Bleeding Ulcer, SH*%!

Feeling run down, I blamed my attempt to get back into shape. I learned to lounge and gradually regain my fitness, rather than pushing myself to play as if I were in peak condition. However, as I age, I yearn for the health of my younger self, leading to routine scenarios where I feel run-down and blame various circumstances.

Earlier this week, after dinner, I hid in my room due to intense stomach pain. It was excruciating! I visited the doctor for help. I have recurring extreme stomach pain and indigestion. I suspected it might be from the OTC sleep medicine and the daily need for ibuprofen. There’s extreme tenderness in my belly, so I underwent additional examination and testing.

The stool revealed occult blood, detectable only through chemical tests. The doctor explained that fatigue and tiredness stemmed from bleeding. The stomach combines food and digestive juices, initiating the digestive process. A protective lining shields it from digestive enzymes. Damage to this lining causes inflammation and pain, potentially leading to bleeding in the stomach or duodenum.

Red blood cells transport oxygen to organs. A low red blood cell count can cause fatigue, weakness, lack of energy, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and lightheadedness when standing up quickly. This occurs because the body struggles to deliver oxygen-carrying red blood cells to the brain, which subsides after a few seconds as the body adapts or sits down.

Chronic inflammation resulted in the formation of a small crater, or ulcer, in the gastrointestinal tract. I experienced occasional black tarry stools. Through endoscopy, a source of bleeding was identified, and the blood vessels were cauterized.

Currently, I am advised to avoid aspirin and ibuprofen. Lansoprazole has been prescribed to reduce stomach acid secretion and facilitate healing. The effectiveness of these measures will be evident in the near future, as I have not experienced any improvement in my condition today. I will continue to manage my health one day at a time.

I am aware that diet plays a crucial role in treating bleeding ulcers. The following nutrients and foods should be incorporated into a diet:

• Vitamin A: Apricots, cheese, carrots, cantaloupe, eggs, spinach, mangoes, sweet potato, and milk
• Vitamin C: Mangoes, peas, melons, beans, oranges, cabbage, milk, berries, potatoes, yogurt, lemons, pork, beef, liver, mussels, and chicken.
• Vitamin E: Spinach and other leafy greens, Egg yolk, peanuts, mangoes, and kiwis.
• Zinc: Dairy products, peas, and oranges

My foods to avoid are:

• Pepper
• Chili
• Caffeine
• Fried and oily food
• Chocolate

Let's see if I am intelligent and disciplined enough to conquer this pain.

Carry on, my friends, carry on…

Is no 31st Grandmas depressing?

In light of my recent experiences, I am contemplating whether I will be able to complete the 31^st consecutive Grandma’s Marathon. Having participated in the event for 30 consecutive years, I have reached a point where I lack the motivation to even attempt the 31st. Additionally, I am currently in the most physically unfit condition of my life. Furthermore, my heart issues and high stress levels have made life increasingly challenging.

I have noticed that when individuals experience negative self-perception, those close to them often become critical and exacerbate their feelings of inadequacy. It is possible that I am interpreting the words of support as criticism.

Today, I encountered a compelling story that prompted me to reflect on various aspects of life. The story centered around a teacher addressing his middle school class.

She explained that a cruise ship had an accident at sea.  On board were a couple who, after reaching the lifeboat, realized there was only space left.  No way could both be saved.

At that moment, the man pushed the woman aside and jumped into the lifeboat to save himself.  The wife stood on the sinking cruise ship and shouted only one sentence to her husband.  The teacher asked the class, “What do you think she shouted?”

Answers such as “I hate you” and” Why are you doing this to me?” “Please don’t leave me,” etc.…  Throughout the angry sentences, a quiet boy was in the back of the room.  The teacher quieted the class to get the silent young man’s attention and answer her.  He replied, “Take care of our child.” 

The teacher looked surprised and said, “Have you heard this story before?” He replied, “No, that is what my momma said to my dad before she died from a disease.”

The teacher said he was right.  The man went home and raised their daughter.   It turned out that the cruise was the last vacation for the mother, who was dying of a terminal illness.  The father wrote in his diary,” How I wished I could have sank to the bottom with you, but for the sake of our daughter, I could only let you live and die alone in the sea.”

The moral of the story is that, despite the presence of good and evil in the world, many complications lie behind them, making them difficult to comprehend. Therefore, it is advisable to focus on the surface and judge others only after gaining a comprehensive understanding of their circumstances.

Individuals who pay for meals at restaurants do so not because they are wealthy but because they prioritize friendship over material possessions.

Those who offer assistance do so not because they owe you anything but because they perceive you as a genuine friend.

Individuals who engage in texting with you do so not because they lack alternative pursuits, but because you hold a significant place in their hearts.

This observation prompted me to reflect on the primary criticism I receive from most of my close friends and loved ones regarding my unwavering dedication to my professional endeavors. Those who demonstrate initiative in the workplace do so not because of a lack of intelligence, but instead because they understand the concept of accountability. I was raised with an exceptional sense of responsibility.

I often wonder whether my sense of responsibility acts as a catalyst for my success or hinders my progress. While responsibility is an essential aspect of life, the extent of my commitment can be detrimental to my personal growth. I have lost touch with my true self and the unique contributions I can make to this world.

The fear of the unknown has become a formidable obstacle, preventing me from moving forward and embracing new opportunities. I have a history of engaging in excessive exercise, becoming an overachiever, consuming excessive amounts of fiber, vitamins, and caffeine, and experiencing excessive anxiety. I am plagued by self-doubt, fearing potential neglect of my emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Despite my persistent search for harmony between my heart, intuition, body, and mind, I am grappling with a sense of hopelessness. However, I am determined to find peace and emotional stability.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Stress and retirement may equal death?

This blog seems repetitive. My high-stress job is taking a toll on me, and I can’t seem to stop declining. I’ve tried various methods to reduce stress, but it just keeps piling up. I’m deeply concerned about the long-term impact on my health and lifespan. I’ve experienced six of the nine effects listed below.

On Sunday, I learned that the man who hired me and mentored me in the profession passed away from a massive heart attack. He, like me, carried his job on his shoulders, physically and mentally. He lived and breathed his job. He enjoyed retirement, and it felt like he had a new life. Despite being retired for five years and having little stress, a heart attack claimed his life.

I’ve mentioned my chest pain and arm tingle to the Doctor a few times. It’s not a real tingle, but more like a lightning bolt zipping from my shoulder down my fingers. The Doctor checks everything out, and it’s not anything to worry about. Just keep an eye on my heart. But still, I feel like I’m about to die. I’m really scared of dying from stress.

I’ve said it before: There are some things I can do to keep my job from getting worse. I’ve known for a long time that I should eat healthier and exercise more. I also know a few things about reducing job stress and living a longer life. But do I actually do them? No way! I’m working 65-hour weeks and feeling pretty burnt out, which is about to get even worse.

You know, one thing I really miss is having a wingman—or, you know, wingwomen! When things get tough, a wingman can really help me push through obstacles and ease the stress. Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, who’s a decorated combat fighter pilot for the Air Force and the author of “Never Fly Solo,” once said, “Teamwork and trust are super important for fighting off the missiles of fear, change, and risk that can knock even the best people off course.” My last excellent wingman (woman) was Dana. Life hasn’t been the same since she passed away! I’m feeling pretty alone and have no one to lean on at work or in life.

It’s like being all alone at night during a 100-mile run. You can’t just stop because that could be dangerous too!

Carry on my friends, carry on!