An on-going thread

[wolfter]

We need a thread where the conversation is continual and can do a quick update on those we care about.  If someone starts such a thread it'll eventually have the most hits. 

It's best to post after our common medicine. 

[Theyer]

Good idea , though then you will see that in any 24 hour period I can go from unable to make a cup off tea to walking the dog.I do think I am left with the physical bi-polar.
bi-health?

[weasel]

Good idea , though then you will see that in any 24 hour period I can go from unable to make a cup off tea to walking the dog.I do think I am left with the physical bi-polar.
bi-health?

    Me too    

     There are many types of moods and energy levels in my day ; the MEDS make me feel dreadful , my
   coffee  perks me up to high speed   
    I say noon to 6 PM are my perky times .

                                                                               Weasel

     P.S. Bring on Spring , as I am in my 6th month of molting 

[wolfter]

Good idea , though then you will see that in any 24 hour period I can go from unable to make a cup off tea to walking the dog.I do think I am left with the physical bi-polar.
bi-health?

capture the days that we can? 

[wolfter]

Almost time to log off this thing.  We're having an absolutely beautiful day and I plan on being totally unproductive today.  I've been on extreme overdrive of late and am wearing myself thin...literally. 

I knew I was focusing on accomplishing the many tasks that I'm undertaking, but working every single day on different projects for the last couple of months is ridiculous. 

Planning on taking a long walk and finding a place to grab a meal.  I've actually dropped below my ideal weight and want it back.  Being under 140lbs was attractive when I was young, not so much being middle aged.

[Theyer]

On one level I am struck by why you described, introduced the piece as being unproductive and yet it sounded like it was/is just what you need. Therefore if you achieved it it would be a very productive day .

Its OK I tie myself up it the same knots, This week has been very sleepy and not much achieved and therefore I am fighting the blues , yet it might be just what I need, trouble is its not what I want.

Wolfie we know you and weight is important and your Mother,s health and demands have been constant for awhile ,so the only one who is likely to change my dear is you.

And if after 10 years I still cannot live well with the level of energy I have , who the hell am I too say ought.

[wolfter]

YEAH, finally am figuring out how to use the new windows on my work computer.  I hated it at first but am comfortable enough now to log into my sites without fear of leaving traces of wastefulness instead of doing my job. 

and now, I find Microsoft will not be supporting older versions of windows.  I guess my newer laptop with XP will have to be upgraded.  Doesn't seem rightly fair as I purchased it not long ago and it's almost $200 to upgrade.

Have a great day all.

[Theyer]

As a Mac user running a now ancient OS I am well aware off buying something for it to be obsolete, but I have had good mileage from it and will now stay with Mac when the time comes for the eventual up grade. In the UK we pay the same amount in £ as you do in $ so Mac,s are bloody expensive . So I will get a mac mini next or even Mac Air tablet . It is frustrating when I am locked out off app,s due to not having the OS.

[BT65]

I've been a bit busy lately so have not been on much.  I'm doing advocacy and a women's support group, that seems to run on all days of the week.  What I mean is, the ladies contact me on off-group days.  Which is fine.  I get paid for it, for even the work I do at home.  My supervisor (she refuses to be called boss, says it equates to slavery), has been around here and in the HIV field for over 20 years; I've known her that long.  So, she's easy to work for, but expects excellence at the same time, which is fine. 

One of my former clients is in the group and calling me, and I'm going with her to the doctor this coming Tuesday.  She's having stomach issues and the doctor is not doing anything other than telling her to "breathe" (WTF), so I'm going in with her to insist something be done.  Yeah, I've been known to do shit like that lol.

I'm tired.  Very tired. Emotional energy and all that.  My hip is doing pretty good, my knees are shit.  Not going to get a replacement any time soon, that hip surgery was enough for me for now.

Greg, I know you're going through a lot of stress.  I hope you had a good day when you said you were going to be "unproductive."  We need days like that.  Please pace yourself and don't get worn down.

Michael, I love your posts.  They're just so witty, and always make me smile.  I think of you often, and hope you're doing well.  I know about on and off days, believe me. 

I'm going to try to be on more, when there's not a crisis happening.  The man who lived in the back apartment passed away a couple weeks ago, so I've also been helping his girlfriend get his apartment cleaned out, and figure out how to pay for his cremation.  His daughters are not helping because he didn't have a big pay out.

I hope everyone else is doing well.  I think this thread is an excellent idea. Thanks for starting it, Greg.

[harleymc]

Hi all,
 haven't posted in ages ... couldn't really ever justify a new thread for my bits and pieces that were happening in dribs and drabs, so happy this thread is here.

Big changes in my life over the last 6 months. Started physio to fix a bung shoulder, I'm not as compliant as I should be with the exercises but have had significant improvement. It was sore doing it, but the shoulder held out for a summer season of slowpitch softball.

Broke up with the ex, readjusting to single life after 8.5 years together is odd. Moved house about Xmas time.

I'm now 2 months into a couple of vocational courses (business administration) and (travel and tourism),  the big aim is to be back into work by July. (Fingers crossed) I'm battling with Centrelink (Australia's social security) I was getting income support before starting study but have been cut off for 13 weeks... Lodged an appeal yesterday. Stressful to the max!

cd4s have shot up to 140 YAY, some stresses are worth it!

[Theyer]

Hello Harley, Are you only going to post your own thread if you say survive a Shark attack, twice?

There,s enough in your post for a collection . Kudos,s to you for your presentation and up beat-ness and good luck with the Battle . Where exactly are you , your Island not being the smallest place on the planet. Loved your post Harley it gets my understated Jeez reaction off the week. But don,t be a stranger to us ,

And BETTY , dear darling Betty , there,s a Fun Fair camped out on Clapham Common so off course my walk with the Dog includes thinking about you. I am not surprised to hear you are emotionally tired, there is a lot off energy you are giving out , .The daughters sound a lovely collection , sorry you are having to sully your good self by having to have contact with them.I would be tempted to give the Gentleman a New Orleans style funeral with the bills going directly to them.

Some people Betty my dear have no grace.

And CARL how is the kitchen. Am I the only person totally immune now to caffeine. I love the taste but drink a large mug off an strong Italian blend and promptly wake up two hours later.


More postings please , eager to know how us band off doughty die hards are fairing.

[wolfter]

seems such a simple way to stay in touch and update on our mundane lives. 

I truly enjoy the updates from people, even the simple things.

@ Betty, I decided to be unproductive until I saw my golf clubs and decided to spend an afternoon cleaning and polishing them.  That weather is finally upon us. 

And because mom's been in the hospital I decided to deep clean her home. 

I also love Michael's posts, but I'll admit that I don't understand them half of the time.    I've had to use google many times.

Hope you all have a great rest of the weekend.  Just got off work and have a bowling party to attend later so I have to grab an hour or two of sleep before heading back to my last night of work.

hugs all
greg

[harleymc]

I certainly will not start a thread if I only survive one of the shark attacks.

[Theyer]

I certainly will not start a thread if I only survive one of the shark attacks.

Off course you would not , like any self respecting Australian you would simply get out the duct tape complete the repairs and enjoy what is it yes ----a cold one. So so butch , and quite admirable in many ways .

Now I as a yapping pom I must post the slight tickle my throat has.

[Jeff G]

Now I as a yapping pom I must post the slight tickle my throat has.

Is that British slang for choking on a pubic hair ?

[Joe K]

Is that British slang for choking on a pubic hair ?

I have this feeling that Michael is referring to a tickle way, way, down the throat.   

Joe

[Theyer]

British slang for choking on pubic hair    " amateur "

[weasel]

   And CARL how is the kitchen. Am I the only person totally immune now to caffeine. I love the taste but drink a large mug off an strong Italian blend and promptly wake up two hours later.

    Theyer , The kitchen is coming along well , I just made a fine post , that
    went poof ! So I will leave it at that for now .

                                                                               Carl

[Jeff G]

I have made a chipmunk friend . Its nice out so I have the back door open and this little chipmunk has been sitting on my tool bench in my carport about 10 feet away everyday for weeks now watching me on my computer by the door . I fed him pumpkin seeds yesterday and crackers this morning . He is getting brave now and doesn't run away as much . He is living under the the tool cabinet and probably chewing it up under there but I cant see much I can do about it . I have seen him or her come and go from under there for the last 5 years and since they are solitary animals I assume its the same critter .     

[BT65]

Oh, that's so cool about the chipmunk.  Wild animals are so interesting to watch.  I like to watch squirrels chase each other.  They have a lot of energy.

Greg, I just deep cleaned my bedroom and moved everything around.  Yes, I took everything out of the bedroom.  It took the whole day yesterday, but I'm glad I did it.  I haven't gotten out the spring/summer tops yet, but will after I do laundry tomorrow. 

I also have to have a dexa scan tomorrow, Tuesday I see the surgeon.  I'm tired of these doctor appointments, and I know you all can relate.

Today I cleaned the living room rug, so I feel better about that.  Hope everyone is having a good day.  And oh, I didn't understand that remark about the throat either. 

Betty

[Theyer]

Woke up at 2am in sweat soaked bed, with a almighty headache, temp. bones aching and sore throat . it,s now 19.50 and my temp is gone. Very slow and wobbly . Feel weak .

[wolfter]

I think animals have a natural instinct when it comes to humans.  Several wild critters around here don't run off and usually await the treats I bring them.  Our little fat squirrel roosts a mere few feet away while I will his food bin.

A couple of summers ago, I discovered a group of baby opossums on mother's porch that were obviously abandoned.  They had settled on the bottom shelf behind some clutter and were starving.  Eventually, I was able to pet them while feeding them.

I've been checking the rescue sites for several weeks looking for a new doggie.  I'm specifically looking for an older pet as they usually have a difficult time finding a forever home.

Now, it's time to turn on the air as the oppressive heat has started.  Almost 80 outside.  Or, since it's Ohio, I could simply hold off as we're expecting snow in 2 days.  Only here do you wear a bikini and a parka in the same week.

[mitch777]

Woke up at 2am in sweat soaked bed, with a almighty headache, temp. bones aching and sore throat . it,s now 19.50 and my temp is gone. Very slow and wobbly . Feel weak .

Is this an example of your bi-health Michael? Hope you feel better soon hun.

As for myself, nothing much new other than a pinched nerve in my back from having too much gusto too soon after a relatively sedentary winter. I spread around some mulch in the garden and have pretty much been walking the old man shuffle since.

Oh, and my mother is moving into assisted living at the end of the month. She is NOT happy as she thinks she is self sufficient when we all know she isn't. (geez, four "she's" in one sentence, lol.) This move will kind of force her in some ways to socialize more and that's exactly what is needed. Time for her to be more of a yapping pom or is that what she has been doing?   

[Theyer]

No darlin this is something above and beyound , seeing Doctor tomorrow , its a bug but then I also get urine infection so blah blah blah

[Theyer]

Is this an example of your bi-health Michael? Hope you feel better soon hun.

As for myself, nothing much new other than a pinched nerve in my back from having too much gusto too soon after a relatively sedentary winter. I spread around some mulch in the garden and have pretty much been walking the old man shuffle since.

Oh, and my mother is moving into assisted living at the end of the month. She is NOT happy as she thinks she is self sufficient when we all know she isn't. (geez, four "she's" in one sentence, lol.) This move will kind of force her in some ways to socialize more and that's exactly what is needed. Time for her to be more of a yapping pom or is that what she has been doing?   

It still makes me smile my Mothers absolute refusal to identify as old and needing care, as she fully intended to get better and unlike the " old people  " she lived with there was lots off life in her. Age 92 , bed ridden this was still her position .

[wolfter]

I hope you feel better soon Michael.  I had something that lingered for a couple of weeks.  At least we're experienced enough to not think the AIDS was getting us. 

Christ sakes, every little sniffle in the 80's scared the shit out of me. 

I'm just hanging out at mother's today since she might be coming home from the hospital tomorrow.  She has been in there a few days now.  Her home will reek totally of bleach as I'm doing a thorough cleaning for her.  She continues to smoke and that nasty grime settles upon everything pretty quickly.

Also taking a break from working on the new place.  I've exhausted myself of late and I'm working a couple of extra shifts at work this week.  I've followed my time line pretty well and am on schedule.  My goal was to have the inside completely finished by June which will happen.  Then I can focus on the outside and finally get a true appraisal and determine the next course of action.

[BT65]

I've been checking the rescue sites for several weeks looking for a new doggie.  I'm specifically looking for an older pet as they usually have a difficult time finding a forever home.

Now, it's time to turn on the air as the oppressive heat has started.  Almost 80 outside.  Or, since it's Ohio, I could simply hold off as we're expecting snow in 2 days.  Only here do you wear a bikini and a parka in the same week.

Good luck with the new dog search Greg.  I think it's wonderful you're going to adopt an older dog. 

Ohio isn't the only one where weather changes in a matter of two days.  Two days ago, it was in the 70's.  Yesterday afternoon it was like 35F.  This morning it is 29F, with the projected high being 36F.  Tomorrow it's supposed to be in the 50's.  Snowing out right now.  So sick of this, but realize what area of the country this is.

I still have not gotten out my spring/summer tops yet.  I am debating getting a new bed.  I've had the same one for like 10 years. It's still in good shape, but I'm just thinking a new bed would be nice.  I have a frame, so would only need the mattresses. 

Did not make the Dexa scan yesterday, but am going to the surgeon this morning.  He should tell me how things are going, hip wise.

Michael, I hope you feel better soon!!

[Theyer]

I do feel better but fact is I am ill and  weak.


For the past 3 weeks I have noticed an alarming swelling at the end off the day around my socks elasticated tops , it occurs regardless off level off activity, so in truth the visit to the Doc is two fold , I for see investigations re heart troubles I had in the early2000,s and I do not want them .

I want enough energy to get to Orkney with the sense and piece off mind that it is not irresponsible to go somewhere so isolated .

I am not the happiest bunny at Easter at the moment and am sick to death off posting my boring on going health problems.

It would be fitting if I was 85+, but it is not for the nature off a physically active man of 56 or 7 .

If I was not conserving energy I would roar and scream

[Jeff G]

I do feel better but fact is I am ill and  weak.


For the past 3 weeks I have noticed an alarming swelling at the end off the day around my socks elasticated tops , it occurs regardless off level off activity, so in truth the visit to the Doc is two fold , I for see investigations re heart troubles I had in the early2000,s and I do not want them .

I want enough energy to get to Orkney with the sense and piece off mind that it is not irresponsible to go somewhere so isolated .

I am not the happiest bunny at Easter at the moment and am sick to death off posting my boring on going health problems.

It would be fitting if I was 85+, but it is not for the nature off a physically active man of 56 or 7 .

If I was not conserving energy I would roar and scream

Its good to get your heart checked out in cases like this . I cant wear socks all day or my ankles or the area at the top of the socks becomes inflamed due to my nerve damage in that area, its painful and troublesome but in my case the solution is to remove the socks . 

[wolfter]

When are you leaving Michael?  If I remember correctly, we'll not hear from you for a while you're on travels.  Certainly hope everything checks out ok.

@Betty, you better be getting that scan.  That might cause you to rethink falling in the future.  You mention a new bed; I was noticing mine sort of has a sag in it and I became a little upset knowing what we paid for it.  It should last several years minimum.  Then it dawned on me just how long ago we bought it...lol  Hell, Bill's been dead for 8 years now and I know we spent a lot of time on it. 

[Theyer]

When are you leaving Michael?  If I remember correctly, we'll not hear from you for a while you're on travels.  Certainly hope everything checks out ok.

@Betty, you better be getting that scan.  That might cause you to rethink falling in the future.  You mention a new bed; I was noticing mine sort of has a sag in it and I became a little upset knowing what we paid for it.  It should last several years minimum.  Then it dawned on me just how long ago we bought it...lol  Hell, Bill's been dead for 8 years now and I know we spent a lot of time on it.

Lord knows I certainly don,t I am awaiting Dental appointments and now have to get over this. I hate the idea off just going for 2 weeks , its a place I go and live in or was. Very low about it all truth be told . I have not recovered health fully from the Hospital stay , now I am ill again, the Dentist has washed her hands off me as its beyond her skills , and the fluid retention will need to be investigated. The GP yesterday , which could be a post in itself, particularly emphasized getting the fluid retention looked at due to my past heart problems.

Struggling to remain adult ,
m

[wolfter]

I'd find a new dentist if I had one who washed her hands of me.  I fired my long term dentist about a year ago and found one who specialized in PLWHA.  I interviewed several before I chose my current one.

I'm glad to say that I went from a complete basket case to a place of extreme serenity.  This entire week has seen calmness and I've slept the best that I have in years.  It even dawned on me that I've not had a cocktail since Saturday night.

hugs and luvs to you all

OH, and we're possibly back to air conditioning weather today. 

[mitch777]

Lord knows I certainly don,t I am awaiting Dental appointments and now have to get over this. I hate the idea off just going for 2 weeks , its a place I go and live in or was. Very low about it all truth be told . I have not recovered health fully from the Hospital stay , now I am ill again, the Dentist has washed her hands off me as its beyond her skills , and the fluid retention will need to be investigated. The GP yesterday , which could be a post in itself, particularly emphasized getting the fluid retention looked at due to my past heart problems.

Struggling to remain adult ,
m

I've been a bit preoccupied the past few days with my dearest friend dealing with heart surgery and a blood infection. I sincerely hope you get it checked out soon.

I can hear the frustrations in your posts here and wish you well soon as I know how you so enjoy your time spent in Orkney. So hate it when health blips get in the way of our fun!

[Theyer]

Forgive me for forgetting to inquire about your friends progress, I hope they are on the mend . I am at least up and dressed this Easter Sunday , feeling OK isk .Beginning to grow concerned about complete lack off appetite. The kitchen is groaning with food stuffs all off which the brain/stomach revolt at .

So , tis case off least revolt maximum force, at least twice a day . I think its french bread done with sour dough and eggs and maple syrup which I can at least type without gagging. Saint Mark is providing food stuff,s and dog walking and without him life would be much the poorer. I must be one off the few folk whose helpers is a straight Oxford  1st  brainiac Management Business consultant , all the tasks off the day are programmed around Rugby on the Television.

However Saint Mark deserves much credit , more so as he would not dream off seeking it.

All the Best Easter wishes to ALL OF YOU , drop by and lets have a resurrection.

[mitch777]

Thanks for asking. He had a blood infection (unknown cause) and was having trouble breathing. they discovered damage to his heart. (he is hiv-) They normally would have waited to do the surgery but the cardiologist said he wouldn't have lasted for 2 days. Two valves replaced. He will also be on an IV for the infection for about 6 weeks.

They moved him out of ICU yesterday. He is exceeding their expectations. Yay! He and I have known each other for 37 years. I can't imagine what life would be without him. We are leaving soon to pay him a visit. It's been a scary week.

Eat Michael, eat. 

[Jeff G]

  ^ . Good to hear he is much improved .

[Theyer]

Thanks for asking. He had a blood infection (unknown cause) and was having trouble breathing. they discovered damage to his heart. (he is hiv-) They normally would have waited to do the surgery but the cardiologist said he wouldn't have lasted for 2 days. Two valves replaced. He will also be on an IV for the infection for about 6 weeks.

They moved him out of ICU yesterday. He is exceeding their expectations. Yay! He and I have known each other for 37 years. I can't imagine what life would be without him. We are leaving soon to pay him a visit. It's been a scary week.

Eat Michael, eat. 

Can not blood infections cause damage to the heart?

[wolfter]

So glad your friend is doing well Mitchy.

[mitch777]

Thanks guys. And yes Michael, the blood infection seemed to be the culprit.

The visit was great. He looked good but has lost some weight. Full of good humor as usual.

Just after recovering from surgery he was dialing 911 to report the nurses. lol. The next day he was feeling more like himself and was singing to one of his nurses on the intercom. Daisy was her name and Daisy he sung.

His current roommate is a born again Christian. NOT my friends cup of tea but they seem to be a very nice family. They all fell in love with him and the roommates grand daughter (about 8 years old) wrote him a beautiful letter and brought him a Teddy Bear during our visit. We bought him the gaudiest gold cross neckless we could find at the hospital gift shop. He cracked up and the picture of him with it and Teddy is priceless.

He will probably be released in a couple of days! 

[wolfter]

So excited to get started on my fire pit today.  Never understood why they placed the fire pit in such an area that the adjacent fenced in lot is unaccessable.  It's a huge lot and I need to get all the fun stuff completed for my first annual camp party.

Already have the driving range done, but must get the horse shoe pits done along with the darts area.  The electric is already done so we'll be able to set up the campers pretty easily.  I have a plumber coming to give an estimate for installing a dump station into the existing sewer. 

[Jeff G]

Im probably going to have a molar pulled this afternoon . I have had two root canals done that hasn't taken . I probably not in compliance with local Alabama anti pretentiousness ordinances for having a full set of chompers anyway .   

[Jeff G]

Well Hell . I had my dental appointment and all they did was make another appointment to have it pulled . I have bone loss in my jaw, hope it doesn't migrate south . 

[mitch777]

Well Hell . I had my dental appointment and all they did was make another appointment to have it pulled . I have bone loss in my jaw, hope it doesn't migrate south .

Are they sending you elsewhere for the pulling? My dentist did. I guess everyone's a specialist these days.

Btw, how do they determine if you have bone loss in the jaw?

[Jeff G]

Btw, how do they determine if you have bone loss in the jaw?

They throw you across the room and if the dog doesn't bring you back there is no bone . That and they do a this scan where the camera goes around the jaw and face, real highteck stuff that instantly pops up on a monitor, even I could see it  .

And yes ... they are sending me back to the dentist that sent me to him .

[wolfter]

I had a tooth issue last year after I was already diagnosed with osteoporosis.  My dentist did that same scan to make sure I wasn't suffering bone loss in my jaw.  Never heard of such a thing before then.

And being a West Virginian derivitative, it's imperative to retain my toothies til death.

What else causes bone loss in the jaw?  I'm assuming at your age, you've already had a BDS?

[Jeff G]

I have never been BDS'ed . I didn't ask a single question but now that you mention it I will ask about that . I have grown fond of the bones in my face would hate to part with more of them . I go back next Monday for the extraction and will let you know .

Then we can start a thread in LTS and talk about how living with HIV for thirty years will cause your head to become a deboned water balloon . 

[wolfter]

I've recently mentioned this in another thread; my doctor is now routinely ordering BDS on all of his long termers.  He is seeing a large percentage of us with osteopenia and osteoporosis way too soon.

I urge everyone to get a base level early.  So far, there's no cause and affect reasoning for early bone loss but his best guess is the early meds.  imagine that!  It could also be lack of nutrition.  How many of us spent years hoping we could hold down at least part of meal?

It seems reasonable that if we were wasting in other areas, that the bones would weaken also.

[Jeff G]

Im prone to waiting till its broke to fix it . I have had bad stomach pain for a few years that I didn't see a doctor about until Ann made me . I thought it was just more of the same chronic pain I live with but it was stomach ulcers and H pylori . Just finished a 10 day course of antibiotic cocktail today for that . Between that and the bronchitis I had now been on harsh antibiotics for the last 50 days . I'm done I tell you .   

[wolfter]

Im prone to waiting till its broke to fix it . I have had bad stomach pain for a few years that I didn't see a doctor about until Ann made me . I thought it was just more of the same chronic pain I live with but it was stomach ulcers and H pylori . Just finished a 10 day course of antibiotic cocktail today for that . Between that and the bronchitis I had now been on harsh antibiotics for the last 50 days . I'm done I tell you .

Me too, that's what led to a prolonged recovery with my broken leg.  I get chastised for procrastinating so I'm throwing it right back at you.  

I had a duodenial ulcer a long time ago and it was complete agony.  I tolerated it to the point where it had to be surgically repaired.  Another wolfism...lol    Glad you got those nasty issues taken care of and am looking forward to your bone results. 

[mitch777]

With all of my teeth issues last year I'm thinking that the high tech jaw dissolving test would be a good idea. My dentist never mentioned it. I've become less happy with him as time goes by. He always seems to be tying to be a salesman.

Finally had my Dexa Scan last week. Will find out the results at the end of the month.

Jeff, so glad you are done with those antibiotics! How is the ulcer?