Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Big Scary Medical Week ...

We have a ton of doctoring this week. Prescription pickups Monday went well. Today's appointment with my cardiologist went well also but I have to go in Thursday morning to get a defibrillator installed in my chest.

This is not a fun decision to have to make. I'm reading up on ICDs so I can be as informed as possible. Until now, I haven't thought about sudden cardiac death, but my cardio team opened my eyes to the reality of it all.

I could live another thirty days to three years without the ICD. I don't like those odds very much. With the ICD I should have at least another ten years. I like those odds much better.

I am already fairly certain what my decision will be. I just need to hear from the surgeon who will perform the procedure before I say yes or no.

Wish me luck, think those good thoughts and keep me in your prayers, please.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

While grocery shopping earlier in the week, I found a bargain price on chuck steaks. The steaks were all rather small. I had a brainstorm. I bought the little chuck steaks and took them home.

Tonight we are enjoying the results. Steak stew. I put the steaks in my Dutch oven with water and my usual seasonings: rosemary, black pepper, chopped onions, garlic, black pepper and salt substitute. I let it all simmer overnight.

Today, I used two packages of Pioneer brand brown gravy mix to thicken the broth. At about 4 pm I added the stew veggies to the pot: potatoes, carrots, celery and pearl onions. As I type this I am enjoying a very delicious and tender stew. With sourdough bread, of course.

Just perfect to eat while watching the premiere of Big Brother 10 on CBS!

Try it, you'll like it!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Learning a new trick!

Hey, foodie friends! Guess what? I'm learning how to make tamales!! I love those fiery treats and have long wanted to learn how. Now I get the chance.

After I have made a couple or twelve batches I will share my recipes here, including tips and tricks based on my experiences. I'm in for some fun and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I will.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

More MS News

China has had another exacerbation. The left side is getting number and weaker. I posted a new update on her care page at http://www.carepages.com/ServeCarePage?cpn=ChinaHasMS&seed=773642&ClusterNodeID=jb04&tlcx1=default&tlcx2=3608249 Please take a moment and check it out.

Weather has been nicer. We've finally had some rain but not enough yet. July is supposed to be monsoon season here. Some monsoon! Our skin is still flaking off due to the dryness.

We found an article in Yahoo! News that states that watermelon has a similar effect to Viagra. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080703/ap_on_he_me/watermelon_viagra_effect I also read that purple eggplant is good for diabetics. I can't find the link but when I dig it up, I'll post it here.

Happy Summer, y'all!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

New haircut, old arthritis

I finally cut my hair after nearly a year. I look different. I will have to post photos soon. Then you can all see what a handsome, young lad I really am. :D

However, arthritis is really giving me heck. My left hand now refuses to close all the way and I have no grip on that side. Two knuclkes of my middle finger have stiffened ti the point that I can't bend them. The pain is devilish at times, too. It has slown my typing speed but I am not giving in to it. I'm fighting for flexibility and movement.

Nothing new to add about my wife's health. She is doing as well as can be expected with me giving her a boost from behind all the time. She's a fighter, just like I am. At the rate we are going, we will still be going strong together long after we should be totally incapacitated. Go us.

On the soap box: Still not buying McCain as a valid choice for president. Let's inaugurate Obama tomorrow and end the tragedy of the Bush years. Off the soap box. Good night.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Friday the 13th diagnosis

It has been too long since my last update. I've been having ISP issues. Problems solved! I fired the losers and got a new ISP. Qwest is worlds better than Comcast. Yes.

Now for the latest. On Friday, June 13, 2008 my wife was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. We knew something was not right for years but only now have we been able to get in to see a neurologist.

We are coping as best we can. We have terrific neighbors who all want to help. We have the best medical care available in New Mexico. We also have friends and acquaintances all over the world who care deeply.

Prayers would be welcome from anybody who knows how to pray.

Current Albuquerque Pix