If I heard correctly.

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What I think I heard was an actual measure by which to know how bad my heart really is. It is pumping 15% of capacity. No, it isn't quite as bad as it might sound. I asked specifically what percentage a healthy heart pumps. It seems a healthy heart pumps at about 50% capacity, meaning my heart is actually pumping 30% of what a healthy heart should pump. Well, now I know.

I was dead set against them changing ANYTHING. I spoke with a lady who deals with us scruff-abouts, and we discussed what I am on, how I am doing, and such. Then I talked with, I believe, a fellow or intern or... something. And then the chief came in, there are two of those and many of the others... I think. They, I thought, wanted me on more carvedilol. I thought I was speaking plainly, but... probably not. Being up all night, having done a lot of work, still in a bit of pain from standing and working, the drive, and all else, perhaps I was speaking too quickly or they didn't understand or I misspoke. I was sure they had asked me to double my carvedilol last time. In any case, a bit of information was given. Some discussion went forward, and... I caved. I agreed to changes as they presented why and because I can call them 24/7 and more I will be going back in only a week from today. I will take the risk with that kind of coverage.

They are dropping the hydrochlorothiazide completely, cutting the furosimide to 40 mg from 60 mg, doubling the potassium intake, and the losartin is being changed to also be without the hydrochlorothiazide (and maybe raised a bit). They say I am about six pounds shy on fluid now. However, they don't want me to gain more than three pounds, so they want me to weigh myself each morning, take my blood pressure, and write it all down. If I gain five pounds I am to call them, at which time they may readjust my medicines again.

They backed off from pushing the angiography. It seems a less likely culprit. I know they want to get in there, but... I want to see what medicine can do first, since I don't know and they don't definitively know either. Gladly, there was no confrontation, no arguing, no bickering. The flow of the appointment was quite good. I easily made it there on time, I made the labs perfectly, was there and early for the clinic. Beautiful. Yes, that my friends is how to begin earning trust.

Oh, at the Ogden clinic, they had wanted to do a rectal. I said, in a rather certain way, NO! If I have cancer there I will simply have to die. No fingers, no scalpels, nothing but poo and only on the outgoing split shift. Oh, I also remember speaking with my last primary there about the ear wax. At one time she suggested olive oil. Well, that isn't quite what works. Olive oil, baby oil, or mineral oil (I think) are put in the ear a few drops a day for a week, then a bulb syringe is used with body temperature water to try and flush the plug. I have ringing in the ears, so I really want to try this.

On the way home I did stop at a pharm-mart and picked up a scale, everything for the ear wax thing, and an odd other item or two. The V.A. had offered me a scale, but when I went to pick it up I was told it would be another hour or so, that after seeing a pharmacy specialist to register to get my new medicines (but no medicine set as I had been promised either), then waiting to actually pick up my medicines, and picking up my travel pay (and again talking about my appointments past, they only pay for travel that day, all other disbursements are supposed to be mailed out but I have only received two checks in the last two (plus?) years here). Anyway, I got what I needed, save for a couple of med-sets. Soon, very soon.

It seems my bike is in. So when I go to town to pick it up, med-sets, two. I thought my hiking boots would be here today but it seems not. I'll be checking again on those.

Man am I tired. But my bedroom is so hot! I left the windows open and it cooked in there. Tired, hot, sore, but... I may just sleep on the couch for now. All good. Good night, finally. These marathon writing sprees must be murder! Ah well, don't bother trying to keep up on such days. Yeah, again, good "night".