Working on My Stamina

It's been a month since I was sent home after confinement. I haven't gone back to my regular activities and I'm still slowly working my way up.

The first two weeks was hairy. A week after I got home I experienced the same symptoms again and contacted my ID doctor. I went in for tests. It was clear, but my lungs still looked like I have pneumonia. My pulmo though dismissed it since I wasn't coughing and didn't have any cold. I was also cleared by my ID doctor.

It could have been another bug or my tummy reacting to food. I had a hard time eating after confinement since I couldn't taste anything. It took another week before my appetite came back. 

I did some gardening earlier. I just moved around a few small pots and I was wiped out after. I had to rest for an hour before I could function again. Ahh, no wonder my cardiologist said to see him in June. I think he knows it will takee awhile to get better.

In the meantime, I'll work on getting better at least 1% more than the previous day.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Feeling Better

Ah, some me only time. The boys are running errands and they "parked" me at a cafe. The past few days was horrendous.

I caught another bug. It was bad enough I lost my appetite likely due to the medications I took, but catching another bug had me lose two kilos in a few days. Ugh.

We didn't want to be confined again, so I immediately did an e-consult with my infectious disease doctor. I was meant to see her anyway. She ordered some tests which I did yesterday. Most of the results were normal, although the radiologist said not to rule out pneumonia.

I saw both my pulmo and ID doctor today and they were happy with my test results. Pulmo ruled out pneumonia since I'm also up and about and I know how pneumonia feels. I won't be able to get out of bed if I had pneumonia.

I also finally had a full meal today. My doctor advised to eat fermented food so I could rebuild the good stuff in my tummy. I hope my recovery doesn't get waylaid again!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Hot and Humid

The weather last month was better. It's now hotter and more humid, so gardening has been difficult. 

Our cats have also been hiding a lot. Good thing I put some space between pots, that's where they hide to cool off.

My body feels like it's fried... Zzzz

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Out of Sorts

I don't know if it's the heat or my body is slow to recover, but I'm feeling out of sorts today. O just rested since my head hurts and the rest of my body is uncooperative.

I watered some plants and the cats were all over me. That was a good reprieve. They always make me feel good. Mando even showed up to say hello. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Biopsy Results

I woke up yesterday a bit under the weather. I was looking forward to seeing the results of the biopsy, so I pulled myself together. 

After some delay we finally headed to the hospital and passed by pathology for the results. I cried with relief when I got the results. No malignancy the report said.

We had lunch and then went to see my doctor. She was happy with the results and said we'll talk about excision in a few months. I didn't need to do that back in 2021 because the second biopsy took it all away. 

We happily left my doctor's office and I thought about how we'd celebrate. A few steps away I suddenly had an asthma attack...

To be continued...

#BeKind #StaySafe

Biopsy

I'm so bummed I'm unable to do my regular activities today. I had a biopsy yesterday. It went well and I thank the huge team that took care of me yesterday.

It's not my first rodeo. I had two done 5 years ago. The result was benign. I instinctively had a mammogram done when I did my APE a few weeks ago and all my doctors were alarmed when I showed them the results. They all pushed me to immediately have a biopsy done especially since cancer runs in the family.

Resting for now since a little effort makes me dizzy. I miss my cats and my plants. I hope I'll feel better by end of the week.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Zzz

I had to take a break from blogging today to take care of myself.

Will be back tomorrow.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Changing What I Eat

My recent annual physical exam didn't have good results. My doctor didn't scold me for being at the ceiling of what's normal, but I know it's time for me to change my diet so I don't overboard especially with cholesterol and blood sugar.

The summary report suggested I avoid eating meat, including chicken, and to eat more veggies. For over a week now I have been eating fish everyday and I'm keeping a diary of vegetables I eat everyday.

It's been an eye opening experience since I've been finding new dishes to try. I also rounded up my seafood recipes I've made through the years. My next grocery run will include more seafood in the list. 

It's been a week and the most noticeable change is I'm able to sleep faster. My doctor said the body aches and cramps I'm experiencing is due to the heat and humidity. I just need to be better hydrated and stay out of the sun (gardening time has also moved to a later time).

I lost about a kilo already, but I'm not counting that as a permanent change. I'll consider it as weight loss if it stays for another week.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Improvement Due to Pulmo Rehab

I re-started my pulmo rehab sessions last January. I preferred it over physiotherapy for my knee. I've also been consistently using my spirometer everyday.

The annual PE included a chest x-ray. I put my previous x-ray side by side with the new one and was surprised to see some improvements. I have no idea how to interpret x-rays, but my right chest looked clearer than last time. The head pulmo rehab therapists also told me my lungs looked better. 

I was supposed to see my doctors yesterday, but I wasn't feeling well so I had to reschedule. Our priority is to keep the healthy parts of my lungs stable, so any improvement is a big plus. My heart though is bonkers. Oh well.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Weekly Pulmo Rehab Grind

I've been trying my best to consistently attend my pulmo rehab sessions. Miggy also goes to the gym twice a week, so I took the opportunity to schedule my sessions when he goes.

I super love my therapists. TBH, I was supposed to continue my knee PT, but I told my doctor I prefer to have my pulmo rehab therapists take care of my exercises. The physiotherapists were really good. It was their reception area that turned me off. I already gave feedback to them through the form and hope they take it constructively. 

Anyway, I always look forward to my sessions. My therapists are fun and they take care of me well. Please help me pray for one of my dear pulmo rehab therapists. He's confined again due to an illness. I'm praying he'll get well soon 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe

Squats

My PT had me do some squats yesterday. I was okay after and even did groceries with the boys.

My whole body hurt when I woke up. My thighs were very sore, haha. I still watered my plants and played with the cats. That's all I was able to do today.

Zzzzzz.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Daily Dose of Cat Love

Grogu accompanies me everyday when I water plants. His favorite time is when I sit on a chair. That's when he rubs my legs and rolls on my feet.

The time we spend together is precious to me. He loves it when I scratch his chin and belly. It calms me down and that is what melts away the stresses of the day.

Today is also Bailey Boo's second birthday! I recorded the day his Mom, Kaley Boo, didn't visit us for her meals. She came the day after and she looked like she gave birth. Few weeks later she brought 4 kittens to our home. Bailey was the one she brought back more than a month after she upped and left. He has lived with us since June 2024.

Our sweet, sweet Bailey Boo has the most voracious appetite! He finishes whatever the others don't finish and he's very protective of the territory. Probably for it from his father, Grey.

Happy birthday our dear Bailey Boo!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Is In-Person Pulmo Rehab Better?

I just had my second pulmo rehab session. There's almost no difference from doing it online, but I noticed it runs quicker than when we do it online.

I like doing the sessions better in-person. I get to interact with my therapists (there's usually an assistant). They are also able to correct my form if needed. 

We did more this week and I was happy that leg exercises were included. I have to do the leg exercises thrice a week to regain my knee strength. It still hurts every so often.

I'll try to bake this weekend. I want to bring some goodies for my pulmo rehab team. Gotta save my lungs. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Back to Pulmo Rehab

I'm so glad my Ortho doctor allowed me to go back to pulmo rehab instead of re-enrolling in physiotherapy. I feel at this point I can do my knee and ankle exercises on my own several times a week. 

I need to get back on track to save the healthy part of my lungs. My therapist said we'll take it slow. We did and skipped the leg exercises. Ahh, it felt so good to do the breathing exercises and be with the team who's be taking care of me for almost two years now.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Knee and Ankle Review, What's Next?

I saw my orthopedic doctor yesterday and he reviewed the report of the physiotherapist. The recommendation was to continue the exercises.

My doctor though remembered I'm supposed to have surgery, so he asked what's the plan. I told him I'm supposed to be reviewed by my cardiologist next month. I also told him I was hoping to go back to pulmo rehab to strengthen my lungs. Part of the exercises include the leg, very similar to what I was doing with the physiotherapist.

My doctor agreed I can just do that and do the exercises at home thrice a week. I was relieved since I think at this point I need to work on my lungs too. My pulmo said we should continue to work on saving the healthy part of my lungs. 

After seeing my doctor, we immediately went to the pulmo rehab department to schedule my sessions. I'm so relieved my favorite therapist is back and he'll take care of me moving forward.

Praying for better health so we can make more happy memories!

#BeKind #StaySafe 

Graduated from PT for My Knee and Ankle... Maybe?

I finally completed 12 sessions of physiotherapy for my knee and ankle. They are much better now, but still a bit wonky.

I got the report made by my last PT yesterday and she noted that I felt some improvement, but still experience some pain. She recommended I continue the exercises to help heal my knee and ankle completely.

I'm making an appointment to see my Ortho. He can best advise whether I should do another round of PT or if my pulmo rehab can cover it. My knee and ankle isn't completely healed yet. My whole leg was in pain past night. I'm not sure if it's due to my knee and ankle or a vascular issue. Oh well, doc can best advise.

#BeKind #StaySafe

2026 Health and Wellness Goals

Having chronic conditions is hard. The baseline is to stay stable, not pick up any germs, and not get hospitalized. I missed my last session of physiotherapy because I woke up very dizzy on the 27th. I'll complete it this week, get my report and then see my Ortho doctor again. 

There are a couple of things I want to work on for this year, especially since I need to prepare for the replacement of my mitral valve. I had ten years to prepare last time I had heart surgery. I've managed to delay it for a year (thanks to my knee and ankle), but it's imminent. 

Anyway, aside from the baseline, I'd like to increase my stamina, increase my oximeter level, reduce weight and eat healthy. One thing the dietician of my boys said is it's better to eat home-cooked meals. It's better also than ordering prepared healthy meals. It's important to know what's going on your food and you can control the ingredients. 

I did notice the difference the past three weeks. During Christmas and New Year, I tried to cook more. I had less bloating and it was easier on my tummy. It has probably helped reduce some of the red flags on my blood markers. The thing is I need to have better stamina so I can cook more. 

Physiotherapy helped me to move more. My knee and ankle are a bit better, so I've been able to do more gardening (sometimes 150 minutes in a day!). I once had a day where I did gardening and cooked. I was half dead though the next day, so I need to temper things. My physiotherapist also said I should still take it easy since I still experience pain when I do too much. 

In summary, here's what I want to do for the year:

• be more than stable
• increase stamina
• increase oximeter levels (will go back to pulmo rehab after I complete my PT)
• move more and get more sunlight
• reduce weight and eat right 
• survive heart surgery and be rolling by my birthday or Christmas (depending on when it happens)

Have a healthy new Year everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Lunges on Bosu Ball

Me and my big mouth. I mentioned to my therapist that I still wobble when I use the stairs. 

He promptly added a bosu ball exercise to help with the issue. My current PT program isn't my first rodeo. I've had PT for my heart, tennis elbow, my back, and my lungs. I've used a number of machines and equipment, but this was the first time for me to use a bosu ball.

Doing lunges on it was pretty hair-raising since it would get wobbly. My therapist said you have to be intentional with your movements. My injury is still healing, so the way my body moves isn't normal.

Physiotherapy has been helpful. Healing has progressed faster and my bruise is breaking up too. I hope the inflammation will be gone by Valentine's?

#BeKind #StaySafe

Almost Done with Physiotherapy!

I have been heads down and focusing on physiotherapy for my knee and ankle. Movement of my right ankle has improved. I'm able to use it to lift the foot rest of my wheelchair without pain.

My knee has improved a lot. I still experience some pain. One of my therapists said it's normal since there is still some inflammation. Same for my knee. The bruise around it is still visible.

My leg exercises are also still light. My lungs and heart prevent me from having strenuous exercises. I noticed though I'm able to do more now than when I started 

When I finish my sessions, the pulmo rehab team will take over. I'll be able to do whole body exercises and that should help increase my stamina and prepare me for surgery.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Investing in Health

We've been working on our health the past few months. Since I was scheduled to do physiotherapy, we took the opportunity for the boys to be checked further since they've been taking maintenance meds.

Prevention is better, so the boys both saw an endocrinologist, nutritionist and dietician. It's an overhaul for our lifestyle since we're all not getting any younger. 

Miggy is enrolled in the exercise program and has been required to walk more daily. We decided to invest in a treadmill. It will be more economical than enrolling in a gym, plus both Miggy and Sweetie can use it everyday. The stationary bike is mine, but I'm not allowed to do heavy exercise for now. 

We canvassed across a couple of stores and found a suitable and cost effective one at Olympic Village. The staff was very knowledgeable. They also came the next day to unbox and install the treadmill. 

Cheers to healthier living!

#BeKind #StaySafe