Bittersweet Messages

Have you ever had a Cran-Merry Drink? The ingredients consist of sugar, white grape juice, cranberry juice, blood orange juice, fruit, vegetable juice, stevia extract, coconut milk, coconut cream, cane sugar, and about 15 other ingredients. With all the sugar, you would think it would be sweet, and it is, but it is also tart at the same time.

Why am I talking about a holiday drink? Because it kind of represents the news I’ve had this week. You might remember last week I had a nuclear stress test and a few weeks before, an echocardiogram. On Tuesday of this week, I saw my cardiologist for the results of both. The tests came back negative for any bad stuff. Everything looks good, although it seems that my heart has a stiffness while at rest. But it should be easily fixed with exercise and diet. Do I get to come off my BP meds? No! Why? Because apparently, the high blood pressure and chest pains don’t come from my heart. There is 0 calcium buildup, and it’s pumping fine. So, what is causing the issues? Kidneys… surprisingly, they are the culprits of the blood pressure. Chest pains are musculoskeletal, which can be lessened and possibly gotten rid of. Kidneys though, they are another story.

Kidneys are tricky, but with, guess what… diet and exercise, I should be able to maintain the 3A level. 3A means a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). That is to say, they function between 45 to 59 ml/minute. Cutting salt, fried food, and sugars down will help. Being a carb person and someone who loves bread… it’s not as easy as I would like, but also becoming gluten intolerant has helped me cut down on the bread.

So, how do I feel about all this? Well, I was hoping to get off some meds, actually most of my meds eventually. That may not be something that will happen anytime soon… but a girl can hope. Now, on with a better diet, some exercise, and getting to bed at a decent hour (unlike tonight – it is after 2 am). I will continue to have my bittersweet drinks though; they are too yummy to give up. Plus, life is meant to be enjoyed and lived to its fullest. At times, a little more cautious than one might like, but it can still be enjoyed.

Moral of this story… take care of yourself when you are young. If you are now more vintage then new model (I don’t like the work “old”), start taking better care of yourself than you did the day before.

It is never too late to care about yourself and your health.💕

Now, for a quick update on more fun things… goals are going great. I’ve met each daily, weekly, and monthly goal – no misses. My creative writing class has been a great help in getting a kickstart to my novel. I’ve also started a few other writing projects, plus homework and my art projects. I began designing my book cover and will have three art projects on sale by the end of December. I will keep you posted!

Until later… keep taking care of yourselves, and may your week be filled with love, laughter, hugs, and blessings.🌻