Whole New World, Part Eleven

[rolanni]

Friday, I visited with the Survivalist, and I am, as I said elsewhere, much encouraged in the path going forward.

We discussed many things; she listened my concerns in re the side effects of the  medication that will be my constant companion for the five, or maybe ten, years.  We talked about the fact that Everyone Is Different, that some people have Very Bad Side Effects, some have No Side Effects, and some have small, easily managed side effects.  The plan is to pay attention and if anything arises which I find unacceptable, I'm to call, and the medication will be tweaked.

There is a recommended adjustment of diet -- not, as it turns out, so very much a departure from the Usual Proceedings, though we eat more meat and less fish than suggested.  I've made an arrangement with Sun Basket (one of the meal delivery services that offers meals based on the Mediterranean Diet) for every other week, so that we can both get started on the new program, and properly use up the supplies in-house.

Eventually, I will need to lose 7-10 pounds, which has been my life for the last 10 years or so.  In theory, the new plant-based diet will help with that.

Also, I need to increase my in-home exercise program, gradually, as the ray-gun wounds heal more fully.  This was offered as a suggestion, but was already on my list, going forward, so the doctor and I were in happy agreement.

All that really remains on my plate is to finish healing.  I do need to keep reminding myself that healing after multiple strong insults to the physical plant takes time.  It's my tendency to associate feelings of exhaustion and dullness as depression, and at the moment, that may not be true.  Resting when I feel tired, instead of Pushing Through, is a newish thing, and I have to resist the feeling that I'm somehow cheating when I do.

Otherwise -- Life Goes On.  In which event I am extremely lucky.  That being so, I believe I will now close this series of essays.  I hope that some of the information might have been helpful, and I thank everyone who kept with me during the whole adventure and cheered me on.

You guys are awesome.

Stay safe and stay healthy.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

As a 27 year AIDS survivor who started when the prospects were much bleaker have no fear. Attitude seems to be a prime factor in dealing with these kinds if serious issues and the range of drugs available makes it much easier to adjust for side effects. I need you to keep writing to help keep me alive and I promise to read and enjoy.

[elbales]

I am very happy to hear you've reached this new stage. All my good wishes for your health and happiness, and for Steve's.

[theowlunderground]

Hopefully, the Road to Recovery will take you to Remission, which is a very good place to be. P.S. Mouse and Dragon is my favorite, too, winning by a nose with the Crystal Variation books coming in a close second. After Daav, Jela is my next favoritest.

[(Anonymous)]

I'm also very glad to hear you've reached this new stage. The plan for your new diet sounds good, especially Steve supporting and joining in. Keep your optimistic view and be kind to yourself if not all of your plan is working as fast as you wish. Taking one small step after the other each day is one of the most difficult things in my experience.