Turning a Virtual Corner – & – Virtually Coughing Up a Lung

I’ve learned over the years that even with the best health care available we must advocate for ourselves. Sometimes, though, we need the help of a bright physician who’s on his game. This has been one such occasion.

When the awesome Dr. T advised my husband to stop taking a multi-purpose medication his kidneys not only improved but his appetite returned and dizziness went away. He has also been taken off all blood pressure medication that was described decades ago. I thought once you got on meds for high blood pressure you never stopped.

As I type my husband is seeing the kidney doctor again. We agree the specialist will be happy with ongoing improvements. I’ve been driving my husband everywhere for months and his regained confidence behind the wheel is a blessing in more ways than one because I developed a nasty upper respiratory infection, no doubt due to stress.

I cannot recall the last time I fell ill, having learned a long time ago that I must wash my hands after traveling even a short distance and to never touch my face while out and about. It probably looks odd if other drivers notice me scratching the side of my nose through clothing. I don’t care.

Pasts illnesses have been much more painful; my throat isn’t aching and my headache mild. Last night, though, I couldn’t stop coughing up phlegm between around 2am and sunrise. It finally eased up and my man bought me some cough syrup. For a while there I feared coughing so hard that I ended up with a detached retina.

Can you believe my husband thought he was dying just a week ago? And how fortunate are we to have such a great medical team?

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My Mundane Adventures

My husband spent three days hospitalized for kidney issues. His primary care doctor thought taking him off a certain medication would turn things around but the nephrologist disagreed.

Fortunately, Dr. T was correct while the kidney doctor’s hospitalization order gave me a tiny respite. I remained busy, such as taking one of our two cars in for repairs, yet otherwise enjoyed extra peace and quiet.

Now he is home sleeping as I type this Wednesday evening around 6pm. Fingers crossed, changes made to medications will improve our quality of life. He regained a reasonable appetite following weeks of forcing food down. And I hope his downbeat demeanor improves.

On a funny note, my adventures regarding the auto repair shop proved a bit crazy. We scheduled a tire rotation, oil change, and the impetus for the appointment was having a check engine light investigated. Knowing all this would take some time I asked for their free shuttle service and had the driver take me to a local gourmet market.

I’ve done this once before. The shop encourages folks to linger in two comfortable seating areas. I settled in with a bagel and interesting beverage. They offered a turmeric and ginger spiced chai latte. I enjoyed the interesting warm drink most and anticipated a tasty lunch of perhaps a lamb pie or fresh made sushi.

However, just before noon I received notice that the diesel fueled vehicle needed serious repairs to the tune of over $1000 (USD) and a necessary part wouldn’t arrive until the next day. We decided to make the investment.

All I needed to do now was get a ride home. Upon calling I was told that our home ranged well beyond their complimentary car service area but she’d check with the manager.

I’m happy to report he made the correct choice. After being customers who’ve spent thousands of dollars over the last two decades I planned to raise hell if refused transportation.

What looks like snow is residue from the
failed diesel exhaust residue tank...

When dropped off by the driver I went to dig out my house key. I’m sure you can guess that it was attached to the car key fob left behind.

We are blessed with kind neighbors, one of whom gave me a ride that took forty minutes total round trip plus the time it took recovering my house key. In gratitude, the least we can do is offer him and his wife fuel point savings from grocery shopping, most of which will expire before we can possibly use them all.

Are you a fan of any particular herbs and/or spices? Have you ever found yourself locked out of your home?

 
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