Since it was mentioned so often by other patients (especially long-ill "veterans"), I started taking more of interest in it myself. I had to find something to replace surfing and jogging. It so happened that I had the right tools at my disposal because my wife already had a good quality SLR camera.
I'm not going to pretend that I have any kind of talent for photography. I rarely even venture off of the basic "auto" setting on the camera. (Cameras are so sophisticated these days, one rarely needs to). But that's the beauty of photography - if you click the shutter enough times, you're bound to come up with a few gems.
In this post, I wanted to share of few pictures from a mellow walk on the beach with my family this morning. As we walked along the shore, I tried to take it slow and keep my heart rate under my AT. I don't know if it worked. Of course, the true test will be how I feel tomorrow. At least if I pay a price, I have a few photos to show for my efforts.
These were taken with Nikon D90 digital SLR camera. (You can click on any of the photos to see a larger version.)
Wow, great work. An Ansel Adams in the making! I think that it is so important to fill the void left behind from activities we can no longer do with meaningful hobbies. I did want to let you know that my cortocosteroid treatment lasted 16 days, and has now worn off. Great to feel normal again for this stretch.....almost forgot what it felt like. But, bummer that it faded. Back to the baseline I guess. Say, quick question on testosterone.....has that helped you? I am at 260 which is low normal. Doc thinks that in the future I should try to bump this up to high normal, or basically double my total T as it is now. Comments Patrick?
ReplyDeleteHey Bret, good question about the Testosterone. I was at about the same level that you were before I started with a T cream. I was reluctant to start it at first based on the recommendation of just the one doctor. I wasn't really keen on messing with hormones. But then when another CFS-literate doctor was reviewing my labs and told me the same thing, it was hard to ignore. So I'm giving it a shot.
DeleteThe last time we tested me in January I was up in the 500s, but they want me at around 800--which is high-normal.
One of my doctors said that T helps with the immune system, energy and memory. I have certainly improved but I'm trying so many different things, its hard to say what's helping.
I started using the T cream around December I believe and since then I *think* I may have noticed slightly more stamina -- my crash point seems to be higher. Also, I've sort of been getting the urge to do more "exercise" -- and I use that term loosly -- as in very light exercise, CFS style. But based on Dr. Klimas' recent comments on exercise, my hope is to slowly (maybe it will take years) increase the exercise to more normal amounts.
Sorry to hear that the corticosteroid didn't last longer, but it sounds like you had a good run. I envy that.
Lovely ~ wow, where is this? And what is the ruin? I envy your being so close to the sea, but greatly appreciate your sharing!
ReplyDeleteAsh
Ash, these were taken in Laguna Beach. The ruin--and I almost hate to "ruin" the intrigue--is just a housing for a spiral staircase that some rich nearby residents built in the early 1900's (I believe) to access the beach.
DeleteMy favorite is your last shot, there. It's beautiful. It also reminds me that my plan Z, if I was to quit fighting this illness, was to move to an island in the ocean. I love oceans.
ReplyDeleteThanks Zac. That's not a bad plan Z to have, but let's hope it never comes to that!
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