First things first, I'm a little bummed. I woke up this morning "smelling long covid" (the distinct odor of burnt hair & eggs in my nostrils) and a sore face & neck, and mild burning around my eyes. Hoping it doesn't last the whole day. But yesterday (Friday) I woke up feeling pretty good, and it stayed that way throughout the day. I walked thru a pretty heavy snowstorm at 10am to get a haircut, then to Kuhn's for some spicy pineapple ham for breakfast sandwiches and some fried fish, stewed tomatoes and jalapeno macaroni for my Friday dinner.
Came home to find a voicemail from my old friend Roger, and we got into a lively discussion about the future of Star Trek and physical media. All nerdy stuff and a lot of fun. Late last night while 45 mph winds whipped thru the city and dumped another 3 inches of snow, I made some hot cocoa and wrote a new blog about our talk--then changed my mind about posting it this morning. (But if you want to see it, let me know!)
I just wish I could be thru with these long covid symptoms once and for all. It makes no sense how it can come on so strong for days, then vanish overnight for a day. At the start of this past week I was looking at the Senior Center's monthly activity calendar and saw they had a lunch outing planned for Feb 11 to the Walnut Grille, a very nice restaurant. I haven't been on a senior lunch outing since September, so I sent in a request to join them for lunch that day.
They kindly responded and told me I couldn't come, they'd already reached their quota of people and suggested next time I let them know sooner. A week's notice wasn't enough? Bummer. I plan to make something extra special for dinner on Wednesday.
Anyway, I'm getting off track here. I may boo-hoo about my chronic post-covid discomfort or missed lunch opportunities, but I don't take the good stuff for granted either. Back in October I wrote a post (it's right here) about my IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), something I've been wrestling with for 10 years. I was diagnosed with it in 2019.
Weekly bouts of painful stomach cramps (some have sent me to the ER), extreme bloating that lasts for 3-4 weeks, extended trips to the bathroom several times a day, constant dosing of Pepto-Bismol for chronic diarrhea or Dulcolax for week-long bouts of constipation.
Then one night on the news I saw a story where probiotics was helping people with their IBS symptoms, contacted my doctor and told him about the story. I must've studied and read reviews on 25 different brands, until settling on the label Physician's Choice. They weren't cheap, but not terribly expensive either. Around $40.00 for a 60 day supply.
It occurred to me just recently that in the last 3 1/2 months, I have not taken a SINGLE dose of Pepto, Mira-Lax, Gas-X, or Dulcolax. That isn't a "That's nice, Doug" thing--that's huge. I was accustomed to using these products daily. I did have one "gallbladder attack" (I'm not sure that was it, but it felt like it) a couple weeks ago, but it only lasted 30 minutes. Not 2-3 hours like it always used to.
I told my friend Diana this the other night, and said "It could just be a coincidence, but I've been dealing with IBS issues daily for years. And 2 weeks after I began taking those probiotics in October, they stopped?" She said "Oh yes, I'm sure it's just a coincidence!"
Just thought I'd share that update, since it's such a positive one. If you ever wrestle with such things, this might be something to consider. I sure hope I didn't jinx anything and wind up in the bathroom all day tomorrow! I also hope this wasn't TMI. I think I'll grab a cup of coffee and a couple cookies, and re-read that Trek blog I wrote last night. Maybe I'll post it after all. 😏
$40 for the probiotics sounds like a bargain compared to the total cost of pepto bismol, Mira-lax, Gas-X, etc! And I am thinking it isn't a coincidence, lol. I am so glad it is working for you.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how frustrating and angry you must be when you wake up with that smell. I hope this is a light and short bout and really really hope that you are winding down on ANY bouts at all.
Sorry you are missing the lunch with friends. Do they do a wait list incase someone can't go last minute? I am throwing caution to the winds for Valentines Day. Before Christmas I bought several premade chinese meals and I wasn't reading labels. Mr Merry doesn't know but we are having a Trader Joe Chinese buffet in the comfort of our dining room.
Thank you Miss Merry, and I was very glad to read your own blog this morning, and your own updates. As for the lunch outing, yes they do have a cancellation list and there's still a slight chance I could go; fingers crossed! And I have to tell you, your Valentine's dinner and your dining room sounds awesome! Knowing you, I very much envy with Mr Merry is going to enjoy 😉
DeleteNOT A COINCIDENCE! Probiotics are the one thing I really swear by. Started taking them a year or so into my teaching career, when I was getting sick EVERY fall when I went back to the classroom with kids who sneezed and coughed on me. Someone, wish I remembered who, said "take probiotics, they keep me from getting sick."
ReplyDeleteSure enough, I started, and haven't stopped. Because I no longer got sick every fall, nor did I get sick for the 11 years I read to first and second graders, and I will tell you, those little critters spread germs like crazy!
I feel very good most days except now for the pain in my hands caused by the statin I must take for the plaque rolling around in my heart. I know it's there, I've seen it on the scan so I'm not about to stop taking the statin, even though I hate the side effects.
One new thing I have added in the past few years--flax seed oil capsules. I don't eat fish and yet I know the value of omega. I've had two people tell me the flax seed oil is what keeps my skin so smooth. Well, maybe, but I have good skin in my genes.
However, here is the BIGGEST reason I am taking that flax seed oil--mood. I just read that omegas can really boost one's mood, and I atrribute my good mood to those capsules, which I now take daily. I had taken them every other day. So, my advice, Doug, if you want to try another supplement besides the probiotic, try flax seed oil capsules for a couple of months and see what happens.
Thank you dkzody, I remember you being a big fan of probiotics, and while I'm not absolutely sure these supplements work like you do, I'm coming around. I'm sorry about your statins, I know those can be heavy duty. But I've heard good things about flax seed oil to and I may have to try that as well. 🙂
DeleteAnd one more thing...sign up as soon as you are allowed for these outings with the senior center. Doesn't matter how you are feeling--sign up. It's something to look forward to which will help the way you feel. If, when the time comes, and you don't feel well enough to go, you can cancel. But, I have a feeling you won't need to.
ReplyDeleteDkzody, you're exactly right and that's what I should've done here. Lesson learned.
DeleteMy sister swears by probiotics for all kinds of digestive things, even gives them to her dog. And given your experience I'd sure keep taking them! Sounds like your quality of life (digestively) is much improved and you have to be saving a ton of money on over the counter meds!
ReplyDeleteSeconding the idea of signing up for the senior center outings as soon as you see the announcement - anybody can have a health issue come up and cancel, you wouldn't be the only one, and you avoid the disappointment of trying to sign up after the list fills up. I wonder if you could check back the day before and see if anyone drops out?
Cheers,
Ceci
Thanks very much Ceci, that's good to hear about your own sister; and you're exactly right about the signing up, I should have done that the minute I saw the calendar. They do know I'm interested in going, if there's a cancellation I know they'll call. 👍🙂
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