Tag: Health Challenges

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Pushing Through: A Runner’s Resolve Amid Challenges

Written 4/17/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Even for someone as seasoned as myself, running can sometimes become more difficult. Lately, I’ve been caught up in the marathon-like task of mowing the lawn because our vacation to Key West is fast approaching. Living in Tennessee, the grass grows exuberantly, even in what should be the mild month of April. Despite feeling physically drained, there’s still a sense of pride in how much I accomplished with the lawn yesterday.

I’m not sure if my fatigue is due to my kidney condition or just the physical toll from overexertion, or perhaps it’s a combination of both. Before my stroke, I was never truly dedicated to running; it was more my wife’s passion than mine. Hence, it was unclear if my kidney condition contributed to my increased fatigue. Yet, even on such draining days, I lace up my shoes and hit the pavement. Running feels laborious, almost zombie-like in pace, to the point where I overslept this morning.

Despite this, I’ve committed to running, a pledge I made years ago. My wife has always believed that keeping active is essential for my brain’s recovery. It’s something I’ve come to rely on, a trusty routine to propel me forward. The weather, according to my app, promises a warmer day than I’d prefer for a comfortable run. Although still weary, I managed to catch up on some sleep. Maybe today, I’ll just be a few seconds off my usual pace.

Running holds another significant place in my schedule today. This week is our last before the vacation, and there won’t be much running while we’re away. Despite how my body feels, the anticipation of our trip and the break from my daily runs gives me a reason to push a little harder today.

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Adapting Our Diet After Health Setbacks: A Balance of Needs

Hello, dear readers,

 

My wife and I have faced our fair share of health challenges, and adjusting to each has taught us resilience, adaptability, and the art of finding balance. After I suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with kidney failure, the most immediate and profound change we faced was modifying our diet to fit the new restrictions and nutritional needs.

 

I have always taken pride in maintaining a relatively healthy diet. However, the foods I once thought were nourishing were suddenly unsuitable for my condition. The primary dietary culprit? Salt. Though I never had a penchant for it and rarely added it to my food post-cooking, this seemingly innocuous white crystal now had more prominence in my dietary considerations.

 

While salt was straightforward to identify and reduce, phosphorous was a different challenge. Unlike sodium, phosphorous content isn’t always itemized in products’ nutritional facts. Imagine my surprise when I learned that dark green veggies, generally synonymous with good health, were now off my list due to their high phosphorous content. Cow’s milk, another staple in many households, also joined the list of items to be consumed cautiously.

 

But why this sudden apprehension towards phosphorous? My layman’s understanding of biochemistry provided a somewhat concerning answer. High phosphorous concentrations in the blood can bind with calcium sourced from our bones. Over time, this process can pave the way for osteoporosis – a condition marked by fragile bones. With this knowledge, my wife and I embarked on an exhaustive online research mission. We sought to identify foods that would benefit me and those we’d be better off avoiding.

 

Adapting to these dietary changes felt like we were navigating a minefield. It’s akin to discovering you are allergic to an unspecified food group. It’s challenging, especially when an element like phosphorous is essential for life and can’t be wholly excluded from one’s diet.

 

A new challenge emerged as we diligently started eliminating sodium from our meals. My wife began experiencing symptoms of sodium deficiency. It was a poignant reminder that one size doesn’t fit all, especially regarding nutrition. We had to strike a meticulous balance – ensuring I had minimal sodium intake. At the same time, my wife received adequate amounts to remain healthy.

 

This experience has been enlightening, teaching us about the intricate nuances of food and nutrition. It’s a continuous journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning. But together, we have found a way to tread this dietary tightrope, supporting each other through every bite and every meal.