Olympic Workout,Medical Molasses,Golf"ish"

Note: This is another blog based on my weekly emails to my family on the mainland.]

8/10/24

 

Aloha  Folks --

 

Inspired by those incredible Olympic athletes, on Sunday Karen and I made it to the gym for a very light workout.  It went ok -- no coronary collapses -- but our muscles reminded us of the effort for several days.

C'est Tres Belle!!

Speaking of the Olympics, we've been watching some of the events that we never knew existed, like Speed Climbing and Mixed Team Triathlon.  The triathlon includes a swim in the Seine -- something that would seem to me to require a very fierce competitive drive in order to overcome the reports of questionable water quality in what historically has been an open sewer.  We've also watched some of the more standard events, like gymnastics, and saw some incredible performances -- like those of Simone Biles, who has to go down in history as one of the greatest gymnasts of all times, with an inspiring personality to go along with her athletic abilities.

My medical saga continued this week.  My meds have kicked in and lowered my heart rate nicely, but they are making me want to sleep all the time.  I'm hoping this effect will get better over time, and it does seem better today.  My blood pressure is also back to acceptable levels.  All in all I think things are improving.  However, I'm swimming in molasses as far as getting a consult with a cardiologist.  It has taken two attempts to get the referral faxed from my primary doctor, and the first available appointment was for September 10.  Unfortunately, we will be in Ohio at that time, so I have an appointment for the day after we return, on the 20th. I got some interesting news on Saturday when I saw my ophthalmologist.  He didn't think there was a problem taking a blood thinner with my retina vein condition, and he said it might even head off future vein occlusions because they are caused by small clots that block the blood vessels in the retina.  Sounds good to me. He also attributed my recent acuity problems to Covid, which is documented to sometimes affect vision.  He thinks this should go away with time -- again, just...be...patient.  Easy to say and hard to do.  Finally, my visit to the dermatologist was mostly good news, but she did shave off a keratosishalitosis from my elbow for a biopsy.

 

In a final burst of energy this week we went to Makalei and did some putting and some practice drives.  After all, what could be better for your heart than trying to make a little ball go into a hole in the ground?  Amazingly, I managed to hit the ball a number of times and even sink a few putts.  The reward for this effort was a  heart-friendly lunch at Taco Bell.

Ok, off to market and to our beach breakfast picnic.  Stay cool --- both physically and mentally -- if you can.