use the area on my planner where you can write out your weekly targets. I just write 3 priorities for the week and do what I can. 
• Pause when needed - I know what triggers my issues, so things sometimes change in an instant. A good day can immediately change to a bad day. So I check the weather and the AQI before I go out of our bedroom. 

I have to find the best balance between movement and rest. Being a bit more productive is important for me because it helps with my overall well-being. I thought the best thing I can do this Lent is work on being at least 1% better than the day before. I have not been able to see my doctor regularly because she's always busy. This means I have to take better care of myself. I hope I'll have more stamina by Easter. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Miracle Sundays: Living with CHF

I just recently had a blood test and it's a mess again. Luckily, the med tech who took my blood was a really good one. The test just left a tiny dot on my arm and did not bruise. It's been years since I've encountered a really good med tech. Next time I'll make sure to get my tests done on midnight. Hopefully I'll get him again. 

The result of the test though was disenheartening. I'm anemic and my probnp result is almost x2 from 2021. My cardiologist is yet again very busy and her assistant hasn't confirmed an appointment. Medical care in the Philippines is truly hard. I was down for a few days, but I have to roll with the punches. I have my meds and while waiting to see my doctor I have to be proactive. 

Dealing with medical issues is hard. I've always just managed to brush it off, but the past few years have been really challenging. I almost didn't get back up after the breakdown I had last year. It was the love of my boys and faith that pulled me back. 

Watched this TedX talk by L.T. Kirk the other day and it was a good reminder for me that it's up to me to live. If I don't fight then I could easily be in perile. L.T. Kirk mentioned in his talk that he can enjoy one good day, but it would be followed by several bad days. That is the life of a person with congestive heart failure. 

I've had CHF since 2008. It was the result of having pneumonia. My doctors in SG managed it really well and I was able to live normally even after heart surgery. It's been harder now because it's now paired with CTEPH* and other stuff. I've learned to live with it and have been a bit more functional now. There are good days and bad days, but that's okay since I still get to create new happy memories with my boys. 

Here's what I learned through the years of dealing with my illnesses:

• Acceptance is key. The Nile is not just a river in Egypt.*
• Aim to be better at least 1% than yesterday 
• Big hairy goals or moonshot goals are for work, just make bite sized targets
• Celebrate all achievements whether they're big or small. Reward yourself. 
• Live for your family. 
• Remember, Jesus loves you. Pray. 

One thing that struck me from what L.T. Kirk said was you have to live based on your new reality. Stop aiming for what used to be because it will just frustrate you. It took me a long time to understand and accept that I can't do what I used to do. I'm grateful I have my boys and friends who have been taking care of me.  

*Denial

**CTEPH - Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension