When Life Happens…

Lesbians, my fellow Gay Men, Bisexuals, Transgendered folks, and our straight allies: I wish to apologize for not having written a blog post on “This Gay Man’s Life…” in too long a time.

Frankly, life got in the way.  Specifically, some physical health issues got in the way.

Briefly, for roughly two weeks, I had difficulty breathing.  It was severe to the point that I could no longer lay down to sleep; if I wanted to sleep, I would need to sit in the big, easy chair in my living room.

And so, I went to the emergency room of one of the best hospitals in my area this past Monday, April 21; while there, I was given several antibiotics, Lasix, an incredibly powerful diuretic (especially for me, as it makes me pee like a race horse!), nebulizer treatments for my lungs, plenty of rest and plenty of great care and great food, too.  I was released this past Thursday, April 24, 2014.

Currently, I AM on a sodium-reduced and fluid-restricted diet.  Essentially, I cannot consume more than 600 milligrams of sodium per meal, and cannot exceed 2400 milligrams of sodium per day.  As for fluids, be it water, juice, coffee, or tea, I cannot exceed 32 fluid ounces, or no more than four cups of fluid per day.

Both of these guidelines are a bit challenging; I love eating out, and I love drinking coffee and tea (hot, as well as iced).  Although I have never been one to drink eight to ten glasses of water a day, when I make my Cosmic Coffee in my French press coffee pot, I usually drink the whole pot.

Now, before you think I never sleep, years ago I trained my Mind to refrain from believing that song and dance about “Oh, that’ll keep me up all night.”  Alas, I programmed my Mind a little too well, because when I drink coffee or my beloved cafe con leche, I begin to yawn.

I feel that, eventually, I shall feel more comfortable eating out again, but for now, I think it is safer for me to refrain from eating out (or drinking out, as the case may be).  While in the hospital, this time around, I was given a lot of information on which foods contain especially high levels of sodium, however, I have been aware for some time that most restaurants add salt, even if one requests that no salt be added to one’s food.

A plus about this is that I shall save a lot of money, money that I would normally spend purchasing a pastry here, or a bottle of water there.  It is a good way to look at this situation, and one that is not only positive, but empowering, too.

As a Gay Man, a Latin American man, a Witch, etc., I truly feel that it would be very easy for me to play the victim, and I can honestly say that I played the victim in my life quite well, to have garnered a few Academy Awards.

However, playing the victim does not help me, or anyone else, for that matter.

Yes, I AM taking it easy.  Yes, I AM Mindful of my body, what it can do and not do, right now.  Yes, I AM watching what I eat, using my measuring cups to measure my portions.  And yes, I AM being compliant with my medications, taking my multi-vitamin supplement and getting plenty of rest.

Nonetheless, I refuse to be an invalid.  I have had no problem asking friends and loved ones for assistance, be it grocery shopping, errand running, Prayers, etc.

If I can do something myself, or rather, by myself, I shall do it.  Frankly, I AM looking forward to doing laundry, next week, because when I do so, I shall be laundering my clothes without feeling as though wearing an ever-decreasing corset!

Ladies and gentlemen, please BREATHE!  As I say to my fellow Bears, “Say NO to manscaping!”  And as I have begun to say to others now, “Say YES to breathing!”

Interestingly enough, I was surprised how many doctors asked me if I smoked (by the way, the answer to that question is “no;” and I have nothing against smokers, but in my home, the only smoke is incense smoke!); asthma (also no; in fact, I had never used an inhaler, until Monday, April 14, 2014, and when I read the accompanying instructions, I discovered I was not using it correctly); emphysema (which I do not clearly know that it is, but I have a good idea, and no desire, at this time, to look it up).

In short, yes, I feel better.  The fact that I can lay down to sleep in my own bed without feeling as though gasping for air, tells me I AM feeling much better.  The fact that I can stand up, as well as sit down with no pain or discomfort, tells me most certainly I AM feeling MUCH better.

I have been comfortable using and working with traditional medicine, but I have always been comfortable using what some call “alternative” medicine.  In fact, earlier today, I had a combination of Acupuncture, Reiki, and Reflexology Bodywork.  And, just like my previous treatments combining all three Modalities, I feel wonderful.

Tomorrow, Sunday, April 27, 2014, I shall engage in an “Unplugged/Off-the-Internet” day.  On my main blog, “This Is Who I AM” (http://thetarotman.wordpress.com), I have written several posts about Sacred Solitude.  I feel that it is essential, especially for anyone on a high Spiritual Path.

It is also an excellent practice for anyone who needs a break from the world, from Facebook (and Goddess Knows, a lot of you need a major break from that!), anyone who needs to recharge his or her Spiritual Batteries, and reconnect with his or her Inner Self.

Before I close, I wish to acknowledge my newest blog followers.  They are: “Charlotte Cuevas,” and “…a Beehive here Inside My Heart.”  Both of them also follow my main blog, “This Is Who I AM.”

May both of you receive great Insight, great Wisdom and great PRIDE from following “This Gay Man’s Life…”

A GREAT way to make me happy is to follow both my blogs and read the posts and submit comments on them.  And keeping me happy means keeping me healthy.  I’m just saying.

And for those of you already following and reading this blog, thank you, as always, for honoring who you are and what you do.