Tag: chronic health issues

February 21st – Day 49, 50, & 51  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

The past few days have been particularly uneventful.

Our snow quit falling, our sun has returned, and our temperatures have tanked! With March fast approaching,  this will improve sooner than later.

Dan and Molly have been staying close to home.  Dan has gotten our sidewalks and garage access cleared.  Molly  is in and out – outside to bark at anything that moves and inside to pout and sigh because she has had to forgo her daily walk for a couple of days.

In the meantime,  I am staying indoors and catching up on a few of those deep housecleaning tasks that keep getting put off.

I am still waiting to hear back ftom my respirologist about my test results that showed a +4 pseudomonas aeruginosa result.

It has been eleven days since I saw him, ten days since I submitted the sample, seven days since the results have been available, of which only four were business days.   I did call his office the day I submitted the sample (as per his request) and I called back on Thursday to tell his receptionist that the results were up on the public health system.  She checked and told me they had received the results.  👍

Maybe it is unrealistic to expect any feedback from my doctor within four days, but this is getting old already. 

This infection is nothing to fool around with.  It will not go away without proper antibiotics and it has the ability to morph into any number of serious health concerns if left to its own devices.  And..chances are I got it from the hospital when I had my hernia surgery, so there’s that!

Last night, I decided to book an appointment with my nurse practitioner to get her thoughts on how long I should sit on these test results or if she can do anything for me.  March 24th is her next available  appointment.  🤦‍♀️

I will call Katie, my respiratory therapist on Monday and see what she thinks. 

If past history tells me anything, I might hear from my respirologist this coming week or I may not hear from his office until my next prescriptions are due.  Hopefully, Katie can advise me on how long I should fool around with this.

In the meantime, I will keep doing what I can do –  working out, keeping my enviornment clean and dust free, using my inhalers and taking my vitamins and supplements, clearing my lungs, eating well, drinking an abundance of fluids, and getting quality sleep each night – anything and everything that I can to keep my immune system healthy and strong.  💪

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 💞🤗

February 18th – Day 48  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Winter is back in Saskatchewan!   The snow looks light and fluffy but I broke the head of our broom in half this morning sweeping off our back landing. 🧹

Molly is enjoying the snow!  She loves going out,  but coming in is another story.  Her fur gets so packed with snow that we have to use her hair rake to brush it out before we can towel dry her.

It will take Dan and his snowblower to clean off our walks and paths.

The boys next door shoveled  off our city sidewalk.

Molly tried, but failed to convince Dan to take their morning walk.

I haven’t heard from my respirologist’s office to review the results of my recent sputum test, but I am feeling good and able to keep up with my daily routine.

Since this is a Wednesday, I have aerobics, weights, and treadmill to do.  I will see about shoveling off the front steps and landing after Dan is done the walks.   My lungs don’t love the wind at the best of times – and today we have wind.  🤷‍♀️

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day!🤗💞🌞

February 15th – Day 45  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Yesterday marked the forth anniversary of my Health and Fitness Journey.

This journey has taken me to places I  could never have imagined. 

Over the past four years:

1) I have… Done things I would never have attempted to do.  (Balance has never been my friend!)

2) I have …  Met my two BEST Forever Friends 💞💞💞 (two people who both live thousands of miles away from me, who are decade(s), younger than me, and who (on the surface) couldn’t possibly have anything in common with me. 🕺💃

3) I have… Traveled the narrow gravel backroads through the Black Hills of South Dakota with my daughter – going around curves with  a five mile per hour speed limit 😳

4) I have … With my husband’s cautious approval, adopted a GIANT Molly dog!

5) I have… Attempted, and successfully completed, major challenges  – like my 2025 Daily Food Diary. 

6) I have… Lost 40 pounds and fit back into my favourite Size 6 jeans

Seventy years old and they fit like they did when I was forty! 👍
Smoke break in my laundry room with my BIL Jerry same pants! 🤣

7) I have… read books by authors I would never considered reading!

I have been reading motivational books for decades –  spiritual, academic,  or philisophical type books.

I read the likes of Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, Norman Vincent Peale, Eckart Tolle, and Rhonda Byrne…

Over the past four years, I have expanded my reading to include authors such as James Clear (a former sports coach) and David Goggins (a former US Navy Seal, ultra marathon runner, and forest fire jumper) .   Motivation through Physical Fitness authors.

Not only have I read their books – I continue to follow them on social media! In their pages and on their posts I have acquired wisdom and practical advice that I would never have been aware of if I had stayed within my typical reading gendre. 

That is the thing about journeys that take us out of our comfort zone.. we learn, we grow, and we change!  ☺️

A couple of weeks ago, I attended an online Tony Robbins seminar.  On the final day, my husband Dan went out and bought me this poster that now hangs on our kitchen wall.    I am so fortunate that I have a husband who always has, and continues to,  support my Health & Fitness Journey.

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 💞🤗

February 14th – Day 43 & 44  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Wishing everyone a day of Love, Peace, and Happiness. 💞

Dan got me the roses, I got him the chocolates and the desk calendar.  Molly has not been forgotten!  Dan is off to Cowtown to pick up a treat for her and hopefully some collagen chews.

I love the color of those roses! They are so pretty.   Neither of us NEEDS the chocolates, but they are nice to have. 🙂

Hopefully the desk calendar will  help Dan and I decide what to have for suppers, going forward.   I know how fortunate we are to have such a decision to make – but somehow it is typically our most difficult decision of the day!

Today is also the FORTH ANNIVERSARY of the day I began my Health and Fitness Journey!

It has been a rough, winding, amazing journey so far.

During these past four years I have struggled through countless setbacks and celebrated even more unimaginable  benefits.

The most unexpected SETBACK was getting knocked to the ground by our Pyrenees puppy and breaking my left arm.   It was the first (and only)  bone I have  broken in seventy years and I may be the only sibling of the six of us who has broken a bone. 

AND.. four years ago, who would have ever IMAGINED that we would lose our precious little Cavalier Kat – and welcome our amazing (slightly clutsy)  Great Pyrenees Molly into our lives in the first place?

The most awesome BENEFIT that I have experienced so far has been realizing how much  potential grows as we do!  Physically, mentally, emotionally,  and spiritually I am so much stronger than I was four years ago.   And, I possess so much more potential than I dreamed possible four years ago!

As far as I have come in the past four years, I cannot imagine what lies ahead for me!

The sky is the Limit!

That is it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 🤗💞

February 4th – Day 34  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

It is TEN DAYS until I celebrate the Four Year anniversary of my Health & Fitness Journey. 

Over the past few days, I have been taking an online Tony Robbins seminar.  One of the main ideas that he was trying to impress on us was to become aware of the stories we tell ourselves.

One of the main stories that I have told myself throughout my life was that I was weak and sickly.   Everything and everyone validated that vision I had of myself.

I lived with that vision until I actually was so weak and sickly that I could not go on like that anymore.   I knew that I could be somewhat  healthier and stronger so I determined to find a way to make it happen.

First off, I determined my core issues – allergies and a collagen deficiency (which for the most part affect my respiratory system).

Through years of trial and error,  much support and encouragement from family and friends (especially WordPress friends) I persevered until I got to where I am today.

But I clung to my story that ‘I am  weak and sickly, doing everything in my power to deal with my health issues’.   And,  I was stuck there…

In the past few days, I have come to realize  (partly through attending this seminar and partly due to the latest tweak in my personal healthcare routine) that I am NOT destined to be weak and sickly.  In fact,  I am healing and my strength is increasing.

I know that I have work to do.  I will always have to maintain my healthcare routine from my prescription inhalers to my supplements, to my fitness workouts.

But, I also know that as long as I can and do take care of my body, I will be strong and healthy.

This is my new (health) story. 

Yesterday,  I did my regular workout and my thirty minutes on the treadmill. In the afternoon, I went outside with Molly and cleared the snow off of our front landing and steps and our front walks.

Starting today, our temperature is supposed to be plus 5C (41F) and higher in the days to come.  

On top of my regular workouts and treadmill time, I will be out clearing the ice from all of our walks and paths.  Since we had days of freezing rain before our recent deepfreeze there is an abundance of ICE to deal with.

With my past four years of healing and increasing strength, and some help from Mother Nature… I’ve got this!

That is it for day.  Take care and have a great day! 💞🤗

January 21st – Day 20  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

This morning, I woke up anticipating the blog I would post today. 

I was excited to share the news that,  not only had I done my aerobics and treadmill yesterday, but I got outside and shoveled snow!  The walks were not bad, but our front steps and landing had a solid layer of snow to clear.  And, I cleared it!

But, Mother Nature made a mockery of my efforts.   We awoke to a  thick layer of fresh snow.

The front steps and landing were buried (as well as that back steps and landing 🤦‍♀️).  After a walk that was cut short by an overexcited Molly dog, Dan returned and got out the snowblower.

Our walks, as well as our neighbours’, have been cleared.  As well as the snow behind our garage (and the neighbours).  And our landings and steps have been cleared.

I do plan to venture outside for more fresh air today.  It is doubtful that I will find more snow to clear, but who knows.  Mother Nature may just have a fresh load to dump on us.

At least, we do not live in Russia!

https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/video/sTQEBYIl?playlist=oLRZ3mum

I cannot imagine getting snow like that!  I doubt that Dan could even make a dent in it – with or without our new snowblower.

Anyway, that is all that is newsworthy in my world today.

Take care and have a great day!

January 20th – Day 18 & 19  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Our temperature has climbed a few degrees and the wind has dropped considerably.   And the sun is shining! This could be the day for an outting. 

I am not talking any grand adventure to Walmart or Vic Square Mall.  But, I am planning to bundle up, head outside, and breathe some fresh air.  🌞

Yesterday was another uneventful day as we were still in the deepfreeze.  I did my aerobics and treadmill, as well as my regular respiratory care routine.

And I baked some Date Bran Muffins…

They were a nice change from all the rich Christmas baking and decadent chocolates.

I have been letting my crochet project slide for a few evenings now – but I have not abandoned it.   I have just been busy enjoying the ability to lean back and relax in my recliner, wrapped in Dan’s big cozy Leaf’s blanket.

Molly prefers to curl up like a giant kidney bean given the opportunity.

The BIG thing for me is that I CAN lean back and BREATHE without struggling. 

I have been on my Health & Wellness Journey for almost four years now, in an effort to get my health back on track.

My daily routine is one that I have created for myself – based on what works  for me.  It has been a hit and miss effort built on advice from medical professionals, family,  and friends, books, articles, and You Tube videos.

It has a long, dull, frustrating, painful,  and promising journey… but that I can feel significant improvement to my breathing – that I can comfortably recline and breathe easily is incredible.  

Not only am I happy with what I have accomplished healthwise, I am excited about what I can and will do moving forward!

In these words, David Goggins was talking about ultra races – races longer than typical marathons, races from fifty to hundreds of miles long.

“These races aren’t about winning or losing or even finishing.  It’s exploring oneself and the human potential that lies within all of us.” – David Goggins

As much as I have zero inclination to take up ultra marathon races,  I can relate.  For me, LIFE isn’t about winning or losing or living indefinitely.  It is about exploring myself and the potential I possess.

But … when I do get a win, I appreciate it,  I celebrate it, and sometimes I just lean back for a while and I enjoy it. 😁

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day!

January 18th – Day 15, 16 & 17  of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

I am back! It has been a few days since  I last posted.  I haven’t been overly busy or out of commission.    I have just been plugging along.  Not much to see here!

Our winter weather has returned with a vengeance.   I did not meet my weekly goal for executing an outting.  With ice, snow, frigid temps and winds blowing from 75 to 100 kmh at times – most times – outtings were not on the agenda.

I have been doing my aerobics, treadmill time, sinus and lung clearing… the usual.  It is far from from fascinating to write (or read) about.  But, it is the dull, persistent, consistent efforts that ultimately pay off – regardless of what one’s  goals are.

Yesterday, Dan and I  made a pot of chicken noodle soup for supper. That warmed us up. The cheese baking powder biscuits rounded off the meal nicely.

This morning, I had a bath, did my hair, and put on a dress that my niece Brigette sent up before Christmas.

It felt good to dress up for a change!  Also, this dress is so warm and comfortable I could live in it. 😁

It was a timely decision, as shortly thereafter granddaughter Genie showed up.  She returned some containers from Christmas baking. 👍 We had tea and a nice long chat. 

Her Jeep Cherokee is in need of a major differential repair so her and Grandpa bonded over some vehicle talk.

Molly was beside herself, as is usual when her favourite human drops by.

That’s it for today.   Tomorrow, I hope to get outside to clear some snow  off of  our walks and to get some fresh air in the process. 

Take care and have a great day! 🤗💞

January 14th – Day 13 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

Today it is four weeks since I had my hernia repair done.  Incision discomfort has been minor, even in the early days.  Now the incision is barely visible much less notable.

My respiratory issues that were aggravated during the procedure are gradually improving.  I have been increasingly active –  doing my daily aerobic and treadmill workouts (increasing duaration and intensity), getting fresh air, getting adequate sleep.   And, as usual.. staying on top of my typical health routines – inhalers, lung clearing, sinus flush, deep breathing, vitamins (B12, D3, Lutein) and collagen supplements.

I am truly fortunate to be retired and have the time I needed for this recovery.   I am also truly fortunate to have a caring husband  who has been with me and been  an active participant in my recovery.

And of course,  the best in all of this is that my surgery, long anticipated, is now BEHIND ME! My hernia repair has been done successfully and no doubt permanently, AND I am ready to go out shopping for some real jeans and fitted dress pants. 👖

My ray of sunshine for the day. 🌞

Today, it is one month until I complete the first four years of my Health and Wellness Journey!

I am ready to move forward.  Success and setbacks will both be a part of this journey.  Chronic lung issues will play a part in how far I will go and how I will get there.   But,  I  move forward with hope,  faith, excitement and  anticipation. 😉

I choose to believe in magic wherever I go!

January 13th – Day 12 of My 2026 Daily Activity Journal

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2026, Health and Fitness

Things are looking up today!  My congestion has improved considerably and I  am in a much better frame of mind.  The latter triggered by a strange realization that I had this morning.

This may be trivial (and a bit odd) but I love the color of my hair!

My hair has all the body of cat fur, but in the light of day – or the light of our bathroom light fixture, my hair sparkles and shines. Photos don’t do it justice, but the color of my hair makes me happy.

Oddly, since the hair I was used to for several decades was dark brown (and naturally curly).

With daughter Jen..

It is strange how we are led to believe that as we age and change,  the changes are never ‘as good as’ or Heaven forbid  ‘even better’.

I think a lot of the changes for the better, just go unnoticed…

1) The wisdom and insight that we have gained over the years

2) The peace that comes from knowing that nothing lasts forever – not the worst, not the best

3) The  time to appreciate what is truly precious

4) The freedom to take care of ourselves – body,  mind, and spirit

Today, my day has been spent taking care of my body.  Once again, I am hopeful that my latest setback is behind me and I am back on track with my daily workouts. 🤞

And our home. .. Dan and I continued work on our kitchen project.  I can access the rest of the  cupboards on my own now – and in my own time.  They are not in dire need of clearing out.

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 🤗💞