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. 👍🙂
DeleteThanks for bringing up the probiotics! I have a family member I think could benefit from them. Sorry about the LC. The smell sounds like an aura, so at least you know what’s coming. 🤕 I have had a decrease in taste since my surgery. Don’t know why. I was kind of addicted to Diet Coke and now it tastes horrible to me, which may be a good thing. I’m stressed out at my senior center. The director has me doing things that I don’t think are part of my volunteer duties. Like me and another lady paying for all the snacks for our Valentines party. Everyone tells me to resign , and I may just have to. Have a good weekend, Joyce
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading Joyce, I'm glad to hear from you but I'm so sorry! The LC smell is pretty much everyday, varying degrees of it--but you're right, it's a strong signal of how hard the symptoms are going to be. I can't believe your surgery did that to your taste, but I know that happens. And I definitely don't think you should be paying for everyone at your center, you're already volunteering. I wouldn't do it.
DeleteInteresting about the probiotics, Dug. I've thought about them... but could never decide if they would help one condition and/or make another worse. I too have had mild IBS over the years (brought about I think by 'stress'... like my migraines and/or Interstitial Cystitis). The only thing that helped me so far was going gluten and lactose free (suggested by my niece - a pediatrician). Not that it doesn't still happen, but definitely not as often. I take nothing for the IBS... (used to be able to get Rx Paregoric... took care of it quickly). But no one makes that anymore. Now I just stop eating (except for a banana or a piece of toast on occasion) and it runs it's course in about 5-7 days. And your post is Not TMI... as something said sometimes helps someone else. I think our bodies (at least some more than others) don't handle stress well...
ReplyDeleteThank you Rian, and thanks for sharing--I always find your feedback helpful. My doctor did ask me a year or so ago if I tried restricting things like gluten or lactose, and I did switch to lactose-free milk 5-6 months ago, but nothing helped until I started that probiotic regimen. I'm glad you've figured out how to manage your own, to an extent. And I want to look more into side effects from stress.
DeleteDoug, your healthy eating blog friend here. The probiotics are definitely helpful in managing ibs symptoms. Not a coincidence at all. They help because they improve your gut micro biome. Many, many physical problems are caused or aggravated because of poor gut micro biome. A good quality plain Greek yogurt with live active cultures will do the same thing AND provide quality protein and nutrition. So you might want to try that in place of the pills and see how you do. Foods with good fiber also feed and help maintain the good gut microbes. Do some research on this topic. (By the way, as you might expect, some foods and substances are damaging to the gut microbes so be aware of those, too. Caffeine for one. Antibiotics (of course) for another).
ReplyDeleteThank you Don--you've mentioned this before, I do need to look for a good quality plain Greek yogurt, I even have an old friend/classmate who's a real expert on that. And it's been years since I've taken any antibiotics. As for the probiotics, not ready to give up those capsules just yet, but I agree that natural is best. :^)
DeleteI echo "not a coincidence." I used probiotics after I got back from West Africa. (I won't go into detail) They were very effective and vital for a classroom teacher with few bathroom breaks. I'm sorry you didn't make the cut off for the outing; is there a waiting list? That stinks (literally) that you're still dealing with long covid. I would love to read a post about Star Trek, ALWAYS!!
ReplyDeleteMargaret, I'm so glad I saw this before I went to bed, thank you :^) So interesting about you and West Africa! And yes there is a waiting list, so there's still a small chance I can go--I just don't know how many people are ahead of me. And finally, a little love for Star Trek--you're awesome! :^)
DeleteHi Doug, so glad to read that the probiotics are working so well for you! I was a person that had occasional stomach issues from the time I was a kid ( it was a family joke about my stomach issues) until in my 30’s. I started eating yogurt every day and what a difference! I stumbled upon a long Covid non-believer a couple days ago. I found I had to really bite my tongue (she is my dental hygienist) and just state “We will agree to disagree “ and leave it at that. The woman had sharp instruments! Lovely you were able to get out for a haircut and groceries, sorry no Senior Centre lunch. I too would love to read a Star Trek post. We are just finishing watching ALL the Star Trek tv shows and movies, one more left. Have a good Sunday Doug.❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteRobin, this was so nice to read first thing when I signed on my computer a few minutes ago, a big thank you my friend. I'm sorry you had your own stomach issues but how interesting that yogurt rescued you like Don above. I really need to look into making it a part of my diet. And ugh about your dental hygienist! I feel like this is never going to go away sometimes. but it's certainly not my imagination. And I love what you wrote about Star Trek, I sure am glad to know you & Chuck. You have a good Sunday too Robin. ❤️
DeleteGood to hear that the probiotics are working. I've been eating a specific brand of yogurt for a number of years. I still get heartburn from time to time but realize that is due to diet most of the time, and occasionally stress. I'm certain of that because a change in my diet or time away from the stress factors always results in reduction of the symptoms.
ReplyDeleteApparently those outings are very popular. I hope you are able to get on the list for the next one. Your post after such an event is always entertaining. :)
Not a Star Trek fan, but go ahead and post...I'll probably learn something. :p
Maebeme, I always like your comments--thanks so much, and very interesting, another "yogurter". I really need to look into that. So nice what you said about those lunch outings too, I wish they had more than one a month. (There's usually 3 outings--one to a restaurant, one for shopping, one to the casino. I only like the restaurant ones.) And much appreciated what you said about Star Trek, thank you. :^)
DeleteHi Doug,
ReplyDeleteI was just over at DJan-ity looking at her post today which ended with, “Life is a delightful learning experience.” I thought about that for a while and left her a little poem. While I was doing that, I thought of you … well, I ALWAYS think of you when I’m on DJan’s blogs. I believe we are very much on the same page when it comes to blogging with DJan. Anyway, I thought I better come over and see how Doug is doing. Wow, you have posted an excellent look at how life has been treating you over the last while and it isn’t all delightful. Once again, I’m so sorry I am so far away from you as otherwise I would stop by and deliver one of those pre-made meals at the grocery … one of those that only needs a few minutes in the microwave and actually tastes pretty good. And if you let me stay for a few minutes, I would enjoy a chat with you. You will smile (I hope) about this … one chat topic would be bowels. That’s right … bowels. For cryin’ out loud … folks don’t talk about it but I’ll bet most folks our age ARE having some issues. I have some issues similar to yours. I could call it a “pain in the b***” but that would be too easy. 😂 My way of approaching all this has been to search Google with my symptoms and then carefully go through all the stuff that G serves up. Most often the suggestions seem to deal with diet. Yes, I’ve had some good results but it is still an experiment in progress. I guess the “bottom line” is hang in there. 😊 Take good care, Doug. Lots of us out here are wishing you the best! John