Friday, August 3, 2001
More Ancient Secrets - To LTF
I know, now, how I'll survive after my mother dies......I will be writing the following two books, non-fiction, which I'm sure will be instant best sellers:
Sleeping Your Way to Health and Longevity
and
Vegetables and Health: The Myth Exploded
LTF, I'm going to have to stop taking my mother in for her regular check-ups. I'm sure I don't need to remind you that one of the continuing sources of anxiety for me is my mother's increasing desire to sleep and her refusal to eat anything that nutritionists say she should. When she walked into the doctor's office yesterday her regular nurse said: "Mrs. Hudson! You look better than you've ever looked! Good for you! Good work, Gail!"
I didn't say anything. I didn't even say "Thank you," I was so shocked. A few other members of the office staff who regularly see her agreed. One of them said she looked like she'd lost a little weight. She hadn't, in fact she'd gained two pounds, so Debbie said, "You must be exercising. Muscle weighs more than fat."
Since our regular PCP and our NP are out of town we got the new guy. He's younger than his partner and he's just as good; this clinic really knows what they're doing when they hire people. He had already reviewed my mother's history (such as it is) and was fully prepared. And, he does not believe anyone's health, elderly or not, should be micro-managed to the point of stress unless, as he said, "...medicine (not drugs, but the field of medicine) is the only thing that's keeping them alive." Her blood pressure was a little high for her (she runs low) but switching altitudes, either up or down, always does that to her. Everything else looked and sounded, "better and better". He's satisfied with her blood sugar, which ranges anywhere from 130 to 220 (depending on what she's had the night before). They took blood and will either call with the results (if there is an area of concern) or send them (if there's not). Her medication remains the same, "...keep doing what you're doing". Her bladder leakage is controlled about as much as it will ever be, her heart is good, her lungs are good. Her blood oxygen is still in what is considered to be in the high/low range but, as the doctor said, she's not showing any symptoms of COPD other than that so at this point there is no reason to treat it. Unless the tests "show something else", which no one is expecting, she's cleared for take-off.
All I have to say, LTF, is, consider yourself lucky you're a Leo. Let me tell you what little tidbits of Leo lore have bombarded me yesterday (my mother's birthday), totally unexpected.
Long Live Leos: Plan Your Child's Birth For Maximum Longevity.
I am, of course, as usual, as always, relieved about this part of her life and what all this means about 'managing' her health. She is a true Wonder Woman. This doesn't help me with the business aspect of her life but I refuse to worry anymore about her sleeping all the time. Apparently, the more she sleeps the healthier she gets. It isn't quite as fast as working out but I guess it's just as reliable.
Sleeping Your Way to Health and Longevity
and
Vegetables and Health: The Myth Exploded
LTF, I'm going to have to stop taking my mother in for her regular check-ups. I'm sure I don't need to remind you that one of the continuing sources of anxiety for me is my mother's increasing desire to sleep and her refusal to eat anything that nutritionists say she should. When she walked into the doctor's office yesterday her regular nurse said: "Mrs. Hudson! You look better than you've ever looked! Good for you! Good work, Gail!"
I didn't say anything. I didn't even say "Thank you," I was so shocked. A few other members of the office staff who regularly see her agreed. One of them said she looked like she'd lost a little weight. She hadn't, in fact she'd gained two pounds, so Debbie said, "You must be exercising. Muscle weighs more than fat."
Since our regular PCP and our NP are out of town we got the new guy. He's younger than his partner and he's just as good; this clinic really knows what they're doing when they hire people. He had already reviewed my mother's history (such as it is) and was fully prepared. And, he does not believe anyone's health, elderly or not, should be micro-managed to the point of stress unless, as he said, "...medicine (not drugs, but the field of medicine) is the only thing that's keeping them alive." Her blood pressure was a little high for her (she runs low) but switching altitudes, either up or down, always does that to her. Everything else looked and sounded, "better and better". He's satisfied with her blood sugar, which ranges anywhere from 130 to 220 (depending on what she's had the night before). They took blood and will either call with the results (if there is an area of concern) or send them (if there's not). Her medication remains the same, "...keep doing what you're doing". Her bladder leakage is controlled about as much as it will ever be, her heart is good, her lungs are good. Her blood oxygen is still in what is considered to be in the high/low range but, as the doctor said, she's not showing any symptoms of COPD other than that so at this point there is no reason to treat it. Unless the tests "show something else", which no one is expecting, she's cleared for take-off.
All I have to say, LTF, is, consider yourself lucky you're a Leo. Let me tell you what little tidbits of Leo lore have bombarded me yesterday (my mother's birthday), totally unexpected.
- My mother pointed out to me a segment on a morning news show celebrating the oldest person in the U.S., a woman who is 113 years old and whose birthday was yesterday. She will be celebrating with her usual daily regimen, shots of Crown Royal Whiskey.
- The phone was ringing when we arrived home from the flatlands this afternoon. MFS called to make sure Mom got the flowers, which were sitting on our doorstep when we pulled up, and mentioned during the conversation that "The Queen Mum" (England) will be turning 101 in a few days.
- This evening about an hour ago I leafed through the Prescott paper and there was a huge write up on the oldest person in Prescott, a woman who celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday.
Long Live Leos: Plan Your Child's Birth For Maximum Longevity.
I am, of course, as usual, as always, relieved about this part of her life and what all this means about 'managing' her health. She is a true Wonder Woman. This doesn't help me with the business aspect of her life but I refuse to worry anymore about her sleeping all the time. Apparently, the more she sleeps the healthier she gets. It isn't quite as fast as working out but I guess it's just as reliable.
