northern

I'm back from having medical tests in Toronto.

Based on my blood and urine tests, I'm in perfect health.

All my nutrients are at ideal levels. My blood sugar, cell counts, all that stuff is ideal too.

Even my liver function is great, which surprised them due to all the meds I take.

They sent me for a sleep study, feeling that it may be sleep apnea.

I was already diagnosed with sleep apnea years ago.

In fact, I was told that it was pretty severe - that I stopped breathing numerous times while sleeping, and for great lengths.

I was supposed to use a CPAP machine while sleeping. (I can't remember what CPAP stands for).

But I hated using it. Basically, it's a machine that forces air into your lungs while you sleep.

Very uncomfortable.

I'm actually pretty upset that sleep apnea may be the cause of my excessive fatigue.

I've had it most of my life, but managed with it.

It's only in the past two years or so that the fatigue has become a major problem.

The thing is that as long-time readers will recall, I had weight loss surgery four-and-a-half years ago, and losing weight is supposed to help reduce the apena.

I used to snore like a freight train, but after the surgery, I stopped.

I assumed that my apnea would have been, well, not cured, but greatly alleviated by losing 130 pounds.

The gist is that if sleep apnea is the problem (still waiting for the sleep study results), it means that not only has my sleep apnea not been reduced, but it's actually gotten worse.

Blah!





Anyways, I have to wait another week or so for the sleep study results, so who knows?

Of course, if it's not sleep apnea, then I'm left with no diagnosis again.





One thing I learned while in Toronto for the tests is that I no longer enjoy being in downtown Toronto.

I used to love walking along Yonge Street.

Now I find it uncomfortable. Everyone walks so friggen fast. It's too crowded.

And I now find that I can't stand being approached by panhandlers.

And groceries in downtown Toronto - very expensive.

I'd still want to move back to the Toronto area if I could afford it, just not right downtown.





I want to say a big thank you to Lycoris.

Ages ago I posted an entry talking about my hobby of collecting business cards.

A few people offered to send me cards.

One person sent me cards shortly after I posted.

But Lycoris has been collecting cards for me ever since, and recently sent me a big package of cards.

I'm very grateful. It put a big smile on my face.

Of course, if anyone else wants to contribute to my collection, I'll be happy to take whatever you can send me.

Even if you just send me your own card, that'd be great. (Though I do realize that some of you may not want to be so open about your identity).

I'll probably post a picture or two of my collection sometime. Even scan a couple cool cards, if I can figure out how to work my scanner.