New Update
Good day to you all.
I’m still feeling the levels of stress in the job. I’m not going to lie to you, I was ready to consider taking disability retirement, but thanks to my social worker, he encouraged me to stick it out for a while longer.
One of the stressors was those blasted medications. I got the clearance from my medical teams and went off of the Clozapine, the Gabapentin, and the Baclofen, in one week. I lost many many hours of much needed sleep and endured a lot of stress during that particular time. Thankfully, my medical team last week prescribed clonazipam, which is used for anxiety but has a calming effect on the body, kind of like a gentle tea to induce sleep. I have been sleeping reasonably well ever since, but my body is still getting used to the med changes.
I am happy to report that instead of weighing 301 pounds on the second week of May, I now weigh about 16 pounds less, and that the weight is going down at a “comfortable” pace. I have also however, besides the med changes, changed my diet slightly. And I am using a form of portion control to try to control the weight issues. I drink exclusively green or ice tea, coffee with cream and a bit of cinnamon syrup, and water–usually bottled, since I don’t like the taste of most tap water. I am trying to get protein and good carbs in, but I also am trying to stick to a 300 or 400 calorie meal three or so times a day. Because of the med changes, I haven’t had much of an appetite anyhow. I still eat out a lot of my meals, but I try to do it in a healthier way.
I also have started chiropractic care. I wish I had been able to do that years ago. There are some sublaxations in my spine, so it will be some time before everything is properly aligned. I had my first adjustment last wednesday. I have witnessed adjustments by a chiro before, but never had the pleasure of experiencing it myself. It was quite interesting listening to my spine and my neck pop pop pop like rice krispies. But better that then endure any more medicine that hurts more then helps. I hope that I can continue to do chiropractic care, but that depends on the final report I get this Tuesday. Cost is an issue, and I am hoping that my Blue Cross insurance covers it.
What I’d like to strive for more is balance. I think that, by God’s grace, I am slowly getting there, but it will take some time before that is totally achieved. Slowly, I will get there, if he so chooses.
I do have some sad news to report. I regret to inform you that my mother’s beloved cat, Peaches, passed away on Friday night. Peaches had been having some health issues up to that point, but I will miss her greatly as well. She was as “peachy” as her name. May she rest in peace.
What now needs to happen in my life is more healing, more healthy choices, more balance, and more joy. If you are a Christfollower, I would welcome your prayers to that regard. In the meantime, I also welcome your prayers for success in my job, my faith, and my relationships with people, whether they are family, friends, co-staff, clients, or others.
Take care. Thank you for reading. Peace out.
Johnny