Category Archives: Health

October 21, 2022

Rough Day

By Joe

Wednesday evening, I had my COVID booster and flu vaccination. The actual shots themselves weren’t too bad, even if the pharmacist who gave them to me was not the friendliest person I’ve ever met. He was young and cute but didn’t even smile once. Anyway, that’s not the point. Yesterday, I had my usual reaction to the COVID booster. It began with a bad headache and body aches. All of my joints hurt. Then, came the fever. My skin felt like I had pins sticking in me everywhere. By last night, my fever had reached over 100, and I went to bed at 7:30 pm. I woke several times, but eventually went to sleep for good around 10 pm. 

Thankfully, this morning, I feel much better. The fever and body aches are gone. The headache isn’t completely gone, but does that surprise anyone? I almost always have a migraine. It comes with having “chronic” migraines. On Monday, I will go for my next VYEPTI infusion in the morning and see my neurologist in the afternoon. Last time, the VYEPTI provided some relief, so I hope it will this time as well.

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October 19, 2022

Rainy Days

By Joe

We’ve been getting a lot of rain lately, and it’s been terrible for my migraines. Yesterday, I had to come home at lunchtime because my head was hurting so bad. I will be seeing my neurologist on Monday, and we’re going to have to have a discussion about this.

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October 14, 2022

Monkeypox: A Rise and Fall

By Joe

In my email this morning was my New York Times daily newsletter. I don’t always read the NYT newsletters, but this on peaked my interesting because the title was “What happened to monkeypox?”, and I recently got my first dose of the monkeypox vaccine. By the way, the actual vaccination was very easy, and I barely felt anything. In fact, the doctor who gave it to me remarked on how well I did and that I didn’t even flinch. However, that was two weeks ago, and there is still a raised red blemish where I received the injection. Supposedly, this is the most common side effect, and the only one I had with the first dose. I go back at the end of the month for my second dose.

Anyway, so back to the newsletter titled “What happened to monkeypox?”. Back in June, monkeypox regularly made headlines as a major new disease outbreak. Since then, it largely disappeared from the news. So, what did happen? The simple answer is that the virus receded. Since a peak in early August, reported monkeypox cases in the U.S. have fallen more than 85 percent. Monkeypox shows us how effective a well-received vaccination rollout can accomplish so much. 

The NYT gave several explanations for why there was a decline. Ultimately, monkeypox in the U.S. has been contained to a narrow demographic, mostly gay and bisexual men with multiple partners. It was never very deadly; there were just 28 confirmed deaths globally out of more than 72,000 reported cases. Experts say that four factors explain monkeypox’s decline. First, vaccines helped slow the virus’s spread (despite a rocky rollout). Second, gay and bisexual men reduced activities, such as sex with multiple partners, that spread the virus more quickly and the third reason is related, the Pride Month effect. Monkeypox began to spread more widely around June, when much of the world celebrated LGBTQ+ Pride. Beyond the parades and rallies, some parties and other festivities involved casual sex. As the celebrations dwindled, so did the increased potential for monkeypox to spread. And finally, the virus simply burned out. Monkeypox mainly spreads through close contact, making it harder to transmit than a pathogen that is primarily airborne, like the coronavirus. The monkeypox virus is self-limiting virus, which makes it less likely to grow into a larger outbreak.

Much of this explanation may sound familiar after more than two years of Covid: A virus can be tamed by vaccines and behavioral changes. Two more reasons worth noting. First, public health officials provided a clearer and more unified message. During COVID, officials sometimes gave unclear or misleading guidance because they did not trust the public with the truth. At first, officials were cautious about labeling monkeypox as a “gay disease” because of the response to the AIDS epidemic and the discrimination and stigma it created for the gay community. The initial response was slow because of this. 

After the World Health Organization’s director general said that men who have sex with men should consider limiting their number of sexual partners, public health officials began tailoring their warnings toward gay and bisexual men. The C.D.C. and New York City’s health department echoed the guidance. A factor that the NYT did not seem to mention in its report is that gay men are more likely to listen to health warnings because of the lessons learned during the AIDS epidemic. And it appeared to work. Monkeypox cases began to decline. That shift in public messaging enabled two of the four factors I explained earlier, as officials targeted gay and bisexual men for vaccine drives, and men who have sex with men limited riskier activities. But the clearer guidance came after weeks of criticism, exposing a habit of unclear messaging that keeps the country vulnerable to health crises.

While Vermont was a leader in their COVID response, largely keeping the numbers low during the pandemic (with a few exceptions), they were lacking in their monkeypox response. There is one major reason and one anecdotal reason, that is my opinion only. The major reason is that there were very few cases of monkeypox in Vermont. The anecdotal reason is that we have fewer gay men. Lesbians outnumber us greatly. The initial Vermont response was that only gay men who had come into contact with someone exposed to monkeypox should receive the vaccination, which seemed to me like it would be too late. Eventually, the state health officials widened the access to any gay men in the state. However, while COVID vaccines were readily available, monkeypox vaccines were available at pop-up clinics organized by LGBTQ+ organizations in Vermont and Planned Parenthood. I went to a Planned Parenthood office for mine. As an aside, I have never met a nicer, more helpful, or more efficient medical practice than this Planned Parenthood.

As for monkeypox’s decline, no one know what might happen next as human behavior is unpredictable. That uncertainty opens the possibility that monkeypox could spread again. People most in danger of contracting the virus may skip the vaccine because its spread has slowed, or they could resume risky activities too soon before cases are low enough to stop another outbreak. Or another major event, like next year’s Pride Month, could bring monkeypox back.

And the virus still regularly spreads in western and central Africa, where it was first found in humans and has never been fully contained — putting it one flight away from the U.S. or Europe. Here’s the good news: This year’s outbreak has made officials take monkeypox more seriously. So, if it does come back, the country may be more prepared to deploy vaccines and take other steps to fight it. But success depends on how people react.

Another bright side is that if there is an outbreak of smallpox (unlikely but not impossible), many gay men would be vaccinated against smallpox as well, since JYNNEOS (the vaccine’s proper name) pretexts against both smallpox and monkeypox.

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October 6, 2022

Migraine

By Joe

My migraine was still raging last night. I’m hoping it’s better today, and we can get back to our regularly scheduled programming on this blog tomorrow. Although other than poetry on Tuesday, Moments of Zen on Saturday, and a devotional on Sunday, I guess the rest of the week is anything goes. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

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October 5, 2022

Vaccines

By Joe

I got my first dose of the monkeypox vaccine yesterday. When the vaccine was first being distributed in Vermont, you could basically only get the vaccine if you had been exposed to monkeypox, although I always thought that would be too late, but there is obviously something I don’t understand in that logic. Recently, they started allowing all gay men to get to get the vaccine. In Vermont, the easiest place to get it is at Planned Parenthood, so that’s where I went yesterday. It was a really pleasant experience. Everyone was very nice and the shot did not hurt at all. The doctor who gave it to me was quite impressed that I watched and didn’t even flinch when she gave me the vaccine. Not only do I prick my finger every morning to check my blood glucose, but I’ve also become quite familiar with needles after all those Botox injections for my migraines.if I can take 38 shots all over my head and shoulders, I can take a little monkeypox vaccine.

My arm was a little sore, but not bad. I did have a headache, though whether that was from the vaccine or just my usual state of being, I’m not sure. Anyway, I was not feeling very well last night because of the headache, and I’m staying home today because I woke with a bad migraine. I’m very photosensitive today and basically can’t stand even the slightest amount of light this morning 

I go back in four weeks for the second dose. In the meantime, I need to get my flu shot and the new COVID booster. It seems like every time you turn around, you need another vaccine, but thank God for vaccines. Taking a shot, is much better than catching one of these diseases.

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October 2, 2022

Heaven Help Us: Mental Health and Faith

By Joe

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

—1 Peter 5:6-7 

Many of us struggle with mental health. Yesterday, I checked out for a mental health day. I did not talk to anyone all day, nor did I want to. I had some things on my mind and a terrible migraine. The Bible does not specifically refer to mental health; however, it speaks a lot about a person’s emotions, mind, soul, and heart. Mental health is an extremely important topic that all people need to be familiar with today. In the past, primitive beliefs often taught that mental problems were directly related to Satan and were the result of demonic possession. Many people struggle with mental health problems today, but this does not mean we are possessed or are not good Christians.

Anybody can struggle with their mental health, whether the individual is young or old, a believer or an unbeliever. If you struggle with mental health, you are not alone. My mental health issues are always associated with anxiety and depression. There is a myriad of mental health issues out there, including eating disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and PTSD. Each of these illnesses can happen to a person for a variety of reasons. Thus, it is crucial that as Christians, we do not judge, belittle, or condemn those struggling with mental illnesses. Rather than condemning those with mental illness, Christians are to help, show kindness, and love them. John 13:34-35 says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The individual’s body and mind are both factors of a person’s mental health. If a person’s mind and body are having difficulties, a person’s mental state will suffer as well. Elijah was a prophet who struggled with suicidal thoughts during a difficult time in his life. In 1 Kings 19:4, we learn about Elijah’s struggle, “But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, ‘It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!’” God did not take Elijah’s life but rather gave him the strength to keep going. We can see that God helped  in 1 Kings 19:5-8:

Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.

After Elijah had slept and eaten, he was ready to continue with the work of the Lord. Sleeping and eating are certainly not a cure for suicidal thoughts or any mental illness, but a good night’s sleep and a good meal can help to relax us, mind, body, and soul. If a Christian is struggling with suicidal thoughts, they need to seek out medical help, therapy, and most importantly, pray to God about their feelings. There is nothing wrong with seeking help from doctors, therapists, or counselors. God has placed professional doctors, therapists, and counselors in their positions for a reason.

Anxiety is a common thing people struggle with. The Bible does specifically talk about anxiety as 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” God wants us to give Him all our worries, cares, and concerns. Philippians 4:6-7 also talks about anxiety, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Whenever you are struggling with anxiety or fear, pray to God. He can help you let go of anxiety and will give you strength. God is always faithful, and you can always depend on Him. Only Jesus gives the true peace that surpasses all understanding.

Depression is very common and can be caused by genetics, internal conflicts, or a person’s environment. God walks alongside us as we struggle with depression. David writes in Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” God is always with us — no matter where we find ourselves today or any day in the future.  In the Beatitudes, Jesus tells us, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:3-4)

No matter our issues, God can help us. He may send us the people we need to help us or direct us in a way that we can help ourselves. There is an old saying, though not a Bible verse like many think, that says, “God helps those who help themselves.” Yes, he does help those who help themselves, but depression, anxiety, and any number of mental illnesses can paralyze us. We may not be able to help ourselves, and that’s when God comes in. He will provide us with the help we need, but we need to be receptive to it. When things seem bleak, try to remember that God loves us and wants the best for us. All we have to do is believe.

1 Comment | posted in Health, Religion

September 8, 2022

Doctor, Doctor

By Joe

Yesterday, I had a doctor’s appointment, and if I’ve never mentioned it before, my doctor is really hot. I love my doctor. I can talk to him about anything, and there is never any judgment. He’s also a really nice guy. I usually have to wait 30 minutes or so after my actual appointment time before I see him, but I really don’t mind. I know he’s the type of doctor who spends as much time with a patient as they need him to, and I know he’ll do the same for me. I have had doctors in the past who were in a race to see how fast they could get patients out of their office. I always felt they were not actually listening to their patients. I know my doctor listens to everything I say to him.

One of the things I always enjoy about seeing my doctor is reading his appointment notes and the visit summary. If your doctor uses MyChart, you might know what I’m talking about. I think electronic medical records are a great addition to healthcare. I remember when my mother was still working as a nurse, one of her major duties was making sure the EMR system got off the ground and was working correctly. She was the “quality assurance nurse,” so she made sure that all of the doctors and nurses were filling out their charts correctly.

Anyway, I enjoy reading my doctor’s notes on my visit. It always tickles me at some of the stuff he puts in there. Some of it is personal life stuff, like that I am happy after my recent move or that I’m exceptionally busy at work. I had to laugh when I was reading them last night because one of the things he wrote was, “He has a pond nearby.” I had mentioned that I like my new apartment and the peace and quiet out where I am now living. In addition, I mentioned there was a pond next to my building that I could see from my bedroom window. Thankfully, he didn’t also mention how much I said Isabella likes watching the birds.I was talking to Susan last night about this and I read her one of the things that he wrote under my psych evaluation, “Thought content without hallucinations or suicidal/homicidal ideations.” He also said I was: “Well-groomed. Good eye contact.” Two things about this: 1) I used to work in medical transcription, so I know there are standard phrases and shortcuts doctors use to fill in all the necessary information, and 2) He pays attention to the psych evaluation because I have a history of depression and anxiety. While I know it is probably standard for him, it always makes me feel nice that I’m “well-groomed.”
While I know that some of the “notes” are just standard medical jargon, there is a lot more personal stuff in there as well. It makes me feel like I am being listened to. Even when he has given me bad news, I always leave his office feeling hopeful. Most of the time lately, I leave feeling happy and good about myself. My A1C is under control, and if it stays with the current levels (under 6.0), he’ll take me off my diabetes medication and declare me a “diet-controlled diabetic.” While my weight has been up a few pounds, I’m still doing good. My cholesterol and blood pressure are great. My headaches have been improving with the new treatment, and my trigeminal neuralgia seems to be getting better. All in all, I’m in pretty decent health. He is happy with the progress that I’ve made, and so am I.

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August 31, 2022

Better

By Joe

Thankfully, for the most part, I am feeling better than I was over the weekend. I no longer have a fever, and after nearly three hours at an express care clinic, I found out that I tested negative for COVID, Flu, and RSV. I was not able to see my doctor because they won’t see patients if there is the possibility of them having COVID. They required that I have two negative COVID tests before they could see me. I had taken one on Sunday and took another at the express clinic on Monday, but by the time I got the results, my fever was basically gone, and I was feeling much better. The doctor I did get to see said I had some minor viral infection. All that remains now is a headache.

2 Comments | posted in Health

August 29, 2022

Sick

By Joe

I’ve spent most of the weekend in bed or laying on my couch. Sadly, it wasn’t with the guy in the picture above. Instead, I was in bed because I’ve had a terrible migraine and have been running a fever. My fever has gone down a few times, and my headache has abated for short periods. However, both always seem to come back worse. Mostly though, I have been miserable. If I’m not miraculously better when I wake up this morning, I’m going to try to get an appointment to see my doctor. I hate being sick, and I hate even more having a fever.

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August 24, 2022

Rough Day

By Joe

While my new migraine medicine seems to be helping a lot (migraines are less frequent and usually less intense), the exception to this is when it rains. For usually twenty-four hours or so before rain begins, I have a bad migraine. I’ve become a pretty accurate predictor of rain. It doesn’t matter how much or how little rain we actually get, the day leading up to it is pretty rough.

It rained off and on all day yesterday. Sometimes, my migraines stops when the rain begins, but not yesterday. My guess is that because it would rain a little then the sun would come out before it would rain a little more. This happened over and over all day yesterday. Finally my headache started getting better but then my mother called. I won’t even get into that little conversation, but talking to her always makes me feel like shit.

Anyway, as my migraine began to improve late yesterday afternoon, I began having severe sciatic nerve pain. My left side from just above my hip all the way down to my toes was in agony. I’ve had sciatica off an on for years and usually taking naproxen helps, and it did for a few minutes, but I went to bed with it still hurting.

I really hope today is a better, less painful day. I suspect this is the same with most people with chronic pain, but sometimes it gets so depressing to hurt all the time. You just want some kind of release.

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