May 9, 2008 update by Jim-56
<- Photo taken on	May 2, 2008
Journey start date	Jun 20, 2005	Currently at 13.55% of goal
Total loss since start	21 lbs	Now has 134 lbs left to goal
Since last update	Lost 2 lbs
Weight at this update	319 lbs
27 of 27
Feeling Pretty “Buggy”		My Picture Progress

Okay, so I’m down a couple of pounds. Woo hoo. But it’s going back in the right direction at least. And I’m determined to improve those numbers in coming weeks. Part of that will come from being aware and accountable, like I’ve been this past week for the first time in many, many months. So, that’s a good thing.

It’s been a strange, difficult week on almost every front – physically, mentally, spiritually, financially, professionally. You get the idea. Lately, I’m the bug, definitely not the windshield.

Cruddy days aside, I’m moving ahead. Thank you all for the overwhelming response to my return to the HS fold. All I can say is, wow. Forgive me for not getting back to everyone and posting on your pages. I am in a strange spot right now and doing well to even post this today. Wish I could be more transparent, but this will have to be as good as it gets for now.

I will say that part of my strangeness for weeks now has been due to some blood pressure meds that my doctor put me on. After not seeing a doctor for years – knowing my weight was piling back on – and just feeling really, really lousy, I finally went to the doctor about a month ago. Oh, yeah … and our family hadn’t had health insurance for a couple of years either – me being self-employed (there’s an overstatement!) – and health insurance requiring a family fortune or hidden reserve of rare coins and gemstones. So, seeing the doctor for anything less that protruding bones and/or missing body parts was pretty much out of the question.

That all changed when my significantly better half left the warmth and security of being a stay at home mom after 18 years and returned to the workforce last year. Suddenly, health insurance was a part of our lives once more. What a blessing! Even though we are a relatively healthy (thank you, God!) bunch of people, just knowing that we were covered once again took a huge amount of pressure from our daily lives.

And speaking of pressure brings me full circle to my visit to the doc last month for the first time in a long time. The doctor’s assistant took my blood pressure. Then she took it again. After the third time, she called in another assistant and had him take it. He confirmed her readings. All she said as she wrote down my numbers was, “I’ve never seen numbers that high.” Now, you want to hear something like that when your accountant is talking about how much your tax refund should be. Or when your Realtor is looking at an offer on the house you have for sale. But not when a medical tech is looking at your blood pressure results.

So, needless to say – the first thing the good doctor did was to put me on some medicine to lower my blood pressure. Unfortunately, it also made me cough my head off, make me incredibly dizzy, give me headaches, feel flu-like and lots of other fun side effects. It turns out that – for whatever reason – I reacted so positively to the meds that my blood pressure dropped low, dangerously low in fact, and the dosage is going to have to be adjusted starting today to lessen my symptoms, and to also allow my BP to come up a bit closer to the human being range.

All that is to say, I haven’t felt well at all lately. And that’s affected my motivation, enthusiasm, activity levels, and everything else that goes with daily functioning. Hopefully, I’m figuring out what’s happening on a physiological plane and once all of that gets ironed out, will be able to improve my mental ‘tude as well.

And with that, I’ll wrap up my post for the week. Thanks again for your welcome back posts last week. It sure sounds like y’all had a great time in Texas. Not surprised at all, mind you. I’m actually a bit shocked that there wasn’t more of a tilt in the natural order of the universe just by having Pastor Ray and Brother Nick in the same room at one time! Talk about a clash of natural forces …

One last thing – if any of my “old” HS family is still out there and checking in (Doug, Jill, Karen, and others), I miss you guys – and our former fellowship –terribly.

Until next week; His will, not mine.

Jim

	Posted by fellow HealthSteward James-293 from QC, Canada on May 9, 2008 Hi Jim I enjoyed your honesty in your progress report.  I know first-hand where you are coming from.  I will continue to read your progress each week. Blessings, James
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Hope-197 from North Carolina on May 9, 2008 Hi Jim, It's good to read your post, especially when you've been this ill. Just getting into the old computer chair can be a major challenge some days. I hope the Docs will get your medication adjusted to a survivable range, and very soon. Please take good care of yourself, and as we coined for the Texas gathering, "Keep It Simple Steward"....cut back to basics until you get your BP in line. I pray for you that this coming week will show improvement for you in all areas. God bless. Hope
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Steve-10 from Georgia on May 9, 2008 Jim, Wonderful update look forward to seeing your pressure drop as well as the weight. I know how hard it is to struggle we all do.Here's to a great next week report.
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Barb-144 from ON, Canada on May 9, 2008 Jim you sure had a week!  But  you lost 2 pounds in spite of it!  Congratulations!  I am glad the doctor was able to diagnose the high BP and get it lowered and stabilized!  I too have high BP but am hoping that I will be able to shake the meds when the weight returns to a normal one!  I am praying that you will have a great week!  Blessings, Barb
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Shirley-261 from Tennessee on May 9, 2008 Jim it's just so good to see you posting again.  I've always enjoyed reading what you write.  I will pray about your blood pressure and hopefully they will get the right combination of meds for you soon so you'll feel really good and energized.  I hope this week is a much better week in all areas.  Count on me to pray.  ~shirley~
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Michael-24 from Nevada on May 9, 2008 Hi Jim.  I'm glad you finally got to see a dr.  I know about the insurance thing, with the cost of doctors today and the price of meds, you need a small fortune.  I'm on bp meds too and I think at times they make me feel weird.  One of them did make me cough like crazy, but the dr said to expect that.  It isn't so bad now that I've gotten use to them.  Maybe you don't feel well not only because you are adjusting to the meds, but likely because your bp is normal or a bit low.  It was likely so high for so long that now that you are doing something about it, you have to get used to that feeling of it being normal.  Just my 17 cents (adjusted for inflation).  Anyways, hang in there, you got to get that bp down or you are a stroke waiting to happen.  YOu are doing the right things, that's for sure.  Keep it up.
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Brenda-159 from California on May 10, 2008 Hi Jim, Never sneeze at pounds lost, .05 or more is a loss and it is worth celebrating my friend. I hope that you are having a good week. I am keeping your in my thoughts and prayers with regards to the elevated blood pressure and the side-effect of the medication. I pray the side-effects decrease soon for you my friend. It is really good seeing you here. Have a great week!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Dawn-276 from Indiana on May 10, 2008 Jim, Congratulations on the weight loss, getting medical insurance, seeing the doctor...!  Now we hope your bp stabilizes so you feel "normal".  Take care of yourself!  Have a wonderful week making healthy decisions. Cheri
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Melodie-28 from Florida on May 10, 2008 Hey Jim, Great loss this week... anything down is the right directions and it does all add up! So keep it up..  Im glad you to hear you are going to Doctors and taking care of you... that is the whole package and with the weight going down... so will the health problems.. we benefit all around when we loose and feel great, so I keep asking myself, why is it so hard to do!!! :) Wishing you a great week. Hugs, Melodie
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Tina-86 from Indiana on May 11, 2008 You are so REAL my friend... I just luv your updates and you You rock Jim.  I know you are hurting and being hard on yourself  in part because you just flat out don't feel well!  However, even the midst of your pain, you bless me and others with your expression and vulnerability.  It's like Nick says over and over.. he isn't looking for the mass numbers in terms of Health Steward.. he is looking for AUTHENTICITY of lives changed. That can only be accomplished by examining EVERY aspect of our health. One of the many things I came away from Beaumont with is the REAL understanding of what Dr. Nick has been trying to imprint my brain with since Oct. of 2005 when I joined... that is: We CANNOT compartmentalize our weight loss journey Jim!  So, I am thrilled that even though it has been frustrating for you so far with the meds and side effects, you are delving into it 'all' and that IS what becoming a TRUE steward of your health is all about buddy! I am sending extra prayers and hugs your way this week my friend! Hang in there Jim and think about this: AS you know from meeting Dr. Nick.. he is the REAL DEAL right?! Of course.  Well, he tells us that it IS worth it -- can't question that , now can we???!! :o) Hang in there buddy, ~Tina
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Mary-104 from Minnesota on May 12, 2008 Hey, that couple of pounds is a victory! Claim it and run with it!  Your BP diagnosis sounds eerily familiar to me, even to the coughing as a side effect of the meds. Been there and it wasn't pleasant. But it's over now. It will be for you too, if that weight keeps coming off. And it IS coming off! That said, it's a joy as always to read what you have to say. The book is coming out, when???
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Tina-86 from Indiana on May 24, 2008 Praying for you dude. ~Tina
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Melodie-28 from Florida on Jun 5, 2008 Thinking of you, praying for you and miss you!! Let us know what is going on.. Hugs, Melodie
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Tina-86 from Indiana on Jun 6, 2008 How are you Jim? Drop us a few lines of Jim wisdom, which is always choked full of authentic wisdom for each of us on our respective journeys.  You are missed dude. Hang tough! ~~ Tina
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Stacie-235 from Michigan on Jun 13, 2008 Hi Jim!  Wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday & a Happy Father's Day on Sunday! :-) I pray that it will be a great day for you!!!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Barb-144 from ON, Canada on Jun 15, 2008 HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY FATHER'S DAY Jim! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jim!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Tina-86 from Indiana on Jun 15, 2008 Miss you friend... Hoping you had a very Happy Fathers Day / Birthday combo deal!  Hoping and praying that this will be the beginning of a year of good health and happiness for you too.  You are missed at the site... come on home, when you are ready. In His Grip and praying for you, ~Tina
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Mary-104 from Minnesota on Jun 16, 2008 Hey there, Jim--hope you're doing okay--wishing you a belated happy birthday.
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Dave-40 from ON, Canada on Jun 25, 2008 Glad to see you back, Jim. Your updates almost read like my life story would right now... this sorry thing of procrastinating gets us nowhere but backwards - and fast. I'm glad you are back and working at your weight, and I wish you every sucess this time round. Like Karsten, you know how it feels to be at goal weight, or close, and have proved you can do it - I trust you will find the "combination" to having such sucess again and make it last! God Bless your efforts today! - Dave
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Steve-10 from Georgia on Jul 7, 2008 Miss ya man, let us know how you doing, drop me an email.Thanks
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Karen-30 from Louisiana on Aug 2, 2008 Geesshhh..... I'm behind the times!  How are you my friend?  I completely missed your return...and am missing you  big time.  Check in.....ok?  Hugs, karen30
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Stacie-235 from Michigan on Sep 20, 2008 Wondering how you are doing & missing your wonderful words!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward dr. Nick-1 from California on Oct 2, 2008 My brotha from anotha motha! Its great to me connected "off line" but I know many here are curious to hear how you be?  The red carpet of the website remains down for you my man.  Thanks for all your strategic help....it is deeply appreciated.
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Karsten-53 from ON, Canada on Oct 3, 2008 THINKING OF YOU Hey there my friend ... thinking about you today.  Hope all is well. I seem to be back in the grove and on my way to goal.  Gearing up for my daughter's wedding in 5 weeks tomorrow.  Holy cow!!!  Whare has the time gone.  Hope to meet you the next time I head out west. ~ Karsty
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Stacie-235 from Michigan on Jan 1, 2009 Happy New Year Jim!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Mary-104 from Minnesota on Jun 8, 2009 Jim! Where are you? (I feel like Auntie Em in the wicked witch's crystal ball, looking for Dorothy...) It's been over a year since we heard anything from you. Check in, won't you!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Betty-319 from Florida on Jun 13, 2009 HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM, JIM, JIM, ARE YOU THERE? HELLLLLLO. DO YOU HEAR ME JIM? GODBLESS........BETTY
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Melodie-28 from Florida on Jun 15, 2009 Happy Birthday Jim!! Hope you have a great day!! :) Miss you on here but glad to keep in touch with you on FB!!!! :)
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Mary-104 from Minnesota on Jun 15, 2009 Stopping by again to wish you a happy birthday. Let us know how you're doing, okay? I miss your updates! (and if you're busy writing a book, remember, I get the first signed copy...)
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Valerie-238 from Michigan on Jun 15, 2009 Happy Birthday Jim! I hope you are busy celebrating life and all the goods things it has to offer. I hope all is well with you. Valerie (past member of the Legion of Losers)  LOL
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Arnold-323 from BC, Canada on Jun 16, 2009 Happy Birthday! I hope your birthday was a special day for you.  Hope to get to know you sometime soon. -Arnold
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Dave-40 from ON, Canada on Aug 28, 2009 Hi Jim, miss you, man. How are those great dogs of yours doing? :-) - Dave