A pretty good day.

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My back is aching.  More my chest, from the shoulder blade through, really.  And, mostly, just in the shoulder blade area.  It was worse, felt like a spear through.  Now it just feels like a spear in?  Right.  No, I... don't understand.  Technically it feels better, but... it's not... much better.

However, my leg wounds didn't eat at me all day.  There was no pain from those spots.  Bandage changes twice a day, lots of gauze, gently bound so as to not cut off blood flow.  Pretty good.  Though tonight?  I may... leave it open?  Maybe not.  I'd bet the scab would come back, at least in part.  Best keep bandaging it, for now.  Maybe, if it shrinks a lot, I'll try getting a scab back, for a bit.  I at least want to keep it open until I see a primary type care, and maybe am shuffled off to the special wound clinic.  Look, it's been at least six months, maybe a year?  It's been a wound there for a very long time.  That it hasn't gotten infection, or... worse infection... is just some sort of odd circumstance.  Especially the shape the house is in.

Soup, keto.

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I was able, in the end, to resist the urge to add a lot of carbs to the meal.  It didn't hurt that blood sugar was down to 113 this early afternoon.  It was 149 fasting, for whatever reason.  Debriding the wound may have had something to do with it?  But it has been slowly falling through the day.  Success breeds success, so it was easier to resist the temptation to add beans with it being so much lower.  And, so it went.  A very good soup.  I may have a bit more in a bit.  I won't heat it, just take it as is.  Though it's probably still warm.  It should be cool enough to put it in the fridge before bedtime.

I won't make the other pot of it, until tomorrow.  I miss hot food, when I haven't had it for a while.  I may add just a bit more hot spice to it.  I don't need the lessor hot spices, just a touch more of the carolina reaper flecks.  That... will tip it off just right.  The other levels of heat are just right.

I really want beans with burger.

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Rice, too.  And a tortilla.  But... no!  No, I'll make a burger soup, add cream cheese (half a bar... 4 ounces), bone broth... chicken or beef as both are good enough, cream, and sour cream.  Sounds like a lot, but I only add... well?  About four ounces of each, into two to three pounds of burger, a quart of bone broth, and about a quart of water?  Well, probably.  But half at a time.

Oh, and I'll make this one hot again.  Spicy food does something, almost like antibiotics, to... whatever ails me?  I think it does.  Plus, I so enjoy it.  I have cheddar, but it's old.  Not sure it would do, even per bowl.  Though, might try it in one.  As well?  I will add some of that keto rice.  That's... my gift to myself, for not adding beans and/or rice.  They keep trying to suggest brown rice works with diabetes.  I'm... almost certain it doesn't.  Though, cold, then reheated?  

Better.

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A trick to packing the wound, to ease the pain?  More gauze pads.  Especially at night.  Not perfect, but I got a bit better sleep.  I even was able to lightly debride the wound, when changing it, last night.  Didn't need it this morning, but it got a lite touch.  The ointment makes that... much more easily possible.  It's still an ugly process, a painful one.  Just... not... anywhere nearly as bad as what that doctor did.

As well, the gauze helps.  I absorbs what would be the scab, so there is nothing to take off.  And, it isn't sticking to the leg in the process.  It, the gauze pad(s), as deeply as needed, comes off without pulling or tearing... if I change it twice a day.  Which I am doing now.  Still?  It's... not an easy process.  But, mostly, doable.  Nothing like pain right before sleeping.

Ever feel as if...

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a spear is piercing from you shoulder blade through your chest, at a downward cant, back to front?  It's been like that for days now.  Not exactly sure why.  Too much sleep?  Something in the lungs, and infection?  A body ache from slouching, from exhaustion?  A side effect of antibiotics, or what I am taking that for?  I... just don't know.  It does hurt though.

It's past bedtime.  Still, good to stretch a little longer, when I can.  I'll set the alarms again, one for six, one for eight.  should be enough sleep time.  I'll also leave the door open, so Sassy can come up.  I'm trying to keep that available to her most of the time.  Just, some nights, I need to... touch nothing at all.  I need to sleep like the dead, and can't do that with a little furry friend.  She fusses so, before settling in.

Alright, I will relent...

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a little bit?  A little bit it is.  Regarding carnivore.

I just cooked steak.  A ribeye.  A thinner one, if not quite a true half cut one.  And, now, I love ribeyes.  But... having gone nearly purely carnivore, even it has started causing mild to medium nausea.  However, today, I... added green to my meal.  Not... the heavy stuff, like kale... just romaine lettuce, with my homemade dressing.

A specific order!

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You can do this.  You can do that.  Just... make sure you aren't shooting yourself in the foot by doing the wrong thing first.

Today?  I had thought to call the VA earlier.  No, I thought.  They suggested it was a holiday.  So times might be extended?  Holiday?  Anyway, so I thought to wait to Monday.  Then I got a call FROM the VA, informing me of my upcoming visits, or one of them... renal I think.  So I decided to call back in, and get that canceled, and see about local primary care.

So very tired.

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The dark?  The cool, and wet?  It's 33 out there, and seems to have been raining.  I didn't hear it, but I've been watching vids, looking for a new game.  Or series.  May have found a few.  Woke, but mostly not... importantly to game play.

I've takne my second antibiotic.  But haven't eaten yet, or had coffee.  Working on that, should have that shortly.  The food, the last of the custard, is plate and eat ready.  The coffee will take just a bit of tinkering to finish prep.  All good.  And, late, either another steak, or burger soup, or both... if I will only eat one.  The steak, of course, for me.  This time.  Burger soup isn't bad, if I can eat that is.  Though, it's the same with steak.  If I am too nauseous, it's a no-go scenario.

Up, before the alarm.

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Trying to improve things.  Other than lungs burning, occasionally, as if I had been hiking for a few hours, uphill?  Everything else seems to be back in order.  I haven't had much fever or chills... in a few days.  Maybe I didn't need that second dose.  But I'm sticking with it.

Medicines and minerals down.  I have one final meal of custard.  I'll get that in a bit, when coffee is ready.  I may, when I can get out and get eggs, make one last batch.  But, otherwise, I think it's time for big boy food.  I'm thinking burger soup.  Maybe filling both of the glass pots?  In one, I may add that "keto" rice.  It's pretty good, adds more texture.  I have sour cream, raw cream, cream cheese for the soups, so can... add some nice and varied fats.  Need to get more cheddar, for a nice addition to a few bowls, from time to time.

I made it?

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Right.  And, I have been trying to point the bow of the ship toward bed.  But it just isn't budging.  Sitting, looking here and there.  Reading, listening, but awake?

I did buy romaine lettuce, shredded, last time I was at the store.  Just... a keto cheat.  Though, really, there isn't much in lettuce, romaine or not.  It's water, but as such, is a good way to add fat to the diet through dressings.  If... the dressing is healthy.

I made my own.  Dressing that is.  Mostly heavy cream, some sour cream, and wine vinegar.  Well, as the main bulk ingredients.  Onion flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and dill weed for spices.  It wasn't perfect, but often it is better to let these meld overnight.  Still, went well with a few plates of lettuce.  As well, I had a few pork hocks.  Not bad, just not... perfect.  Hoping the dressing will come together by tomorrow.

Blood sugar came down to 130, if up a bit now to 134.  Watching it, since it had elevated.  I don't mind the direction it is going.  Just wish it would lower a little faster.  Eating actually seems to have helped it, mostly.  So... yeah.

Still up.

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I've just taken my third group of medicine.  Including the third antibiotic of four, and "night medicine".  I'm attempting to make it up another three to four hours, to take the final antibiotic.  Doing my best, I suppose.

I had hoped to hit the dishes, but that isn't likely to happen.  Tomorrow morning, I hope, again.  As to what is in the dryer?  I'm to sore around the ribs to mess with that, today.  Again, hopefully tomorrow.

Up... for a while.

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Almost three hours?  Right.  What a thing.  I went to bed midafternoon yesterday?  15:30ish, if I had to say.  Slept until 6:38... give or take.  I... needed sleep.  Still do, but... Sassy needed fed.  I needed food, medicine, and drink.  I drained a lot last night.  Needed that too, but it messed with sleep.  And I slept cool.  Not cold, or bitterly cold, but I never could warm up well either.  Which... in part, is why I stripped the bed this morning.  And, will probably go up and switch the matresses around.  I... need a warm, long, deep, sleep.  Hopefully tonight.  Though I'll be letting Sassy up tonight, so we'll see.  Still, I love the rugrat sleeping with me.  There is something... kind about it.

Breakfast, first thing.  The second to the last dose of custard.  Even too watery, it's still pretty good.  And, I did learn, and am adjusting for next time.  Very very good, even with my error.  Plus a coffee, and a water.  I have been drinking and eating a bit extra lately.  Making up for the weeks, months?, when I couldn't, wouldn't, eat.  Nausea is mostly gone.  But may return?  Don't know.

Reviewing options.

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Trying to sort out which type of wound care, I thought I'd... look out there.

Well, though, that depends on the type of wound?  Right, okay.  My type of wound is dry, small, if more complicated due to there being diabetes involved.  Even with diabetes being... reduced... significantly... the damage may well be done.  At least the ultrasound device should that my veins, or arteries?  Whichever, but whatever they looked at, were good.  So, it's... more a diabetes thing, not allowing repair.

Want to sleep again.

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Can't.  Just... can't.  Did call the VA number, reported the visit.  That should be that?  I don't know, have never worked with this system before.  But it is done.

Sassy is begging for food again?  Not sure what she is up to.  I'll go ahead and feed her again, it's been four hours, or so.

Awake on a cold day.

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Double socks, longjohns, long sleeved tshirt over a short sleeve shirt.  PJ bottoms when I can find them.  I thought I had a pair down here, fresh mostly, from yesterday.  Nope.

Sassy has been yeowling for the fifteen minutes it took to charge my watch.  And... sleep a bit.  I set the alarm for nine, having gone to bed at 23:00 and smallish change.  Wanted to try to wake up, at least to feed Sassy, within some reasonable time.  I woke at 8:30, but drifted to 8:50, then turned off the alarm and was about to get up when I realized my watch hadn't been on the charger.  The watch has some... functions that I like.  But has... drawbacks too.  A price for a feature, or many.

I made it.

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I wasn't sure I was going to make it.  Time was ticking, I had done a lot of work, I had been up more hours than I have in weeks... consecutively.  Or, mostly.  I was so very tired.  Still, a shower, dressed... in clean clothes.  Then off to town.

The visit lasted three or four hours.  I had to get down to my underwear and put one of those hospital gowns on, if they did leave a blanket too.  Blood tests, urinalysis, x-ray, and an ultrasound of my leg.  The wounded one, for some strange reason, was swollen way more than it even usually is, but the other foot wasn't.  Usually, when they swell, they do it at the same size.  Worried about a blood clot.

Audible?

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It seems I had a bunch of accrued credits.  One was going to time out this month.  I think I have all of the Lord of the Rings books.  Was... trying to think of something else.  Ah!  There are certain doctors of the church who have... attracted my attention.  The main one, in my opinion, of course.  But, too, the mystics.  The ones who also see.

It is a terrible thing to see.  Madness?  Maybe.  But, is it madness?  Sometimes?  Maybe.  One... can almost hope?  Some of the things to be seen are... difficult.  Even for one such as me.  So... I... ordered three or four or five, if I am not sure all of the orders went through.  I'll... know which ones I missed, if they are not there.  They are with me, always.  In... an odd way.

Alright, still... tinkering.

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Not fast, not much.  But...  I got most of the dishes finished and put away.  Then turned the socks, twice, before finally giving up and adding some heat for, hopefully, a final spin.  If I can get those done, I'll put the last wash of synthetics in the dryer, and let it go on fluff.  I'll run that two or three times a day, on fluff, since I am not in a hurry, until they are done.

As for the custard?  Wet.  It keeps giving off water.  It... isn't the best.  I would say that about two and a half cups of fluid is best, the majority of that being cream.  Say a cup and two thirds cream?  Right.  The texture is problematic, in this one.  More in that it simply won't set.  All good, live and learn.  Even if by mistake.

And, this custard will do just fine for this next week.  It won't be perfect.  It will be very much good enough.  A bit of r.o. water, with electrolyte powder.  I do have other cans of carbonated water, upstairs.  But... I... hold on to things, as they become scarce.  And this other is working for now.

Blood sugar, last I read, was 120.  Might have mentioned, can't remember.  This time it was 99!  I swear, my food is being tampered with.  It wouldn't take much sugar, in with the other, to cause a problem.  And, yes, it's not just a possibility.  It's... highly likely.  Some don't mind me here, others do.  Not necessarily how it seems, perhaps.  Or maybe exactly how it seems.  I can't be certain about that.  Though... there is cause to believe maybe that way too.

I've already eaten, twice.  And had plenty of fluid, without peeing all that much today.  So a weigh-in wouldn't be... the best.  Besides, with me eating much more lately, as I suggested, I have probably gained weight.  Not sure about bp either.  Still trying to get my life on track, then check these things.  It's been so off course lately, that... well... the numbers would be off.  So?  So... because of all the problems... I... had to do it.  With everything against it, I weigh... 238 even?  Up, like, .8 pounds from my last weigh-in, which was an uptick of .6 pounds over my lowest weight?  Okay.  I... can easily live with that.  Especially since I've been... eating... like... a fish?  :p  That's a bit of a relief.

Well... on to... waiting for the laundry to finish.  Then some sleep?  Oh, I'll call that number, make sure it's the number I am supposed to call, for after the appointment.  If it isn't, I'll... call around to see if I can find that number.  Later.

Bah!

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Still wasn't done.  But I didn't want to give it another twenty, or anymore really, at full blast.  But an open oven wouldn't work either.  So... I turned the oven off, closed it up, and am giving it twenty minutes.  I'm... pretty sure I can pull it then, then give it fifteen minutes on the counter.  Wow.  Very very strange.

Ah-ha!  I... know.  I was GOING to put two cups of water in, last time.  I only put one in.  And, the time before, I added more fluid then either time.  So... the extra twenty, forty minutes this time, was due to the extra liquids.  Okay.  At least there is a reason, other than a very slightly elevated humidity in the house.  That... wasn't adding up.  This does.

Nice run.

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Almost passed out though.

I went and got slacks, and some other synthetics, out of the dryer, and the woolens into the dryer.  On fluff.  Have to run it a few times, but so be it.  I'll add just a touch of heat if I have to run it three times.  Which... I will.  Then put a load of synthetics into the wash.  The final load, I think.  Well, of synthetics.  I think I might be able to pull a load of coloreds together, tomorrow, or next time I decide to wash.  Small, but... yeah.

I...

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didn't make it back to bed.  I turned the laundry in the dryer to a final spin.  Then... sat thinking for a bit, as I got ready for bed.  And, drank the electrolyte water.  But, while sitting, it came up to a few hours, and so feeding Sassy, since I was still awake, seemed reasonable.  I feed her portions of the 3.5 ounce cans... thirds at a time.  Not sure that is best.  But... every few, two to four hours, she gets a third.  Usually a can and a half to two cans a day.  Unless I am up exceptionally long, or sleep through it for great lengths.  So... her feeding schedule is rather... irregular.  It is as I can do, and the best I can do.

Then, I thought of dishes.  And, set up three small loads again.  In soaking now.  May do them within the hour?  Or two?  Something like that.  Oh, then I remembered to put the woolens in.  And a few smaller cottons, and synthetics might have snuch there way in.  Things I want sooner than later.  But, vastly majority woolens.

Up, just for a bit.

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I went in hard, sore.  With a worse headache from stretching than before.  It remains.  Between the work and staying up later, pushing, to do it?  I've strained something extra.  Which is fine, I guess.  Had to be done.  Didn't get to the ER, but will be ready when I do.

Wanted to feed Sassy.  Have been trying to get up for... a long time.  Just couldn't... sort my way out of sleep long enough or far enough.  Not sure when I went to bed.  Early afternoon.  13:30 to 15:30?  The latter, I think.  It's almost two and I still feel like I was run over by a big truck.  Neck, shoulders, headache, and just so tired!  But... that wasn't just the work.  It's part of why I need to go to the ER.  I'm wrecked.

Not bad.

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Starting to hurt in odd places.  Been awake too long.  Doing too much.  But... okay.  Look, sometimes you just have to suffer in order to attempt to get things done.

I got the stuff in the dryer pulled.  It was dry.  Put the wash into the dryer.  And set up one last load in the wash.  I want to get that stuff in the wash into the dryer, for one run, before taking a nap.  Then I got to the dishes.  One load was rinsing.  The others were soaking.  All was good.  I dried that which was rinsing, and set it out to air dry.  With the freezertop open, that was easy.  Then I washed the soapy dishes.  Clean.  So I set those aside, took a shower, then put them back in for a rinse.

I'll set a timer for an hour, then check the laundry.  That which is drying should be ready for a final warmer spin, to finish, probably.  But the wash may take a while longer.  And, the dishes soaking could be done.  Actually?  I may just go dump the water in the those, one at a time, dry the dishes, and be done with that.  So all I need to do is tend the laundry.

I cleared Sassy's litter boxes and have fed her twice.  She has fresh water from just this morning, so all good otherwise.

A good start.  I just need to brush my teeth before the nap, take the laundry up... whatever is dry, and fold or sort that.  Then take a nap or sleep, as long as needed.  Might not be out until tomorrow?  Maybe.  I... needed to be ready.  I'm getting there, but it is taking so very long.  I'm having that electrolyte water.  The plain water was okay, but as suggested, it wasn't doing the trick.  This is.

So sore though.  From bending, flexing, lifting, pushing, pulling, hauling, while still not in great shape.  Which... is fine.  I'll have some rest time coming up soon.  Ugh.  Later, or goodnight.

So thirsty!

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I was so focused on saving the carbonated water that I kept forgetting about the r.o. water.  And, I kept  trying to work.  Indeed, working.  Small... bits at a time.  For short times.  More than I thought would get done, in and over time.  So, finally, when I surrendered, and got a jar of water?  Very nice.  So very thirsty though!  I'll probably polish off this quart, then have a bit more, though next time with electrolytes.  I NEED some fluids.  But water isn't going to cut the whole of the need.  Can... fix that.

I put the load into the dryer.  Though I had earlier, but no.  Putting my pj's in the wash, with a few other dark cottons, poly/cottons.  Almost started that, but remembered I needed to shower.  Oh, and between this and that, the first load had finished it's first run.  So I started that.  Took my shower.

Well?

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The freezertop has been washed and well.  Should be dry?  Then, trash and recycling gathered and out.  What a chore.  One of the bigger bags got stuck?  I... wrestled it out, after a bit.  Then hauled it, too much in that one.  Lots of cat litter.  Have been feeding Sassy ever few hours, and took care of water and litter again today, earlier.  And put the laundry over into the dryer.

Having been a good boy, I am having custard.  The last of this batch.  And the custard form is soaking.  Oh, and did hit the freezertop one last time.  Should be good for dishes in a bit, or later today.  Yes, the trash and recycling are both to the curb.  Full to the brim, both.  I hope it is recycling day.

Up, for a bit?

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I was awake until... 15:30?  Give or take.  Way late, given the givens.  But, I did get laundry started and the freezertop cleared.  Oh, and took care of everything Sassy needs, if it was all in pretty good condition, other than feeding her.  That can never be... up to snuff, other than to be regular.  Which it has been lately.

Up at about 1:30, so... eight hours, right?  But with an odd headache, one I get when I have pushed being awake too long.  Didn't really want to wake up, but I want to do a few things before tomorrow.

Oh well.

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I am absolutely finished.  I kept staying up, pushing beyond limits, trying to get more work done.  And, I did get a few things done.  But that's it.  I am absolutely at an end.  No, I... didn't reset laundry, take a shower, or clean the freezertop.  I don't think the laundry is done.

Nor will I.  Bedtime.  So very tired.  Goodnight.

Midafternoon.

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Oh, but... finally... a bit going.  I cleared the freezertop.  I haven't washed it yet.  But it is clear.  And, after clearing it, I pulled meat for the fridge top freezer, and put out some to thaw.  Finally.  Burger and some steaks.

I fed Sassy again.  She's been... getting some good eating lately, too.  In part to make up for going without.  Weening her from the extra will be a chore.  I'll worry about that then.  Cleared her litter boxes as well.  Not much in them, and they are still in excellent shape.  While I don't... remember doing well, I have been.  It was only a few days were it got pretty bad.  But it takes a while to even show, so it... was a while.  And changed her water out.

Still awake?

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Not... quite.  I have never truly woken up.  I got enough going to get coffee brewed, and something eaten.  And, since, have had a bit more to eat.  But, that's... it.  I keep trying to push through, to do some work.  And think I will get at least the freezertop cleared.  Maybe cleaned.  And, if so, meat pulled to thaw, and more put in the fridge freezer.

IF I can do that?  Then, on to opening up the bathroom for a shower.  Possibly taking the shower.  As to getting laundry in, then dishes started?  Those are possible.  Even... before going to bed.  Just... I'm not even sure about the first stuff.

Very good.

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Took forever for me to finally wake enough to get going with coffee.  I... got the pot hot enough twice, at least, before the final time.  And, then, got going making coffee the third or fourth, maybe fifth time?  Just couldn't focus, think, remember, wake up.  Which... is fine.  Given my various problems?  Okay, yeah.

Now, I don't hurt.  I'm a bit cool, but not frigid, if heading that way.  Coffee helped, but is already passing.  I had a single serving of custard.  Delicious, again.  But... I'm good on that for the day.  I may have some pickled pork hock, but not a lot.  Then, get back to gaming a bit?  Or a nap, or sleep.  I'm not absolutely sure.

Surprises.

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Only down nine hours.  It was a cold sleep though.  One of those nights that no matter what I did, I could not get or stay warm.  I didn't use the electric blanket.  By the time I realized I was too cold, I was too far into sleep to attempt to make up the bed so that might be effective.  It would have worked, but couldn't crawl out of sleep to implement it.

Still, sleep was mostly good enough anyway.  And I slept well and long enough.  I expected to sleep for... days.  But just didn't need it.  Though I may be back in bed more shortly than otherwise?  Won't be eating, or eating much, today.  A cup of this, three ounces of that, more likely one or the other.