Category: Things this old man thinks about

Some may be pleased to learn that my heart has a been updated. Over the last month or so, I had been experiencing low heart rates. Additionally, there was lethargy, some cognition problems (brain fog), lack of motivation and generally feeling out of sorts. I am sure my disposition was affected also (check with Ann). In recent days the low heart rate became more consistent (low 30’s) and I was feeling worse. As a result, Monday Ann drove me to the ER and to make the story short, I received a pacemaker Tuesday.

As I write this post, I am awaiting discharge. The implant experience was a breeze and the results are pretty amazing thus far. I was able receive a micro lead-less pacemaker, the implant was minimally invasive and provides easier recovery. Three days rest, no heavy lifting for a week. Best of all my heart rate is normal and consistent. I am definitely feeling better overall and hopefully that will continue to improve.

Whether or not the low heart rate accounts for all my symptoms remains to be seen. I suspect some effects remain from my medical trauma last August. No matter what, I am grateful for the pacemaker and the immediate improvements. Indeed my aging heart has been updated.

Thanks be to God, for answered prayers. I am thankful for the many messages and well wishes.

Will Rogers had it right: “One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been.”
Right now, it’s pretty splendid.

STILL ON THE JOURNEY

From an old man’s perspective, things that are ordinary and unremarkable, often become an occasion to contemplate and speculate. I had such an experience recently in my appointment with my opthalmologist.

When you have diabetes, your vision is vulnerable to its effects and so regular check ups are necessary. I was pleased with my report, no indications of deterioration . There is one troubling issue unrelated to diabetes but common in older persons… sagging skin, in my case my eyelids (not my only sagging skin problem but the one effecting my vision)

It is pretty obvious that my vision is impeded by the sagging eyelid. I notice it particularly when I am reading and it gets worse as the day goes on. Older readers will understand how skin sags more as the day goes on. (I only look in the mirror naked early mornings.) This is not a new problem but it is getting worse. There is a surgical solution for my condition. The doctor and I have discussed this before and it it’s a matter of deciding if and when to have the procedure. No problem.

As we discussed the procedure and the condition, she says, “It is really nothing more than excess skin.”
At that point my old man brain kicks in and I say, “So, it’s kind of like circumcision?”
Doctor chuckles, “Well I’ve never heard it described that way.”
To which, I reply, “Looks like I am coming full circle, 78 years later.”
Realizing the conversation is running off the rails, my old man brain turns to alternative solutions to the surgical procedure.
“Maybe you could just suture my eyelid to the my brow?”
“That would be risky, not any flexibility.”
Undaunted I suggest, “How about an eyebrow ring? That would work and it would be a great conversation piece.”
Doctor is losing interest and has patients waiting, but I persist.
“So what about tape?”
Dr, “yes that could probably help but it might be inconvenient.”
I am thinking, “Yeah, better than circumcision.”

As you can see the tape isn’t all that effective and it doesn’t have the gravitas of an eyebrow ring. Apparently there is circumcision for me in the near future..ok, it is blepharoplasty, not circumcision but…

So later I’m sharing this story with a friend, Alter making my case for the procedure being a circumcision, He muses for a few moments and asks, “So, would that make you a dickhead?”

Still on the journey.

I am writing this post on Sunday after watching a live stream of our church’s worship service. I thought it went well. I watched bits of other church’s live streams, some of which had live audiences. I seems bit strange to be the object of prayers and outreach as a vulnerable old person. I suppose this has been true for sometime but it is now become a reality for me. Not sure I like the attention but appreciate the concern.

It is hard to remember a circumstance that generated this much opportunity for reflection on faith and praxis. Personally, I was tempted to disregard caution and attend our worship gathering. Thankfully, it became a moot question when services were cancelled. I am thinking about the varied responses I’ve read and seen and I am re-evaluating my thinking.

My favorite headline:Catholics take measures against coronavirus while Greek Orthodox Church ‘prays’

Driving through Nashville on Friday, the solution to their traffic woes was obvious but impracticable, tell people to stay home. Once again, I realized how easy things would be if it wasn’t for all those other people.

I was somewhat conflicted being a part of a full house at the Grand Ole Opry on Thursday evening in defiance of advice, media and otherwise. I suppose that was better than showing up to a sparse crowd. At least I had the reassurance of knowing there were many others who weren’t any smarter than me.
BTW it was great show so it was worth it ? (TBD)

I wonder how much of USA’s lackluster response to the pandemic reflects some fundamental flaws in the ethos of our culture? My fear is we will not have the intestinal fortitude for self-examination and re-alignment, individually or nationally.

I have been distracted from blogging by readjusting to our return from Florida and family activities. I am expecting I will have plenty of time to write in the next few weeks. Hopefully, that is good news,