Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Recovery Day #94!

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up four times during the night, finally waking/getting up at 8am.

We left the apt at 10:45 and arrived at El Tesoro by taxi by 11:15. We went right up to Urogine where I checked in and paid 89mil for my 11:30 appointment. Maria came out to get me and asked if I needed to use the restroom. I told her I would rather change (into their fashionable hospital gown) first. She told me I didn’t need to today. ??? What surprises does she have in store for me?

After a quick trip to the restroom, I went in and sat on the examination table and she asked me to remove one shoe and sock. I did and she put an electrode on the side of my foot and another about 2” above my inside ankle joint and connected me to a portable machine called TENS 3000. She pointed out a nerve that travels from my foot up to my pelvic area. She turned up the electricity until I could feel it and all I had to do for the next 30 minutes was sit there. She said I should buy one of these units available at Mayorca, Premium Plaza, or Monterrey mall for about 150-170mil and use it for 30 minutes every day. She also reminded me to limit my liquids after 6pm to enable me to sleep better.

Teresa checked out Zara then we had lunch in J&C Delicias. As we left, we ran into Laura with her 5-month-old baby Juan Miguel (in a large baby stroller). (It was her and Juan’s wedding I went to several years ago.) They chatted a bit then explored H&M for a few minutes. Laura got a call and I showed her how to use an elevator to get to her pickup area outside Torre Medica 1.

Teresa went to her 2:30 doctor’s appointment while I made a trip to the restroom, printed some chess notes, and bought a 10-pack of ADs.

We were back at the apt by 4:15.

 

I googled TENS 3000 and found “Short for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, these machines give your nerves a short little zap of electricity. This is supposed to block your pain receptors from reporting to the brain, which is why they're frequently used for chronic joint or muscle pain.”

First, a little medical background. The lumbar-sacral nerves control the bladder detrusor muscles and the perineal floor. This group of nerves, sometimes referred to as the sacral plexus, occupy the spinal cord at levels L4 to S3 which are located towards the base of your spine, between your lower back and, well, your butt crack.

[This] is another option for impacting the lumbar-sacral nerves that control your bladder and pelvic floor function. The posterior tibial nerve —the nerve that runs along the inside of your ankle and up your leg— provides access to the sacral plexus.

How? Although the posterior tibial nerve is located in [the] leg, near the ankle, it is derived from the lumbar-sacral nerve group. Stimulating the posterior tibial nerve will also stimulate those L4-S3 nerves we are most interested in.

This manipulation of the posterior tibial nerve for the purpose of affecting the bladder and pelvic floor is not a new technique. 

[Y]ou can … target the posterior tibial nerve … by using a simple over-the-counter TENS unit and the electrode pads that come with it. Early research has found some promising results with this non-invasive approach to treating urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence.

By placing the electrode pads … you can get the same tibial nerve —and thus lumbar-sacral nerve— stimulation.

The typical treatment duration used in the studies that have looked at percutaneous TENs and transcutaneous TENS is 12 weeks of a weekly 30-minute treatment session. After the initial treatment period of 12 weeks, occasional intermittent treatments may be needed to sustain control of symptoms. You know you’ve got the right spot when your big toe fans up and you feel a pins-and-needles sensation in your foot.

So, if the urgency and frequency of IC are driving you crazy, maybe you should look into a TENs unit and give it a try.

For supper I had a little pasta with a small glass of milk.

The New York Times’ 7-day average of new daily infections and deaths has the US with 117,966 ð 114,395 ð 112,798 new cases and 2,052 ð 2,025 ð 1,984 new deaths.

Per Medellin Guru, as of yesterday, Colombia has a total of 1,015 ð 1,686 ð 1,472 new cases with 33 ð 41 ð 42 new deaths.  Medellin has 112 ð 269 ð 236 new cases from September 28^th to 29^th. Envigado has 2 ð 11 ð 8 new cases from September 28^th to 29^th.

 

T-shirt of the day

The future belongs to us.

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Recovery Day #93! (My surgery was exactly 3 months ago.)

Today is my brother’s birthday! Happy Birthday Jim!

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up once at 2:15, again about 4:30, finally waking/getting up at 6:45. (Teresa was just leaving for an eps appointment.) I put in my eyedrops, did my Kegel exercises, took my morning pills, updated my blog then took my shower.

I left the apt at 8:15 and walked to the mall. I had breakfast in Habia Una Vez, printed some chess notes, recycled a plastic bottle and went into Bancolombia where I had a 20–25-minute wait to see a cashier. I put cash into the Hotel Mariscal’s account then Whatsapp’d a copy of the receipt to Laura. I withdrew 2 million pesos towards paying Teresa back. I was having coffee in Todo Fresa when she called and asked me to meet her for lunch in La Bahia at 12:30 or 1pm. (It was only 10:30 so I need to wait 2-2 1/2 hours here in order to meet her for lunch across the street?) I reminded her I had a lot of cash so we agreed that I would get a taxi and pick her up outside La Bahia and we would return to the apt.

She immediately headed to the bedroom to rest.

I was just noting how cool it was at 11am when a downpour started that lasted about 15 minutes.

I resigned my latest game against JohnWayneGacy88 dropping my rating to 1586. I have to move slower and be more careful with this guy.

A steady drizzle started and continued in the afternoon.

Teresa wanted to order out for lunch. She called Asados Rogelio but they don’t deliver. I tried to order from McDonald’s but had the same problem getting it to accept my debit card. I struggled with their iFood app for some minutes until it finally told me the restaurant is closed. (Fat chance of that.) I ended up having cereal with a banana and Teresa made something simple for herself.

Glen invited me to breakfast tomorrow but I declined because I have my last physiotherapy session at 11:30 and Teresa has a doctor’s appt at 2:30, both in El Tesoro.

There was a knock on the door, and I saw a man in a mask with a tank and sprayer. I told Teresa the fumigation man was here. I understood she told him she didn’t want it. (I killed a small cockroach yesterday that was probably fleeing someone else’s apt that had been sprayed.)

Teresa beat me in parcheesi today 2 games to 1.

I lost another game to JohnWayneGacy88 dropping my rating another 8 points to 1578. Sigh!

 

The New York Times’ 7-day average of new daily infections and deaths has the US with 119,883  ð 117,966 ð 114,395 new cases and 2,031 ð 2,052 ð 2,025 new deaths.

Per Medellin Guru, as of yesterday, Colombia has a total of 1,422 ð 1,015 ð 1,686 new cases with 43 ð 33 ð 41 new deaths.  Medellin has 202 ð 112 ð 269 new cases from September 27^th to 28^th. Envigado has 6 ð 2 ð 11 new cases from September 27^th to 28^th.

 

T-shirt of the day

Sassy girl.

Monday, September 27, 2021

Recovery Day #92!

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up four times during the night the last time being at 6:45, put in my eyedrops, did my Kegel exercises, fell back asleep, finally waking/getting up at 8:45. Wow, 11 hours. Is that how much sleep I really need to overcome the fact that I get up 4 times during the night?

I left the apt at 10:30 and walked to the mall. I printed some chess notes, recycled a plastic bottle then went to the banking area. I easily withdrew 2,000,000 pesos ($537) but with my next attempt I received the message “Excede cup disponible para retiro”, which didn’t sound good. I had coffee in Santa Leña then tried the Banco Caja Social ATM which gave me a “you have exceeded your withdrawal amount” message. I returned to the apt by taxi with my 2 million pesos.

I was on the phone for quite a while with Citibank. I learned my ATM limit was set to $600 a day. I requested it to be set to $1500 a day and when I get the cash I need I can call and change it back again.  Then they had to further confirm my identity. ☹ They sent me a SMS code that again I couldn’t receive to my cellphone. I even tried using my MagicJack landline number with my recently downloaded MagicJack app but that didn’t work either. I told the rep I continually have this problem and there must be another way to confirm my identity. He checked with his superior then asked me three security questions that I answered easily. As long as he’s changing my maximum daily limit, I asked him to please send me the debit card I requested a few days ago. 😊 Finally, all is good to go.

Ribs for lunch again today. Drat! 😊

A little more googling about Citicoline turned this up:

“Researchers who conducted the Italian VITA and IDEALE studies, propose that citicoline administration of at least 6 months is required to observe its greatest neuroprotective effects.”

I googled “Itialian VITA and IDEALE studies” and found:

“Conclusion: In this study, citicoline was effective and well tolerated in patients with mild vascular cognitive impairment. Citicoline activates biosynthesis of phospholipids in neuronal membranes, increases brain metabolism as well as norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the central nervous system, and has neuroprotective effects during hypoxia and ischemia. Therefore, citicoline may be recommended for patients with mild vascular cognitive impairment.”

Sounds encouraging!

I took a little nap after my 4pm AD change.

I ate the last Mu rib for supper; and then a red delicious apple.

Teresa finally relented and gave me the remaining 2,680,000 pesos in cash which I will repay soon.

I still occasionally have a little bunning sensation when I pee but not as bad as before, just enough to give me a little goosebumps on my arms.

 

The New York Times’ 7-day average of new daily infections and deaths has the US with 120,704 ð 119,883  ð 117,966 new cases and 2,034 ð 2,031 ð 2,052 new deaths.

Per Medellin Guru, as of yesterday, Colombia has a total of 1,740 ð1,422 ð 1,015 new cases with 34 ð 43  ð 33 new deaths.  Medellin has 238 ð 202 ð 112 new cases from September 26^th to 27^th. Envigado has 7 ð 6 ð 2 new cases from September 26^th to 27^th.

 

T-shirt of the day

Fear no one.

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Recovery Day #91!

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up four times to go to the toilet, woke up at 6:15, put in my eyedrops, did my Kegel exercises, and got up at 7am.

As I was leaving the apt, somehow I caught the tip of my index finger between the door and the jamb giving myself a blood blister.

I met Glenn with Bianca at the gas station by 8:15. After a 5-minute wait we caught a taxi to Parque Poblado. We got out at Calle 9 and walked 2-3 blocks west to Sweet Georgia Café. This time they had the patio set up with one table large enough for six and surrounding counters with stools. We were the first customers, so we took the outside table. I had the waffle with crispy bacon and a café con leche. The waffle was good, the bacon almost crispy enough but the coffee left a lot to be desired. Glenn’s ordered fried eggs with home fries but the eggs came scrambled. The menu also said each order included fruit and fruit juice so he questioned the waitress and she brought out a small plate with apple and orange slices. I didn’t bother to ask for myself.

We left about 10:15, walked a couple blocks north to Calle 10A where we soon caught a taxi back to Envigado. They got out at Jumbo and I continued on to Viva Envigado. I bought a 6-pack of small bottles of Coke and half a dozen red delicious apples and returned to the apt by 11:15.

Teresa had left for the day for the finca.

Laura texted me that the trip amount needs to be deposited into a Bancolombia account. Since Laura isn’t here that means me.

I watched the Bears get manhandled by the Cleveland Browns 26-6.

I finished the first episode of Yellowstone on Netflix.

I lost a game to Troyclough, and my rating is back down to 1594.

Teresa returned at 5:30, she said she took a taxi to the finca but returning by bus took 2 hours.

 

The New York Times’ 7-day average of new daily infections and deaths has the US with 123,074 ð 120,704 ð 119,883 new cases and 2,062 ð 2,034 ð 2,031 new deaths.

Per Medellin Guru, as of yesterday, Colombia has a total of 1,702 ð 1,740 ð1,422 new cases with 36 ð 34 ð 43 new deaths.  Medellin has 264 ð 238 ð 202 new cases from September to 25^th to 26^th. Envigado has 9  ð 7 ð 6 new cases from September 25^th to 26^th.

 

T-shirt of the day

All it takes is all you got.

Saturday, September 25, 2021

Recovery Day #90!

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up four times to go to the toilet, woke up at 7:15, put in my eyedrops, did my Kegel exercises, and got up at 8:15.

Strangely, JohnWayneGacy88 resigned our game increasing my rating to 1595, but I don’t have a clue as to why he would resign on the 8^th move. The computer says I was clearly winning but he still had chances.

I left the apt at 10:15 on a very sunny day that looks like it might hit 85 degrees today. I was surprised Herman didn’t have his OJ stand set up.

I just realized that my Citibank card is an ATM only card not for store purchases. I finally figured that out because there is no CVC number on the back. I confirmed it with a call to Citibank. I asked them to send me a debit card. To further confirm my identity, they sent me a code using SMS. As has happened in the past I never receive it here in Colombia and I don’t even know where to look for it on my cellphone. Messenger? Messages? Whatsapp? I asked if I could have it sent to my brother and gave the rep his number. He came back and said it didn’t work, then the connection got screwy so I hung up. Sigh! I need to talk to Glenn about this issue as I think he’s dealt with this problem in the past.

At 1:30 it was overcast and windy and only 77 degrees.

Wow, JohnWayneGacy88 blundered his Queen increasing my rating to an all-time-high of 1603. I finally made it – now to stay above 1600..

About 3pm Teresa got a call inviting us to go out with Wilson, Vicky, Daniela - not sure who else. I declined. I don’t mind going out but not knowing where we’re going, when and how I can return when I want makes me uncomfortable. Teresa admitted she had no idea where they were going.

I started watching the TV series Yellowstone (8.6) on Netflix.

 

Well, I don’t know what I did right, but my Favorites Bar is back.

The New York Times’ 7-day average of new daily infections and deaths has the US with 126,760 ð 123,074 ð 120,704 new cases and 2,036 ð 2,062 ð 2,034 new deaths.

Per Medellin Guru, as of yesterday, Colombia has a total of 1,608 ð 1,702 ð 1,740 new cases with 26 ð 36 ð 34 new deaths.  Medellin has 264 ð 264 ð 238 new cases from September to 24^th to 25^th. Envigado has 8 ð 9  ð 7 new cases from September 24^th to 25^th.

 

T-shirt of the day

Appalachian mountaineers.

Friday, September 24, 2021

Recovery Day #89!

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up four times to go to the toilet, woke up at 6:30, put in my eyedrops, did my Kegel exercises, and got up at 8am.

Well, the street is a little wet so we must have gotten a little rain overnight.

I lost another close game to JohnWayneGacy88 (1580) dropping my rating to 1579. Currently, he’s giving me more trouble than Troyclough (1496).

I beat JohnWayneGacy88 and got my 8 rating points back. Interestingly, Black has won each of the three games we’ve played.

Just before 6pm Nobraskja personally delivered my mail. Nothing exciting, mainly federally required reminders regarding my pensions.

I placed a large order of ribs from Mu. I asked if they would arrive in an hour and was told 35 minutes. Five minutes before I was waiting for the elevator when the portero stepped out with my order. I gave him the 100mil, including the 2mil tip.

I watched The Courier (7.1) on Medellin TV.

Well, I’ve gone 24 hours without that burning sensation when I pee, so I hope that’s behind me.

 

Well, I don’t know what I did right, but my Favorites Bar is back.

The New York Times’ 7-day average of new daily infections and deaths has the US with 130,592 ð 126,760 ð 123,074 new cases and 2,075 ð 2,036 ð 2,062 new deaths.

Per Medellin Guru, as of yesterday, Colombia has a total of 1,581 ð 1,608 ð 1,702 new cases with 44 ð 26 ð 36 new deaths.  Medellin has 237 ð 264 ð 264 new cases from September 23^rd to 24^th. Envigado has 10  ð 8 ð 9 new cases from September 23^rd to 24^th.

 

T-shirt of the day

All day I dream about science.

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Recovery Day #88!

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up twice to go to the toilet, woke up at 6am, put in my eyedrops, did my Kegel exercises and got up at 6:45.

I left the apt at 8:20 and met Glenn with Bianca at 8:30. We took a taxi to Parque Envigado and walked the 3 blocks to restaurant Seré. We both had their French toast with coffee. We each bought a bag of strawberries from a street vendor for 20mil. That’s more expensive than you will find in Exito but these are all ripe. We left about 10am and walked a block to La Fabrykas where we had a pastry and another coffee. We left there about 11:30 and I walked to pharmacy La Rebaja where I finally found the Hidroxicina cold pills for 39,350 that Dr. James recommended for me. I walked to Calle 7 where I made a withdrawal from Cedimed’s ATM. Unfortunately, once again, it wasn’t all 20s. Across the street in Clinica Intermedica, I was waiting for my turn to see Dr. Montoya when I realized I left my bag of strawberries on top of the ATM machine. Dr. Montoya noted my vision hadn’t improved so the only choices are to live with it or have a medical procedure at San Diego mall with Dr. Juan Guillermo Ortega, the corneal specialist. I understand he’s going to be out of town for awhile so I’m not sure if I will have a consult with him before or after he leaves & returns. (On 2^nd thought it might be better to wait until January as I have upcoming visa renewal, Santafe vacation, and passport renewal to pay for.) There was no charge for today’s consult. I walked across the street and of course my bag of strawberries were no longer where I had put them. I walked to the ATM (behind the info. desk) turned around and saw it sitting on the desk behind the counter. The receptionist was talking to someone so I just grabbed it and left. I walked to Philly’s Cheesesteak where I ate the best burger I’ve had in Medellin. I ordered it with one patty instead of two but I believe the fresh brioche bun made all the difference. I talked for quite a while with a 70-year-old gringo from Newport Beach, CA named James Landis. After many years in Costa Rica he’s been living in Sabaneta the past 5 years. I’ll probably see him again next Sunday as he frequents Sweet Georgia café and that’s our next Sunday breakfast destination.

I returned to Envigado by slow bus returning to the apt by 4pm.

I lost and won games against JohnWayneGacy88 and I won a game against Troyclough increasing my rating to 1588.

The latest on the trip: Wilson & Martha are back in, Nydia may room with MT, and the new dates are December 24-27. To be continued.

Late breaking news: Vicky’s daughter Daniela has ovarian cancer. (For those of you who joined this blog late, Vicky is one of MT’s 5 daughters and she lives in Medellin, and her 28-year-old daughter Daniela has her own daughter of around 4 years old.)

 

Well, obviously I did something wrong as my Favorites Bar disappeared and I’m too lazy to search for the Johns Hopkins dashboard and figure out how to pin it to my favorites. So, only Colombian cases and deaths from here on out.

 

Per Medellin Guru, as of yesterday, Colombia has a total of 1,378 ð 1,581 ð 1,608 new cases with 38 ð 44 ð 26 new deaths.  Medellin has 247 ð 237 ð 264 new cases from September 22^nd to 23^rd. Envigado has 4 ð 10  ð 8new cases from September 22^nd to 23^rd.

 

T-shirt of the day

You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy coffee.