For months now I have had trouble finding the words I wanted to share and missing the encouragement from readers of my blog when I write more regularly.
As readers are aware, my kidney transplant from 1987 lasted until September of 2018. Then I resumed dialysis after a wonderful interruption that lasted 31 years. (mental jig). Now my week includes dialysis three times a week, each lasting about 4.5 hours.
me doing hemodialysis
How easy it is to sail with the wind behind you, that wind is silent and strong; the wind of small activities that push me away from the keyboard. Activities like a little cleanup, a small walk, eat a snack, or even reading a book.
Today I decided to sail against the wind, but not straight into the wind, that doesn’t work. In order to get upwind, I need to zigzag or I can’t overcome the downwind push.
I assume this is the struggle we all face but some of us are more disciplined and actually accomplish through discipline everything we desire everyday. I have never learned to be that disciplined. I have learned the benefit of lists. If I make a list, not a mental list, a written list where I can cross off tasks one by one; that works well for me.
I also need to avoid traps. Traps are activities that consume time and feel like I am doing something but I am not really. Television is a big trap, so on days I want to accomplish something, I try not to turn it on during the day.
Fresh air and exercise are desirable activities for me as I endeavour to remain healthy to receive a new transplant. This has been an amazing mild winter and all winter I have managed to ride my bike albeit I am so bundled up I look like a ninja.
I also have been doing some walking along the lakeshore or inside the hockey rink if the wind outside is too bitter.
Today I jumped to the keyboard, avoided the lure of reading (and deleting) of email and decided to quickly create a post to begin 2019. Yes I do know today is February 1 (blush).
My desire is to stay connected to readers, to share comments with readers, and continue where this blogging leads. It would be exciting to sign on one day to share happily that I have received a new transplant.
I look forward to resume spending time each day reading and commenting on other blogs and hopefully posting a few blog posts of my own. It’s up to me to move against the winds that distract me so that I accomplish what I desire.
Thanks for reading 🙂
Life and Random Thinking 
Nice to see you are still Blogging, looks like you are in a Dialysis Center, hope it’s close to home. You may want to try some audio books if you have an I-pod, that helped me pass the time (still does when I go in to clinic or dentist). If you are interested I can send you some, just send me an email with your address and I’ll mail you a zip drive. A lot are the Casca novels. Keep as health as you can for the next transplant.
Bob
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Hi Bob, super to hear from you. Audio books sound interesting, I have been downloading Netflix and bingeing tv shows. It is impossible to do much when I have to keep my left arm perfectly still for four hours. I find I can”t sleep in the chair because I am nervous with the needles. I know you understand. I trust you are well and I hope you will travel up to visit.
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Good to hear you’re getting back to the blog. Keep walking. dialysis can’t be fun – hang in there.
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Thank you Andrew. I enjoy your blog, your humor and admire your wood working skills. Keep sharing your wisdoms. I appreciate your message of support and interest today.
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Keep up the good work. I find living with a disability overwhelming at times and frustrating. I swing between optimistically doing too much and sitting in front of the TV. Best of luck.
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I am always appreciative of your blog. It is especially difficult for people living with a disability or health issue if it is invisible. Dealing with pain or other issues when others can’t see it is very difficult.
Then there are others who choose to be oblivious. My thoughts reach out to you as you daily struggle and move forward. Hugs
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What a sweet comment – thank you! Hugs right back.
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Hi. I have known several people who were on dialysis. It can be a rough trip. You hardly need me telling you that. I hope your kidney transplant happens soon.
Neil Scheinin
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I see that you understand and empathize. I wish more people were like you and took the time to understand better what others are experiencing. Sadly most don’t. Thank you for your message today.
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Happy New Year Dave! Don’t think we have forgotten you, because we haven’t. It’s good to hear from you. I must say that is some beautiful lake front you shared with us. It must be inspiring to walk there.
Keep us informed on your progress. We are all on this voyage together and yes, the blogging community is a good one. Regards, Ilona
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I love this message from you. Very uplifting. Yes I am in a good place, and I mean that more than geographically.
I am continually amazed at the kindness of the blogsphere. big hugs to you my friend
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Although 31 years sounds like a good run, I am sorry you are now having to endure dialysis three times a week. I can’t imagine how exhausting that must be. Wishing you good health until that next transplant occurs my friend. Keep on keeping on!
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I should have blogged sooner. Today receiving these warm thoughts has really been refreshing to me. Yes, dialysis is tiring in more than one way. The nurses are all dedicated to helping the patients. They bring warm blankets and are careful with the needles. The warm blankets really help as patients get really cold as we lose the heat from our blood and then it cycles back into us.
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As a fellow blogger likes to say ‘Keep Upswinging!!!’
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Upswinging I will ! Thanks for giving me a smile !
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😊😊😊
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Thinking of you and sending good thoughts!
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Thank you LA ! All the positive thoughts keep my cup (figuratively speaking) full even though I am on restricted fluids. I appreciate the warm wishes, I am blessed.
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😀❤️
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hugs to you
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As always, stay positive and think happy thoughts.
Let me know when and I will come over for some exercise! I could probably loose a few pounds as well!
Take good care of yourself.
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I know you are skiing so you are in good shape, but I would love to join you for walk anytime.
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Hang in there!!
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Thank you for your encouragement. It means a great deal to me.
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Glad you’re taking care of yourself. I’ve missed you here in blogland and look forward to hearing from you a bit more often
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Your post touched me. I am holding with you and believing you will find a great match soon. Your determination to live with focus and purpose is inspriring.
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Thanks for believing with me that I will find a match.
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