I was sitting, shooting the breeze with some friends of mine, and it dawned on us that as we age, all we seem to talk about is health matters. I remember when I was younger, and visiting ‘ancient’ aunts and grandparents, that all they talked about was their aches and pains. It seems we are becoming them.

I like the little poem that says: “Mirror, mirror on the wall……I am my mother after all!”

Anyway, that’s a little segue into the “Update on Linda’s Condition”. It seems they have put a name to the nerve problem. It is called Brown-Sequard Syndrome. There was some damage to the spinal cord during the incessant firing of the C7 nerve during the surgery. So, the burning in my right leg and torso continues. I take a drug called Lyrica that allows me to function and sleep. Without it, the burning is so bad I just about go out of my mind. Last week the neurologist added some Carbotrol the mix. I take a lighter dose during the day so I can get to work and function at some level. I don’t feel as bright and alert as I’d like. Sometimes I get a cup of coffee (avoid) in the afternoon. But I’m doing well with green tea in the mornings. I’m not nearly as dependent on coffee as I used to be.

An unfortunate side effect of these drugs is peripheral edema and weight gain. I have put on four pounds since the surgery. I can no longer get my wedding ring on. I’m taking some herbal diuretics, but they don’t seem to help. The roll around my waist is pretty ugly. I’m still doing Pilates and try to get aerobics in during the week. I do aerobics both weekend days, but that’s not enough. Work has been getting in the way. I must make time for it.

I’m still carrying on with my B Nonnie diet. Other than the occasional coffee and a teaspoon of mayo once or twice a week, I can’t see many avoids creeping in at this point. Of course, 100% compliance would be in order. Ok……this week I’ll try not to have any coffee. (Laying it out on ‘paper’ sure changes ones resolve, doesn’t it?)

Oh yeah, as if we middle aged folks haven’t had enough with the health issues. Hubby has come up with a one inch mass in his small intestine. He has been having pain and cramps for several months, but wouldn’t call a doctor until a couple weeks ago. A CT scan pointed out the mass. So, we can’t get in to see a surgeon until NEXT Monday. Looks like another surgery in the family looming pretty quickly.

Okay. There’s gotta be some good news in this blog. Daughter got four A’s and one B+ in her college courses this summer. She made the President’s honor list. We are very proud. She has also started her own fitness and diet program. She found a free diet website. It called www.sparkpeople.com . Lots of support for her there. So far she has lost eighteen pounds. I’m very pleased for her.