2010: Begin Again – Clean as a Whistle

Clean as a Whistle

Mmmmmmmmmm. Sedatives. Gotta love ’em! No memory whatsoever of the colonoscopy procedure earlier today. The good news; I’m clean as a whistle. Not even a sign of any polyps forming. So it’s 10 years now to the next examine. If you are 50 or older, or 40 if you have a family history of colon cancer, do yourself and your loved ones a favour – get the examine.

In Alberta, colon cancer is the second highest cause of cancer deaths. Yet, if detected early, it has a 90-95% successful treatment rate. But only 20% of Albertans 50-74 years old have been screened.

Here’s my experience. I share this to ease anxieties for anyone facing the examination or considering undergoing the procedure.

I showed up at the clinic in Coaldale about 20 minutes early. Check-in was a breeze as a phone interview earlier took care of most questions. My appointment was for 1:15 p.m. It was closer to 1:25 when I was taken to my bed.

The nurse and I discussed the procedure and I was given a gown and housecoat. Once I’d changed, leaving the socks on as I was directed (helped keep my feet warm), I got to lie down and get comfortable. The nurse set me up with an IV; very professional, just a minor pinch upon insertion of the needle. She explained it was just salt water, but it provided access to administer the sedative, too.

After lying there for a few minutes, I was wheeled into the examination room. Blood pressure was taken. Then I rested a bit until the doctor came in. He was great. We chatted as he went over the paperwork and he took the time to explain about the procedure. The sedative was added to the IV without me being told, but I could tell when everything started going a little fuzzy. I was asked to roll over onto my left side.

And that was the last thing I remember until slowly coming to back in the other room. The nurse made sure I was fine. The OJ and digestive cookies tasted so-o-o-o good after a couple of days without food. The nurse told me everything went well and there were no signs of any polyps. Yee-haw!

I got dressed and a nurse escorted me back to the waiting room. I was a little woozy. Definitely see why the clinic insists someone pick up you after. No way I could drive. Lynda met me with a ham and swiss from Timmie’s. Fabulous sandwich. We drove home and I took a nice, long nap.

That was that. Easy peasy. No memory of the procedure at all. And the comfort of knowing I’m clear of any sign of colorectal cancer. Maybe you’re not in the age bracket for screening, but maybe you know someone who is. Encourage them to talk to their doctor about having the exam. Embarassing? Maybe a little. Beats having cancer? Absolutely! No ifs, ands or butts about it!

Photos: Me writing this blog entry. Exciting, it isn’t it? And the photo inside my wonderfully clean colon! Well, actually a photo of the photo. Also, a gratuitous shot of my mice. That's Thelma eating and Ripley taking a drink.

2010: Begin Again - Pets Are People, Too; A Weigh We Go

Pets are People, Too
Where would we be without our pets? Oh, I suppose some would say, “we’d be just fine, thank you.” Those poor souls. Deprived of the companionship, entertainment and, let’s be honest, occasional challenge of having an animal in your life. An animal other than your significant other that is!

Sitting next to me, while I write today’s message, is a tall 20-gallon tank that’s home to three female mice – Thelma and Louise, and Ripley. They’re sisters so, for the most part, they get along. Sometimes Louise goes off on a tirade and beats up on poor Ripley, but then I’ll find them grooming each other a half hour later.

They’re sort of like teenage girls. I know because I have one. They’ll get into some squabble over nothing, act like they hate each other and will never be friends again, then up doing each other’s hair at a slumber party.

My own daughter, Kelsea, and I were talking about the mice the other day. We wondered how anyone could be afraid of them. These three are hilarious and very entertaining. Plus they’re cute little guys . . . I mean gals.

My love for animals goes back a long way. Over the years I’ve had a lot of different critters as part of my life. This includes:
• Birds: cockatiels, doves and finches
• Fish
• Lizards: anole, northern alligator lizards, iguanas
• Tiger salamanders
• Frogs
• Turtles
• Snakes: corn, king, boa, python, African brown house, racers, garter, northern red-belly
• Rodents: guinea pig, gerbils, mice, hamsters
• Cats
• Dogs

Life without pets would be a little different. I expect that day will come. For now, I’m happy with the mice and Max, despite the frustrations he can cause! If you’ve got a pet in your life, I hope it brings you a sense of joy and wonder.

A Weigh We Go
Tomorrow is Colonoscopy Day! Yes, that exciting time when a jolly man with white gloves sneaks up your chute while you’re sleeping and checks for any ‘goodies’ that shouldn’t be growing there. If you’re a good little boy or girl, he’ll snip away anything he finds that doesn’t belong. Hopefully, he’ll just be snooping around and then withdrawing without performing extra tricks.

At the outset I said this could jump-start my plan to shed some weight. Well, it’s working. Of course what I’ve ‘shed’ is likely to come back. I can’t take something that cleans me out like this every day. Start eating and the internal build-up will happen. Part of nature. But I can try to minimize it by eating somewhat healthier.

How much have I lost, you wonder? I started out at 200 frackin’ pounds on Jan. 1. As of this a.m., I’m down to 195. Who’d a thunk you’d carry around several pounds of . . . well, you know.

Late tomorrow afternoon, once all is said and done, I’ll be having my first real meal since Monday. Not sure what it’ll be, but I know I’ll love it!

Photos: Max is a fine dog, but that darned ear is giving us problems again. I was cleaning it out earlier this evening. Meanwhile, just down the street today, the neighbourhood deer were making themselves at home on the front lawn. Every winter they come up from the valley and live their lives among the homes of West Lethbridge. For more photos, check out Max and Max2.

2010: Begin Again – Soul Train and Away We Go!

Soul Train

So how’s your spiritual journey going? Is that path well-groomed and frequently traveled? Or does it look a bit like a cluttered, weed infested inner-city lot surrounded by rumble and debris. I know, I know. Never discuss religion. But that’s OK. I’m not. I’m talking about spirituality not religion.

I think we’re all on a spiritual journey, whether we acknowledge it or not. My 2010: Begin Again commitment involves focusing on spirit as well as the physical aspect of life. The path I follow does not have to be the same as your path and vice versa. For me, it’s a very personal journey.

How we connect to Spirit, God, Universe, Source, Higher Self, Christ Consciousness, or whatever personal pronoun you prefer to use can vary according to individual belief and culture. I think if it elevates us to a better plateau, encourages acceptance and love of others and does no harm, it’s all good.

Don’t be afraid to explore. I’ve ventured down some interesting trails in the last 25 years. I’m happy with my current path, which is open and accepting of others. But like any good journey, this road still has plenty of room for new discoveries.

Heading into 2010, here’s a wonderful way to approach goals from a spiritual perspective: Letter to God.


And Away We Go!
Stuck to the exciting pre-colonoscopy diet today. It included a wonderful lunch and dinner featuring plain chicken broth, two pieces of melba toast and tea – no cream or sugar allowed. I choose to drink mine as ice tea – brewed and then chilled in the fridge.

Downed the first pico-salax at 6 p.m. Made the first dash to loo about an hour and a half later. And so it goes . . . literally. Tomorrow the exciting melba toast component is eliminated, but jello or light-coloured popsicles can be added. Woo hoo!

It's nice to have strong family support. As I drank my broth and munched my melba toast, Ryan sat in front of me and snarfed down a tasty looking piece of pumpkin pie with whipped cream and a triangle of a large Toblerone. Lynda returned home from a meeting and yelled out 'snacks' as she came through the door with a platter of mini-cupcakes and tarts. Family - ya gotta love 'em!

Photo: Ready to enjoy chicken broth, tea and two slices of melba toast! Now them's good eats!

2010: Begin Again. Proud as punch and Boldy Going

Proud as punch
Big evening for the Bly and Harper families at the Royal Canadian Legion this evening. I’m very proud to say that Lynda, my better half, and Kelsea, my sweetie-bird daughter, were both part of the installation ceremony for the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Lynda is now officially president and Kelsea is the sergeant-at-arms. With Lynda’s mom in attendance, three generations were represented – all members of the Legion’s Ladies’ Auxiliary. I don’t know if there are very many mother/daughter combos on Legion executives, but I’m darned proud of these two!
Photos: Lynda and Kelsea with my mother-in-law, Sharon. And the proud hubbie/papa with the two special women.


Up yours!
This coming Thursday a doctor in Coaldale will boldly go where no man has gone before . . . straight up my rectum with a little camera. Yup, it’s colonoscopy time! OK, truth is one other doctor has followed the same route, but that was 12 years ago.

A few days ago I shared a bit about seeing a men’s healthy program on the Dr. Oz show. I don’t normally watch Dr. Oz, but the theme tied in perfectly with my 2010: Begin Again life theme. And one of the topics being covered was the need for a colonoscopy as part of a health maintenance plan. I already had one scheduled for this Thursday, Jan. 7. Actually, I initially had it scheduled for early December, but it was postponed by the clinic in Coaldale as the doctor involved had injured himself with an auger digging fence post holes.

Hmmm. The guy who’s going to go rooting around in my bowel injured himself with an auger? Ironic.

So, here’s the poop on colonoscopies. As Dr. Oz notes on his website:

“No routine cancer-screening test brings about more anxiety then a colonoscopy. Not necessarily the worry of results either. It's the test itself that drives people to skip the test. It is invasive, uncomfortable, embarrassing and intimate. It is terribly inconvenient: It takes a day to prepare and a day for the test.”

But it SAVES LIVES! On the show, Dr. Oz noted about 25,000 people in the U.S. alone die needlessly each year from colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy can make the difference. Uncomfortable embarrassment or death? What to choose, what to choose?

I made my choice.

From my own single experience, I would say the actual cleanse is the worst part. No shit! I’m not kidding! That bowel needs to be clean. The first time I went through it, I had to skip food the day before and drink this horrible liquid – four litres of it! To be honest, I couldn’t make it through the full jug. I got just over three litres choked down, but that was enough to clean like a white tornado.

This time it’s a two-day prep with a liquid diet, two drinks of a pico-salax mixture and three bisacodyl tablets. Instructions say ensure a toilet is nearby at all times. I start the liquid diet on Tuesday. Take the first pico-salax Tuesday night. Stay home from work on Wednesday for the thrill of the PS after effect. Liquid diet on Wednesday, final PS and bisacodyl tablets Wednesday night, then examine on Thursday.

On the upside, after Wednesday it will be a few days again before anyone can tell me that I’m full of it! Also, maybe this’ll kick start my weight reduction plan! Do not expect photos from the procedure!

Health Bonus:
Here's a cool story about the bacteria that help us out and where they live on our bodies, courtesy of Live Science.

What are you weighting for?

2010: Begin Again!

“Hi. My name is Derek and I have a weight problem.”

Sorta sounds like an AA intro, doesn’t it? Except, of course, this isn’t anonymous. It’s a confession, but it’s just between you and me. So keep it quiet, OK?

I never used to have a weight problem. When I was a teen through my 20s, I could eat just about anything and not gain much weight. That all changed in my 30s. Now, at 52, I have a weight problem. How much of a problem? Well, it’s embarrassing to admit, but I currently weigh 200 lbs. (Skipping the metric on this one. Pounds sound more ominous.) Two hundred frackin’ pounds! 2-0-0! YIKES!!!

As noted in yesterday’s entry, I was watching Dr. Oz right around Christmas and he was doing a show about men’s health issues. Weight was one of the issues. Men who carry excess baggage around the middle have a significantly greater risk of heart attack. I tell ya, the heart goes flat and that spare tire won’t do anything to get you back on the road.

So, what am I going to do about it? 2010: Begin Again! I’m committing to shedding pounds this year. Sensibly. Nothing too extreme. By Christmas 2010 I want to weigh 170 pounds. That’s a 30-pound reduction in about 12 months. Do the math and that averages out to less than four pounds a month. Like I said, nothing too extreme.

Reduced meal portion sizes, reducing the junk food intake and increasing physical activity forms the basis of my plan. Sounds fairly straightforward. But for me, it will be a challenge. See, I’ve looked at the appetite suppressors that are supposed to make you feel full so you stop eating. Problem is I often eat because of the sense of taste, not because I’m hungry. I LOVE ticklin’ my tastebuds! But I know I can make the changes necessary to get down to 170. Just watch me!

Today’s photos:
It was time to clean the mouse cage today. The photos show me holding Thelma (white) and Ripley (brown) while transferring them back to their cleaned cage. Louise’s photos were all blurry. She’s got to learn to sit still for the photographer! Funny thing is, I used to feed critters like these to pet snakes. Now the snakes are gone and I’m finding the mice are a hoot. I still like reptiles, but the mice put a smile on my face with their goofy antics. They’re small, easy to care for and they make me laugh. Can’t ask for much more! To see more pix of Thelma and Louise and Ripley, check out http://bit.ly/6nUBgH.

Had to throw in one of myself for the day, too. That's me waving to you. Thanks Mac Photo Booth.

Just chillin' in the New Year

Jan. 2, 2010

Wind chill. Two words that may not mean a lot to those in Australia and Arizona right now. But if you live in most of the northern U.S. or Canada, you know the effect. What could otherwise be a beautiful day with acceptable temperatures becomes a bone-chilling, face-freezing, Arctic-like experience.

I was a little disappointed that we reached the high temperature for today at some point before I got up at 7:30 a.m. It seems the mild Chinook departed early and temperatures started to fall. When I headed out with Max for a walk at 9:30 a.m., the temperature had fallen from 3C to 0, on it’s way to –5 this afternoon and colder in the evening.

Now, for those of you still living in an area that trails the REST OF THE WORLD in adopting the metric system, I extend my condolences. For a quick reference, in degrees Celsius 0 is freezing and 100 is boiling, generally speaking. Altitude affects the numbers a bit no matter what thermometer you use. Compare that to 32F for freezing and 212 for boiling. Hmmmm. While deserving of comment, that can wait for another day.

I’ve lived in western Canada since I was 16. You’d think I’d know better. But, no-o-o-o! I see it’s 0 and think, hey, that’s not so bad. Maybe I don’t even need a toque. Yeah, right! Glad I opted to take it with me. The breeze was just strong enough to make 0 feel like –10C. Wind chill is like having Mother Nature slap your face repeatedly until tears well up, but you can’t blink them away before they freeze into little crystal jewels clinging to your eyelashes.

When Max and I got home about 30 minutes later, the temperature had dropped to –9. Throw in a wind chill and it’s damn cold. Good times!

Health
About a week or so ago, I was turning everything off before heading to bed when I saw a program listing for Dr. Oz. The whole show was dedicated to men’s health. Knowing I wanted a revolution for 2010, I sat back down and watched as the good doctor looked at things medical and the impact on men.

WARNING: The following contains graphic language that may make some people squirm. Reader discretion is advised.

Dr. Oz looked at erectile dysfunction and what it could be telling a man about his health. I know it’s fun to make jokes about ED, but folks, it’s no laughing matter. An inability to attain or sustain a firm erection can be a sign of plaque build up in the arteries. The proper flow of blood is necessary for a lasting erection. Plaque build up can impede the flow of blood and, while the impact on a man’s sex life can be troubling, it can also be an early warning sign of a potential heart attack.

Guys, if it’s an issue go ahead with the Viagra or the Cialis, but talk to your doctor about other possible implications. Gals, if you love your guy and he’s not addressing an ED situation, kick his butt all the way to the doctor’s office if necessary. What’s better? A potentially embarrassing conversation with a medical professional, or death?

Dr. Oz also looked at weight problems for men and the need to have colonoscopy if you are 50, or if you are 40 with a family history of colon cancer. I think I’ll save those for tomorrow. I found it interesting as I already have a colonoscopy scheduled. Had one about 12 years ago and I’m past due. If you’re a male over 40 and you haven’t had one, all I can say is up yours – and I mean that in the nicest way.

Until tomorrow, ciao for now.

P.S.: For a quick, inspirational spiritual message, check out Unity Hawaii.

Photo: Prepping spaghetti for tonight's dinner.

2010: Begin Again

2010: Begin Again.

Simple words with a simple rhyme. But there can be power in the words if significant action accompanies intent. It’s a new year and with it, new opportunities. In Facebook and Twitter postings a short time ago, I noted that this year I don’t want a resolution; I want a REVOLUTION!

It seems each New Year kicks off with people making resolutions; expressed desires to commit to change. But what happens to those resolutions? Do they last a year? Six months? A month? A week?

Some people can make the resolution and stick to it. Some. I’m not one of them. For me to change, I have come to understand it will take a personal revolution – an uprising against what I’ve allowed to govern my life in the past and a move towards greater personal freedom and responsibility. I don’t believe we can have true freedom without accepting the responsibility that must accompany it.

And so for 2010, at age 52, I embark on a journey of revolution to change my life. I have no expectation of immediate wholesale change. But step by step I will move in a new direction with an understanding that at the end of this year I will be a better person.

One goal I have is to share this journey through my blog. Everyday. I anticipate there will be times when I have a great deal to say and times when I may only have a sentence or two. But I am committing to writing every day. I will also be including a photo with each entry.

Through this blog I will share my steps towards spiritual, mental and physical growth. My purpose is simply to inspire myself . . . and force myself . . . to change my life. Making the commitment to blog brings some accountability to my plan. Maybe someone will read this blog, maybe not. I don’t know. But I will be making entries each day.

Best wishes to all for a prosperous and healthy New Year. 2010: Begin Again.

BTW, I prefer ’20-10,’ not 2,010. Do we say ’19-10’ or ‘1,910’ if we refer to that year from a century ago? Besides, it reads better as 20-10.

Photo:Jan. 1, 2010. I'm scraping off snow packed down on the driveway. Too cold yesterday to do it - -20C. Up to a balmy -4C today.