Wednesday, November 24, 2010

DPS

A little over a week ago, I had surgery in Chicago. Surgery was to implant electrodes in my diaphragm to allow for the diaphragm pacemaker system by Synapse Biomedical. Since then, I have made good progress in switching from the ventilator to it, or pacing as it's called.

After 25 years of using a ventilator, breathing via my nose and diaphragm is a very different experience. It's great being able to smell and not have the constant noise of the ventilator around. When I go without tubes, I love being able to look down at this body I have and just see me.

Talking is different while pacing though. I'm used to being able to continuously speak without hesitation and not need to wait for air. While pacing, I can keep my breath as long as I want and talk, but I haven't mastered talking while inhaling. Granted, I've basically had a week's practice, but it's an item I'll need to work on.

I have figured that if I increase three hours per week, I'll be off the vent during the day by the end of 2010. It's an ambitious goal, but one I want to work toward. Yesterday, I did go over three hours total and am very close today in early evening. We'll see if I can keep up the pace for the several weeks and if I can meet my goal.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Kids

It's not a secret, I have it posted on my web site, that I think all kids should be barefoot at all times. Today, I came across this post on a blog about a kid who went barefoot. It's unfortunate excuses must be made for his footwear, or lack of. I'm glad to see that he did go dressed as he wished, but more kids, such as his brother, should take after him.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Others' Ideas

It's another one of those days. Last week, when balancing my business check book, we found it in a state of mass confusion. To me, a check book is a simple thing; write deposits and expenditures at the end and balance every month. In regards to a business check book, deposits are recorded as one sum, not each individual payment.

Unfortunately, even after going through these basics, my assistants still don't get it right. I don't like checking everything they do as it builds distrust and says that they're incompetent. However, I do not see a different way that I can handle these basic tasks without much more supervision.

Sigh, the next few days will be a change from routine, and hopefully relieve some stress that my family is having.