jrosto

...what is your new job?

Official title is "light janitorial and Porter".  I clean bathrooms and pick up cigarette butts.  The team doesn't like it due to the exposure to solvents, infection and the elements.  I need it because as of Jan 1 my medical expenses are now half our total income and, well, we need to eat.  I'm happy to have the job and the company that hired me did so pretty much as a favor.

I'm really happy with the results of the tests.  I've been feeling really blech this weekend and I'm not sure if it's due to the virus or just leftovers from the Bronchoscopy.  I got my veggie garden bed ready for planting yesterday and that may have been a bit much, I felt pretty rung out after.

This challenge certainly did not turn out as planned.  I did get the office cleaned up, and that is a major plus.  I'm disappointed in the rest of my efforts though.  I've let stressing over things that I really have no control over affect my basic gogetitness.    I need to just cowboy up and carry on.

I'll get there

It has been a busy two days, bouncing between different clinics and the hospital completing the set of annual post-transplant tests.

The prelim results are very good.  I am ahead of the curve in most areas, especially lung function and fitness level.  My n-1 experiment on ways to counteract the bone damaging effects of my meds needs some tweaking though.  My spine is in good shape, but my hips have lost 10% bone density since the last test (prelim result, more detailed results not posted yet).

I've also caught another virus.  Most likely a minor virus, but have to wait for it to be gene tested to be sure.

More detailed test results/comments behind the spoiler.

Yesterday's testing results are a mixed bag of outcomes. On the plus side, the lungs are doing awesome. My standard Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) resulted in a new record for my FEV1 (the amount of air I can forceably expel in one second). 114% of predicted normal and my total lung capacity is stable (FVC) at 103%. Last two FVC's were 104 and 102%. My Pulmonary Ventilation/Perfusion Scan looked really good to my untrained eye. The blood and air flow looked very consistent throughout the lungs. The tech wouldn't comment on these, so I'll have to wait until the results are posted on MyChart (or I hear from the Team) to know for sure. But they look like the normal images on the 'net, much better than my old lungs. X-Ray and CAT Scan were both good. Scar tissue from the surgery in my lower right lung has actually decreased. That's super cool and great news for an IPF patient.

I get to taper my prednisone down to 10 mg/day over the next two weeks, stop taking my prescribed iron supplement, cut my protonix dose in half, and hopefully reduce my Prograf dose.

The preliminary resluts of the bone density test found that my spine is in good shape, and my hips not so much so. This is just from the Tech performing the test, and not an official result, but my hips have lost 10% bone density since my last test. That is a disappointing result. I was really expecting an increased bone density and was surprised by this result. When I saw the doctors in the late morning, they had not yet received the official results. One thing that I will probably have to do is another 50k iu cycle of Vit D, and increased daily dosage depending on the results of my blood work.

I also have another virus in my sinuses. They have to get the sample genetically tested to identify the strain. It's either close to a common cold, or something much more interesting. Based on my other symptoms we are betting on common cold, but waiting for results to start treatment.

And lastly, the Team is not happy with my new job. They do understand why I'm doing it, and did not come out and tell me to stop, but would really like for me to find something else.

The ECHO of my heart and arteries was canceled as unnecessary. I tried to talk them into doing it anyway to prove that I didn't have issues with plaque buildup, but not this time. Couldn't argue too much as one less test to pay for, and they'll see any plaque build up on the CT Scan.

Today's testing started with an Arterial Blood Gas test. For this test they draw blood from an artery in the wrist. The artery is pretty deep and this test is not a lot of fun. This test checks how well the lungs are passing oxygen to the blood, and carbon dioxide out. My results were perfectly normal

The next test was the full series of pulmonary function testing. When I was sick, this was my least favorite test of all. I would come very close to blacking out several times during this procedure. Now is not nearly so bad. The most important result of this test to me is the DLCO (Diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide). Basically this test is a real time measurement of how well gasses are transferring through the lungs into the blood. My result was right smack dab in the middle of what is considered normal for healthy lungs in a man of my age, weight and race. Another A+ Rig

The last test of the day was the Bronchoscopy with biopsy. This time they didn't hardly knock me out at all, I was able to watch and hear all that was going on. I was looking forward to some deep sleep The bronch went well and everything looks very good. The head of the team did the procedure and he is very happy with my progress. He is also very unhappy with my having to work doing what I'm doing, and with my virus. He would really like us to stop watching our granddaughter after school. That's not going to happen. We are just going to have to be more careful with touching and sensitization going forward.

So all in all very good results for this first annual set of post-transplant testing

I still have to do a 24 hour urine test this weekend. This test checks kidney function. Then there's the colonoscopy next Friday.

I plan to get caught up with everyone over the weekend.  Thanks for hanging in with me you guys, I do appreciate you.

The office is done!  Well...  I have to buy a frame for a Bret Hull autographed picture, but other than that it is done

The rocking chair was given to my Sweetie by the artist that created the Frito Bandito when she was pregnant with her first child.

When I started this project, we could't hardly even open the door.  Very happy to have reclaimed the room

The next two days are going to be spent at hospital and various clinics doing all of my 1st annual post-transplant check up.  We'll see how my little n-1 experiment of using the primal blueprint, bone broth, exercise and supplements has worked to counteract the body damaging side effects of my meds.  If all goes well, we may get to reduce the dosage of a couple of the harsher meds.

Monday Macros

Weight = 153. Weight loss this week = 1 lb. Total weight loss = 98 lbs. Macros for the week = Carb/Fat/Prot - 21/55/24%. Daily avg cals = 2,512. Body Fat = 11.4%

Another week on target 

Thanks Athena, I may just wait and sell mine at a yard sale.

I'm making great progress on the office.  We have a large file cabinet that was very underutilized.  It is now utilized  I've been doing a whole lot of filing these past few days.  I also have a quick grab and go file box with important stuff that we would have to take with us if we had to leave the house quickly.

No KB's today.

Today I did the S&S warm ups and three sets of one handed swings with each hand (16kg)  Nice sharp swings, stopping the KB at shoulder height

Worked on the office for several hours today.  Got through the cookbooks, the reference section, and the music CD's.  I put some books on Craigslist and have a large box full ready to go to Half Price Books.  Maybe I can make a dollar or two out of this effort.  The listed books are the National Electrical Codes and a couple other NFPA code books.  They were between $4 and $500 new, maybe I'll get $30 out of the bunch.  I put aside my other industrial maintenance reference books for one of the guys who worked for me, he'll put them to good use.

I'm probably still spending too much time looking at things when cleaning up the office, but having a good time doing it

Going through  my books is really kind of fun.  I have made a nice pile of 'to go' books, but am probably keeping too many.  There are ones that I would like to share with the grand kids, and others have been signed by the authors.  I'm down to the cookbooks shelf...  I'm probably not going to get rid of too many of those.  I like cookbooks too much.  

After work today I was beat.  Being out i the cold and wind just drained me.  No kettlebells today.

Happy Wednesday everybody

I did get in some kettlebells today.  Prying Goblet Squats, Halos and Swings.  Only 2 sets of 10 with each hand with 16 kg for the swings, but did get them in.  I plan on adding a set each time I do swings and should get back to normal fairly quickly.  Just have to get my body used to all of the movement at work and doing the workout.  

Going through the books and things on the shelves is going to be slow going.  I spend too much time looking through things like old year books  

It was a great day, see you tomorrow

Thanks guys, you are awesome!

I got more work done on the office cleaning today, even was able to vacuum the floor  Next on the list are the built in bookshelves.  There are going to be a lot of hard decisions there.  Letting go of favorite books is hard, but it shall be done

As to the cards...  tossed a few and made a nice spot in the file cabinet for the rest.  Plenty of room for future cards also, so score

No kettlebells today, but I did get in near 14k steps.  We don't have our granddaughter after school tomorrow so I'll be able to get a good workout in then.  Looking forward to it.

Thanks again for all of your support.

Thanks my friends, I really do appreciate your support.

Sorry I haven't posted at all this week, I've been really embarrassed about the fact that I haven't lifted a 'bell at all.  I guess I just didn't want to admit it in public.  After checking in on my recruits, I clicked here to post a week recap and read all of your comments.

I went back into the bedroom, grabbed my 16 kg KB, brought it back into the living room and did a set of 20 one hand swings switching hands midway.  It. Felt. Great!  Just like I knew it would.  Thanks all of you

Kettlebells do make everything better, I have to remember that.   We've had a couple major stressors building up over the past few months and I've allowed them to affect more of my life than they should have.  KB's are my Zen, I need to get back to them.

So for the part of this challenge that I have continued to be successful with, the office cleanup.  I've worked on the office every day, and it is getting much better.  The main desk is complete and I've cleared off our wide file cabinet.  I have refiled our past decade of taxes and went through 16 years of medical records.  I had kept everything because you never know what you might need for FMLA, disability, or social security.  Now that I'm past that point I tossed most of my old records.  I pretty much only kept what I used to chart the progress of my disease and my progress since the transplant.  One folder of test results.

I'm undecided about what to do with all of our old cards.  We have cards from each other, our kids, grand kids and friends.   We don't look through them very often.  Should I toss them or put them in a nice box on the bookshelf?

I did find a shirtless picture of heavy me that I had totally forgotten that we had.  A friend took it when we were on a camping trip.  Maybe one of these days I'll post a before/after picture  Still a little too much loose skin for the after picture, but that should resolve soon.

So...  what to do about the rest of this challenge?

1.  Get back into the Swing of Things

2.  Post here daily.

3.  Continue the office clean up

4.  Continue supporting my Assassin Recruits.

Thanks again you guys, you are the best.

Now to post my Monday Macros

Great job deciding to continue resting the knee.  Aggravating an injury is never a good idea.

I've gotten into the habit of drinking a 16 oz glass of water first thing each morning when I get to the kitchen.  It really does seem to make the day better.

I do like your Avatar

Welcome to Week 3.

That app sounds very helpful.  It would be nice if my granddaughter's school had something like that.  We do after-school for her and an app like that would help us.  It does seem like a lot of extra work for you though.  

How's the walking part of your challenge going?  Are you getting in those 5 mins/day?

If you're looking for more cleaning to do, I volunteer my house. Hope your trip went well!

I third that offer

Fleaball has a great idea about making up a breakfast the night before.  Heck, you can make a bunch of breakfasts all at once and be good for a few days.  Egg muffins can be eaten on the run, warmed up or straight out of the fridge.One  breakfast I make ahead often is a cup of plain yogurt, 1/4 cup frozen berries, a scoop of protein powder and some pumpkin seeds.  I mix it up the night before and it is ready to go in the morning.  Easy Peasy.

Here's an omelet that you can make that does not require you to be standing by the pan so you can get ready for work while it's cooking  

A little bit of pre-planning will go a long way towards success.

How has the rest of Week 2 gone for you?  You are half way there

Hey donsty, what's up?  

How is your challenge going so far?  Keeping up with the BBWW and bread quests?

Avocado is one of my "Daily Foods".  If nothing else, I have a quarter of one in my dinner salad.  Not sure what's all in the TB guac though

My medical team requires that I weigh myself daily.  I weigh myself first thing in the morning with an empty bladder.  I only count, for my purposes, my Monday morning weigh in.  The rest are just for the doctors.  One thing I've learned with daily weights is I can pretty much know what causes a daily variation.  An excessively salty dinner will add a pound or two.  Grains can add two to three pounds.  I also know that the gain is only temporary.  Logging weight on a weekly basis can help chart progress and set goals.  The trick is to use the scale as a tool and keep emotions out of it.  Another tool I like to use is an Omron body fat meter.  I am trying to gain muscle without gaining any fat and this tool helps me double check my plan

How has the rest of Week 2 gone for you? 

Fleaball hit it in the nose.  These challenges are yours, you own them and if a portion isn't working, you can modify it better suit your needs.

Great job keeping away from the office sweets

Keeping track of your workouts via a calendar on the wall is a great idea.  It's easy and efficient, I really like it.

How has the rest of your Week 2 gone?  Still kicking rear?

A Warrior Dash in May is a pretty epic quest, go for it!

It looks like you really are doing an awesome job with this challenge and I'm looking forward to reading how this week has gone.

You've reached the half way point

Hi Zho, Week 2 is in the books, how are things going for you?

Week 2, Day 1

1.  Push and Pull my own Weight:

No work on this today.

2.  A Barbarian’s Got to do What a Barbarian’s Got to do:

I need someone to kick my rear and get me rolling.  

3. Mini Quests:

This week's mini has not yet been posted.

4.  Stop Living Like a Barbarian:  

The work desk has been cleaned, dusted and organized

Hi IndyannieJones, welcome to the rebellion

Great job recognizing what wouldn't likely work for you (the body weight exercises) and changing your plan to better suit you and help you reach your goals.  

I really enjoyed reading your introductory post, it gave me a smile

As you can see by my avatar,  I'm one of the Assassin ambassadors. Let me offer you an official invite to come on over and check out the Assassins.  

Here is the Den, where all the Assassins hang out and support each other.  The Assassin Phonebook is a cool place that we keep updated with who is working on what.  You can check out their threads or ask questions.

Here is the Assassins' Scullery food chat thread.  It is full of good Paleo, Primal and conventional recipes.  This may give you an idea or two for your cooking quest.

And probably most importantly, here is the Assassins Initiates chat thread where you can learn more about the Assassins and find answers to any questions you may have.

I'll be following along with he rest of your challenge, I'm really looking forward to seeing your successes.

 

 

You're kicking the challenge right in the knee! Gonna look like Arnold pretty soon...

 

That made me smile, thanks

What this Barbarian's got to do is watching that Barbarian do what a Barbarian's got to do.

 

...that statement was very confusing to write, so here's some congratulations on a solid week and a gif to set things right.

 

Awesome gif

Week 1, Days 6 and 7 

1.  Push and Pull my own Weight:

Ok, this is embarrassing.  Did my push up AMREP and only got 10.  Last time I did this I got 15.  I'm going to have to grease the groove with push ups if I want to meet my goal this challenge.

2.  A Barbarian’s Got to do What a Barbarian’s Got to do:

You know that old adage "A body at rest tends to stat at rest".  I think that's me.  Lost a week of S&S, going to make succeeding at this quest even more challenging

3. Mini Quests:

Did the push up AMREP.

4.  Stop Living Like a Barbarian:  

I have gotten a lot of progress done in the office.  The antique desk that is basically our printer stand is cleaned off, cleared out, organized and done.  It was the one closest to the door so the last one to get junked.

The work desk is about half done.  I filled up the shredder a couple of times, along with a couple bags of trash and recycle.  I'm also building up a 'yard sale' pile of stuff that really should find a new home instead of end up in the landfill.