The Colon Club

NHMike wrote:... I still have the todo list item to write a book on this stuff but I'm buried with other stuff to do.

So, how is your book coming along? Do you have the main outline sketched out by now? Any chapters already written? (Just curious...)

I just have some stuff in a LaTeX file. I started a new job in February and it's 9:30 AM to 12:30 AM. It's on my long todo list.

A coworker died yesterday of lung cancer. He was diagnosed a few months before I was and we talked about the kind of cancer stuff that people with cancer talk about (stuff that's discussed here). His was inoperable but he was kept alive with targeted therapies. He wasn't able to go to the hospital for treatment in April because of COVID and it looks like his cancer progressed to where it took his life. It's something that I'm sure that many of us worried about or still worry about.

We've been sending our thoughts around to each other via email. His family plans a ceremony in August when things will be more open for people to get together.

I am really sorry for your loss. These things make also feel us more vulnerable and lonely.

A big hug

Claudia

Atoq wrote:I am really sorry for your loss. These things make also feel us more vulnerable and lonely.

A big hug

Claudia

Thanks. The pandemic is tough on people all over with a lot of frustration and difficult getting access to things that we normally take for granted. There are deaths due to people not being able to get services (psychological in particular). I have been receiving emails from my hospital (same hospital as my coworker) and they are in some stage of opening up. The numbers in Boston are trending down - they're just not to the point I consider comfortable. They're seeing about 40-70 deaths per day in Massachusetts. I'll see what hospital appointments are like in August.

Sorry to hyjack ur post Mike but I've have to set up a new account aver nemours attempts to re log in failed, so new e mail and loc I'm, so my new user name from ELEDA
is Adele so sorry if I don't reply to any messages
Thanks adele

Adele wrote:Sorry to hyjack ur post Mike but I've have to set up a new account aver nemours attempts to re log in failed, so new e mail and loc I'm, so my new user name from ELEDA
is Adele so sorry if I don't reply to any messages
Thanks adele

Hello Adele,

I see that you only have one post so maybe you're still having problems. It took a while for me to be able to post reliably as well.

I haven't been around much as I was working a lot and dealing with stressful stuff. I haven't been working out that much either and have put on weight as a result. My home gym is better and I am using it but I'm not working out to the degree that I used to.

Neuropathy has increased somewhat and I suspect that this is due to my cardiovascular system not being as strong as it used to be. I have some cognitive decline as well - being more forgetful and not being able to pull up a word that I know that seems just a bit away. I do chess puzzles daily for a mental challenge and keep note of my typical score and it is down a little.

So maybe it's time to retire or go on disability. The GI stuff still causes problems for me though things are generally better when I'm taking my supplements regularly. I have found it harder to fast a lot but the fasting probably helps considerably.

I have a six-month visit for bloodwork and it worries me a little as my GI system has been somewhat more unsettled lately. That could be due to less abdominal strength or it could be a problem. I think that it's normal anxiety. I have had respiratory issues the past couple of months and I sometimes worry that it's mets to the lungs or COVID. It is likely due to pollen and allergies and not enough sleep.

Our COVID infection numbers are pretty low and they are falling so I shouldn't worry but I'll be happier when our infection counts are under 100 for the state.

I've noticed that people are reporting scan and bloodwork results and I guess that's due to hospitals and labs opening back up to do routine testing. That's a good thing on medical services opening back up.

NHMike wrote:

Adele wrote:Sorry to hyjack ur post Mike but I've have to set up a new account aver nemours attempts to re log in failed, so new e mail and loc I'm, so my new user name from ELEDA
is Adele so sorry if I don't reply to any messages
Thanks adele

Hello Adele,

I see that you only have one post so maybe you're still having problems. It took a while for me to be able to post reliably as well.

Hi Mike, I think I'm sorted, tbh, nothing to report, I'm just reading posts ATM,

I'm after my 1 year colonoscopy in April under Anastasia because of the fact I had a fisture, he was happy with everything but never got to see him for a follow up appointment or scan because of covid, but had bloods done throughout, ( all good)

I'm still taking bicarbonate every day, because without it I don't think my QOL would b any good,
So I'm pretty much "back to normal"

Maybe it's time to quit because life is to be enjoyed, and if u can afford it
DO IT....
ADELE

Eleda wrote:Hi Mike, I think I'm sorted, tbh, nothing to report, I'm just reading posts ATM,

I'm after my 1 year colonoscopy in April under Anastasia because of the fact I had a fisture, he was happy with everything but never got to see him for a follow up appointment or scan because of covid, but had bloods done throughout, ( all good)

I'm still taking bicarbonate every day, because without it I don't think my QOL would b any good,
So I'm pretty much "back to normal"

Maybe it's time to quit because life is to be enjoyed, and if u can afford it
DO IT....
ADELE

It sounds like you're doing great.

Retirement is scary stuff if you've worked all your life.

We can objectively swing it but it would just feel better to do it at the usual time (65).

Appointment Notes from Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's:

Please do not arrive more than 20 minutes before your first scheduled appointment. This simple step can reduce the number of people in the building, which helps us ensure fewer people in waiting areas and safe physical distancing throughout the facility.

Face masks are required for everyone. When you arrive, we will give you a hospital-grade mask to wear throughout your visit. Please make sure your mask covers your mouth and nose, and avoid touching your mask while you wear it.

No visitors are allowed, to reduce the number of people on-site. We have a free cellphone waiting lot where the person who drives you to your appointment can park or wait. We know that loved ones are a vital part of the healing process, and we encourage you to use your smartphone or other mobile device to stay in touch with your support person during your visit.

I normally arrive between 5:15 - 5:30 AM for 6:45 AM labs and an 8:00 AM oncology visit. The reason is to avoid traffic and because it's 50 miles and there can be traffic delays. Fortunately, I think that traffic should be so light as to not make that an issue. I usually park in a parking garage as well at Brigham and Women's but I might park at Dana-Farber this time if I can figure out where it is. I think that they have some oddball parking requirements too.

I would normally wear my balaclava but it sounds like they're going to hand out N95s. You don't use your own when you're there. That's certainly different.

Mike glad to see your posts!

Sorry you haven’t been able to work out as much as you had been. I have been staying active but a long stretch of 90’s and humid here in MN has meant more swimming in the lake than running and lifting.

It is interesting that you mention a possible relationship between working out and cognitive ability. I may have to keep an eye on that. Earlier in the summer when I was doing more strenuous activity, it seemed that I was sharper too.

I am looking at being able to retire in 18 months. I am not sure I am ready as I like to stay busy.

My GI stuff, even at this far out, seems to be continuing a slow positive trajectory. I am less gassy and good days only go once or twice. Bad days are 4-5 times. So doable for sure. I am down to taking a prebiotic in the evening, probiotics in the morning and evening, and a multi vitamin and low dose aspirin in the mornings. At least for now it seems to make things pretty predictable.


Dave

Hi Mike!
I have also been without running for two weeks because of an Achilles inflamation. Hope to start again this week.

Is it a possibility to work part time and have a less stressful routine?

I was also worried about the cognitive consequences of early menopause and I have increased my piano practising (with great satisfaction). Now I went a step further and bought a violin. I thought if I am so lucky to be alive in ten years I will be happy I startet it

All the best

Claudia

Gravelyguy wrote:Mike glad to see your posts!

Sorry you haven’t been able to work out as much as you had been. I have been staying active but a long stretch of 90’s and humid here in MN has meant more swimming in the lake than running and lifting.

It is interesting that you mention a possible relationship between working out and cognitive ability. I may have to keep an eye on that. Earlier in the summer when I was doing more strenuous activity, it seemed that I was sharper too.

I am looking at being able to retire in 18 months. I am not sure I am ready as I like to stay busy.

My GI stuff, even at this far out, seems to be continuing a slow positive trajectory. I am less gassy and good days only go once or twice. Bad days are 4-5 times. So doable for sure. I am down to taking a prebiotic in the evening, probiotics in the morning and evening, and a multi vitamin and low dose aspirin in the mornings. At least for now it seems to make things pretty predictable.


Dave

I gotta say, when I start to slack off on my cardio routines, my energy levels decline quite a bit. I don't feel as well physically, don't get as good as sleep, and as a result I'd say have some (while by no means imperative) cognitive decline.

I really find 2 days minimum per week with 1.5 hours of cardio per session. My preferred method is cycling. Fair best with 2-3 of those per week along with 2-3 45 minute upper body weight routines. Maybe a couple 3 mile walks and a hike to boot.

Keep moving!

Gravelyguy wrote:Mike glad to see your posts!

Sorry you haven’t been able to work out as much as you had been. I have been staying active but a long stretch of 90’s and humid here in MN has meant more swimming in the lake than running and lifting.

It is interesting that you mention a possible relationship between working out and cognitive ability. I may have to keep an eye on that. Earlier in the summer when I was doing more strenuous activity, it seemed that I was sharper too.

I am looking at being able to retire in 18 months. I am not sure I am ready as I like to stay busy.

My GI stuff, even at this far out, seems to be continuing a slow positive trajectory. I am less gassy and good days only go once or twice. Bad days are 4-5 times. So doable for sure. I am down to taking a prebiotic in the evening, probiotics in the morning and evening, and a multi vitamin and low dose aspirin in the mornings. At least for now it seems to make things pretty predictable.
Dave

I find that things are more predictable as things go out in time - I think that's learning what works and what doesn't.

Neuropathy/Raynaud's/Tingling due to poor circulation. My mother has this from narrowing arteries and a heart attack about five years ago. I have a niece with Raynauds and a couple of co-workers and former co-workers with it. I suspect that a stronger circulatory system helps with circulatory problems and maybe getting oxygen to the brain. So I need to work on that. I spent a good chunk of the day working on taxes as they are due today.

I could use some time off to get back in much better shape. Maybe we all could.

18 months is a short period of time at our age.