7+ Hours Sleep Again!

I was able to stay in the recliner for over 7 hours last night! I'm still getting up several times to go the bathroom, but at least now I'm able to get back to sleep. I figure I'll try turning the screw to advance my lower jaw maybe one or two more nights, and that should be enough. I'm making the Sleep Study appointment today to see if it's controlling the Sleep Apnea properly. If it's not, I can always advance it some more while they monitor it, until I find the right spot.

I will get an appointment for the flu shot today, too.

I'm also going to make an appointment with a Dermatologist today. I don't want to ignore the fact that Parkies have a higher rate of Melanoma than the general population. Particularly since I've inherited a tendency to have lots of moles, some quite large, from both of my parents.

I've never been to a Dermatologist before, but I've learned my lesson and intend to get one who uses the hospital I like. There is a lady Dermatologist associated with my preferred hospital, and I think I would be more comfortable having every square inch of me examined by her, rather than by a man.

My inability to control my emotions is still a very aggravating problem. I started looking for some important insurance paper work this morning, and couldn't find it. I've kept up with that stack of papers for several years now, but when I started to make a phone call referring to it, it was nowhere to be found. After searching everywhere I might have filed it, then looking in places I should not have filed it, I fell apart. Blubbering like a baby and getting DH all upset trying to console me. This awareness of my mental abilities deteriorating right before my eyes is extremely disconcerting.

I finally did find the insurance papers I needed, stuffed in the file folder with the information about Pop's monument that I had worked on the same day I had been working on the insurance. This is some paperwork left over from when DH's Pop died, as we were the executor of his estate, too. Not long after he died my dear hubby had colon cancer surgery, so some of the less urgent parts of settling Pop's estate just got pushed to the background. Now I'm trying to finish all of it up, and get my Daddy's all finished, too.

So, all in all, it's been a productive day, as I was able to get done what needed to be done toward cashing the insurance policy, and I'm going to call and make the appointments just as soon as the doctors' offices get back from lunch.

Once this insurance policy is dealt with, the only things left to take care of are the monuments. Pop's should have already been engraved, so when I talked to the cemetery people, they were extremely apologetic that it had not already been done. And I haven't even started on getting Daddy's information added to the headstone.

I'll be glad to have all this paperwork finished! Daddy's estate will get out of probate at the end of November, and I need to be through with everything by then, so I can quit stressing over it.

Flu Shot Side Effects?

Leave it to me to be one of the small percentage of people who get the side effects from having the flu shot! Maybe it's because I've been so sick this year with the colitis, or because I was so recently sick with all the gastro problems. Or maybe it's the Parkinson's or the meds I'm on. Anyway, I've been aching all over for the last few days and running a low grade fever. I've also had the first headache that I can remember in a long time, so I've been taking extra strength Tylenol pretty regularly.

I've also had a bout of having to be close to the bathroom again, if you know what I mean. The gastroenterologist had told me if I started having that problem to cut the Zelnorm pills in half, so that's what I'm doing now. It hasn't solved the problem yet, so we'll just have to wait and see. My digestive system is so sensitive anyway, that all these medicines are dealing havoc with it. I'm glad most Parkinson's folks don't have this much trouble!!

I do feel better today than I have the last few days, so maybe it's about over now. I hope so, anyway.

Tai Chi & Flu Shot - Taking Care of Myself

I went for my Tai Chi lesson yesterday, and I'm finally beginning to show some real improvement. My balance is a lot better, and I can go for the whole 30 minute session without a break now. We went through the whole form several times, with lots of practice on some of the transitions that I have trouble with. It really doesn't matter what he chooses to work on, as it's all good for me. I really like the Sensei. He seems to have an uncanny ability to gauge just how much to push me and when to back off. I guess that comes from years of teaching. All I know is he's good at what he does.

The lessons are not cheap, because I couldn't find a group class anywhere close enough. But then, my medicine isn't cheap, either. I would recommend Tai Chi to anyone who needs to exercise, but is afraid of anything strenuous, because of health issues. You'll get a good workout, but it will be at a pace that your body can slowly adapt to. Plus, it leaves you in a very relaxed state of mind and body.

I also got my flu shot yesterday, too, at my Neurologist's recommendation. I took two Tylenol when we got in the car afterwards, and I haven't had any problems from it at all.

So, I'm continuing to work toward strengthening my body, taking care of myself, and getting back to as normal a routine as I possibly can. I'm house cleaning more, which is good exercise in itself, walking more, and generally feeling like my old self. I thank God every day for giving me that day of normalcy, and I no longer take anything for granted. I pray that I can continue to stay in this attitude of gratitude.