The good news is that, thanks to today's medical knowledge, I can keep my brain in good working order.
The not-so-good news is that I must jump through a few bureaucratic hoops every month to get a particular prescription filled. I understand why this is the case, but it's still a tad frustrating.(March 18, 2014)
I goofed last month, and didn't get the process started until I was down to — I think it was just under a week's supply left. That, and a longer-than-usual delay in the mail, resulted in my going without methylphenidate for nearly a week.
The NIH says that this drug "can be habit-forming," which I knew when it was first prescribed. I had the choice of struggling to maintain control of my brain, with only moderate success, or not. The choice was fairly obvious.
Not long after running out of that particular prescription last month, I experienced withdrawal. Happily, it only took a week or so to recover.
Finally, some good news. This month's prescription re-order process went a bit more smoothly: so I won't go through withdrawal again.
Some of the horror stories about 'cold turkey' probably aren't true: but on the whole it's an experience I prefer to not repeat.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Baptism: Elizabeth Grace
Our new granddaughter, Elizabeth Grace, was baptized today. The house was a great deal less quiet than usual this afternoon.
Elizabeth Grace, waiting: fairly patiently.
The baptismal candle,lit from the Easter candle.
Family and friends talking after the ceremony, at Our Land of the Angels in Sauk Centre.
Elizabeth Grace, waiting: fairly patiently.
The baptismal candle,lit from the Easter candle.
Family and friends talking after the ceremony, at Our Land of the Angels in Sauk Centre.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Our First LED Light
We got our first LED lightbulbs today. One of them is in the upstairs bathroom, where it serves as nighttime illumination for the hallway and stairs. The other hasn't been placed yet.
The things are pricey, but since they're rated to last for years: over time, the cost will be much less than running and replacing incandescent lights.
My son tells me that the LED lightbulb is significantly brighter than what we had: and apparently yellower.
Aside from that, and getting ready for a baptism this weekend, life has been quite routine: which I don't mind one bit.
The things are pricey, but since they're rated to last for years: over time, the cost will be much less than running and replacing incandescent lights.
My son tells me that the LED lightbulb is significantly brighter than what we had: and apparently yellower.
Aside from that, and getting ready for a baptism this weekend, life has been quite routine: which I don't mind one bit.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
So That's Why I Felt Awful
My wife told me to talk to the clinic folks this morning. When I got back, #3 daughter observed that this sort of thing is probably why men live longer if we're married.
My white count is up: enough to show that there's a bacterial infection in progress. That makes sense, since my right foot has been a rather bright red for several days: and woke me up around 3:00 a.m. a few times.
An injection in the derriere and the first installment of an oral antibiotic later, and I'm feeling slightly less 'bleah' than I have for some time.
My wife and #3 daughter are much better: both have been moving around a bit since - Thursday, I think. We've been using the living room as a sort of convalescent ward. Those two, and my son, have been enjoying something of a respiratory nature, followed and/or accompanied by what we call stomach flu.
Aside from that, things have been going pretty well.
Vaguely-related posts:
My white count is up: enough to show that there's a bacterial infection in progress. That makes sense, since my right foot has been a rather bright red for several days: and woke me up around 3:00 a.m. a few times.
An injection in the derriere and the first installment of an oral antibiotic later, and I'm feeling slightly less 'bleah' than I have for some time.
My wife and #3 daughter are much better: both have been moving around a bit since - Thursday, I think. We've been using the living room as a sort of convalescent ward. Those two, and my son, have been enjoying something of a respiratory nature, followed and/or accompanied by what we call stomach flu.
Aside from that, things have been going pretty well.
Vaguely-related posts:
- "An 'Up' Side to Feeling Off"
(March 23, 2014) - "Good News, Not-So-Good News, and a Prescription"
(March 18, 2014) - "And Now, for Something Completely Different"
(February 14, 2014)
Sunday, March 23, 2014
An 'Up' Side to Feeling Off
My son and I stayed in this morning. Not our first choice, but neither of us was feeling up to getting out.
It's not a big deal, but I think we may be getting whatever's been ailing other members of the family.
On the 'up' side, the two of us had a good hour-long-plus talk: mostly about prayer, as I recall. It's not nearly as dull as it sounds, and that's another topic.
It's not a big deal, but I think we may be getting whatever's been ailing other members of the family.
On the 'up' side, the two of us had a good hour-long-plus talk: mostly about prayer, as I recall. It's not nearly as dull as it sounds, and that's another topic.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Good News, Not-So-Good News, and a Prescription
First, the good news.
Authorization for the prescription finally came through, and my son picked it up from the pharmacy after supper.
Now,the not-so-spiffy news.
I've been on half-doses of methylphenidate since before the weekend. That may explain why I've been making so many typos, and feel like I'm running on low power. It's a frustrating situation, but I understand why the pharmacy has to send a request for another month's supply to St. Cloud each time — and wait for a piece of paper with ink on it to arrive in the mail.
It could be worse. I might have to wait while a messenger walks there with a missive, warms his feet at the fire while someone chases a goose to get a writing quill - - - yes, it could be worse. :)
Authorization for the prescription finally came through, and my son picked it up from the pharmacy after supper.
Now,the not-so-spiffy news.
I've been on half-doses of methylphenidate since before the weekend. That may explain why I've been making so many typos, and feel like I'm running on low power. It's a frustrating situation, but I understand why the pharmacy has to send a request for another month's supply to St. Cloud each time — and wait for a piece of paper with ink on it to arrive in the mail.
It could be worse. I might have to wait while a messenger walks there with a missive, warms his feet at the fire while someone chases a goose to get a writing quill - - - yes, it could be worse. :)
Friday, March 7, 2014
Welcoming Our Granddaughter
My wife and I met our new granddaughter for the first time yesterday.
The adoption process, and a medical emergency which happily did not involve the baby, finally progressed to a point where #2 daughter and son-in-law could travel back to our part of the continent.
#3 daughter took this photo yesterday evening. That's my son, holding the new member of our family. I got his okay to use this photo on the condition that I make it very clear that he's the baby's uncle: not her father.
I've had my moments, holding my little granddaughter. Not so little, actually: she was around 9 pounds at birth, and healthily sturdy.
I'm looking forward to the first time she tugs my beard.
The adoption process, and a medical emergency which happily did not involve the baby, finally progressed to a point where #2 daughter and son-in-law could travel back to our part of the continent.
#3 daughter took this photo yesterday evening. That's my son, holding the new member of our family. I got his okay to use this photo on the condition that I make it very clear that he's the baby's uncle: not her father.
I've had my moments, holding my little granddaughter. Not so little, actually: she was around 9 pounds at birth, and healthily sturdy.
I'm looking forward to the first time she tugs my beard.
Friday, February 14, 2014
And Now, for Something Completely Different
My mind wanders now and then. Lately, it's been hanging out where mome raths outgrabe:
(From John Tenniel (1871), via Wikimedia Commons, used w/o permission.)
(John Tenniel's illustration for Carroll's "Jabberwocky.")
(From John Tenniel (1871), via Wikimedia Commons, used w/o permission.)
(John Tenniel's illustration for Carroll's "Jabberwocky.")
"Jabberwocky"
Lewis Carroll
" 'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
" 'Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!'...
(From Project Gutenberg (www.gutenberg.org/files/12/12-h/12-h.htm))
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
I'm a Grandpa
It's been an interesting week.
A few hours ago, two inadvertent keystrokes wiped out four day's of work. I was not a happy camper. Most of it's recovered now, and #3 daughter suggested a common-sense way I can avoid this sort of thing: back up frequently. Obvious, in 20-20 hindsight.
My wife and I are now grandparents. #2 daughter and son-in law satisfied all legal requirements, and are now the proud adoptive parents of Elizabeth, a baby girl on the east coast. We've seen her via an Internet-based video link: Skype, I think.
Those three will stay where they are for — however long the state they're in sees fit. Legal requirements are met, I understand: but not the bureaucratic ones. This was expected, and they made necessary arrangements in advance for a long stay.
It's frustrating, but I remember the 'good old days,' and the reasons we've become increasingly careful about the adoption process.
I'm looking forward to meeting Elizabeth face-to-face.
A few hours ago, two inadvertent keystrokes wiped out four day's of work. I was not a happy camper. Most of it's recovered now, and #3 daughter suggested a common-sense way I can avoid this sort of thing: back up frequently. Obvious, in 20-20 hindsight.
My wife and I are now grandparents. #2 daughter and son-in law satisfied all legal requirements, and are now the proud adoptive parents of Elizabeth, a baby girl on the east coast. We've seen her via an Internet-based video link: Skype, I think.
Those three will stay where they are for — however long the state they're in sees fit. Legal requirements are met, I understand: but not the bureaucratic ones. This was expected, and they made necessary arrangements in advance for a long stay.
It's frustrating, but I remember the 'good old days,' and the reasons we've become increasingly careful about the adoption process.
I'm looking forward to meeting Elizabeth face-to-face.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Back to 'Adjusted Normal'
I took my methylphenidate prescription this morning, for the first time since - Saturday, I think.
I'd miscounted, which resulted in my getting the request for another prescription into the local pharmacy's system last week. I confirmed that the fax was sent to the St. Cloud office, called there to make sure it had been received, with an oral assurance that the authorization would be in the next day's mail.
That was Friday. If mail service was unusually prompt, the 'okay' might be here Saturday. It wasn't, so I checked Monday afternoon.
The local folks hadn't picked up their mail yet, but called back before 5:00 to let me know the prescription would be ready. They're in an awkward position: the mailbox serving them is on the other side of Ash Street, about a hundred yards from the nearest door. That's a long, chilly walk in winter.
It may be a few more days before my neural chemistry is back to 'adjusted normal,' but there's a perceptible difference already, at about 10:20 a.m. I'd love to be without need of this and the other pharmaceuticals, but that's not the way things are.
I spent all day Sunday and Monday feeling as if it was nearly midnight: after a day if intense mental efforts. I was 'functional,' in the sense that routine tasks like walking, talking, and brushing my teeth were possible: but I was also profoundly glad that I didn't need to be particularly bright just then.
Writing this post went smoothly, so now it's time to start work on — what was I working on before???? ☺
Related posts:
I'd miscounted, which resulted in my getting the request for another prescription into the local pharmacy's system last week. I confirmed that the fax was sent to the St. Cloud office, called there to make sure it had been received, with an oral assurance that the authorization would be in the next day's mail.
That was Friday. If mail service was unusually prompt, the 'okay' might be here Saturday. It wasn't, so I checked Monday afternoon.
The local folks hadn't picked up their mail yet, but called back before 5:00 to let me know the prescription would be ready. They're in an awkward position: the mailbox serving them is on the other side of Ash Street, about a hundred yards from the nearest door. That's a long, chilly walk in winter.
It may be a few more days before my neural chemistry is back to 'adjusted normal,' but there's a perceptible difference already, at about 10:20 a.m. I'd love to be without need of this and the other pharmaceuticals, but that's not the way things are.
I spent all day Sunday and Monday feeling as if it was nearly midnight: after a day if intense mental efforts. I was 'functional,' in the sense that routine tasks like walking, talking, and brushing my teeth were possible: but I was also profoundly glad that I didn't need to be particularly bright just then.
Writing this post went smoothly, so now it's time to start work on — what was I working on before???? ☺
Related posts:
- "Faith, Health, and Feeling Foggy"
A Catholic Citizen in America (September 8, 2013) - "Prescription SNAFU Resolved: For Now"
(September 7, 2013) - "Honoring the Body, Within Reason"
A Catholic Citizen in America (April 25, 2012) - "Brilliant, Talented, and On Medication"
A Catholic Citizen in America (November 30, 2010) - "Prayer, Medicine and Trusting God"
A Catholic Citizen in America (March 4, 2010)
Particularly
Monday, January 6, 2014
Getting the Furnace Fixed
Our furnace is getting repaired. That's very good news, since it's about 19 below zero, Fahrenheit, outside. The wind chill is about minus 30. That's cold, even for central Minnesota in January.
We noticed that the furnace was getting temperamental on Friday. The house was alternately warmer and cooler than expected. Sure enough, a particular sequence of indicator lights was flashing on the furnace and there was a pool of water around it.
Today was the earliest a technician could come: we're probably not the only folks with balky systems. Happily, we've got procedures for dealing with this sort of thing. Even so, a circuit breaker tripped - I think that was Friday night. That was an easy fix, and now #3 daughter knows how to check and re-set the circuit breaker panel.
The obvious problem with the furnace is gunk that's collected in one of the pipes involved in the humidifying machinery. That's easy to deal with, I gather, but the tech is still here.
Related posts:
We noticed that the furnace was getting temperamental on Friday. The house was alternately warmer and cooler than expected. Sure enough, a particular sequence of indicator lights was flashing on the furnace and there was a pool of water around it.
Today was the earliest a technician could come: we're probably not the only folks with balky systems. Happily, we've got procedures for dealing with this sort of thing. Even so, a circuit breaker tripped - I think that was Friday night. That was an easy fix, and now #3 daughter knows how to check and re-set the circuit breaker panel.
The obvious problem with the furnace is gunk that's collected in one of the pipes involved in the humidifying machinery. That's easy to deal with, I gather, but the tech is still here.
Related posts:
- "Cold Weather: Lots of It"
Sauk Centre Journal Blog (January 6, 2014) - "Break Time"
(January 5, 2014) - "Just Touching Base"
(January 4, 2014) - "Cold Weather and Me"
Sauk Centre Journal Blog (January 5, 2014)
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Break Time
It's still cold outside. My wife told me to stay put today, instead of going to church. I think that was a good idea, considering the shape my left shin is in.
On a happier note, I've been enjoying a Christmas present. Several, actually, but the one I had in mind was a book on one of my favorite topics: useless information.
A little more seriously, I've been writing posts for A Catholic Citizen in America and Apathetic Lemming of the North, and making progress on a few of my old 'back burner' projects.
It's after supper as I write this. I've got a little more 'break time' left, and then it's back to work.
Related posts:
On a happier note, I've been enjoying a Christmas present. Several, actually, but the one I had in mind was a book on one of my favorite topics: useless information.
A little more seriously, I've been writing posts for A Catholic Citizen in America and Apathetic Lemming of the North, and making progress on a few of my old 'back burner' projects.
It's after supper as I write this. I've got a little more 'break time' left, and then it's back to work.
Related posts:
- "Just Touching Base"
(January 4, 2014) - "Spilled Coffee, Reality, and a Wind Chill Advisory"
(December 9, 2013) - " 'Creative:' I Like That"
(May 21, 2013) - "My Desk: It Works for Me"
(May 18, 2012)
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Just Touching Base
A few hours after getting an automated call from the Sauk Centre Public Schools, I learned that all Minnesota public schools were closing. The Governor said they should. I'm glad that someone showed good sense. It's going to be - brisk.
I've seen a doctor about my left shin: again. The good news is that the two new open spots aren't infected. The bad news is that even when these heal over, I can expect more of the same. It's an incentive to keep my diabetes under control, and lose weight. Lots of incentive.
It's also frustrating: but I've had lots of practice dealing with "frustrating." I think having substandard hip joints helped me learn, from infancy up, to deal with limitations: not quietly, or calmly; but to deal with them.
On a happier note, there was a big family get-together today over at my father-in-law's place. A really big one. I stayed here, partly because I'm just about the exact opposite of a 'party person,' partly because I'm having more than the currently normal trouble with my legs, and partly because I had a post to get ready for tomorrow.
My wife, son, son-in-law, and daughters # 2 and 3 were there. I gather that they had a good time. For that, I am very glad.
Related post:
I've seen a doctor about my left shin: again. The good news is that the two new open spots aren't infected. The bad news is that even when these heal over, I can expect more of the same. It's an incentive to keep my diabetes under control, and lose weight. Lots of incentive.
It's also frustrating: but I've had lots of practice dealing with "frustrating." I think having substandard hip joints helped me learn, from infancy up, to deal with limitations: not quietly, or calmly; but to deal with them.
On a happier note, there was a big family get-together today over at my father-in-law's place. A really big one. I stayed here, partly because I'm just about the exact opposite of a 'party person,' partly because I'm having more than the currently normal trouble with my legs, and partly because I had a post to get ready for tomorrow.
My wife, son, son-in-law, and daughters # 2 and 3 were there. I gather that they had a good time. For that, I am very glad.
Related post:
- "Spilled Coffee, Reality, and a Wind Chill Advisory"
(December 9, 2013)
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