Adjusting Activities Because of Disease

Last July 14th, around noon, I became very lightheaded. I lost my strength, swooned a bit, and fainted for a few seconds. When I regained consciousness, I was very weak for two hours. I experienced some blurred vision for up to 20 minutes. I was very lightheaded for a half hour. I thought that my life as I had known it for 64 years was ending.

Paramedics gave me fluids, and transported me to the Shasta Regional Medical Center. I had a CT scan of my brain, an electro-cardiogram, and an examination by staff and a doctor. I seemed to recover, felt strong, and was sent home around 6 pm.

I rested for a week at home and followed up with visits to my primary care physician, and to my cardiologist. I did not have any of the lingering symptoms of a stroke or TIA.

I have felt some uncomfortable lightheadedness about five times since July. Periodically, I have some disequilibrium and balance issues.

I've have never before in my life felt profoundly lightheaded, suddenly very weak, or swooned and fainted.

These unpleasant experiences are new to me, and, of course, quite disturbing. I have had some disequilibrium and balancing problems for over a year.


Therefore, to deal with these health problems, my coping procedures will include:

1. Properly hydrate with water many times during each day. Dehydration can cause lightheadedness and weakness.

2. Stand up slowly and carefully: breathe deeply a few times, sit up straight, stretch out my legs, and prepare myself to stand up slowly. Orthostatic hypotension can cause lightheadedness.

3. Walk 3.5 miles at daybreak four days every week. Gently strengthen my heart.

4. Take all of my medications correctly and on time. I need to be especially careful when taking my diabetes medicine. Low blood sugar can cause lightheadedness.

5. Loose 20 pounds of my body weight before January, 2010.

6. Long term problems with diabetes include a deterioration of the peripheral nerves. I already have diabetic neuropathy problems in my feet and ankles. Autonomic neuropathy in diabetics is frequently connected with lightheadedness and fainting when standing up.

7. I do have "mild heart disease" and have tried to manage my Type II diabetes for 15 years. As a 64 year old man, I must be realistic about my health situation. Things are likely to go bad. Don't be a wimp! Steer clear of depression about these realities.

8. Update my will, and related details, and prepare for the inevitable visit from the Grim Reaper.

9. Don't take on too many new projects, activities, and tasks. Reduce work related stress. Stay calm and steady.

10. Have good and regular nighttime sleep habits.

11. Continue with my practice of Taijiquan, Qigong and Yoga. Explore how these mind-body arts might help with diabetes and heart disease.

12. Listen to and follow the advice of my physicians. Research my medical situation by reading what experts have to say.

13. Do not work outdoors in temperatures over 90 degrees F.

14. I don't smoke, drink very little alcohol, and don't use recreational drugs. I can't see how these indulgences would help with lightheadedness and imbalance issues.

15. Smile, laugh, enjoy each day, be productive, be helpful to others, and hope for the best.


So, my focus, for a few months, in this blog, may be on topics related to the above health and fitness concerns. My posts may also decrease.

Readers with some good suggestions about methods or practices for improving my health are welcome to share their ideas on the blog or write to me.