Road Trip Odyssey: Minnesota + Mayo Clinic

DISCLAIMER:  This blog entry is primarily for the purpose of:

1. Journaling, as a way to help me cope w/my anxiety & depression.
2. Educational, as it may be of some benefit to those w/similar health issues.
3. Entertaining? Not in my opinion. Continue at your own risk.

It's SUN 1/28, & I'm at Nathan & Laura's in Eagan. They just left for church. Lois left a little earlier. I'm skipping church because of my continued coughing fits, associated w/Influenza.

• I am very grateful to Nathan & Laura for their hospitality. Their location in Eagan, less than 2 hours from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, helped make my visit to the Executive Health Program possible. 
• I am also very grateful to my beloved spouse. Lois drove to Eagan on FRI 1/26, at least partly to bring my medicines. My unanticipated, extended appointments, tests, procedures, etc., led me to start running out of my medicines, both OTC & prescription. Some medicines aren't a big deal if I run short. Some, however, warn of dire consequences should I stop taking them abruptly. Who could ask for a better spouse?

Speaking of the Flu

I tested positive for Influenza A last week FRI 1/19. My original symptoms included a fever, achiness(sp?), fatigue, & a very pernicious cough. I did a 5-day course of tamiflu, finishing last TUE 1/23. I haven't noticed any more fever, but I've continued to have fatigue, some achiness, & that pernicious cough that is especially troubling overnight. I really haven't gotten a decent night's sleep in well over a week. Then I become overcome w/fatigue & sleepiness later in the morning, later in the afternoon, & early evening. I've been able to nap, which probably isn't helping my sleep cycle.

Executive Health Program

Two exercise tests resulted in the need for an angiogram, which I had last WED 1/24. The angiogram confirmed that I have an 80% blockage in the largest artery servicing the heart. The recommendation is for me to have a stint, but I will wait until I get back to Norfolk before I start that ball rolling.

Based on my conversations w/cardiologists + my managing physician, I expect that besides a heart procedure, I will be making some significant lifestyle changes. I expect to begin cardiac rehab immediately after the procedure. I'm being encouraged to begin a Mediterranean diet. I have no arguments with any of these 3 courses of action, but I could kick myself for letting my physical health deteriorate to the point where this has all become a necessity, not an option.

I have 3 more appt's this MON-TUE, 1/29-30.

• Sleep consultation. Based on an overnite sleep evaluation--I had to use a monitor; didn't have to get all wired up for a full sleep apnea evaluation--I am expecting to be told that I need to start using a CPAP. I do not WANT to start using a CPAP, but I will try to keep an open mind.
• Consultation w/endocrinologist to discuss my diabetes treatment.
• Consultation w/a nephrologist re:  kidney function, which is not what it should be, probably due to a combination of factors, including my Diabetes Type 2 & medications I've been taking.

After a final consultation w/the physician managing my program, I'll return to Norfolk this next TUE 1/30.