The Big Freeze

Arriving in Melbourne in the depth of its winter and during a particularly cold snap has not proved good for my health. While I did do some walking upon arrival, I found that the cold was affecting my chest and so I've abandoned all forms of exercise. I definitely function better in the tropics and I'm looking forward to returning there.

This is the worst shape I've been in since my affliction emerged toward the end of 2018. Even moving about the city proved too much for me yesterday and I was struggling to make it back home. Since then I've spent most the time sleeping. The fact that I breathe through my mouth exacerbates the problem as the cold air enters my lungs directly whereas via the nose the air has a chance to warm up a little. When I consciously breathe through my nose, I find things are better.

There's so little information available about my condition and I'm not really sure what my condition is. My research leans toward thymoma or thymic cyst but most probably the latter as I have a long history of cysts on head and, as I only learned in 2015, cysts on my liver. "14% of patients with thymic cysts also had hepatic cysts" (see earlier post titled Thymoma or Thymic Cyst) and so there is clearly a correlation between the two. 

Hopefully, the temperatures will be warmer in Sydney in a week's time when we visit and on our return to Melbourne five days later. If this sees an improvement in my condition, then it will be strong evidence that low temperatures exacerbate my condition and are best avoided in the future. On an unrelated note, I weighed in yesterday at 74.7kg. This is the first time that I've weighed myself in a while and this weight isn't too bad considering my recent lack of exercise.

Staying Sick

I first showed signs of coming down with a cold on the evening of May 28th and it's now June 16th. I'm still coughing and bringing up phlegm. This is almost three weeks since the onset. It seems likely that I have a condition called walking pneumonia that is described on this site as: 

Walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia. Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes your airways to swell, the air sacs in your lungs to fill with mucus and other fluids, a high fever and a cough with mucus. If you have walking pneumonia, you may feel well enough to walk around and carry out daily tasks without realizing you have pneumonia. “Walking pneumonia” is the common term for atypical pneumonia.

The same site goes on to say that:

The main differences between walking pneumonia and “regular” pneumonia are that walking pneumonia is milder and it usually doesn’t require bed rest or hospitalization. Anyone can get walking pneumonia. You’re more likely to get walking pneumonia if you are two years or younger or are 65 years or older. Walking pneumonia is common. The number of cases fluctuates, usually spiking every three to seven years. Walking pneumonia can occur at any time of the year. However, it occurs most often during the fall and winter. If you have walking pneumonia as a result of a virus or another cause, you have to let the illness run its course. Walking pneumonia is mild and can usually go away on its own without treatment. Walking pneumonia may last from four to six weeks. A cough is usually the longest-lasting walking pneumonia symptom.

This diagnosis seems to conform with my symptoms, the origin was most probably viral and brought home from University by my granddaughter. She recovered quickly as did my wife who was also infected but who is still under sixty. However, my ageing immune system has been battling to fight off the infection.

Naturally I'm concerned that my condition may worsen once I arrive in Melbourne on the 21st June and have to confront the depth of the city's winter. Hopefully my current cough will have disappeared by then. International air travel however, is stressful and puts a strain on the immune system but a recrudescence is possible. 

On the positive side, I have fashioned a new stretch band to replace the one that disappeared and I've resumed my leg exercises. I've also been walking most days and so things aren't so bad.

Getting Sick Again

Oh dear. I wrote fatefully on May 31st that I was starting to recover from my virus attack but things promptly took a turn for the worst for the next three days. I was able to do very little. I developed a wracking cough and an overwhelming lethargy so that I slept for most of the time. It's was only  on June 4th that I could say I'd recovered.

Definitely, transiting Ceres sitting on the cusp of my sixth house was a clear reflection in the outer world of the psycho-physical activity in my inner world that led to my illness. So today, June 5th, I took my first morning walk in a week, proceeding at what for me was a leisurely pace. All I can do is begin again. Pick up where I left off.

Of course, I've misplaced my stretch band that I used for my leg exercises and so I need to either find it or find a replacement. I'm getting sick of getting sick but soon enough I'll transcend illness. While still inhabiting a physical body however, I wish there was a mental technique to distance myself from the suffering for its duration. Perhaps there is. I remember my yoga teacher of fifty years again (Elsa Gartenstein I think her name was) claimed she underwent dental procedures without anesthesia.

Getting Well

I'm off the Panadol now and on the road to recovery, although I'm still fatigued and have spent a lot of time sleeping. My granddaughter succumbed to something similar so she may have brought it back from her university where she says many students are coughing and sneezing. It's hard to know. 

As ChatGPT says:

In Western astrology, the sixth house is commonly associated with health matters, including sickness and ill-health. The sixth house represents issues related to physical well-being, daily routines, work, service, and hygiene. It governs matters such as general health, illnesses, injuries, chronic conditions, and overall physical vitality.

When analyzing a birth chart, astrologers often examine the condition of planets in the sixth house and any aspects they form with other planets. This can provide insights into an individual's health, potential health issues, and their approach to maintaining well-being.

Looking at my transits, it can be seen that the transiting Moon had just entered my sixth house, passing over transiting Ceres as it did. See Figure 1.

Figure 1: transits to my natal chart at
6:29 pm on Monday night

Right now, the transiting Moon is almost at my seventh house cusp and I'm starting to recover. Of course, the Moon passes through my sixth house every month and I normally don't get sick. Perhaps the T-square formed by transiting Neptune opposite transiting Ceres and the Moon with natal Uranus at the apex was the trigger. Again, it's hard to know. My immune system had been weakened already due to my overexertion of some days earlier, as described in my blog post Overdoing It Yet Again.

I've not done any exercise since becoming ill. Perhaps I'll be feeling strong enough to go for a walk tomorrow. We'll see. I intend to proceed slowly. I've managed to misplace my stretch band and may need to purchase or requisition a fresh pair of pantyhose (from which I shaped my previous stretch band).

Getting Sick

I felt the onset of a cold last night and took some Panadol at 6 pm and again just before midnight. It's now 5 am and I may take another dose after my morning walk. My illness supports the notion that the cold virus, as with many other viruses, is always inside us. It only takes a shock to the body in the form of my recent overexertion to weaken the immune system and allow the virus to replicate. To my knowledge, I haven't had any close contact with anyone who was ill.

I haven't been sleeping all that regularly lately which hasn't helped. I don't like taking any medication but I always reach for the Panadol Green when cold symptoms arise. Here is what ChatGPT had to say about Dextromethorphan:

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a medication commonly used as a cough suppressant. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antitussives. Here are some key points about dextromethorphan:

Purpose: Dextromethorphan is primarily used to relieve coughing. It helps to suppress the cough reflex by acting on the brain's cough center.

Over-the-Counter Availability: Dextromethorphan is available over the counter in many countries, often found in various cough and cold medications. It is commonly found in syrup or capsule form, sometimes combined with other ingredients such as expectorants or decongestants.

Effects: When taken as directed, dextromethorphan is generally safe and effective in relieving coughing. It can provide temporary relief from persistent or irritating coughs.

Recreational Use: Dextromethorphan can produce psychoactive effects when taken in large doses or in ways not recommended. Some individuals misuse or abuse dextromethorphan for recreational purposes, seeking its dissociative or hallucinogenic effects. This is known as "robotripping" or "dexing." Misuse of dextromethorphan can be dangerous and should be avoided.

Dosage and Precautions: It is essential to follow the recommended dosage instructions and guidelines provided on the medication packaging. Taking excessive amounts of dextromethorphan can lead to adverse effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and in rare cases, even more severe reactions. It is important to be cautious and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Drug Interactions: Dextromethorphan may interact with certain medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and other substances that affect serotonin levels. These interactions can lead to a potentially serious condition called serotonin syndrome. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or substances you are taking before using dextromethorphan.

As with any medication, it is advisable to read and follow the instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturer and consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about the use of dextromethorphan.

Here is what ChatGPT had to say about Pseudoephridrine HCl:

Pseudoephedrine HCl is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as decongestants. It is commonly used to relieve nasal congestion caused by various conditions, such as allergies, sinusitis, or the common cold. Here are some key points about pseudoephedrine HCl:

Decongestant Properties: Pseudoephedrine acts as a vasoconstrictor, which means it narrows the blood vessels in the nasal passages. By doing so, it helps reduce swelling and congestion, making it easier to breathe through the nose.

Over-the-Counter Availability: Pseudoephedrine is available over the counter in many countries, often found in combination with other ingredients in cold and allergy medications. It is typically available as tablets or capsules.

Nasal Congestion Relief: Pseudoephedrine is primarily used to relieve nasal congestion, including stuffy or blocked nose symptoms associated with respiratory conditions. It can help alleviate discomfort and improve breathing.

Duration of Action: Pseudoephedrine's effects typically last for a few hours, providing temporary relief from congestion. The duration can vary depending on the formulation and individual response.

Potential Side Effects: While pseudoephedrine is generally safe for most people when used as directed, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects may include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, and dry mouth. It is important to adhere to the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Legal Considerations: Pseudoephedrine is a regulated substance due to its potential use in the illicit production of methamphetamine. In many countries, it is sold behind the pharmacy counter or subject to purchase restrictions to control its distribution and prevent misuse.

It is important to read and follow the instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturer and consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about the use of pseudoephedrine HCl. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs and any medications you may be taking.

Panadol is a brand name for paracetamol and its analgesic and antipyretic effects are well known. Of course I'm mindful that "taking excessive amounts of paracetamol can be harmful and may cause liver damage". I was diagnosed with a fatty liver back in 2009, during a medical checkup but never found about it until 2015 when I read the medical report. 

After my gall bladder removal in 2016, my liver function test came back normal so that was a positive. It would be interesting to know if I still have a fatty liver after many years of sobriety but I don't want to submit to any medical procedures unless I have to. Hopefully I'll be well again soon and can discontinue the use of this medication.

Overdoing It Yet Again

On September 17th 2022, I created a post titled Overdoing It and, well, the day before yesterday I overdid it yet again. I'd gone for an early morning walk and late in the afternoon my granddaughter was keen to go for a walk and so I joined her. However, for some odd reason, I set a blistering pace and paid the price.

Physics Humour

When I got back home, I almost immediately crashed and slept from about 5:30pm to midnight. I felt very weak when I did wake up and my chest was especially painful, even though I'd not done anything to aggravate it via lifting or pushing. This was a surprise and now, after a day of rest, I feel relatively fine. The finer I feel, the more inclined I am to push my physical limits. I still find it difficult to accept the limitations that my body is imposing on me.

If I persist in these recurrent over-exertions, it's likely that I'll simply drop dead sooner or later. What I should have done with my granddaughter is to have gone for a leisurely walk. As it was, she was struggling to keep up with me and she is twenty years old. A kind of madness overtakes me. Sometimes I even want to jog but I resist the temptation. I should be thankful that my 74 year old body has lasted this long and treat it more kindly.

Meanwhile I continue with my leg exercises every day, except when I'm recovering from my excesses, and I've added some balancing exercises. My neck swiveling is repeated several times during the day and I see this as very important. My thymoma, if that's what it is, flares up whenever I overdo things and provides a challenge to my powers of self healing. I believe I could heal myself if I could focus my awareness on my body via regular and intense meditation sessions. 

However, I exist largely in my head and my relationship with my body is not a harmonious one. I want my body to obey the demands I place on it and so it is a sort of master and slave relationship. Alas, the slave is growing weaker and more weary and soon the master will have no slave to command. Instead of doom scrolling on the Internet for a goodly portion of the day, I'd do better to extend the duration and frequency of gentle exercise and include some meditation or mindfulness sessions.

By the latter I mean, simply sitting and witnessing the activity of the mind and body and not being caught up in the flurry of thoughts that is constantly erupting in my head. Such activity needs to be made a part of my daily activity. Staying healthy, as this blog is titled, is not just above being physically healthy. Body and psyche are intertwined.

Walking the Walk

I've been walking fairly regularly lately, missing the odd day here and there but no often. The circuit I walk is a distance of 2.3 kilometers and today I timed myself, roughly, at 26 minutes. This gives a walking rate of 5.3 kilometers per hour which is regarded as a brisk pace.

I completed this walk early in the morning, about 7am, but felt fatigued for the rest of the day. I just had to lay down on several occasions. Perhaps I'm walking a bit too fast. I can ease off the pace a bit and still achieve an acceptable speed of 5 kilometers an hour. I need to experiment a little.

I weighed myself this evening and came in at a hefty 76.1 kilograms which is the heaviest I've weighed since my teaching days. It wasn't all that long ago that I weighed in regularly at about 66 kilograms. This translates to a BMI of 23.99. I don't feel overweight but I am nudging the edge of the healthy BMI range:

A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a healthy weight range for adults, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, a BMI of 23.99 falls within the healthy weight range.

My recent regular intake of freshly prepared fruit juices fortified with oak milk may have contributed to my weight gain. I should perhaps just add water to the juices. I really would like to get back down to about 72 kilograms and this should be achievable if I start weighing myself regularly again.

I'm regularly completing my hand strength exercises and leg exercises and have added some balance and flexibility exercises as well. My suspected thymoma has been playing up a little lately but this is normal whenever I exhaust myself like I've been doing. 

I need to add more exercises to my daily routine without overburdening myself. Posting regularly to this blog is a way to reflect on my progress. As I've said before, this should be the blog to which I post most regularly but such alas is not the case. So let's include the above data points:

Date: Friday, May 12th 2023

Weight: 76.1 kg at 9pm

Walking speed: 2.3 km in 26 minutes --> 5.3 km/hr.

Resting pulse rate: 66 beats per minute