Yo & hello

It has been a long time since my last post and I have been through a tough

period during the few weeks.  Dolores caught the Noro Virus   

at work and I caught it from her.  It is a real killer and I am still not a 100%.  

Then I caught a cold.  I have suffered mightily from it.  Having the 

Trachea Tube has helped me to breathe but, sleeping through the night just doesn't

happen.  I'm up three of 4 times a night fighting this troublesome and
very painful cough.  The cough coupled with the upset stomach and
troubled bowels drives me crazy.  Dolores even wonders how long it
will how it will take for me to regain my health.

I cancelled my March 4th appointment with Dr. Filatov.  I'll see him
April 21st and he will do a full inspection of my tongue and throat.
He will also check out my Tracheostomy.  Speaking of which, a few days ago
I had just finished cleaning my inner cannula when I felt that the
whole apparatus was terribly loose.  I called Dolores and to our
surprise, the whole Trachea Tube was completely out of my throat.  She
quickly re inserted it and re adjusted the neck strap which holds it
in place.  That's the first time the neck strap has failed and the tube

 has slid out.  Whew I'm glad that's over.

For the past five days I have been much better.  I have been able

 to get out and do chores and get some  much needed fresh air.  

I feel invigorated.  It is a good feeling.  On the days I get outside

 for exercise doing the wood etc. really sparks my appetite and I 

eat well.  I am holding steady at 172 lbs.  I don't really want to gain

allot of weight.  I would be happy not to exceed 180 ever again.  

At 5'7" that is a very comfortable weight for me.

On Monday, Dolores drove me to Prince George (125 kms).  We went to Costco
and I purchased a set of over the ear hearing aids ($2,900 complete).
There is no tax, either Provincial or Federal on them.   I was
fitted for the ear pieces and in 2 weeks time I'll be able to pick
them up.  My supplementary health care provider is Manulife Financial.

I have submitted a claim for reimbursement of 90% of the total cost.

You may remember from my blog that my hearing has
deteriorated to the point where I hear 85% but at 105 decibels in my
right ear and 60% at 85 decibels in my lest ear.  My appointment with

Dr. Filatov on the 4th of March was to find out how much of the
hearing loss was due to radiation damage.  That is something that I
don't think he will ever be able to answer.  It will be good to be
able to hear again.

Well it's time to take some "meds" and then read until Dolores gets home
from work.  I'm really tired tonight.  Sorry that I haven't written sooner or 

brought you or brought you up to date before this.  I just haven't had the
energy to get it done.  Now that I'm feeling better I'll be more
attentive.  

Watch for more news in the days to come.

Love to everyone,

Rick