A High Start to Low End

Life in general tends to be full of roller coasters. Editing my book, most chapters end with a cliff hanger about insurance funding or something else. Some people may think it's just to make you read more, but it's all true. This week has been one of the transitions from a great start to more concerns to watch.

First, early in the week started in the low to upper 70's for highs. For mid-November, that's very unusual for Iowa, but I won't complain. Thursday started around 71 and was quite warm at lunch, but the day ended with high 20's and ice hitting my window. Now it looks like the seasonal temps will stay with highs in the 30's and lows even colder. I always know it's coming, but it's never fun to see. Weather wasn't the only change though.

On Monday, I didn't notice anything unusual when I did my morning skin check, but my caregiver said something about a rash on my leg. When I checked again in the late afternoon, I easily saw a red area on my upper right leg. Further investigation on Tuesday found a small opening in my skin where a wound had been deemed healed a year ago. It isn't big and we caught it early, which is why I check my body multiple times a day, but it is something to keep an eye on.

Second, I have started to have drainage around my trach button again. I just said it was nice not to have to deal with it, but that only lasted about a week. Thankfully, it also isn't doing bad and I have plans to start treatment again, but it's another item to watch.

Living the quad life, it is a frequent balancing game of monitoring and treating one area, but not ignoring another. This week's findings aren't unusual, but just constant reminders to trust in God for His control over everything.

Finally, I'm beginning to notice I am having trouble remembering some things, such as Bible verses I've known and typed many times over. I also haven't slept well some nights, so I attribute that as the likely cause. Last night was also long with no nurse. However, like it or not, I am getting older and should expect some changes. This week looks to be another cold one with staying inside and plenty of time to work on exercise and helping any areas that come up.