The Warm, Fuzzy, and Annoying

Three dirty coffee cups sit among a mound of unclean dishes. Slothful though I may be, I left a morning doctor appointment armed with a decent excuse.

The wheezing from last week is now complicated by an infection. Steroids, antibiotics, and a new nasal spray will help in the coming days.

Ironically, I bought a bottle of Nyquil just yesterday when I stopped by a pharmacy for a refill. It sat on my dresser, and as the day wore on, I found myself I craving the syrupy substance. Now that I know I have pus on my throat, I’ll note that any such yearning is probably a sign that I need more than just the bitter, liquorish syrup.

That said, here I sit, again—very much looking forward to another swig that will lead to pleasant slumber.

As I updated my mom earlier today she said, “I’ve had several people ask about you lately. Thanks for filling me in.”

So, in case a few of you are curious, I’ll share the following...

I spent three hours with Emory neuro-ophthalmologists Monday afternoon. My eye muscles that focus up-close for computer work and dinner conversation have gotten worse. I’ve known that for several months now. But my regular ophthalmologist wanted Emory docs to take a look before sending me to the orthoptist who will measure my eyes for new prism glasses.

The good news? My overall eye health is good. So, when my double vision stops progressing, surgery may be an option. For now, I’ll have to navigate my up-close double vision needs versus my long-distance needs with two pair of glasses.

It’s annoying, but doable.

On Monday, I see an orthopedic surgeon. You may remember that I fell in the shower last January and tore the peroneal tendon on the outside of my left foot. In the last few weeks, the pain has increased. So, I may opt to get it surgically fixed before Sam and Courtney’s baby is born in October.

The doctor certainly has a say, but I'd like to beyond the repair by the time a new set of feet arrive on this planet.

I also plan to see an oral surgeon to check on my TMJ issues. I could be dreaming. Doctors definitely think it’s a reach. But I can’t help wondering if my lax jaw has something to do with how my face pulls down and left at times.

Sometimes I even wonder if my double vision tires my left eye and facial muscles, potentially leading to the facial spasms. But since my neurologist thinks otherwise, I have an appointment with the Motion Disorder Clinic at Emory... in January!!

As in after Christmas!!

By then all my other theories will be attended to or dismissed.

Bottom line, I spend a lot of time in doctor offices and will be doing the same in the weeks and months to come. And I wish it wasn't so.

The sweetest moment of the day? When Eggs, my cat, crawled under the covers while I was napping and curled up at my feet. All four paws tenderly pushed against my lower leg, almost connecting our soles.

Before you grow soft, just know this is the same cat who nipped my foot earlier when I was on the phone with mom. Then darted across the room, announcing, "Tag, you're it!"

It hurt!

Some times she's warm and fuzzy, and then others, flat out annoying.

Kind of like life.

Between the Nyquil, other meds, lunch out with Cathy, and doctor's appointments, I feel the warmth and the annoyance right now. Which gives me ample opportunity to practice what I write. To lean into the warmth and view the annoyance from heaven's shores.

I don't understand it. I don't even like it. But I intend to press on, knowing I'm loved, valued, and here for a purpose our heavenly Father promises to unfold day by day.

But right now, an internal smile grows as the time nears to down some Nyquil and breathe through my nose all night long.

Sweet dreams!