Mad Macedonian

Neurologist Recommends More Tests

 

 I saw the Neurologist on Thursday, and no real bad news is good news, I suppose. ;-D

 

The Doc checked my reflexes, asked me questions about what happened, read the description my co-worker gave, and looked over the EEG results, which I also saw for the first time Thursday, as well.

 

While the Neurologist was quite helpful in explaining things to me I also I had Nikita read the report, as well, later that evening, in case I missed anything. ;-D

 

The EEG Report described the System used, and what happened during the test.

 

Basically the report concluded that even though it was a normal Awake & Drowsy EEG...there appears to be some episodes of Heart Block on the EEG which needs evaluation (A heart rate of 60 beats per min, with some dropped beats, sometimes occuring as often as every 3rd beat...).

 

The Doc is of the opinion that what happened to me could have been caused by heart blockage issues, and is going to tell my personal Doc that he recommends I get an MRI, and possibly even a Cardiac Work-up, and finish out the pill prescription I'm currently on in the meantime.

 

Either Monday, or Tuesday (They might be closed due to the Holiday Weekend.), I will call my Doc to arrainge the recommended tests.

 

I also have had real sore knees, since Thursday (I've had them before, but just attributed it to being a little over weight, or riding my bike far too much.), and plan to ask my Doc about them as well.

 

Thank you, everyone, for your support, and encouragement, as we try to figure out what's up with me. ;-D

Competition to Examine My Brain More Fierce than I Knew!

In my search for the earliest appointment I could get, with a Neurologist, I had contacted several that only had openings in June.

Apparently one thought I'd signed up for a June 11th date.

Their office called me, this morning, all excited because they could get into my head a whole lot sooner than they originally thought!

"We got an opening, on Friday, come on down!" ;-D

Sadly, I had to break it to them that I'd already set up an appointment, with another Doc, on May 27th.

Any hopes they might have had of a Nobel Prize, or just a Research Grant, in Medical Science, based on findings gleaned from examining what passes for my brain, were thus dashed. ;-D

***UPDATE - 5/22/10: Eyewitness Report of My Seizure by a Co-Worker***

At about 1020pm Kiril stopped and asked me for help about a listing.

 

I noticed his hand was slightly shaking, but assumed he was nervous.

 

10 min. later, while sitiing at his desk, a loud grunting noise came from Kiril while he was online taking calls.

 

I looked over, and saw him convulsing severely in his seat.

 

I immediately ran over to see what was wrong, and that's when I noticed he was having a seizure.

 

Another employee came over to make sure he was stable in his seat while I dialed for paramedics.

 

They informed me rescue was in route, and I would need to pick him up out of his chair, and lay him on his side to prevent him from choking.

 

By the time I picked him up to lay him on his side, the shaking had stopped.

 

He began snoring as if he was in a deep sleep, but would not respond.

 

The paramedics arrived shortly after, and started working on him.

 

Kiril was still unresponsive, and somewhat resistant.

 

They transported him to the hospital.

 

***END UPDATE*** 

 

Seiz(ure) the Day for All it's Worth, it Could be Your Last!

Last Friday was set to end like every other day at work, and then it didn't. ;-D

At work Friday night, around 1015pm, I had a sudden bout of confusion while handling a call (I'm a Directory Assisitance Operator), as a blinking light on the screen would not turn off, and I heard a supervisors voice when there should not have been one.

The next thing I knew was awakening in a hospital emergency room, about 11pm, and was told I had a Gran Mal Seizure.

This scared, confused, and concerned me, as you can imagine!

I'd had brief moments of confusion before, but always attributed them to being tired during a long shift, and always passed the call to a supervisor.

This, obviously, was different.

8 1/2 hours, 2 removals of blood, several other tests, and a cat scan later, I was finally cleared to go home, with a prescription to fill, plans to see a neurologist for a battery of tests as soon as possible, and orders to stay home the next 3 days, at least, and rest.

My Cat, Nikita, played nurse all week, making sure I rested, took my meds, and visited the Doctor.

I am scheduled to see a Neurologist on May 27th.

I visited my personal physician, earlier in the week, and yesterday went to Hoag Hospital for an EEG.

This is what I know so far...

My Doc told me, yesterday, that my Blood Work showed that I have very Mild Anemia.

Iron Deficiency Anemia is the most common type of anemia throughout the world.

The Doc told me to increase the Iron in my diet, and set up a follow-up appointment for a month from now.

I was given the OK to go to Hoag Hospital, yesterday morning, for an EEG, and so decided to dress appropriately for the occasion. ;-D

My choice of attire was a huge hit at the registration desk, and most particularly in the Neurosciences Institute itself. ;-D

A very nice lady, named Tracy, was in charge of administering the EEG, with the help of an assistant, and was very reassuring, and helpful, during the entire process which, including the 20 min. EEG itself, lasted 50 min.

Tracy asked me questions about what led up to the incident, and the incident itself, about my own health, and the fact that I had a cycling accident in the mid-90's which involved hitting my head on pavement, and a short period of nerve damage that was treated with medication, and my family medical history (Dad was a mental patient for 18 years until his death, Mom Died of Diabetes, and Leukemia.).

I then had 6 small electrodes stuck on my head, with a mild abrasive cleanser, and conductive cream, and an electrode cap, and was instructed to lay back, stay still, close my eyes, and relax, even take a short nap if I wanted (I didn't manage the nap.).

The recording procedure included something called phonetic stimulation...a flashing strobe light given in 10 second increments.

After all was done I was told a hospital Neurologist would examine the results, and in a week all conclusions would be sent to my Doc, and the Neurologist I am scheduled to see, and I might not know more until my meeting with the Neurologist.

While at the hospital I picked up all sorts of flyers, and pamphlets, that will help me understand about EEG'S, and seizures.

Looking over this stuff was quite entertaining for Nikita.

He climbed up into the top of his cat tree, and settled down to read.

He, and I, learned a lot of interesting things.

 A seizure is "the physical response to increased electrical activity in the brain, causing synchronized firing of brain cells."

Depending on what part of a human brain is affected a person can have symptoms such as changes in concentration, muscle contractions, body jerking, or numbness, and tingling.

These events can last from just a few seconds to up to 3 minutes, and sleepiness, and confusion afterwards can last longer. 

I had a Generalized Tonic Clonic which involved full body shaking, a loss of awareness, and the appearance of unconsciousness. Once I awoke I was confused, and sleepy for a time, afterward, at the hospital.

The Electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded the electrical activity in the brain in the form of brain waves.

The idea is to see if my noggin had any abnormal electrical activity going on inside it.

Some folks might consider my poetry, songs, humor, opinions, and other blogging, over the years, as proof enough, without the need of any ol' EEG, but what do they know?

Um, hee, hee! ;-D 

Anyway, now that the initial excitement is past, and I settle down into the routine of taking my Anti-Seizure Meds twice a day (The Generic form of Keppra, called Levetiraceta - 500mg), and finding out what Iron rich foods I should start eating more of, we can both get back to our regularly scheduled Blogging.

I'll post updates as time goes by, and I learn more. ;-D

30-Day Sit Spot Challenge: Day 30

The 30-Day Sit Spot Challenge is a way for you to connect with the depth of the natural world through one spot in the nature.

You can learn more about this 20 min. a Day Exercise, and why I think the experience can provide interesting opportunities for Writing Prompts, in the Introductory Post, and then follow the link, at the end of each post, to the next chapter.

Question #30: How will you weave the lessons learned over the past 30 days into your life?

Quote to Ponder:

Roots creep underground everywhere and make a firm foundation. Shoots seem very weak, but to reach the light they can break open brick walls.

Imagine that the brick walls are all the problems we have inflicted on our planet.

Hundreds and thousands of roots and shoots, hundreds and thousands of people around the world, can break through these walls.

YOU can change the world.

Dr. Jane Goodall

As I sit here one last time, more grateful than I can EVER express that I am even able to do so, I ponder what I've experienced, and learned from this month long adventure, and it's very hard to put in writing, right now, because I do not yet fully know, or understand.

Is Jane Goodall right?

Can I help change the world...through what I do, and what I write, here,

or on Meowsings, or even still on Cycling Dude, somehow?

In the last 12 years of my life I've learned new skills, made new friends, and created 4 blogs, 3 of which are active, all of which have helped me break open brick walls of many types.

I am a different, and better, person than I ever was before this period of my life began.

What happened to me Friday Night/Saturday Morning scared the hell out of me, and has made me begin to think about my life, and my future, in ways other than what i'm used to.

On this cool, and cloudy, Mother's Day evening I remember my parents, and the struggles they went through, how they both died far too soon, He a mental patient at 65, my Mom, of Diabetes, and Leukemia, 2 years later, at 61.

That was in 1988, and 1990.

There is so much I can do to take care of myself, eat better, and get out of the house more, all great ways to help me live until I'm 100. ;-D

My upcoming visits with a neurologist, and my Doctor, will be the first steps on the journey that will be the rest of my life.

 

***UPDATE - January 8, 2011***

30-Day Sit Spot Re-Visited Over 8 Months Later

*** END UPDATE***

30-Day Sit Spot Challenge: Day 29

The 30-Day Sit Spot Challenge is a way for you to connect with the depth of the natural world through one spot in the nature.

You can learn more about this 20 min. a Day Exercise, and why I think the experience can provide interesting opportunities for Writing Prompts, in the Introductory Post, and then follow the link, at the end of each post, to the next chapter.

Question #29: What is your vision for the world we live in?  What would you like to see come to pass?

Quote to Ponder:

Life is one big road with lots of signs.

So when you're riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy.

Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality.

Wake Up and Live!

Bob Marley

It's Sunday afternoon, and in a little while I plan to go to my Sit Spot for the last time...the 29th time.

What??? I hear you asking. ;-D

Yes, I will have gone  and sat somewhere every day for 30 days straight, but Saturday, the scheduled 29th day, was spent at a different Sit Spot, and in a totally unscheduled way.

I'm lucky I am able to got to my regular Sit Spot one more time.

What is my vision for the future, and the world I live in?

What would I like to see come to pass?

Before I try to answer those questions let me tell you of my Sit Spot Adventure, one that began at work, late Friday night, and wound up with me sitting in one spot for over 8 hours, until 730am Saturday morning. ;-D

At work Friday night, around 1015pm, I had a sudden bout of confusion while handling a call (I'm a Directory Assisitance Operator), as a blinking light on the screen would not turn off, and I heard a supervisors voice when there should not have been one.

The next thing I knew was awakening in a hospital emergency room, about 11pm, and was told I had a Gran Mal Seizure.

This scared, confused, and concerned me, as you can imagine!

I'd had brief moments of confusion before, but always atributed them to being tired during a long shift, and always passed the call to a supervisor.

This, obvously was different.

8 1/2 hours, 2 removals of blood, several other tests, and a cat scan later, I was finally cleared to go home, with a prescription to fill, an appointment to see a neurologist for a battery of tests Monday, or as soon as possible after, and orders to stay home the next 3 days, at least, and rest.

Bob Marley was wiser than he knew. ;-D

Life IS one big road with lots of signs.

I need to wake up, and live, and try to find ways to make my vision, especially my creative one, a reality.

My vision for the future, and the world?

A world with ME in it for another 50 years at least, that's for damn sure! ;-D

A world where my creativity somehow makes its mark on the world in some small way.

A world where, if I'm lucky, there will be someone to carry on my blood, and name, or at least remember it with fondness, and pride in my accomplishments.

30-Day Sit Spot Challenge: Day 30

 

 

30-Day Sit Spot Challenge: Day 28

The 30-Day Sit Spot Challenge is a way for you to connect with the depth of the natural world through one spot in the nature.

You can learn more about this 20 min. a Day Exercise, and why I think the experience can provide interesting opportunities for Writing Prompts, in the Introductory Post, and then follow the link, at the end of each post, to the next chapter.

Question #28: Sit still or as still as possible for your entire sit today.

Quote to Ponder:

Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.

Herman Hesse

Friday morning was a quite, peaceful, way to start the weekend. ;-D

Sitting at my Sit Spot, as still as I couls for 20 minutes, was no problem what with nobody else around to disturb me.

I've been pretty much a loner all my life.

Living alone, and doing things by myself, for most of the last 20 years, has had its plusses, and minuses, I suppose.

Going to the movies, a museum, the fair, concerts, amusement parks, zoos, ballgames, or on hikes, bike rides, and to the beach, alone, is not the same experience as doing so with a freind, family member, or significant other.

But that inner something that allows me to be myself feels more free to come out when I'm alone, whetehr when I'm out doing something, or going somewhere, or just sitting at home writing, and creating, on my blogs.

No need to worry about passerby, or even family, opinions about what you say or do.

I can just be myself, personally, and creatively, and if a comment to one of blogs is hateful, distasteful, or just plain spam, no-one but me will ever read it unless I choose to share it, and respond.

30-Day Sit Spot Challenge: Day 29

 

30-Day Sit Spot Challenge: Day 27

The 30-Day Sit Spot Challenge is a way for you to connect with the depth of the natural world through one spot in the nature.

You can learn more about this 20 min. a Day Exercise, and why I think the experience can provide interesting opportunities for Writing Prompts, in the Introductory Post, and then follow the link, at the end of each post, to the next chapter.

Question #27: Listen to the birds.  After awhile, imitate their sounds.  Find out if this helps you to remember their calls and songs.

Quote to Ponder:

It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg.
We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.

C. S. Lewis

 

The birds were certainly chattering away, as usual, around my Sit Spot, but none of them got close enough for me to distinguish one, from another, or politely ask them to slow down, or for a translation. ;-D

As I headed off to work afterward I noticed 2 Ducks looking forlornly down into a section of the creek with no water.

At least I assume they were forlorn, and that their quacking was some sort of commentary on the sorry situation they found themselves in. ;-D

As for the quote by Lewis...I think a lot of things about the first 38 years of my life could be called, um, scrambled, but the last 12 years have seen a new me hatched, and trying to become a tasty Omelette.

Um, Hee, hee! ;-D

30-Day Sit Spot Challenge: Day 28

30-Day Sit Spot Challenge: Day 26

The 30-Day Sit Spot Challenge is a way for you to connect with the depth of the natural world through one spot in the nature.

You can learn more about this 20 min. a Day Exercise, and why I think the experience can provide interesting opportunities for Writing Prompts, in the Introductory Post, and then follow the link, at the end of each post, to the next chapter.

Question #26: What are you feeling thankful for in your life right now?  Use the Thanksgiving Address or just get creative, and be authentic!

Quote to Ponder:

Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable.  Be honest and transparent anyway.

Mother Theresa

The Thanksgiving Address is part of the culture of the 6 Nations Indian Tribes, and the website where I found it is quite interesting.

As I sat at my Sit Spot pondering the question of what I am thankful for I knew I couldn't create anything like what I read on the above website.

I am thankful for my Father, a man who risked all, and suffered much, to live in freedom, and raise a family, in America.

I am thankful for my Mother, a woman with the courage, and faith, to raise her 3 children alone when her husband suffered a life-altering mental illness.

He died, in 1988, and she in 1990, may they both rest in peace.

I am thankful for my "Grandmother" Leona, a woman who stood by my Mom during those many years of struggle, and was a friend, and confidant, to her, and I as well.

I am thankful for the help my sisters, and my Uncle Paul, have given me over the years.

I am thankful for the creators of the Internet, and personal computers, which opened up a whole universe of possibilities to me, and countless others, leading to my sharing my writing skills with the world.

I am thankful for a Socialist who helped me discover my talent for poetry 8 years ago.

I am thankful for all those Internet friends who welcomed me into their midst, in 1998, encouraging me to take my first plane trips, and my first, and only, trips, to Phoenix, and Chicago, all by Sept. 2001.

I am thankful for the 3 wonderful individuals (There were 2 others, but they died a few years ago) who, for 10 years have been my best friends, confidants, encouragers, and even helpful, and insightful, critics, helping me to grow as a person, writer, blogger, and computer user.

I am thankful for all those, ordinary, and famous, who have read, and commented on (In praise, and not. Expressing interesting, and not so interesting, opinions. Sending me useful tips, as well as junk.) my blogs,  since 2002, encouraging me to take my writing skills to places I never dreamed.

I am thankful for all my fellow bloggers who have done the same, and linked to my blogs as well.

I am thankful for all those folks, some of whom who don't blog, but whom I've met through MY blogging, who have encouraged, and supported, my efforts over the years, including quoting me in a book, plugged me at conferences, interviewing me for local newspapers, invited me to a special film screening, invited me to become a concert reviewer, and invited me to speak in front of audiences.

And lastly...I am thankful for my best buddy, and loyal companion, through good times, and bad, since 1998...Nikita Cat, The Most Opinionated Pussycat in America. ;-D

 30-Day Sit Spot Challenge: Day 27

 

 

Short Hike to Rock Climbing & 3 Waterfalls in Anaheim, & a Footwear Discussion

Over a week ago I took the plunge, and joined the Orange County Hiking Club.

It is something I'd been meaning to do for a couple of years, but put off because I was never sure when, or if, I'd be able to join a group hike, or do a solo jaunt.

Over the years I HAVE blogged about the 2 group hikes, and one solo hike, I've gone on (All with pictures), plus about walking in general, here - Take a Hike!

An article by Suki Reed, Club President, changed my mind.

It was a simple article in the local paper, giving a few exercise tips, and encouraging people to check out 2 very short walks near Kaiser Hospitals in Anaheim, and Irvine.

With a couple of days off, this week, I knew I could find time to check out one of them.

Locally, Kaiser Permanente Lakeview in Anaheim has built a path from its parking lot to a local outdoor nature area. The two-mile trail known as the Thrive Path is used by people to walk, exercise and de-stress. It starts on the Kaiser campus and goes to the Imperial Woods Trail.

The path is being used by its members, their families, Kaiser employees and the public. There is a similar trail at the Kaiser Permanente Sand Canyon complex in Irvine – just follow the arrows in the parking lot.

Nothing could be easier right? Yes, and no. ;-D

 
There was a sign near the entrance to the hospital, with the directions drawn on a map.

The Thrive Path, in Anaheim, is short, and easy, and most of it is in a small park west of the hospital, but trying to follow the map, exactly, is a waste of time.

All you need to really know is that you walk around the block, from the map, along the sidewalk, on Lakeview, then Riverdale, once around the park, and then back to the map.

 
The map seemed to indicate that one had to walk through Kaiser, from Riverdale, just before getting to the park, and enter the park through an opening between them, but the only time I saw a sign indicating this was when, walking in the park, I saw Docs, & Interns, on break, walking from the hospital to the picnic tables in the park.

 
Rather than return the way I came I went through a gate leading to the bike Path, with the so-called Imperial Woods Dirt Trail  running parallel to it.

I walked west, over a mile, to Tustin Ave., where I caught a bus.

Along the way I enjoyed seeing 3, um, waterfalls (This pic is of the 1st one, looking east from just outside the park.)...

Smelled the many flowers along the trail, and...

30-Day Sit Spot Challenge: Day 25

The 30-Day Sit Spot Challenge is a way for you to connect with the depth of the natural world through one spot in the nature.

You can learn more about this 20 min. a Day Exercise, and why I think the experience can provide interesting opportunities for Writing Prompts, in the Introductory Post, and then follow the link, at the end of each post, to the next chapter.

Question #25: Go to your Sit Spot and stand by something you know very little about.  Ask questions about it (aloud or silently) for 7 minutes without stopping.

Quote to Ponder:

I beg you...to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. 
Don't search for the answers, which could not be given you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without ever noticing it, live your way into the answer....

Rainer Maria Rilke

 Now I know why some journalists feel that trying to interview a subject can be as difficult as talking to a log...

I did it today.

Talked to a log, that is. ;-D

I arrived at my Sit Spot at 4pm only to find a young lady, bike parked nearby, sitting on the bench reading a book.

So I decided to ride my bike east, along the bike trail a while, and return in  a half hour to see if she was gone.

At 430pm, notepad in hand, I approached the long log laid out in front of a bush at my Sit Spot with a few questions in mind.

This thing, upon close inspection, is not entirely intact, as the right branch is seperated into 2 parts about half way along its length.

Believing that our hanging out together, 20 min. a day, for almost a month had enabled me to gain its trust I approached the log with confidence. ;-D

I began to ask my questions:

1. What is your name?

2. How come part of you is broken so that that side does not extend as far as the rest of you?

3. Have you always been here, or were you brought here, and if so from where, and by whom?

4. Were you a tall tree once, and got blown down by a strong wind, or were you felled by loggers?

5. How old are you?

6. Um, Hellooo, are you deaf? Mute? Dead?

7. Am I boring you?

After 7 minutes I threw up my hands, and gave up in frustration.

Obviously answers were not going to be forthcoming.

Apparently this particular log has issues with the Media. ;-D

Anyway, I settled down on the bench to contemplate the thoughts of a dead Bohemian. ;-D

A lot has happened in my life.

I learned to come to terms with what my life had been, and the person I was, the first 40 years of my life.

Accepting that there was no changing the past, just moving forward.

Slowly thru the friendships made, and activities participated in, because of  my internet involvement since 1998, I reconnected with the creativity of my youth, and re-discovered my talents for writing, becoming a different, better, person with a more active life.

There are still many questions, not just about the direction my solitary personal life will take, but about where my blogging here, and on my Cat, and Bike, Blogs will lead me.

Unlike this blog, and especially the Cat blog, the 7 year old cycling blog has, almost, no readers to speak of, with most of its traffic being Google Searches, and this had been a fact for years.

More, and more I believe my future lies in something other than daily/weekly bike blogging (I've had no reaction to the infrequent bike blogging of the last 3 1/2 months, as I've devoted a lot of time to nurturing my Cat Blog along, so wonder...Would anyone even notice if I stopped completely?).

Have I spent the last 15 months "Living my way" to some sort of answer?

30-Day Sit Spot Challenge: Day 26