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Catching y'all up
Mar. 1st, 2012 09:34 pmI can't remember how long ago it was that I posted a non-link or non-joke post here. Suffice it to say it was at least a couple of months ago.
Feet: As you may remember, I had an operation in November to remove the top of my left fifth metatarsal and the bottom of my little toe bone. Because of neuropathy, these two bones had moved so that their tips pointed out the left side of my foot rather than forward, as they should. This created a situation where any ulcer in that spot would not heal and the bones were exposed, causing an infection. This operation was a success, and after 3 weeks I was allowed home. I had a PICC line inserted (my third) and this remains in my arm as of today. I have entertained the District Nurse each day for three months to administer ertapenem through the PICC line.
Meanwhile, my CRP declined from a high level to 3.4 (as of two weeks ago). Anything under 5 is considered normal. Thus, I agitated for discontinuation of the IV antibiotics. I am now on oral antibiotics and will (all things being equal) have the PICC line removed next Monday.
The podiatrist I saw last Monday finally explained to me why I always get blisters on my big toes and the balls of my feet. Apparently, my foot bones have essentially been frozen by arthritis. Thus, instead of giving when I walk, they slide against the insole of my shoe and produce blisters, which, if they are opened can get infected and cause amputations. So the orthotist is going to make me a (third!) pair of orthopedic shoes which will minimise the sliding inside and use the sole to assist my walking. I won't see those until May.
Travel: I haven't done any in three years, and I need to go to Boston to see my brother and sister. Currently I'm scheduled to travel in April, and will be buying the tickets shortly. When I know the dates I'll post again. They will be around the third Tuesday of April.
Masonry: I am coming to the end of my two-year stint as Worshipful Master of Goliath Lodge here in London. We have initiated six men, passed two, and raised three. This is quite a good number for a London lodge, where there are thousands of lodges and a lot of choice. I have personally memorised the initiation, passing, and 1/2 the raising ceremonies, and am about to memorise the Installation ceremony for my successor. It's been a very fruitful two years, and I've learned a lot. By the way, there is no Masonic world government, no Illuminati, no goats involved, and no terrible secrets. Masonry is a group of good men who learn ritual, contribute to charity, and dine together. We don't have the time or the inclination to seek world domination. We are also not a religion, and I have discovered nothing in Freemasonry that is opposed to any religion of which I am aware (Perhaps Jedi Masters might have a bit of a problem with it).
I am continuing my progression through Mark Masonry (I am now Senior Deacon of Tower Hamlets Lodge of MMM), Royal Ark Mariners (likewise), the Operatives, and the Order of the Secret Monitor. I continually get invited to join other side orders, but I have to demur as the amount of money involved, as well as the time and the travel, militate against joining any other orders.
Home: Not much going on here. HWMBO returned to Singapore for nearly three weeks to visit his family. His mum has Parkinson's, and is not in great shape. It's good that he spent time there with her.
The Diocese of Southwark has appointed two new Area Bishops, one of whom is our Archdeacon. I am glad that we haven't lost Michael to another Diocese, but sad that we will have to have a new Archdeacon. The consecration of these two new bishops will be on March 21st.
I continue to read all your blogs daily, and contribute when I can. Will try to post more regularly.
Feet: As you may remember, I had an operation in November to remove the top of my left fifth metatarsal and the bottom of my little toe bone. Because of neuropathy, these two bones had moved so that their tips pointed out the left side of my foot rather than forward, as they should. This created a situation where any ulcer in that spot would not heal and the bones were exposed, causing an infection. This operation was a success, and after 3 weeks I was allowed home. I had a PICC line inserted (my third) and this remains in my arm as of today. I have entertained the District Nurse each day for three months to administer ertapenem through the PICC line.
Meanwhile, my CRP declined from a high level to 3.4 (as of two weeks ago). Anything under 5 is considered normal. Thus, I agitated for discontinuation of the IV antibiotics. I am now on oral antibiotics and will (all things being equal) have the PICC line removed next Monday.
The podiatrist I saw last Monday finally explained to me why I always get blisters on my big toes and the balls of my feet. Apparently, my foot bones have essentially been frozen by arthritis. Thus, instead of giving when I walk, they slide against the insole of my shoe and produce blisters, which, if they are opened can get infected and cause amputations. So the orthotist is going to make me a (third!) pair of orthopedic shoes which will minimise the sliding inside and use the sole to assist my walking. I won't see those until May.
Travel: I haven't done any in three years, and I need to go to Boston to see my brother and sister. Currently I'm scheduled to travel in April, and will be buying the tickets shortly. When I know the dates I'll post again. They will be around the third Tuesday of April.
Masonry: I am coming to the end of my two-year stint as Worshipful Master of Goliath Lodge here in London. We have initiated six men, passed two, and raised three. This is quite a good number for a London lodge, where there are thousands of lodges and a lot of choice. I have personally memorised the initiation, passing, and 1/2 the raising ceremonies, and am about to memorise the Installation ceremony for my successor. It's been a very fruitful two years, and I've learned a lot. By the way, there is no Masonic world government, no Illuminati, no goats involved, and no terrible secrets. Masonry is a group of good men who learn ritual, contribute to charity, and dine together. We don't have the time or the inclination to seek world domination. We are also not a religion, and I have discovered nothing in Freemasonry that is opposed to any religion of which I am aware (Perhaps Jedi Masters might have a bit of a problem with it).
I am continuing my progression through Mark Masonry (I am now Senior Deacon of Tower Hamlets Lodge of MMM), Royal Ark Mariners (likewise), the Operatives, and the Order of the Secret Monitor. I continually get invited to join other side orders, but I have to demur as the amount of money involved, as well as the time and the travel, militate against joining any other orders.
Home: Not much going on here. HWMBO returned to Singapore for nearly three weeks to visit his family. His mum has Parkinson's, and is not in great shape. It's good that he spent time there with her.
The Diocese of Southwark has appointed two new Area Bishops, one of whom is our Archdeacon. I am glad that we haven't lost Michael to another Diocese, but sad that we will have to have a new Archdeacon. The consecration of these two new bishops will be on March 21st.
I continue to read all your blogs daily, and contribute when I can. Will try to post more regularly.
