Rainy Tuesday

Last modified on November 11th, 2008

Today is of course Remembrance Day. It’s a holiday here in BC, but unfortunately I’m at work today. Ultimately, that’s not a bad thing, since in exchange we’re getting some extra time off around Christmas time.

Rain

There’s a lot I could say about today, but browsing around the Vancouver web it seems others have already said it for me. But I’m obviously thankful for the sacrifices others made so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.

Outside it’s rather dismal out today. I ended up driving to work, which is something I don’t typically do since it costs me around $20/day to park downtown. But the nice thing is I’ll be able to drive home after work and enjoy the heated seats in my car. Tonight is most likely going to be a couch and blanket night, since it’s pretty gross out there. Now that my tree is all lit up, there’s a bit more ambiance in my living room which makes it all the more comfy.

I got asked at work today if I want to go to Austin, Texas for the weekend. I don’t think I’ll end up going, but I can’t say that I’ve ever been to Texas before. In my mind there’s the typical stereotype of beer drinking, cadillac driving cowboys, which I’m sure is pretty far from the truth. More than likely I’ll be in Vancouver this weekend though, although one of these weekends I’d like to head back to Chilliwack and relax on a couch with a book.

I went to the doctor’s office yesterday with a pretty large laundry list of things for him to look over. The first thing I talked to him about was the c. diff infection I got last year. While the last test came back and basically said I was over it, I’ve had nothing by stomach and gut problems ever since. I was told at the time that many people develop irritable bowel syndrome after going through what I did, and that after a while it would probably resolve. But given that the symptoms are fairly similar to how I felt when I was still undergoing treatment, and that it’s been this way for nearly a year now, I just want to make sure we’re chasing the right problem. So we’re going to do another test for some things — this time I did my research and asked the doctor for specific tests with regards to the infection, tests that normally aren’t done (but should be based on the latest strains that are going around) in basic practice, but ultimately yield better results. So, we’ll see what happens.

Also, I haven’t really had a full night’s sleep in years. A typical night for me involves tossing and turning most of the night, often waking up ten times or more. Obviously that leaves me kind of bagged in the mornings. I pretty much need ten hours or more of “sleep” on a weekend to actual feel like I rested somewhat during the night. So thankfully I have a referral to a sleep specialists to finally do some tests.

So tomorrow morning I’ll probably swing by the lab and get pricked and prodded for a while. With luck I’ll have the results back by early next week. The referral to the sleep specialist probably won’t come for a few weeks, but they were hopeful I’d meet with the guy before Christmas. I can’t tell you how nice it would be to sleep through the night for a change.

8 responses to “Rainy Tuesday”

  1. Twitchy67 says:

    Dude…go to austin man…it’s soooo not typical caddy drivin beer drinkin bush supportin texas, and the music scene there is unbelievable if u have a chance to check any out. Not quite New Orleans street music, but lots of good local bands and stuff. Plus u can get some ‘real’ tex-mex food.

  2. John says:

    I second that…Austin is an awesome place anytime of the year.

    Of course, if you don’t go, we could always go see 007.

  3. Duane Storey says:

    Ooh, James Bond sounds fun. Friday maybe?

  4. Sarah says:

    Perhaps your sleep issues are related to sleep apnea. I know several people who have been diagnosed in the past year or so. This may be especially likely if you snore a lot. Hope all these tests bring some answers.

  5. Duane Storey says:

    Apnea is a definite possibility, especially given that I’ve had some form of high blood pressure ever since I was 23.

  6. Amanda says:

    I absolutely love that photo Duane. Rain is a love of mine and you captured the beauty of it with the city lights in the back ground. Great job.
    Glad you saw the doctor and hopefully he can give you some advice before Christmas…
    PS you are coming to the wack for the 22nd- should I buy you a book? hehehehe

  7. Lyndsey says:

    I went to sleep specialists when I was still in university, living in Halifax.

    They had the odd suspicion that my sleep problems had a lot to do with my computer and electronics that were either in my room (and turned on)while I was trying to sleep, or nearby.

    Apparently some form of current or waves or something hat is emitted from such things can mess with a persons circadian rhythm, etc. I guess that and my compounded anxiety and worry over school and life at the time, did not help the situation.

    They even suggested that I get some sort of light to hang over my bed that would mimic a normal rhythm. Being that I need to be in silence and complete darkness when i sleep, i was also told to get earplugs and heavy curtains.

    I’ve tried it all. I know I don’t suffer from apnea but I toss and turn all night, like yourself or find it impossible to fall asleep. Even if I do “sleep” I dream vividly all night and my head feels exhausted the next morning.

    I know it’s bad, but my best sleeps are naps that I take from time to time or my sleep in days on the weekend (though not recommended by specialists).

    Good luck Duane, I hope you find some rest!

  8. Sebrina says:

    Ahhh my. I hope you feel better and get some sleep soon, Duane. 🙂

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