So they were like, “Something is weird. We got to put the EKG on him.” But I’m like a hairy individual, you know? So they got out the trimmers, they’re like, “What?” They’re just like, “What do we do?” … she says to me, she’s like, “Don’t worry. After we’re done, I’ll shave the rest.” I’m like, “Hell no you won’t shave the rest of my chest. Are you kidding?” I think of my chest hair a little bit like Samson, you know what I mean? Stay away from that. Come on, give me a break.
https://whatsthematterwithme.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/s3-e15-recovery.jpg12001600Johnhttps://whatsthematterwithme.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cropped-icons.pngJohn2019-09-30 23:48:362019-10-02 00:36:49I'm recovering from microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery
I bought Asics Gel Nimbus shoes with no-tie shoelaces and they are working out for me. They are black Asics running shoes with white soles.They look pretty much like regular shoes but the laces are made of elastic so they function more like slip-on shoes. They are kind of stretchy to move in and it takes some getting used to. At first I felt self-conscious wearing them but now I like the way they look. They ran me $160 on Zappos which is pricier than I’m used to but the shoe is a lot easier to use than New Balance 574 Classics which run around $75. They are so much easier to get on and off, and that saves a lot of time and energy, things in short supply.
Rituximab infusion
Last Tuesday I got my infusion of rituximab which is my primary multiple sclerosis medication. My appointment was for 1:30 p.m. but I had to take Benadryl and Solu-Medrol as precursors. Because it was the afternoon and I was taking powerful steroids like Solu-Medrol, I had trouble sleeping that night.
Rituximab is a prophylactic-type medication and I don’t usually feel a difference right away. I think it is helping me but I am continuing to have multiple sclerosis. It is not healing me for sure. It’s hard to tell, maybe it is protecting me from getting worse. That is a hard situation for multiple sclerosis patients like myself, because you can’t tell whether your medication is working or not.
I’m getting older for sure and that is no easy ride. So there are challenges for everyone always across the board. I have a lot on my plate and I have to stay focused. I’m glad rituximab infusion isn’t causing me any major problems.
Talk less, act more
Remember last episode I told you that my New Year’s resolution was: “Talk less, act more.” I spoke about wanting to get my brand out there. Well, things are happening, and fast! It’s exciting.
Hoppin Hot Sauce will take part in the the Winter Fancy Foods Show as a part of KitchenTown‘s Incubator Alley booth at Moscone Center on Tuesday, January 23. I have been given an opportunity to jump-start my brand, to move from prototypes to orders, and to make my brand real. The time line is very tight and showtime is 8 days away. It is taking all my time and fatigue is tough to manage. I am intimidated by my workload and I need support to avoid getting into an emergency. I am reaching out- it is working. Letting people know about the challenge I face is getting them on my side. I need the discipline to delegate and manage properly.
Baby chives
Baby chives are growing in the winter garden. I can find peace and hope in the natural cycle of renewal and the good, right energy of growing plants.
Pre-history throwback Episode 3
Episode 3 revolves around having to ask for help, and the complicated feelings that go with that. I need help, but I don’t want to ask. It’s cool to hear old episodes, because of slight differences in the way I approach my disability. Nowadays, I feel a lot less hemming and hawing asking for help. This podcast has given me the strength to ask for help, and to be comfortable with myself. That is a good thing.
Recovering from Multiple Sclerosis and moving my small hot sauce business forward
“Hole in the wall”, A fall story
I tripped over myself in my bedroom and punched a hole in the wall. It was klutzy and embarrassing, but at least the wall took the worst of it and I came through okay.
I’m in recovery
My Nurse Practitioner told me I was in recovery from MS and that changed my perspective. I have been in a defensive stance, and I can begin to makje positive steps forward.
