Well darnit...we have a minor setback. During my cardio rehab, my blood pressure is 150/100. Not good! We have doubled my blood pressure medicine but it'll take a couple of weeks to see results. So that means I cannot return to work the last week of July. I want to return to work. My sanity is slipping away! I had an echo cardiogram test last Tuesday. I have discussed the results with my doctor yet. However, I can view them online so I peeked. I researched the results and learned a few things. Answered a few questions I had and what was causing them. The big answer was why my heart felt like it was going to jerk out of my chest. I learned that was a mitral valve regurgitation caused by...you guessed it, high blood pressure. I haven't had one in two days so I'm praying the increased meds are starting to work.
In other news...I signed up to a gym. I realize I can't use it just yet. I wanted to sign-up now to help boost my confidence and set a goal. $10 a month and it's open 24/7. Not alot of weights but I can work with what they have. Plenty of treadmills, stair steppers, bicycles, etc... I've also lost 2 lbs in a week. Only 36 more to go! That 36 will take me a year. I'm not planning on dumping it all at once.
And btw, the cardio rehab kicks my ass!
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Slowly Progressing Forward Albeit a Tortoise Pace
Hello friends, it's been awhile. Well that's because I forgot my password. But I found my list this week and tadaaaaaaaa! I am back.
I start cardio rehab this Friday. Kinda looking forward to it but not. I'm a bit apprehensive about exercising at someones pace other than my own. While it's true I walked 2/3 mile last night, I bet it took me a good 20 minutes. ( I forgot my phone to track myself) And it's true, I'm am a bit fearful that "pushing" myself could lead to complications. You see....longtime followers will recall that back in September of 2006 I passed my stress test with flying colors. Two weeks later I had a widowmaker and 3 stents. Fast forward to 2018 and passed another stress test with flying colors. And you guessed it, a triple by-pass. Hence my apprehension....and yes, NO more stress tests for me. Ever. Period. Zero. Nada. I forgot to mention I just had an echo cardiogram Tuesday and still awaiting the results. But I'm gonna venture a guess of the diagnosis: Passed. I know, I am keenly aware that my answer drips with sarcasm. But you'll see...
Appetite is finally back although most of my favorites have been cut. I'm watching caffeine, sodium and sugar intakes right now. Eating more fish, rice, beans and all that healthy rabbit food. Chicken and pork are the main meat staples. We found some turkey breasts on sale so those will be used as "lunch meat" when I return to work. What is really tough, finding ham low in sodium. Still looking... Frozen veggies, no more canned. No canned soups or anything canned for that matter. Although I still eat baked beans out of the can. I figure the gas negates the sodium.
Work...I dunno how I'm going to return. I'm living the life right now. I do nothing mainly because no one lets me. But those that truly know me understand this isn't always the case. Maybe after two weeks of rehab I'll feel more confident and take on more challenges. I'm also getting a membership at the gym. $10 a month with no commitment, open 24/7 and it's close to home. Can't beat that! I am also starting a daily routine to help ease myself back in real world living. **I cringed at even typing that one** But alas bills need paid and kids need fed. Not sure yet when I'll return but hoping mid-August. I was hoping sooner but it took 3 appointments and 3 weeks just to start rehab.
Oh and it's my birthday month. I'll be 40 this year....plus shipping and handling!
I start cardio rehab this Friday. Kinda looking forward to it but not. I'm a bit apprehensive about exercising at someones pace other than my own. While it's true I walked 2/3 mile last night, I bet it took me a good 20 minutes. ( I forgot my phone to track myself) And it's true, I'm am a bit fearful that "pushing" myself could lead to complications. You see....longtime followers will recall that back in September of 2006 I passed my stress test with flying colors. Two weeks later I had a widowmaker and 3 stents. Fast forward to 2018 and passed another stress test with flying colors. And you guessed it, a triple by-pass. Hence my apprehension....and yes, NO more stress tests for me. Ever. Period. Zero. Nada. I forgot to mention I just had an echo cardiogram Tuesday and still awaiting the results. But I'm gonna venture a guess of the diagnosis: Passed. I know, I am keenly aware that my answer drips with sarcasm. But you'll see...
Appetite is finally back although most of my favorites have been cut. I'm watching caffeine, sodium and sugar intakes right now. Eating more fish, rice, beans and all that healthy rabbit food. Chicken and pork are the main meat staples. We found some turkey breasts on sale so those will be used as "lunch meat" when I return to work. What is really tough, finding ham low in sodium. Still looking... Frozen veggies, no more canned. No canned soups or anything canned for that matter. Although I still eat baked beans out of the can. I figure the gas negates the sodium.
Work...I dunno how I'm going to return. I'm living the life right now. I do nothing mainly because no one lets me. But those that truly know me understand this isn't always the case. Maybe after two weeks of rehab I'll feel more confident and take on more challenges. I'm also getting a membership at the gym. $10 a month with no commitment, open 24/7 and it's close to home. Can't beat that! I am also starting a daily routine to help ease myself back in real world living. **I cringed at even typing that one** But alas bills need paid and kids need fed. Not sure yet when I'll return but hoping mid-August. I was hoping sooner but it took 3 appointments and 3 weeks just to start rehab.
Oh and it's my birthday month. I'll be 40 this year....plus shipping and handling!
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Wednesday, June 06, 2018
I Survived, Let the Pain Begin
Lord have mercy, please. I survived the surgery although it was a triple bypass and not a quad as originally ordered. The quad could not be performed due to the location and artery size. Basically, the 70% was blocked throughout the artery and all of the branches. Yes, there is probably more information but it escapes me right now. I'm just happy to be this side of the daisies.
The chest is mighty sore right now. I asked not to have opiods (sp) and went with the strongest. Right now it's manageable and tolerable. And the boredom...I've only been home since June 3 2018 and I am bored.
I'll be posting more as I am able to sit longer.
The chest is mighty sore right now. I asked not to have opiods (sp) and went with the strongest. Right now it's manageable and tolerable. And the boredom...I've only been home since June 3 2018 and I am bored.
I'll be posting more as I am able to sit longer.
Sunday, May 20, 2018
I Have Returned Triumphantly Although Wounded
**dusts off the blog**
Well folks, I have returned triumphantly although wounded. July 2006 I created this blog mainly out of boredom. I had something to say although I had no clue as to what. A couple of months later I suffered a widow maker and survived, miraculously without any damage. And then it occurred to me: my blog was a resource of life. A resource, not only for me, but for others who enjoyed my rantings and writings.
So I have returned...my wounds are deep this time. May 29th I return for a quadruple by-pass surgery. What can I say, go big or go home. The one reason I did not have the surgery May 15th was due to me already being on blood thinners. So now weaning me off the blood thinners is a whole new hurdle to cross. Will one of my three 90% blockages clot? Will my body overreact and clot erroneously? Will I make the finish line of May 29th?
I will be posting weekly after the surgery. Mainly to give me an outlet. Anyone who has or will be undergoing major surgery will feel as if you are alone. Even though you know deep down people, family and friends are praying for you. Writing is my outlet...and it makes me feel better to read my own emotions on paper, errr posted. You get the idea.
Until then folks, remember my motto: Reality sucks and Life goes on
**breaks out the glass cleaner and furniture polish**
Well folks, I have returned triumphantly although wounded. July 2006 I created this blog mainly out of boredom. I had something to say although I had no clue as to what. A couple of months later I suffered a widow maker and survived, miraculously without any damage. And then it occurred to me: my blog was a resource of life. A resource, not only for me, but for others who enjoyed my rantings and writings.
So I have returned...my wounds are deep this time. May 29th I return for a quadruple by-pass surgery. What can I say, go big or go home. The one reason I did not have the surgery May 15th was due to me already being on blood thinners. So now weaning me off the blood thinners is a whole new hurdle to cross. Will one of my three 90% blockages clot? Will my body overreact and clot erroneously? Will I make the finish line of May 29th?
I will be posting weekly after the surgery. Mainly to give me an outlet. Anyone who has or will be undergoing major surgery will feel as if you are alone. Even though you know deep down people, family and friends are praying for you. Writing is my outlet...and it makes me feel better to read my own emotions on paper, errr posted. You get the idea.
Until then folks, remember my motto: Reality sucks and Life goes on
**breaks out the glass cleaner and furniture polish**
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Finding a New Job Frustrations
I admit it's been a few years and things sure have changed regarding the job market. A résumé is a résumé and that is now the front line of observation. Long gone are the days of a "real live human being" reviewing your application. For that matter, entering the potential new employers facility and filling out an application "in person". Ok, I admit it's not been THAT long since I've filled out applications. One can always dream of days gone by.
My huge frustration is getting back into the engineering field and supporting positions. The only replies I receive lately are manufacturing based which has been my employment for the last 4 years. My dilemma is how to get the résumé noticed for previous experiences related to the engineering field without deleting the previous work experience. To me, deleting the manufacturing experience would be lying and I would still have to explain the 4 year gap in employment. So it's a dilemma that's not easily resolved, so far in my research.
And when did potential employers stop sending the rejection letters? It is very frustrating to see a job you applied for 30 days ago reappear! It would be annoying to me, as an employer, to have the same person applying multiple times when they clearly weren't qualified the first time around. With today's technology, a rejection template is simple, takes mere seconds to send and gets those pesky candidates off your back. And...you want my references NOW? I'm not forking over references without knowing the particulars of the job I'm applying for. Last thing I need is potential employers calling my references and it becomes an annoyance. I kind of bypassed this issue by having two sets of references. I have the references that don't mind getting called and providing a good reference. Then I have those that are the creme of the crop, those that will assist in sealing the deal. I mean really, if you can't send a rejection email am I to believe you actually call those references prior to rejecting my application?
And to those who write that "employers are hiring experience over newbies", I'd like to know WHERE! I realize that as I age, like a fine wine, the market becomes tougher and a select few get chosen. Maybe I need to invest some monies to have a professional write my résumé. Give me some tips and tricks to at least get a foot in the door, errr, computer server.
Maybe this old dog needs to learn the new tricks. I just find it very frustrating the process has changed so significantly since I began searching back in '84.
My huge frustration is getting back into the engineering field and supporting positions. The only replies I receive lately are manufacturing based which has been my employment for the last 4 years. My dilemma is how to get the résumé noticed for previous experiences related to the engineering field without deleting the previous work experience. To me, deleting the manufacturing experience would be lying and I would still have to explain the 4 year gap in employment. So it's a dilemma that's not easily resolved, so far in my research.
And when did potential employers stop sending the rejection letters? It is very frustrating to see a job you applied for 30 days ago reappear! It would be annoying to me, as an employer, to have the same person applying multiple times when they clearly weren't qualified the first time around. With today's technology, a rejection template is simple, takes mere seconds to send and gets those pesky candidates off your back. And...you want my references NOW? I'm not forking over references without knowing the particulars of the job I'm applying for. Last thing I need is potential employers calling my references and it becomes an annoyance. I kind of bypassed this issue by having two sets of references. I have the references that don't mind getting called and providing a good reference. Then I have those that are the creme of the crop, those that will assist in sealing the deal. I mean really, if you can't send a rejection email am I to believe you actually call those references prior to rejecting my application?
And to those who write that "employers are hiring experience over newbies", I'd like to know WHERE! I realize that as I age, like a fine wine, the market becomes tougher and a select few get chosen. Maybe I need to invest some monies to have a professional write my résumé. Give me some tips and tricks to at least get a foot in the door, errr, computer server.
Maybe this old dog needs to learn the new tricks. I just find it very frustrating the process has changed so significantly since I began searching back in '84.
Monday, January 05, 2015
2015 Starts with A Thud
I just learned today that changes are coming at my place of employment. I think I've mentioned before I work in a manufacturing environment. My job isn't difficult as long as you're organized and can create a routine. I don't really like the hours as they are 12 hour shifts on a rotating schedule. In other words, one week I work Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The next week it's opposite days. Life was good until about 6 months ago when they added another production line for me to run. So instead of 2 lines, I know run 3 lines. Walking went from 4-6 miles a night to 8-10 miles a night. Physically it has taken it's toll on my body. I am exhausted after each shift and rarely do much outside of work due to my physical ailments.
So with that back history, I just learned that starting in February we will be going to 8 hour shifts working 5 days a week. Which one would think that's a good thing, except they are taking a $1.00 an hour away from our pay. See, to lure people into accepting employment back a couple years ago (that would be me) we were sold on the $1.00 premium to work 12 hour shifts. And now that they are moving back to 8 hour shifts they are canceling that $1.00 an hour premium. Without going into Finances 101, I'll be losing approximately $5,000 a year.
Oh and I still get to run 3 production lines!
Happy F&ckin' New Year!!!
So with that back history, I just learned that starting in February we will be going to 8 hour shifts working 5 days a week. Which one would think that's a good thing, except they are taking a $1.00 an hour away from our pay. See, to lure people into accepting employment back a couple years ago (that would be me) we were sold on the $1.00 premium to work 12 hour shifts. And now that they are moving back to 8 hour shifts they are canceling that $1.00 an hour premium. Without going into Finances 101, I'll be losing approximately $5,000 a year.
Oh and I still get to run 3 production lines!
Happy F&ckin' New Year!!!
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