Long-lasting
lethargy
I originally
intended to write the blog fairly regularly, though not setting myself any
target frequency such as once a month. I feel a bit guilty that the gap since the
last one is so long. Partly this is
sheer laziness, partly this was due to a lack of energy on many days such that
it took a huge effort to do more than read the paper and watch TV; and partly that there has not been much to
write, cardiac-wise as it were. I am relieved that my ICD has remained silent,
though thoroughly checked to ensure it was working properly. My
pulse rate is still irregular, but thanks to bisoprolol controlled pretty well
around 60 – 70. .I was feeling so well
that we booked a holiday in Tenerife, mainly for the sunshine. The flight was no problem, but lengthy
walking at the airport can be tiring. It
was .nothing to do with the heart, but I did have a successful cataract
operation at the end of November.
The last few weeks have been uneventful
as far as my Chronic Cardiac Dysfunction (CCDF) is concerned, though this can be
difficult to interpret, as my medical condition is complicated by co-existing
COPD. I caught the prevailing adenovirus
infection around Christmas; as usual this went to my chest. I had terribly distressing coughs, and much
worse Shortness of Breath than usual. I
had to give up even my bedroom exercise (bedex) programme. Gradually I improved thanks to a course of
Co-amoxyclav. However as has happened
before, after a wonderful period of gradually getting better, back to bedex, the
wretched cough and SOB returned. I am
now on a course of Clarithromycin, and gradually improving. I have even resumed bedex, gently. The
lethargy is getting less. Whether this awful
lethargy is caused by CCDF, COPD, depression or lasting effects of the adenovirus
infection I do not know. I have resumed my walk round the block. I can’t measure the distance, probably about
half a mile, mostly flat, but the inclines, though slight, can be a bit challenging. Last week it took me 15.18 minutes, today, a trivial
triumph, 14.05 minutes. I know most people could probably do it in
half that time, but to me it is a sign of progress; I like to think a harbinger
of recovery to “my usual normal.” Is it
too much to hope that the period of cold and damp will soon be over, and we can
welcome Spring?
