I was doing so well as we neared the end of 2023. I got a massive purge off to the donation site, cleaned out the fridge, pantry, mudroom and linen closets and organized them with all sorts of baskets and bins that made my spirit feel lighter. But life has a way of taking twists and turns and dishing up challenges when we least expect them. 2024 has been a doozy here so far, not in a good way. As a result, It’s taken me over 2 weeks to post a single thing on this blog and I’ve taken a break from other social media channels as well. The Covid that descended on much of my extended family before Christmas turned into a Pandora’s box of medical issues for my mom. Life turned on a dime here and these days words like Pneumonia, Oncologist, and Pulmonologist are the new normal.
Through it all I’ve coughed. Put me down for 2 colds and one flu since Thanksgiving. While I did not get Covid (knock wood) the girl who can go 5 years with not so much as a sniffle can’t seem to fight off a single bug anymore. and I’d be lying if I told you I could not hear the rattle in my chest. I’m not sure it’s worthwhile to give you a rundown of my workouts, unless trips to the hospital count. With the cold snap, the walk streak lives only by the grace of the treadmill and I’ve been taking it easy to say the least.
Is It Spring Yet?
I did get out for one last trail run a couple of weeks ago, before winter really arrived, dishing up 12+” of snow and crazy below-zero temps. For the record I am loving the lugs on the Lululemon Blissfeel Trail Shoes. They performed so well in the snow. No slipping at all and my feet stayed nice and dry.
But wait there’s more. My own annual physical revealed high cholesterol and a cardiac calcium scan showed evidence of plaque build-up in a main artery. It may be cruel to measure cholesterol right after a holiday season filled with cheese, dips and charcuterie, but that build-up didn’t get there overnight. The heart disease that runs in my family is exactly the reason I started running so many years ago. And yet, here I am, questioning my life choices and figuring out how to proceed. It’s been a lot to process to say the least.
I couldn’t end this post on such a downer note so I’ll say something nice about January, aka the “Monday” of the year. While it’s been gloomy for the most part here, the late afternoon sun, should it happen to shine, is amazing. Please take the time to notice it.
Runfession Friday Linkup
Join me right here this Friday for the first Runfession Friday of 2024.
How was your week? How’s your start to 2024 so far?
I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down. Join us!
Oh Marcia I am so sorry to read that life has been so challenging for you and your family of late. Feeling crappy yourself while trying to deal with your mom’s health is a double whammy. I also know what it feels like to get an unexpected calcium score and what that may mean.Please know that you have all of us as your support group. Big hugs to you all and hoping you are feeling better yourself soon
Oh Marcia, you’ve had a lot on your plate. I hope you can kick that cold and rattle in your chest to the sidelines quickly. What’s next for you in addressing the calcium buildup? Change in diet or medication? Sending hugs your way!
The cardiac calcium scan is on my list to talk to my doctor about at our next visit as I’ve been watching my total cholesterol creep up gradually, although my ratios are very good.
I’m so sorry for all the health issues both for you and for your mom. Take care and let things take the time you need to figure out how to move on from here. I’m wishing you all the best and sending hugs.
Sorry to hear about everything going on health-wise.
Take care… sending lots of hugs and well wishes.
Cold here!! I’ve escaped the bugs so far… knock on wood.
Hoping my ankle improves so I can train for some races.
I’m sorry to hear about the challenges with your mom, that is so tough, and on top of that, handling your own unwelcome bug. I am thinking of you.
I’m so sorry that things have been so tough for you. I hope your mom is doing ok. That must be so hard and it’s a reminder of how fragile the elderly truly are.
And if misery loves company, let’s commiserate on the f–king cholesterol. My sister told me hers was high and I was thinking that mine was just fine, because the last time I checked it, 5 years ago(!) it was. I did an in-office test at work and almost had cardiac arrest when I saw my LDL. My triglycerides were normal, so I know it’s not my diet. I am going to have fasting labs done this week and we’ll go from there.
I am so sorry for everything you’ve gone through. I had a cardiac calcium scan 4 years ago, and was clean as a whistle (have had very high cholesterol a long time), — but I’m due for the next one and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit anxious about it. All that back & forth, time in hospitals & rehabs — I know you relate — have led to not as great eating AND less fitness. Well I’ll get it done (it’s in a couple of months) & we’ll go from there.
Thinking of you and your family. it’s a whole lot of stress and that doesn’t help.
We met again with the new petsitter for a drop off this time, and she said her mom lived to 104. I said bite your tongue — that would be another EIGHT YEARS of this. I’m already so tired . . . .
How is your mom doing? I was surprised (and happy) that she didn’t have to go to rehab.
Oh Marcia I’m really sorry for all that you’re dealing with! I’m sending lots of hugs your way and hoping for improved health for both you and your mom.
I’ve been thinking of you, Marcia, and will continue to keep good vibes sent in your direction. Sorry for all the stress with your mother, and now with your health scare as well. That said, I love your point about appreciating the beauty of the sun…it’s worth admiring, at sunset, sunrise, and throughout the day. Hugs to you <3
I’m so sorry Marcia. I am sure all the stress has something to do with all your illnesses. I hope your chest clears up soon — have you gotten it checked out? You know you have to “put on your own oxygen mask” and take care of yourself.
I’m glad you been able to get out for some walks. Even a small dose of fresh air can make a difference when you’re coping with so much.
I hope your Mom continues to improve and the news from the oncologist isn’t too scary. (((Hugs))))
Oh god- when it rains, it pours. It seems to be a “thing’ nowadays, that people are not just getting a cold, or Covid, or the flu- I’ve heard of SO MANY people having pneumonia! What in the world is going on? Layered on top of that are some health issues for you and your mom that sound pretty serious. What can I say other than… this sucks. You’ve got a lot to navigate here- good luck with it all. I miss your weekly rundown posts and am looking forward to runfessions on Friday.
I’m so sorry to read this. You have so much on your plate right now, and this is just one more set of things to navigate. Take the time to process your next steps, and we are all here for support when you are ready. I hope your mom is doing ok, as well. This all has to be so much worry.
Oh dear… That’s really tough. So sorry, Marcia.
If it’s any consolation, my doctor says that the plaque build-up is mainly driven by genetics. Even if you live the healthiest life, eat super clean and do all the fitness stuff, you can’t prevent that plaque from building. Women are protected by their hormones until menopause sets in.
The doc gave Kai a low dosage of statins. Last time, I was clear but I know that next time I go things will be different. I will likely have plaque, too, and will likely need to go on medication.
So don’t beat yourself up about it.
Good luck with everything – thinking of you!
Sorry to hear of the health issues. My January was not so great, so I get it. I hope everything is improving and everyone will be back to 100% soon. It’s a blessing that you are there to help your Mom with her appointments!