Cardiometabolic team appointment; I feel healthy despite everything else

This morning I had a doctor’s appointment with my Cardiometabolic team. This is the team that monitors my blood sugars as they relate to my heart function. They consist of a pharmacist, an RN coordinator, and an APRN, or nurse practitioner. I like the team approach and always enjoy meeting with them all.

My wife and I got up early, which was somewhat challenging to do given the busy weekend we had. We got ready and got ourselves on the road to the hospital where the team resides. I checked in, weighed more than I usually do since I had dress shoes on, and stuck to my longtime story of being 5’ 8”. My wife always gives me a correcting glance when I state my height, but I believe it and hate to change it at this point in my life. We were ushered to the exam room where I took my place on the throne-like chair in the center of the room. We waited a few minutes and the team came in.

They were jovial and laughed as they greeted us. We introduced ourselves to the new member of their group, who was observing. They all seemed to be having a great time, almost a party. My wife stated that she should have brought treats, and they agreed laughingly. They began. Your A1c is really good. In fact, it’s almost a little too low and we want to avoid low blood sugars. My heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen, and other labs were excellent. They asked me how I felt and stated that I looked as good as the data indicated that I should. They were so complimentary that I wanted this party to last a little longer!

We discussed a decrease in the insulin I take. Maybe we could even eliminate the evening dose. This was great news, although they did ask about some high glucose readings recently. Sheepishly, I mentioned that this past weekend I was a little less disciplined than usual. They seemed interested in the goings on of the weekend, and whole-heartedly agreed that it’s ok to eat cake at family gatherings once in a while. We should not feel guilty for indulging in celebratory foods when we are celebrating family life events. After all, we spend a lot of time getting and staying healthy…for what reason other than to experience celebrations and family milestones? The appointment with my cardiometabolic team seemed like an extension of the family atmosphere I had been living in the entire weekend before. Good news was shared, commendations were made, I felt supported, we laughed, we planned, we celebrated. I felt good throughout the day. I almost felt…healthy!

Aside from being tired to the point of needing a short nap after the appointment, I was healthy. Aside from the persistent limp with which I walk and fatigued muscles that plague me day and night, I am healthy. Aside from the 6 pills I take daily to manage my bradykinesia and balance issues caused by Parkinson’s, I feel healthy. I am a productive member of our family and my community. I hold a full-time job teaching 70 college students how to learn and think. I serve on a state board and give of my time and talents. I write every day to record my experiences with a disease that will never get better. But I am healthy. I feel healthy.

I know that my Parkinson’s disease will continue to bring challenges. However, for now anyway, I feel healthy and want to keep showing up and saying “yes” to life. I expect surprise blessings every time I venture out into the world. I know the Lord is with me, giving me the strength to carry on each day and spread a message of positivity wherever I go. Here I am, Lord. I will go.

649 words
August 28, 2023: Day 29
Success!