September 18, 2019
I’m tired. I’m tired of hurting. I’m tired of not being able to do what I want. I’m tired of taking pills. I’m tired of fighting and losing the weight battle. I’m tired of using CPAP. I’m just tired!
Monday and Tuesday were relatively good days. I at least had enough energy to go out with Renee, do a little shopping, do a few menial things around the house. Yesterday, I was napping on my daughter’s couch by 2:30 pm. Yesterday was my granddaughter’s second birthday party. I was at the party, but I really wasn’t. As per usual, Renee asked me if everything was OK. She stated, “You’re awfully quiet.”
When I’m out of energy or my legs won’t work, I get quiet. There really is nothing to say other than, “It is what it is, so just move on.” It’s hard to move on when those around you tell you how good you look. I know they are trying to cheer me up or they are blind. IF they are trying to cheer me up, then be honest. I look like shit! If they are blind, get some glasses.
I wonder how many of my patients over the years have felt the same way but not had a way of expressing/venting it. I wrote an article years ago about fatigue. I stated that fatigue was my most hated diagnosis because EVERYTHING causes fatigue.
Now I know what fatigue really is! It is still my most hated diagnosis, but now I hate it because it insinuates itself into every phase of life. It is relentless and self-perpetuating. It’s primary treatment, exercise, is thwarted by the fatigue itself. It’s aftermath, in my case; obesity, leads to more fatigue. It’s an unhealthy spiral that is hard to stop.
The “retrospectrascope” is a very precise device. You’re always much smarter when you look back in time. Looking back now, knowing what I now know, I could have done a better job with those of you who are chronically fatiguesdand tired.
“High Jack. You look like shit. How do you feel? Yeah, I know, I look like shit, too. Yeah, I’m tired. I worked out this morning. Did you? Yeah, I hated it, but I have to break the downward spiral of fatigue or it will break me. My diet is getting better slowly, yours?”
Medical education really starts once you are in practice. That’s why they call it the “Practice of Medicine.” As for me, my education is continuing despite the fact that my practice has ended. Hopefully, I’ll find a way to make my new found knowledge useful to those I have cared for over the years and those who find this blog.November 29, 2011
An article from November 2011 for you and me:
In researching for my articles, I often come across valuable sources of material on the internet. Quote Garden is one of those sources. I found seven pages of quotes referencing diets. Some of the best are listed below with my thoughts about their significance.
“Your stomach shouldn’t be a waist basket” – Author unknown! Not long ago, I saw an overweight patient of mine in the drive-in window of a fast (fat) food establishment. He was putting fried junk into his belly. He puts premium gas in his car. What’s wrong with this picture?
“Don’t dig your grave with your own knife and fork.” – English Proverb. Raucous Ralph, a character in my book and one of hundreds of patients I have seen over the years, did just that. Who do you love more, your spouse, your family, or your food?
“Inside some of us is a thin person fighting to get out, but they can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake.” – Author unknown. Many people use food as a drug/medication. Do you? If you are depressed, see your doc, not the local baker. If your marriage is bad, see a marriage counselor. Don’t have a closet affair with Godiva!
“A diet is a penalty we pay for exceeding the feed limit.” – Author unknown. Yes, diets are penalties; and yes, we pay BIG! It’s time to stop dieting and, instead, learn who you are and what you need to do to get healthy. If you’re healthy, stop fretting over your figure and enjoy life. If you are not healthy, work at getting healthy the right way. Diets and Other Unnatural Acts will help you.
“People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and New Years but they really should be worried about what they eat between New Years and Christmas.” – Author unknown. I’ll end on this note! A healthy lifestyle has room for holiday treats but no room for holiday cheats!
