As I have previously blogged about, we now have a two-year-old, 86-pound Golden Retriever as a central part of our household. He is worth his weight in gold as a pal and companion to both of us in this time of heart and dialysis perturbations. My wife tells me that when I leave, he (Dickens), lays down by the back door where I exited until my return. At breakfast, he lies on the floor beside me, ever so gently touching, until I finish breakfast. When I’m setting up the Liberty Cycler for my night’s dialysis treatment, he sits by the bed across from the machine until I have completed the setup. At night when we are watching TV, he often places himself equal distance between my wife and I while stretched out to his almost six-foot length. As I write this he initially supervised my setting up to write the blog and often ensconces himself in the footwell of our antique roll-top desk behind me. He is physically and emotionally supportive for both me and my wife – and anyone entering our home. He has no enemies, human or animal.
I recently ran across the poem below, which is applicable to how Dickens behaves:
When I went to bed last night, it was 18F; when I got up, rather late, it was 12F. There were a few snow flurries, but from what I can see and read about, there are not many icy roads. The power is staying up, so we’re cosy in our home.
While being weather-shut in, so to speak, my wife and I are planning what vines we are going to plant to take advantage of our new trellis system in the backyard. We’ve decided to plant some purple wisteria and vining roses as a starting point. We’re trying to source such plants now.
I inserted the weather forecast for the near future for where we live so you can see that starting next Monday, I will be moving the few tomatoes and zucks plants that I started indoors to their summer resting places. Starting Saturday and probably into Sunday I will be working on finishing the trellis system. Yesterday when it was brisk outside I heated our single garage where my saws are set up and made as many 45 angle cuts in the lattice strips for the trellis so I’m ready to buggie when the weather breaks.
Stay warm if you’re in a temperature warp like we are here in North Texas.
As I sit here in Pecan Plantation on this crisp February morning, I can’t help but feel a sense of renewal wash over me. The Daffodils, those bright harbingers of spring, have begun to bloom. Their cheerful yellow petals push through the earth, a vibrant reminder that life continues to unfold, even in the most challenging times.
Having served in Vietnam, I carry memories that are both heavy and profound. The experiences I lived through, particularly my exposure to Agent Orange, have shaped my journey in ways I never anticipated. Today, I find myself on peritoneal dialysis, navigating the complexities that come with it. Yet, each morning, I wake to the promise of a new day, much like those Daffodils awakening from their winter slumber.
Seeing these flowers bloom inspires me to reflect on resilience and hope. Just as the Daffodils bravely emerge despite the cold and dark months, we too have the strength to rise above our circumstances. Each blossom is a testament to the power of nature to heal and rejuvenate. It reminds me that beauty can flourish even in the face of adversity.
In my journey, I find parallels with the Daffodils. They remind me that, much like our lives, growth often follows struggle. The process of blooming is not instantaneous; it requires patience and perseverance. There are days when I feel weighed down by my health struggles, but then I step outside and see those flowers, and I am reminded that life is a cycle of challenges and triumphs.
As we move into spring, I encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate the small joys around us. Whether it’s the first bloom of your garden or a simple moment of connection with a loved one, these are the things that lift our spirits. Let’s draw inspiration from nature’s resilience and allow it to motivate us in our own lives.
Today, as I watch the Daffodils sway gently in the breeze, I am filled with gratitude for the moments of beauty that punctuate our lives. They serve as a reminder that hope is always within reach, and with it, we can face whatever challenges lie ahead.
So, let us embrace the blooms, both in nature and in our hearts, and carry that spirit of renewal forward into our lives. Together, we can cultivate a garden of resilience and hope, one bloom at a time. God knows in the times I have been facing, I certainly needed to see the first blooms of Spring today. I hope that readers of this blog are so lucky!
I was aided and abetted in writing the above by Poe in response to the following Prompt: “I am a Vietnam vet on peritoneal dialysis as a result of exposure to Agent Orange. Today is Feb 18, 2025. We live in Pecan Plantation and this morning I noticed our Daffodils are starting to bloom. Write a blog along the lines of drawing inspiration from this.”
Every morning, as part of our dialysis routine, we must enter several biometrics into the Liberty Cycler dialysis machine. These include blood pressure, pulse rate, and glucose level. These readings, along with a host of associated data, are sent up into a cloud via a modem attached to the Cycler, where they are available to your dialysis team for review.
Yesterday morning my recorded pulse rate was 53 which caused my dialysis nurse alarm. She called and reported the same to the doctor/nephrologist, who directed that my cardiologist be made aware. Here we go in this circle again. So I did call the NP who is the gatekeeper to the actual cardiologist and reported stopping metropol etc which she said she would report to the cardiologist. We’ll see how all of this turns out once again. Patient in the middle one more time.
I have mentioned from time to time that we are working on building a trellis system across our backyard. As I rest (which I spend lots of time doing!) it is a good time to look at my navel and cogitate what it all means. I have concluded that it is way too easy to get all wrapped up, or tangled in the requirements of dialysis, and for me, all the other defrugalities that are complacent with it. So in this regard, come hell or high water, this Spring I’m going to continue to push through physical and mental barriers. I have lots more to accomplish before I punch out.
I promised a video update on the trellis progress which is depicted below:
I watched the Super Bowl with my family yesterday. Our son came early, about 1400, and we worked on installing the stingers for the trellis we are constructing across the long back flower bed for our property. It was in the forties temp-wise, but we worked awhile then went inside to warm up. We completed the job just in time to cook kabobs on the grill for SB treats and watch the game, if you can even call the disaster that. We have 40-8-foot and 45-6-foot cedar fence slats on the back of our truck waiting for the weather to break so I can rip them into thirds for the trellis slats. I’ll install these at a 45-degree angle to finish off the trellis.
We have had a love-hate relationship with the drug Metropol that two doctors insist I take, my cardiologist and nephrologist. The cardiologist’s position is that it is good for my heart and my nephrologist for control of blood pressure. They both blow off the fact that it is driving my pulse through the floor to the point I have passed out and is not doing all that much for my blood pressure. After my last fainting spell a couple of days ago where I was sitting in my chair watching TV and slid out to the floor partially on top of our golden retriever, my wife and I together decided I’m not taking the meds anymore.
Over the weekend I worked on getting our indoor “greenhouse” up and running. We are closing off a closet section of our main garage with a door, window, and power access to accommodate a cheap greenhouse, for which we are only using the shelving. We have it in front of the window, with 8 heating mats to accommodate tons of plants. I transplanted 5 tomato plants that we started indoors and they appear to be doing well. I bought a wall heater that is completely automatic and is wife enabled from Amazon so I can be anywhere in the world where my phone is on wifi and adjust the heater or see what temperature is bing maintained. Sunday morning I planted forty tomato seeds and have about the same number of pepper seeds to go. I moved our Google interface to the area so I have toons there also. When I get it cleaned up a bit later in the week I’ll post a video of it.
Recall it is my goal to have tomatoes in the ground by mid-February, granted probably under cloches, but still in the ground.
Bright and early yesterday morning I used Perplexity to put together a two-page treatise on Heads Up Display windshields in preparation for my visit to the shop that installed the incorrect windshield in my wife’s BMW. I could have saved my time. When I arrived at the shop and explained the situation, the owner went out and confirmed the installed windshield was NOT Heads Up compatible and assumed all responsibility for replacement, stating it was his error, that he quoted a price to fix the windshield and that price was the price. He would cover the cost of the correct windshield and labor to install it. We have an appointment to have the proper windshield installed next Tuesday.
My visit to the dermatologist is a different story. I went in with a list of 6 places I wanted him to look at which he did. Along the way, he used what seemed to be a gallon of nitrogen squirting her and there and everywhere. Then the fun really began. With a marker, he outlined seven, yes seven areas from which another dude took samples to send to the lab for analysis, ie, is cancer present? The female attendant informed me in private that five is the usual maximum usually taken and that I was special in getting seven. Take that on board, seven. Just wait for the lab results to come back and we have seven areas that the dermatologists digs into to remove cancer.
As a sidelight, I’m taking the wife’s BMW in at 1000 this morning to have a chip installed. I’ll let you know what, if anything it does for performance. Her car has the software programming to let us know how it affects performance.
So I reported that we had new windshields put in our truck and BMW. All is good. Ha. Not. My wife drove her BMW yesterday and noted that the HUD (Heads Up Display) is blurry. A search on Perplexity about this defrugality yielded the fact that BMWs with HUD take a special HUD windshield replacement which it appears the installer did not install. So now I have to go through the process of confronting the installer and try to cajole him to remedy the situation.
Yesterday, I underwent the scheduled Carotid Artery Doppler Ultrasound, a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. It helps detect blockages, narrowing, or abnormalities caused by conditions like atherosclerosis. Several of my doctors are interested in this so the results should be enlightening and get them off my back. I have a teleconference on 1/28/2025 to discuss the results.
On a more pleasant note, I have tomato seeds that need to be transplanted. Looking forward to that job tomorrow morning. I’m still shooting to have plants in the ground here in North Texas by mid-February under cloches.
recently read an article by Hope Hodge Seck in the February 2025 MOAA Military Officer stating that 1 in 6 veterans, compared with 1 in 7 among the general US population, suffer from CKF. I instructed Poe to write a 500-word or so blog about this with the following result:
Poe
Introduction: Welcome to a thought-provoking journey through the world of chronic kidney failure, particularly among veterans. This article will delve into the statistics, challenges, and potential solutions surrounding CKF within the veteran community.
Body:
The Impact of Chronic Kidney Failure: Chronic Kidney Failure, also known as CKF, is a serious health condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Among veterans, the prevalence of CKF is strikingly high, with statistics indicating that 1 in 6 veterans grapple with this debilitating illness. This alarming rate underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and support for our military heroes who are battling CKF.
Understanding the Causes: Several factors contribute to the development of CKF among veterans. These include exposure to environmental toxins during military service, deployment-related stress, inadequate access to healthcare services, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. The unique experiences and challenges veterans face can significantly impact their risk of developing CKF, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions and support systems.
The Journey of Veterans with CKF: For veterans living with CKF, the journey is often fraught with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Managing the symptoms of CKF, undergoing dialysis treatments, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system can take a toll on their overall well-being. Additionally, the impact of CKF extends beyond the individual, affecting their families, caregivers, and support networks.
Empowering Veterans Through Education and Support: In light of the high prevalence of CKF among veterans, it is crucial to prioritize education, early detection, and comprehensive support services for this vulnerable population. By raising awareness about the risk factors associated with CKF, promoting regular screenings, and fostering a culture of proactive healthcare management, we can empower veterans to take control of their health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the common symptoms of CKF? Common symptoms of CKF include fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, changes in urination patterns, nausea, and shortness of breath. How is CKF diagnosed? CKF is typically diagnosed through blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies, and kidney biopsies. What treatment options are available for CKF? Treatment options for CKF include medication management, lifestyle modifications, dialysis, and kidney transplantation. Can CKF be prevented? While certain risk factors for CKF are beyond control, adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing underlying health conditions, and attending regular medical check-ups can help reduce the risk of developing CKF. How can veterans access support for CKF? Veterans can seek support for CKF through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), community healthcare providers, support groups, and advocacy organizations dedicated to veteran health.
Conclusion: In conclusion, chronic kidney failure is a significant health concern among veterans, necessitating a comprehensive and compassionate approach to care. By raising awareness, promoting early detection, and providing tailored support services, we can enhance the lives of veterans living with CKF. Let us stand together in support of our military heroes and champion their health and well-being.
Remember, knowledge is power, and through understanding and empathy, we can make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by chronic kidney failure.
