Eight months and counting: not at full throttle yet, noticing improvement

I'm not Polyannaish, but all things considered, I'm doing more and feeling better each day.  It is hard to accept that I'm eight months down range from transplant. But the calendar says so.  The good saga continues.

Dwelling on yesterday's problems, is a poor use of time, not to mention emotionally draining.  As Will Rogers once quipped,  "Don't let yesterday use up too much of today." That sums up an attitude that works.  Makes sense, but takes practice.

It's about minus 20 F. here in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, as I survey the frozen lake tableau out the lakeside windows. It's a weekday, so the snow machines are quiet, the only evidence of them are the tracks. Being here is a significant plus.  There is no hustle and bustle.  I would not be here to experience peaceful nature in winter if not for the HeartMate II and my good fortune in receiving a transplant.

The only critters moving in this weather are the occasional rabbit, a murder of crows, and a few hawks, mostly red tailed hawks.  Whether the groundhog saw his shadow last week, is immaterial at this latitude.  There will be snow until late April at least.

I return to the U of MN next week for more tests. Kidneys are not filtering as well but no need for dialysis yet. 

Immuno-suppressive meds are still in the adjustment mode. Steroid induced diabetes is gradually moving toward the normal range. Overall, no complaints.  I continue to have swelling in the lower legs and feet.  Thigh high compression hose help. And the 10 minutes I spend wrangling them on is a little inconvenient but no bigee.