So, I spent yesterday morning playing “patient” to a Neuro-Opthamologist and his three interns. Bottom line is the great big honking blind spot in my vision was likely caused by a mini-stroke who knows when because I sure didn’t notice.
He says because of my deformed disks and skinny vessels leading into my eyes that there’s a 1 in 3 chances it will happen again. His advice? Lose 25 pounds (whew, I was sure he was going to say way more), keep excercising (got that covered for the summer, anyway) and stop smoking (say what?).
All right, I’m not completely stupid. I know I have to quit, but I’ve tried cold turkey and that lasts until noon. I’ve tried the patches, but they make my heart race. I’ve tried Wellbutrin, and it makes me happy, but it doesn’t make me want to quit smoking. I’ve asked my family care doctor for a prescription for Chantix, but she’s got this silly rule about not giving it to ex-soldiers. Something about us offing ourselves. So maybe she thinks I’d be happier blind?
I spent yesterday afternoon at The Coffee Beanery in Little Rock—not writing. Shayla Kersten, Cynthia D’Alba and Heather B were there, so it was a gabfest. Today, I wish I could say I was devoting it to getting another chapter of Captured out of the way, but I have an errand to take care of in the AM, and then I’m going to be hanging out at the Joyfully Reviewed chat loop talking about cowboys. If you’d like to join me, my sister Myla Jackson and Layla Chase for some sexy excerpts and no doubt some great prizes, be sure to stop by.
If you aren’t already on their loop, send a message to this address: Chatting_with_Joyfully_Reviewed-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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*hugs* That sucks.
As far as weight loss, have you tried Wii fit? Ive lost about 10 pounds using it. Its just fun, you can dance and all kinds of things for work out. Helps in the winter when you cant run or anything.
No smoking help. I still sneak an occasional smoke when im super stressed.
H
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My doctor told me to lose weight and quit smoking because of my blood pressure. I did the cold turkey thing. It was torture. The worst part was having to limit coffee and no alcohol to do it, because let’s face it a cigarette is always better with a coffee or a beer. I’ve got 4 weeks under my belt, with 4 cigarettes, one coffee a day and no alcohol. That part really sucks. I wish you well because it is not easy and the reason you gain weight is because your taste buds come back to life and everything tastes great.
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Chantix has a nasty side effect of suicide. Have you tried the Blue Cigarette?
Had a blast yesterday. Sorry for the gabfest. I blame HeatherB. Yak Yak Yak (LOL)
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I’ve no advice on the smoking bit. I quit a LONG time ago and never picked it back up. I guess I’m just lazy like that. 😀 Once I stopped working out I just couldn’t start again either.
Good luck on it all.
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Don’t blame me. You invited me Cyndi. I enjoyed visiting with ya’ll though.
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Heather! You’re not the only one to recommend the Wii Fit. I’ll have to look into that for when the pool dips into hypothermia territory!
Paula! So do I choose my lungs or my ass? Hmmm…
Cyndi! Since I’m not a depressed sort of person, I’d rather take my chances with a little pill that gives me rockin’ bad dreams.
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Brandy! LOL! Guess being lazy helps with some things.
Heather B! I was glad for the excuse! And it was great to see you!
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I have a couple of friends who’ve used the Chantex (or whatever it is) and it’s helped them.
Maybe the week in Seattle will help you cut back? I’m up for a walk every morning and a swim at night, (or the other way around) so that covers exercise.
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Sasha! I’d love the walk and swim. Let’s see if I can cut back. Ack.
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Eeek, Delilah–sorry about the doctor’s news 🙁 We’ve just started using the Wii Fit, and I have to admit, it’s a hoot! Especially amusing since the kids can beat me at just about all of the events, but it sure does get us all competitive and that can’t hurt 🙂 And if you can find a buddy (like Sasha!) to walk with you a couple times a day, that’ll really help. It doesn’t have to be a long walk–just 10 minutes a couple times a day can really make a difference! Hugs, and hope you find a combination that works for you!
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Fedora! Thanks so much. Another vote for the Wii.