In The Belly Of Burlesque and Baroque

Since my arrival Tuesday more time has been spent in bed in the room than anywhere else. Sad to say, being plagued by annoying, even low grade fevers does not make for a good time.

I have ventured out at least once daily to peruse a few shops and visit a few old haunts for lunch or dinner.  By far the best roast beef po-boy  (old style -sliced, not shredded- ) goes to the Napoleon House, using the exact recipe for beef and seasoned gravy that I remember from years ago. More on that another time. (can't insert the photo, so if you're a FB friend, check it out there.)

Found a few cool shirts I would like to try on and maybe bring home, but I didn't have the energy then. I'll give it another shot today.  I also must find a hat. Bactrim doesn't like sun, and the sun here, when it's out is unforgiving, and brutal. So far relaxing in a courtyard hasn't been an option, if you get my drift.

Devoured a delicious seafood platter last evening. Shrimp, oysters,  alligator, catfish, hush puppies, homemade Cajun slaw, garlic aioli, and local tartar sauce,  I was three steps closer to heaven.

This morning is a toss up between beignets at  Cafe du Monde, or full Southern breakfast at the best lil'ol dive in the Quarter, Clover Grill.  It's been open 24/7 since before I was born, and a place we used to meet after a night at the bars.  We'll, it IS on Bourbon St., after all. It's one place that has certainly seen everything this town has to offer.

Fever is down to 99.6 this morning and it's time to shower, shave, and try getting this show on the road.

Spoke with the sister yesterday. She no longer has a car, is on a walker, and preparing for another hospitalization. Seeing her may not be an option since she moved to another town east of NOLA. No way to get there by public transportation, so we'll see what happens.

The whole group shindig is set for tomorrow afternoon/evening. Meeting three friends for breakfast at the Coffee Pot in the morning.  Too confusing to explain at present.

Oh, and for whatever reason, I've lost another 2pounds. No idea what that's about.

Please forgive the errors, this post is being composed on the iPad, and it's the first  attempt for this old guy.

And so it goes.
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Note:Monsoon rains followed by bright clear skies every day. New Orleans in September.

Heading to the Country of Beignets & Crawfish

Yes, for better or worse I'm heading to the airport for the flight to NOLA. Continue to spike moderate fevers - up to 100.9 F - and activities have been curtailed, but as I said earlier, it's paid for and if an emergency arrises I'll deal with it as I can.

Travel light so less strain on the back and body in general.  Key is to stay away from large groups of people, and crowds.

I am oddly ambivalent about this trip.  Usually I'd be over the top excited about all the possibilities, but not this time.  Maybe it's due to the health related events of the past month, but no rush of enthusiasm to get where I am going.

I foresee lots of rest, especially if I spike a high fever, and fewer to-do's on my gay agenda. Still, I will see friends at least a few times and eat good food when hungry.  Sense of taste has yet to return in full, so there's that disappointment, too.

The good news is I am rested and better than I was a week ago.  The only bad news is that I've lost 3 weeks pay.  It is what it is.

Posting will be light, if at all. Be kind to one another, stay away from Navy Yards,  and don't plan a cruise on the Costa Concordia.

And so it goes.
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In the Past 48 Hours...

 I learned that a computer might steal my job - if my health doesn't do me in, first.

I learned that there are hundreds of people still missing in Colorado due to the ongoing rains and flooding. And so it goes.

I learned that butterflies drink the tears of turtles for their salt.

 I learned that a new born baby elephant rejected by its mother (who attempted to kill him) wept for hours until finally bonding with his rescuer and zookeeper.

I learned that owners of fast food restaurants CAN have a heart and do the right thing by offering a $15. hour starting wage. No, not the big guys.

I learned that the tentacles of Monsanto's GM products extends into every major food group and beyond.  In products you thought were safe.

I learned that the US and Russia have reached a deal.  Russia will destroy Syria's Chemical weapons, you know, the ones Russia sold them in the first place.  Nice gig, that.

I learned that the House Republicans is going to vote (yet again!) to repeal Obamacare.  This will be vote #42, btw.  (Why not just let it fail? if they are so sure it will, then reap the benefits of the good old "I Told You So.") In truth, they fear it will succeed and they'll look even more childish than they do wasting taxpayer dollars voting 42 times to repeal the damned thing.

I learned that BIC (pens) has come out with a pen "just for women" available in bright women's colors.  (What the hell does that mean?) I wonder if they include instructions as to just how to use their product and how they might differ from the Men's pens women have had to use all these years.

I learned that someone with way too much time on their hands has taken fictional characters and given them the Myers-Briggs treatment.  These are fictional characters, people! Their personality types come from the author's imagination.  What am I missing here?? Anything???

I learned that there will be an attempt to right the cruise ship Costa Concordia, resting on its side in a tiny Italian harbor since January 2012. Two bodies have yet to be found and the ship's Captain remains in custody awaiting trial for being a coward - being one of the first off the vessel as it capsized. Ah, the Italians. 

I learned how to make ice cream in only a few minutes.

I learned that the Monsanto Protection Act has been extended by the House. And still no labeling required.  Rich get rich and the others consume GM foods, and like it!

I learned there is something called "BaconLube" for sale on the Net. I can imagine two folks have great sex, stopping everything, and getting up to make breakfast.  Distracting, no?

I learned that thanks for Mr. Snowden, the NSA has cornered the market on anti-diarrhea liquids and pills. That old adage "it's an ill bird that fouls its own nest." has the NSA doing that on such a massive scale that the extent of the fouling is just beginning to dawn on the rest of the world.

I learned that a low-life "Emergency Manager in Detroit took it upon himself to cause a citywide power outage.  Yes, he did it intentionally.  He said he did it to "send a message."  What that message might have been, isn't clear at present.

Think I'm bored, huh!  Temp so far is 98.6 F.

And so it goes.

Groundhog Day as Water Tunnel

Just think about that for a second. Surfing through an endless water tunnel day after day and never reaching the end which is always in sight.  Frustrating.

For three days my temperature has fluctuated from 98.9 to 101.0, then yesterday 99.6 to 100.1, and so far today from a low of 97.0 (don't ask) to a high of 100.1 a few hours ago.  See the pattern?  I do, but I can't figure out the trigger causing the flare ups.

Feeling little stronger three days on, not as weak when the fever spikes unless above 102, but still draining and annoying, since I can't pinpoint what could be the cause. The usual routine seems to work for a while;  Icepack, 2 Tylenol, lots of water and stay under the covers til I feel like the fever has run its course.

Calls to the Dr's offices have gone unanswered, not surprisingly being the weekend and all that. Still, there are real live humans staffing those phones and I'd hope someone would get back to me.  So far, no go.

I've spent the feel-good times tracking down the TSA rules and guidelines for air travel and found out I've done everything wrong. I don't know why food stuffs are not allowed in checked baggage. Liquids I can understand. I planned on packing a bag of nuts and a box of Melba Toast.  Not allowed.

I began rearranging things in both the bag to be checked and the carry-on. The plan had been to put all toiletries in the Dopp Kit and put it in the checked bag.  Not allowed in checked bags. No Dopp kits.  Just clear zippered storage bags (I'm surprised they don't specify the acceptable sizes. ) Of course, this makes the carry-on heavier than I'd prefer, but there's nothing to do about it. Besides, I won't have to carry it far in any case.

Yes, if I don't literally fall to pieces within the next 2 days, I am going on this trip.  Everything is already paid for, so unless I find out something terrible about my test results, I am going. And with the doctor's office record of returning phone calls, I don't see that happening. I'm not half as weak (when the fever hits) as I was just three days ago.  So, that's a good thing.

Anyway...

Called the credit card companies giving them a heads-up about the trip, so they don't freak out and call every time I use a card.  I've always done that and the CS reps seem quite grateful when I do.

Made a photocopy of all cards and identification in my wallet.  One copy for me, one for the luggage, and one for the carry-on.

Tomorrow I will get some cash to take along.  It's odd to type that since I hardly ever have cash in my pockets. Using a credit card for everything has great advantages over using my own money. However, I know there will be incidentals, gratuities, and some mom & pop restaurants in New Orleans take only cash (it's how they keep their prices down and I'm all for that.) a little pocket money will be a very good thing.

Linda is taking me to the airport so I don't have to drive, especially if a fever is involved. She returns today from her holiday in Ireland visiting her family. And either she or Eddie will pick me up when I return next week. I have a set of keys to the apartment in case Linda needs to get in for some reason.

The countdown begins...

And so it goes.
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Accentuating the Positive.

The Crooner and The Divine One. Thanks to Mr Johnny Mercer:

Terrible video, but the song is great.

More later.
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I'm Done!

I've been checking my temperature every 2 hours.  Roller coaster ride from 99.8, to 98,9 then shooting up to 101.4 this afternoon,  so perhaps the antibiotics haven't kicked yet.  Took Tylenol, grabbed an icepack and went to bed. The usual drill. Last time I checked I was down to 99.0 again.

I was hoping  for a good day of rest without discomfort, but that ain't happening.  I'm disappointed, after all these are some powerful drugs and my prescriptions are for one year. Instructions read: "Finish all this medication unless otherwise directed by prescriber." No one from the doctor's office has returned my calls from yesterday, so I'm on my own with nothing new to report. 

My boss called and told me to rest instead of trying to work the weekend. Of course, when I don't work, I don't get paid either. I've now lost about 3-weeks pay, which will be hell to make up at this time of year.  It is what it is. 

You know, I'm really and truly tired of writing about this crap, so if I can't find something interesting to write about I am not going to write anything.  I'm sure people are as bored with this medical gibberish as I am, or more. 

The trip may be canceled if things don't settle soon.  I can't see spending most of the time in bed with an icepack and Tylenol taking the antibiotics twice daily.  That isn't my idea of fun.

So, have a good weekend all, and I'll see you when the ride is over and I am stable (don't say it!) with no more aches, headaches or fevers.

And so it goes.

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Need a Vay-Kay Caturday

Yes, I know that feeling very well.

May it all come to pass in a few more days.  Meanwhile, I am thinking healing, happy thoughts and tentatively packing the bag, little by little, as I feel up to the task.

More later.
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Hot Stuff Baby, This Evening

Thank You, Donna Summer.

Remember the previous post titled "Every Day in Every Way I'm Getting Better and Better"?  Well, it appears I jumped the shark on that one.  At one time or another I've been spiking low grade fevers every day this week, except of course, when I was in the Dr's office Thursday morning when it was a steady 98.9, believe  it or not.

By the time I headed to bed I had spiked a doozy of 102.4 and felt horrible. It was way too late to call the Dr's office and I was unable to drive, in any case. I just battened down the hatches, got another icepack, took 2 Tylenol and waited to sweat it out.

By Friday morning I felt better though still a little warm and slightly out of sorts. Took a shower, shaved, made a coffee, and had (don't laugh!) Cheerios with banana & blueberries, and headed out.

Made a stop at the post office to drop off a "Hold Mail" order. Mark, the customer service person looked at me funny and asked if I was ok, that I didn't look so good.  Well, how rude.  No, seriously, I've known Mark over 20 years and he wouldn't say such things if he wasn't concerned.

I hit the men's room when I get to work and took a good look at myself.  Dear Christ on a cracker! Eyes were glassy, skin pale and a face so gaunt it could have been someone else.

Went about my duties as kitchen and wait staff arrived. After all was settled and I had a break I realized I was very hot, indeed (and not the way you think, Hrumpf!) I checked my temperature to find it was 101.6 (as you see above - click to embiggen) not good, and I can't figure out why.

During lunch time, I called the Dr's office from the restaurant and explained the situation.  About 15 minutes later His nurse returned the call advising me to go home and stay away from crowds. Found the boss in the office, showed him the thermometer, told him I was going home and if the fever increased, I'd be going to the doctor's office.  I already told the nurse that I would NOT consider the ER unless my temp is 103'  Doctor's assistant warned me to stay home and do not work this weekend.   Two new scripts were called in - one is Bactrim and the other is Zovirax. Bactrim = 2 tabs every 2 days, and Zovirax = twice daily.  Expensive stuff too.  Picked them up on the way home.  I remember Bactrim from the old days when I worked with PWAs, (people with AIDS) so the Dr's afraid of bacterial and viral infections. Oh well, maybe this will be of some help.  If not, I hope someone can drive me to the hospital, if that's the only option. 

Note: I've been corrected in my usage of "low grade fever" and I humbly apologize for the error.  A low grade fever is one between 99' F and 100.4' F.  Higher fevers are called "Pyrexia" and can be 100.5 F to 105.8 F.  I hope I never get to that stage.

Funny thing, I still have an appetite and prepped some soup and a few chicken wings, not spicy ones.  I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid. A salad wedge added the crunch.  Even though I didn't eat it all, I put it in the fridge for later.

I love living independently. but at times like this it would be nice if someone was nearby to offer assistance. 

Don't know what's going to happen about the trip. I can't see enjoying myself while carrying around a fever even a low grade one.  Take one day at a time.  Right? Well, in this case I am taking it hour by hour.

Took 2 more Tylenol and am about to take a luke warm shower before getting into bed

We'll see. 

And so it goes.
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Urine Study Reveals Over 3,000 Compounds

With all the poking, prodding,  blood-letting, and oceans of urine taken from me in the past 2 weeks, I

found this article interesting. I mean, who'd thunk it?

And yes, I really, really and truly need a holiday.

Looking for an encyclopedia of pee? Scientists have laid out the entire chemical composition of human urine, revealing that more than 3,000 compounds are found in the fluid, and have published it all in an online database.
In the study, which took seven years to complete, the researchers found that at least 3,079 compounds can be detected in urine. Seventy-two of these compounds are made by bacteria, while 1,453 come from the body itself. Another 2,282 come from diet, drugs, cosmetics or environmental exposure (some compounds belong to more than one group).
"Urine is an incredibly complex biofluid. We had no idea there could be so many different compounds going into our toilets," said study researcher David Wishart, professor of biology and computing science at the University of Alberta. [Pee Rainbow: From Red to Indigo, What Urine Colors Mean]
The complete list of all metabolites that can be detected in human urine using current technologies has been placed into an online public database called the Urine Metabolome Database.The word metabolome refers to the complete collection of metabolites, which are the products of metabolism and include hormones, vitamins and other molecules.
A favorite among fluids"Urine has long been a 'favored' biofluid among metabolomics researchers," because it is sterile and can be obtained easily in large volumes, the scientists wrote in their study published Wednesday (Sept. 4) in the journal PLOS ONE.
However, the chemical complexity of urine has made it a difficult substance to fully understand, the researchers said. As a biological waste material, urine typically contains metabolic breakdown products from a wide range of foods, drinks, drugs, environmental contaminants, waste metabolites of the body and bacterial by-products.
Compared to other body fluids such as saliva or cerebrospinal fluid, urine contains about five to 10 times more compounds, and shows a larger chemical diversity, the researchers found. The compounds found in human urine fall into 230 different chemical classes.
"Given that there are only 356 chemical classes in the entire human metabolome, this certainly demonstrates the enormous chemical diversity found in urine," the researchers said.
The researchers also found that more than 480 compounds in urine were not previously reported to be in blood, contrary to the long-standing idea that the collection of chemicals in urine is a subset of compounds found in the blood.

Be sure to click on the link above [Pee Rainbow] for another fascinating glimpse into the world of Urine.  The rest of this story (with more links) is HERE

More later, if I'm able.

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Fever All Through The Night.

Thank you, Peggy Lee.

Before hitting the sack this morning (I swear it's been at least a dozen years since I've seen a clock strike 12:00 am, unless I was rudely awakened for some reason) I loaded up with an icepack, took a couple of Tylenol, and 2 Flexeril, the muscle relaxant. The fever was in full swing at 100.3 which may not sound like much but when your immune system has been ravaged it's a significant number. The throbbing head and watery eyes were the first to let up, but the fever lasted until around 4 am when I woke and realized I was swimming in bed.

Off came the linens and mattress cover and though I was weak and wobbly, changed everything before getting back under the covers.  It felt great to be pain and fever free and I quickly fell fast asleep again to wake up feeling refreshed at around 10:30 am. Glad I had the day off.

After breakfast, I went downstairs and ran 3 loads of bed linens, not because I felt that great, but this is my last day off before I leave for New Orleans and I wasn't going to leave that damp stuff lying around the apartment.  

Oddly enough, the 6 trips up and down the stairs didn't become a problem. Maybe because there was an hour between each trip, but I didn't get winded or sweaty - and it is very steamy here today. Last I checked it was 93' F!  So the  laundry's all done, folded and put away.  I just hope I don't have to change the bed again.

Note: I should never have allowed Jeeves to take September off.  Just when I need him most. Ah, he's probably basking in the sun and sipping cocktails on Cabo.  

Received a call from the Oncologist's office asking for a status update, I told all.  She wrote it all down, including the time of day, any activities, and duration of each incident. She then stressed the importance of bringing along all medications, supplements and OC stuff I take daily. Should be fun.  Not!

I'm indulging myself with a small steak, baked potato (half) and brussel sprouts for supper this afternoon/evening. That'll be more than I usually put down anymore. And, I may even indulge further with a glass of wine. It's been over 2 weeks so I'll probably be quite ready for bed shortly thereafter. 

I've been reading a book on the history of Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses as well as a mini-guide to the iPod - I still don't know how to get the most out of it.  However, I doubt the Kindle will be open again today. 

Ron, the dear, over at Retired in Delaware has published a post about our current medical soap operas, which you may want to check out for yourself. I get too dizzy trying to follow along. He also sent via email, a number of pictures from our Kalmar Nyckel voyage of discovery and as I downloaded and viewed them I could not believe the weight I'd lost even as of 8/20. My jeans look like I'm wearing gunny sacks. I can't believe Them pitchers ain't pretty, so I ain't posting them - at least for now.

At this moment there is nothing more to share, except my love for you guys for your continuing words of support during this bizarre time in my life. Thank you all for the visits, comments, and well wishes.

And so it goes.
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Of Telephones, Tylenol, and Travel

Hit with another fever this evening. Don't know what caused it, I've been pretty careful. had only two errands to run this morning that required no lifting, or carrying anything heavier than a few oranges, a bottle of Mexican Coke (with real sugar), and a head of cabbage. 

Still felt weak as I ran the errands but everything else seemed OK. Then about an hour ago, the eyes began to burn and tear and the head began to pound. So, the ice bag cometh, as did the painkiller and Tylenol.  An hour later I began to sweat and knew the fever was breaking. I was soaked, experiencing chills (yes, again) so changed everything once again and crawled under the covers until the chills subsided. I can see another 2 loads of bed linens in my future tomorrow.  feel a little better now. 

The only other item I carried was a new cordless phone system for the land line.  The previous one died of a power surge during hurricane Sandy.  I had just purchased that one, and Staple's was generous enough to take it back and give me another one - a similar model with digital answering capabilities.  

That one bought the farm last week while I was in the middle of a conversation with the dr.'s office. I plugged in the "wired" phone for the time being and let it go until I felt better.  I bought one today though there are no longer units with the answering devices for under $100, and I'm not about to spend that on a cordless phone regardless of the bells and whistles (which I would never use, or learn to use anyway), so I went with another V-Tech (image above left) with 2 handsets, which being on sale, cost less than a similar unit with only 1 handset that wasn't on sale. Are you following all this? I'm not sure I am.

Just as I was prepping a light supper the phone rang (another nice segue, no?), it was the guest rep from the Inn on St. Peter in NOLA touching base to make sure everything was still a go and if there were any special items I might need for the stay.  Needless to say I was thrilled by the call and the open friendliness of this total stranger.  Then I thought, 'it  IS a New Orleans hotel, after all, and we are known world-wide for our generosity and hospitality.  So, why was I surprised?  Well, it's been a long time since I've experienced New Orleans grace and charm.

She confirmed all reservation details and made a note give a heads-up to the shuttle driver regarding my very early departure time on the 24th. The flight departs at 6:40 am. 

Can't believe the trip is only 1 week away. Hard to believe, really.

I know I should not be up and about at this hour.  Couldn't sleep earlier. All of a sudden I feel out of sorts,  chills coming on again, as is the headache. I don't know what I did to bring this on. I drank one iced tea and half the Mediterranean's water supply all day. Got to nip this in the bud. Oh well, back to bed.  I hope tomorrow is better.

And so it goes.
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1100 Diagnosed with WTC-Related Cancer. Why, Thank You and FUCK YOU!!!

I'd like to say a few words here, if you don't mind.  FUCK YOU, RUDOLPH GIULIANI (Mayor of 9/11),  FUCK YOU CHRISTINE TODD WHITMAN (Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (from 2001 to 2003 in THE CABINET OF GEORGE W. BUSH.) Well, aren't we totally fucking surprised?  Not. 
And a gigantic FUCK YOU TO GEORGE W. BUSH (initiating the coverup in the first place. "No toxins in the air!"  Indeed.  They should die in a fire.  Now this from Yahoo News:

More than 1,000 people who have lived or worked near ground zero, including first responders, have been diagnosed with a cancer related to the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, health officials say.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1,140 people have been certified with a WTC-related cancer. And that number is expected to grow, the Daily News reports.
"There are more cases out there, because we just know of the people in our government-funded medical programs, not those who have been treated by their private doctors,”  Dr. Jim Melius, chairman of the WTC Responder Medical Program, told the newspaper. “Because of the carcinogens in the air at ground zero, people who were exposed are vulnerable. And with cancer, there is a delay.”
Tina Engel, an oncology nurse at North Shore Hospital’s WTC clinic in Queens, told the paper she identified 12 new cases in the last two months and has another 25 patients whose diagnostic test results are pending.
“The good news is that with new federal funding, I get what I need when I need it for our patients," Engel said. "Their biopsies and scans are turned around in a week. Cancer trumps everything.”
As many as 65,000 people, including first responders, became sick from 9/11 exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A Mount Sinai Medical Center study cited by the Daily News found a 15 percent higher cancer rate among first responders than among people who were not exposed to the toxic air.
Marty Cervellion, a 63-year-old city engineer who spent more than two months at ground zero following the attacks, developed gastroesophageal cancer in 2011.
“It was always in the back of everyone’s mind we were in jeopardy given the contamination down there, but the entire world was calling on you," he told the Daily News. "It felt so good to serve, there was no wanting to escape."

Anyone with half a brain (George W. Bush excluded) knew there was no way the air was free of toxic chemicals at the site.  It was only a matter of time before the truth would surface.  Not that the three above care much. Only the Mayor of 9/11 may show his face, but I doubt it. The other two are far away from the spotlight.  And that's as it should be.  Wonder if the media will pick up on this and hunt them down.  Especially Whitman who emphatically denied the rumors of toxins at the site or anywhere in the area.  They ought to be in prison.

And so it goes.
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