Rico's MAP, again

Rico

Rico said:

A big red now is my own health. I've had high cholesterol for a while, but at a doctor app't. last week it turns out I have high blood pressure as well. The warning signs are there - if I want to be around for my family, it's now or never. My body is rebelling against heavy lifting, so I'm focusing on running at the moment and doing what I can weight-wise. And diet. Trying hard to cut out the sugar.

I had my annual physical a couple of weeks ago.  While the cholesterol is still high (no surprise), there's no sign of diabetes, EKG was good, chest X-ray was good, and my blood pressure is now in the high-normal range. So I'm feeling better about that. 

I've been with my PCP for all of my adult life. He's a straight shooter and can be overly-cautious (which I appreciate). He said that while I don't need to be "concerned" with my cholesterol, I do need to be vigilant.  

He'd like to see me lose another 15 pounds by next summer and see if that improves things.  That would put me in the 180s, which I haven't sniffed since 2003 - and *that* was after 3 months of chemo.  It's a challenge, to be sure. 

My follow up appointment with the psychiatrist is in two weeks.  I have to get off the Viibryd. Sexual side effects, brain zaps, and now night terrors. Apparently I punched my wife the other night while trying to get her to help me. Ugh.

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On to better news. The wife and I returned from our belated 10 year anniversary trip last night - a Caribbean cruise. There was a bit of interpersonal drama one day, but overall it was a lot of fun. We didn't get to see as much of the destinations as I would've liked, but snorkeling in Cozumel was a definite high point. Just hanging out by the pool, reading, with absolutely no connection to the outside world was awesome.

Good sex was had. It's taking me way too long for me to pop due to the SSRI, but I suppose it beats finishing too soon, right? I felt a little bad for our elderly neighbors on either side of our room, but only a little The last night in particular will go in the mental highlight reel. I think we both wanted balcony sex to happen, but it was simply too cold. Oh well - something to shoot for next time. 

I only put on 3 pounds, which was a pleasant surprise. I'm not too worried about Thanksgiving, as it's only one meal with my side of the family, and we tend to err on the side of too little food rather than too much.  Christmas will be the bigger challenge.

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My red to work on going forward is patience with the kids. It was so relaxing with just the two of us, but as soon as we picked up the little ones, my stress level shot through the roof. 10+ hours of travel didn't help, I'm sure.