Ron's POZ Blog

I am just sending my most recent counts again because since back in November everything was good so the doctor decided to pass on this appointment too. My T-cells were 650 and the viral load did go to less than 200. I was concerned since my T-cells were 789 in November ’06, but my doctor says she’s leery of such a jump from 653 to 789 (the August count was 653). She thinks it’s where it should be anyway and definitely not to worry and that such a spike upward makes her wary anyway. I am okay with this explanation, but also remember having a stomach virus around Christmas and then being “under the weather” for another week after. Oh well, keep on doing as I have always been.

I had another MRI done just to see what has happened over the past few years since my counts have steadily been improving. My doctor and I would love to see what’s happening! Now, my project is tracking down my MRI from 2001. It can’t be found! If all else fails I have the first one from November 1999 when the PML was first diagnosed. I’ll let you know!

I had a great Christmas. I baked about 5 kinds of cookies and decorated like crazy as usual. I did most of the cookies myself – mixing and baking – doing very well. I decorated my room and tree all by myself too. Although, this year I wanted to change my tree and its theme, so I bought a silver pre-lit multi-colored tree, used green pre-lit multi-colored garland to fill in and used only round glass ornaments – green, red, white, clear, gold and frosted. Yes, I went a bit crazy on the tree and my room. It was mainly enjoyable and family orientated. My gift to myself was a photo dock printer – the kind that you just need to insert the memory chip into to print 4 X 6s right then. It is so much easier, better and faster than using my own printer from my laptop.

I ate way too much over the holidays, so I have started my diet after January 1, 2007 to lose 15 pounds and “tighten” up again like I was before the holidays. The diet is a very sensible kind a la Weight Watchers – mainly fruits and veggies with common sense reduced portions of bread, pasta, cheese, yogurt, etc. I am not a big fan of the no-carb diets – I did Atkins in 2004 and it really screwed up my counts. My doctor suggested I add carbs sensibly. As of today, I am just back to eating better and increasing my exercises back to full schedule. I ride my stationary bike (5 miles), do a parallel bar routine (geared for balance mostly), a Pilates and calisthenics routine, do my walker and finish off with my free-weight dumb bells for the day.

I have been focusing on my balance and walking and also my hand/ arm/ finger coordination (for driving) in my daily routine.

And when spring arrives, I want to go back to John Heinz Rehab Center here for Water therapy only this time. They have me do more of the free-walking up and down the pool. I think what they do with me there is much more beneficial. I can do all my “core” strengthening here at home with my Pilates and calisthenics Monday through Friday.

On Dec 14th, I sent an update on my driving evaluation in an actual car. I enjoyed it since it was the first time I had driven in 7 years! I have my driver’s permit for hand controlled vehicles, so in the spring I will begin my lessons. I had been working on getting my permit since June ’06 and I finally got it in Nov ’06! What a screwy circus for 4 months! I will need to take lessons and when I am good enough, the instructor will take me for my road test. Once I get my license back, then I will buy a converted mini-van for myself and get my freedom back! The man who does the lessons (near Wilkes-Barre) also sells the converted mini-vans and now he sells the GM Entervan which is a cross between a Chevy Uplander and the Buick Tezzara which are both very high on the Consumer Reports. However, the best of the converted mini-vans is the Toyota Sienna. I am partial to that too. Toyota does have a program for conversions and there is a big dealer nearby in Scranton. I’ll see when the time comes!

My ex called on the 15th which totally took me by surprise. I haven’t heard from him in 4 years and haven’t seen him in 7. So, through apologies and swearing to make everything up to me, I am very cautiously letting him back into my life. He has visited once already and very cordially and platonic. We talked for hours going over many of my concerns. We keep in touch through phone calls and e-mail. I constantly tell him that I do not plan to move or change my life – I am happy here. AND, that he has to start at zero again. Many of the feelings I had are gone and I told him that. I have basically left it all in his hands to prove. I feel I have nothing to prove or apologize for since he left 7 years ago but am very much interested to see what he says and does over time.

As usual, I do my handwriting every day. I have been alternating between writing out my lessons for Spanish and French. I am in the middle of my Spanish Level 3 book still, but have just begun French Level 2. Well, it keeps me from boredom AND they say it’s good for your mind AND I am learning 2 languages in the meantime. I have wondered though, when I learn these – then what? Books in them to keep going, I think.

On my book. I have mentioned in the November 2006 Update that I had it edited. I have not heard any news on finding an agent as of yet. I am continuing my mailing now in hopes it will happen for me in 2007 – in fact, I believe 2007 is my year!

Projects, other than mailing for my book- hmmmm.

I am having the door to my room widened and replaced soon. My Jazzy wrecked havoc on the old one. Too many scars and damage!! A Jazzy is like a bulldozer in novice hands and it took me to hears to master and judge! I will be eligible in July 2007 for a new one!

I am working on a new idea for a painting. I am going to use an old small painting I did years ago and work it into a new one that I will call, “Faith.”

I have joined Netflix. I like my decision since I have been spending on average of $19.99 per movie and probably buying at least 4 a month. Anyway, I have the 3 disk monthly deal for $17.99 and have probably seen 18 or so movies/ disks since joining in November – so it is well worth it AND is saving me space as well as money!

I am looking forward to spring. The warm weather, my tan, gardening, getting my driver’s license back, getting a mini-van, then road trips to visit friends!

I always keep looking ahead and hope all is great for all of you! Write again in June with my newest Update!

Until then,
Ron