Monday, April 6, 2020

Real Talk: How We're Doing In Florida's Lockdown, Plus John's Transformation

Yesterday I was reading how content creators shouldn't be carrying on like everything is normal, because that reads as phony and insincere. But on the other hand, as a reader myself, I know a lot of us are social media distancing to keep away from nonstop virus coverage.

I think it has to be a balance, which I'm still figuring out here on Epbot. My goal has always been to share uplifting fandom finds and help you escape for a while, but also to share when life gets messy and hard, so you remember we're here with you.

The truth is, John and I are doing really well right now in isolation. We're at about... 25 days in, I think? I definitely had some anxiety earlier on, but that was largely triggered when we thought a close friend had Covid, and I missed a therapy session that would have helped me talk it out. Our friend's test results took an excruciating 10 days - while she was still getting worse - and the waiting and watching the news sent me to a dark, panicky place of anger and helplessness.  Happily the test results finally came in negative, though - so she "only" has bad bronchitis - and that combined with my getting serious about avoiding the news and resuming weekly counseling via Zoom has left me in a much better, more stable place.


(I've been thinking of doing a roundup of all my favorite outfit photos so far this year. Yes? No?)

John and I tried taking evening walks around the neighborhood to get out of the house a little, but the pollen count is so bad that I was having painful allergic reactions afterward (earaches & sinus pain), even though I'm on Flonase, Zyrtec, AND neti-potting. Arg. At a loss for what else to do, I've resorting to staying inside 24/7 with the windows shut. I miss the fresh air, but my one ear was hurting pretty badly after each walk, and it's better now that I'm staying inside. (Any of you get allergy-related ear pain? What do you take?)

I feel perpetually behind on work, but that's normal; I always feel like that, ha. I'm also very aware of the pressure most of us feel to be doing ALL THE THINGS, as if we're somehow failing if we haven't mastered a new skill or reorganized the whole house yet. I'm trying to be gentle with myself, and let go of the days when I can't make myself do much. I keep reminding myself I still have a job, and it's enough if I keep both blogs running without any major meltdowns. Staying focused is SO HARD, though, now that nearly everyone I know is online and bored. Sweet Stay Puft, I thought the internet was distracting before.

 

I've started staying up all night, since there are less interruptions and distractions when most of the U.S. is asleep. I'm a night owl anyway, so I'm only shifting forward about 4 or 5 hours, heading to bed after I watch the sun rise. I've joked with friends that I'm living my best vampire life, since this is my one chance to live like time has no meaning. Because it doesn't! Seriously, that's kind of freeing, although I'm going to have one mean case of jet lag when the clock actually matters again.



The cats are doing great, and make our lives better every day. Each afternoon John lets them in one by one to climb up onto my chest in bed and get their "morning" snuggles. Usually it's Eva first, and then The Beast:



Best alarm clock ever.

Suki will cuddle with me for a good 30 minutes if I let her, then she hops up onto the headboard to snooze some more while I get dressed.


Eva has been squeezing herself under my monitor stand again like she did as a kitten... except she's a little bigger now.

"Ehhh, EH!"

She only scrabbles her way in there when I'm trying to work, of course, with her paws kicking out and sending my keyboard and mouse skidding off the desk.

Then she gives me this look:

 "See? I told you I could fit."

You can also see she's great at collecting alllll the dust under there.

[Trigger Warning: Discussion of gym workouts & physical body changes ahead!]

As for John, he's used to leaving the house multiple times a day, since he's the shopper and errand-runner, so this has been a bigger adjustment for him. Surprisingly the hardest part was giving up the gym, since John kept up an astounding streak of nearly 4 months of nightly workouts, only missing a handful of days since last November.

In fact, let me back up on that, because I think you guys will like this story:

You all know the reason I'm in therapy is for my anxiety, and more specifically because of the explosive panic I had last August when I found John had stopping breathing in his sleep. (It was a whole thing, you can read about it in the "Apnea" post on the right sidebar over there.) We got John on a CPAP machine as quickly as possible, but even then I've had a long road of recovery through my obsessive fears. So a few months later in November, John gave me the greatest gift he's even given: he started going to the gym every night. He told me my Christmas present was going to be a healthier husband who was going to live longer, so I wouldn't have to be so afraid of a life without him. 

Hang on, it's a little dusty in here...

Now, John's gone to the gym before, so I'll admit I was skeptical at first. But he kept going to the gym, night after night after night - even when I told him to take a break, he went. Even at 3 in the morning, he went. He already made all our dinners at home, but I noticed John started cutting back on his 7-11 junkfood runs, and tracking what he ate each day with an app on his phone. He'd excitedly tell me new milestones: the amount he could bench press now, how long he could go on the elliptical, and yes, the pounds dropping off.

The milestone that drove it all home for me, though, came about two months ago when John told me his new resting heart rate. It had dropped from 90 to 60.

Sorry, must be allergies this time. ::blowing nose::

When the day came to self-quarantine, giving up the gym was the hardest sacrifice for John. He'd come to love it, and it was part of his daily routine that always made him feel good. I remember talking it over together, and telling him to keep going if he really wanted to. (He always went between 1 and 3AM, when few people were there anyway.) "No," he said after a while. "It's not worth the risk. I'll figure something out."

Since then, John has developed his own workout routine here at home using my treadmill desk, a yoga mat, and a few free weights. He tells me it's actually a harder routine than he ever had at the gym, and he's even added in a quick run around the block that he claims to love(?!).  He's continuing to get stronger, and his breathing - which used to be loud and even labored sometimes when he played video games - barely makes a sound. He's stopped tracking what he eats in isolation, because he doesn't need to; everything we eat at home is healthier than what we'd eat out anyway.

I'm not going to post before-and-after pictures of John, because even though he's lost over 30 pounds so far, the things we should be most proud of don't show up in pictures: things like strength and stamina, lower blood pressure, lower resting heart rate, and stronger lungs. These are the things that matter, and I am so, so proud of John. Proud, and incredibly grateful. I don't think he would have done this just for himself, but he saw my terror each night, and he let that fuel something healing for both of us. C'mon. What greater gift is there?

Not a before-and-after, but I *will* post this fabulous photo series of John and Suki from yesterday:

Can you tell Suki is used to this? Ha! We just carry her around to present to each other at random times throughout the day. Eva, too.

Well, gang, I think I'll end there. I hope this update made you smile, and reminds you to hang on to your loved ones even when you're all grumpy with cabin fever. John and I are incredibly fortunate to be able to stay safe at home, so let me say thank you, again, to everyone working with the public right now. You are our heroes, thank you for keeping us safe and fed and cared for.

And to everyone else: I wish you every bit of happiness and health during this time of our world being upside down. If you can, stay home, and tip your delivery people well. Call your mom. Video chat with friends. Sleep. Crank up your favorite song and belt it to the cats. Look for the silver lining in these storm clouds, even if it's something as ridiculous as staying up all night and eating brownies for breakfast - because, remember: Time is an illusion, breakfast doubly so


Love ya.

 ::mwah::



******



P.S. If you're sheltering at home and staying inside, then odds are you're not getting enough sunlight and vitamin D. Even when I *did* leave the house - and remember I live in the Sunshine State - I still had the lowest level my doc had seen in months, because I cover most of my skin when I go outside.

I tried taking vitamin D pills first, but they wreaked havoc on my gut. Then I discovered vitamin D oil, and never looked back. This brand is my favorite, I've been taking it for over 5 years:




I like the added peppermint flavor, but you can also get it unflavored. One bottle will last over a year if you take 2 drops per day. I actually take 5 drops, but don't take that much without a doctor's order! I get regular blood tests, which show my D level is in the high normal range, so this stuff definitely works. Without a blood test, stick to the recommended 1 or 2 drops per day. Or, even better, and if you can: go out and get some sun for 30 minutes a day! That's the free way. :D

76 comments:

  1. I too live in Florida and am home for several weeks now. I've never been much of a yard person, having been forced to work in the yard as a child, but I've been planting blueberry bushes and cleaning out a front bed to plant veggies in. It's been.... ok. Not quite as awful as I remember it being. I will say, the allergies are killing me and I would love to see some rain to wash all the pollen out of the air.

    Good job John. It's awesome that you have made such changes in your life. Now, that's true love!

    I will say, the main thing I'm missing during this, our plague time, is going to the book store, my happy place. It's not the same ordering online. :o(

    Anyway, stay safe all of you and know that you are loved, by people you don't even know.

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  2. Okay, I haven't been around here in ages, but I am SO GLAD I saw this update! John, you look so good and I am so proud of you getting healthier! (Because I'm sure it matters SO much what some random person says, lol, but still -- great job! And you really are such a wonderful husband.....I need a John in my life!) I'm so happy that you both are staying safe down there! I'm loving working from home and wish I could always do this....sadly eventually the school will reopen and I'll have to go back to actually getting dressed first thing in the morning! Until then, I'm going to soak up the animal cuddles and finish watching all the sci-fi shows I missed over the years. (I'm finally watching Farscape and am in the final season as of last night!)

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  3. His resting heart rate went from 90 to 60 bpm? That's incredible! Am I allowed to be proud of John? If not, I'll stick to impressed.

    I'm glad to hear that you're both staying safe, reasonably healthy, and reasonably happy. Although I've had some anxiety over this situation (it's hard not to!), I'm also pretty lucky - I live with a partner who I love, we're both able to work from home, we both like cooking (and are able to stock our apartment with enough food to last 2+ weeks at a time), and we've both been getting some social interaction (mostly through online board games/video games/calls with friends and family).

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  4. Ooooo, the vitamin oil! I also live in Orlando, and I'm crazy pale so I sunscreen myself which doesn't help (and during my self isolation walks every morning and afternoon I've been using a parasol I got at Disney to avoid the sun...)

    I also have an autoimmune issue that means I'm low on vitamin D but I can't take the pills either without hating life (man, it makes my stomach unhappy!)

    I had never heard of this oil! I gotta try it! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. We love your maker posts during this time- crafting is one of the few things we CAN do from home, and it brightens up my whole week when you post (about anything, really). The world needs creativity and beautiful things right now. I'm super proud of John, too- sometimes the hardest journeys are the ones you take one tiny step at a time.

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  6. Do you add the drops to food, or drip them straight on your tongue? I've struggled with my levels since having my thyroid removed, and this might be the answer; never knew it came as an oil! Thanks!

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    1. I have the same question. Thanks!

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    2. i would love to know too. i've struggled with low vitamin D for YEARS! i was on a once a week megadose pill for a while, but it really didn't help. and i know how much it can affect other health issues.

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    3. I drip the oil straight on my tongue - that's why I like the added peppermint! You could easily add it to food, though; the instructions recommend taking it around a meal that includes some fat, so I take mine right before breakfast.

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    4. Thank you Jen! I'm definitely going to try it!

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  7. When my husband was unemployed for a few months, he gave in to his inner night owl, and just stopped paying attention to the clock at all. Did not hurt that we lived in a half-basement apartment at the time. We shortly discovered that his natural body rhythm is 25-26 hours. He'd go to bed an hour later and wake up an hour later almost every day. He went around the clock 3 times I think before he found another job. The days when he was going to sleep juuuuust before I got home from work were kind of annoying. So, you could be worse!

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    1. Oh=uh, I've found myself doing the same thing, going to bed an hour later each day! I'm wondering if I should keep going around the clock like your hubs did, and then try to hold at a more normal schedule once I get there.

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  8. Wooo hoooo!!! If you're looking for more fun workout stuff, check out Centr - Chris Hemsworth put together a team of trainers for all kinds of workouts that don't require gym access or too much crazy equipment. And they have sleep visualizations and meditations.

    I've been keeping busy making masks for essential employees and for some family and friends who need them for doing grocery shopping and the like. Plus my full time job and my toddler and hubby. But even this introvert is hoping for some time out of the house, some more zoom hangouts, and when this is all over, a cup of coffee better than what I make at home and a good burger and sweet potato fries. But for now, we're staying safe at home and making the most of the few non-rainy days we get in RI!

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  9. I too get the earaches and sinus pressure. I use either Advil Cold & Sinus or Alieve D that they keep on the other side of the counter at the drugstores.

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  10. Way to go, John!! It's hard to make a commitment to a change like that and actually stick to it. So proud of you! And thank you, Jen, for both your positivity and your commitment to share the not-pretty reality sometimes too. I feel better knowing that you go through plenty of struggles and still keep your sunshine. <3

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  11. What a lovely post! I'm so glad that you are finding ways to make this work for you both. I have one reference for John if he wants it. Jerry Teixeira has a channel on YouTube for body weight strength, all about working out at home, with videos showing progressions for all levels. Great stuff, and he is really good at interacting with his followers,too.

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  12. I love this post so much! That John is a keeper!

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  13. Do watch out for John struggling with his CPAP. When my partner got healthier and fitter, he first needed the pressure to be turned way down, and then he needed to stop using it. His lung strength had developed and there was less weight in the wrong place pressing on his trachea, and the CPAP was doing more harm than good (was causing him not to breathe because it went against his natural ability to breathe, and also disturbing his sleep as he fought against it).

    If in doubt, you can get a home O2 sats wrist monitor and check the data yourself. We're in the UK and got one from Amazon for about £60. Together with some free software, we could test different pressures and find an optimal level where they're were few or no apneas, but my partner's sleep wasn't interrupted. It also sounds an alarm when the O2 sat drops, which might mean you can relax a little more while he tests out different settings/pressures.

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    1. I remember looking in to those O2 monitors back when John first started the CPAP - just for my own peace of mind - but then John told me his machine would sound an alarm if he stopped breathing, which helped a tiny bit.

      Anyway, not to worry; John just saw his doctor a few months ago after he'd dropped a lot of this weight, and they're still monitoring his CPAP settings. His incidents per hour ARE dropping, but he still needs it for now, which is fine because he's grown to love it!

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  14. First of all, the Floof is adorable!! (Suki is the Floof -- not John, he's looking great and is not all hairy!) Your kitty pics (and John and you pics!) make my day. I am in one of 6 states refusing to order a quarantine. I'm an essential worker anyway, but am SO lucky to get to work from home. I have lost 5 lb. in 10 days because I'm not eating out and have had no soda pop. For some reason, water is tasting good again and not making my stomach gurgle weirdly, as it sometimes does. Speaking of gurgling, I didn't know vitamin D could upset a stomach -- maybe that's one of my problems! (Not with the water. Water just does that to me. Happened to my mom too.) My doc told me to take vitamin D and my stomach has been making weird noises. I should have put that together.
    Yes, please do a "best of" outfits post. Thanks again for all the info and fun!

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  15. I was lucky enough to have a random vacation the second week in March, so I've been home, ensconced with my 93 year old mother since then. I stocked up on food and soap and TP and sanitizer in February, so we're set. (Not grossly stocked up. A modest amount.) I bring my mom out in our back yard every day for a sunbath. Still organizing things (and working remotely) so I haven't had time to do fun crafts yet.

    Spent the weekend sewing masks and it was cathartic and great fun! I made enough for all who are still going into the (closed) library to keep the electronic resources humming, and to mail to my kids and ex and so on.

    Alternating between perfect zen peace and utter terror, but very grateful to be at home!

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  16. On allergies - go see a doctor to check out a prescription. This stuff changed my life, and ended chronic ear issues: https://www.dymista.com/ But it's not for everyone, blah, blah, blah, YMMV. That's why a good ENT doctor is so important. <3

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    1. Thx for the tip! I'm definitely planning to see an ENT once life gets back to normal; just trying to hold on 'til then, since we don't want to go out yet.

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    2. Likewise, I'm not a medical professional, but you may benefit from an antihistamine that "dries you out". The earache might be trapped extra fluids.

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  17. I've lived in 10 different states and have been in Texas for the last 5 years and let me tell you Texas is trying to kill me with tits allergies. you might try Xyzal, its a newer allergy med thats been out only a couple of years and was recommended to my by my doc. I was like you and using all those other things but this one works a bit different and a whole lot better. plus if you get it on amazon its way cheaper than in a store. Ask you doctor, hopefully it will help. I too get earaches and super itchy swollen ears as part of my allergy woes. Also love the kitties. I have 2 a black short hair and a fluffy kitty too. its nice to have one of each lol.

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    1. Oh geez, I'm getting punchy; I've been laughing for the past 10 seconds over "tits allergies." :D (I'm sorry, I know it's an innocent typo! lol)

      And thank you for the tip on Xyzal, I'm going to look that up now! Give your kitties a snuggle for me.

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    2. oh no I just saw that! yes it was a typo but also kinda perfect for how my day was going lol. Ive been having to reread my work emails multiple times for errors like that. fingers going faster than they should!

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    3. Content note: discussion of blood and medical stuff

      A word of caution about Xyzal: if you have any problems with your blood clotting (like hemophilia) or take blood thinner, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR CAREFULLY before taking Xyzal. One of the possible side effects is decreased platelet count (platelets being those things that, you know, help blood clot).

      I am on blood thinner, and I took it for a while (it was the most effective OTC allergy medication I’ve ever taken). I had two massive bleeding events in less than a month. The first was when one of my cats accidentally caught my leg with one of her claws. Usually something like that would bleed for a little while then stop. This bled for hours and I ruined a pair of pants. The second was a gushing nosebleed that lasted almost 24 hours. I was about 30 seconds from going to the ER when it finally slowed and stopped. But I was weak and dizzy for days because of the blood loss.

      I stopped taking the Zyzal under doctor’s orders and no more uncontrollable bleeding! *yay* But I’m trying to mention this whenever I hear someone talking about Zyzal because it’s a serious side-effect about which I think many people aren’t aware.

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    4. I tried Xyzal and my brain was in a bad fog the whole time I was taking it. I was absolutely miserable.

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  18. Can I just say thank you for writing a post about getting healthy through exercise and diet without a before and after picture! And although you did mention the number (30) of pounds lost it wasn't the focus of your pride and gratitude for your sweetie.

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    1. The pounds are definitely not the focus, at least not for me! I always told John I didn't care what he weighed, and I still don't. I just want him healthy and here. Plus I know before-and-after shots can sometimes send a damaging message, and I never want to cause anyone harm.

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    2. I was going to say the exact same thing!! I think too much emphasis is put on the numbers, and not the other changes in our bodies & how we actually *feel*

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  19. I was going to mention that I noticed John looked noticeably fitter in some of your more recent pictures. But didn't want to sound like I was hitting on your husband! :) Keep up the good work John!!

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    1. Bahaha! Don't worry; if you DO want to hit on John you'll have to get in line. ;)

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  20. Congrats to John, and I'm glad you're both doing well.

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  21. Love this entire post. My bf and I also present the cats to each other, sometimes going as far as to formally say "Present x to me!" in a royal air . Our cats get presented in a different configuration though. They're generally flipped on their back and stretched out, almost as a maitre d would present a bottle of fine wine, if that makes sense.

    Allows the person the cat is being presented to a perfect opportunity to kiss their little kitty face and rub some exposed tummy. Also usually a great way to kiss some toe beans as the front paw/paws (depending on the cat and the number of front paws it has, since there's a tripod in the mix at our house) are outstretched and readily available.

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  22. Freed from the confines of my own (evening) work schedule, and husband's (early morning) work schedule... I, too, am staying up all night. Glad I'm not the only complete night owl.

    We're in a hot spot, so it's hard to even go out every day. Your posts certainly help with getting through the day.

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  23. Good on both of you!! We tend to forget that it's okay to be okay even in a time of great general non-okayness. (It's also okay to feel not okay or flat-out terrible with worry and anxiety, and it will get better.) It is really refreshing to read about people fostering happiness and making some lemonade out of this big ol' lemon.

    Kimstu

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  24. I get misty when you write about the ongoing romance between the two of you. John's dedication to improving his health for you is just swoon worthy.

    As to your earache from allergies - I had that, too, forever, and when I finally went to an ENT last year (I was 59, and I finally decided to tackle my issues), she found that I had cysts on my adenoids! Not problematic, nothing to worry about, but they were putting ever-so-slight pressure on my Eustachian tubes, which caused pain if there was the slightest inflammation...from, say, allergic reaction. I ended up having them removed because I had surgery in that area for other reasons, but if they had not been taken, then she was optimistic that a sustained course of Mucinex might help them drain and relieve the issue. Might be worth an inquiry with your ENT.

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  25. Another great tool for low Vitamin D levels is a SAD lamp. Generally used to treat seasonal affective disorder, it's absolutely perfect for times like this. I have one, and I love it.

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  26. Have you tried the 24 hour antihistamine called Xyzal? I have severe allergies too (grew up in Georgia). I've found Xyzal works better for me than Zyrtec.

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  27. Can I make a request...? I'd love to know how you use the neti pot. I've heard it's the best way to clear sinuses but the idea of.... pouring? Snorting? water into my nose scares me away; where does it GO? how do you not waterboard yourself? :( I HATE not being able to breathe at night so I use afrin or something Every Night and I know that's not good-- but Flonase gives me huge, bloody boogers. :(

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    1. The neti pot is totally scary at first, so I understand! You're not just pouring water up your nose, though; you tip your head sideways, and you can control the angle so it doesn't all go rushing up into your sinuses. It helps if you warm your distilled water a little; I microwave my water for about 30 seconds first. I'm sure there are probably videos on Youtube demonstrating; that may help you see what you're getting into. It really does help so, so much, and you get used to the weird feeling of water in your nose, ha.

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  28. I love the update about John!!! That's awesome that he's exercising and eating better. I finally convinced my husband to go running/lift weights with me...and then this nonsense started and the pollen count skyrocketed and he's had to stay inside the house. We're going to try to do some bodyweight workouts together at home, maybe find some items around the house that can sub as free weights.

    P.S. I can totally see some muscle definition in John's forearms in some of those Suki pics. So he's making great progress! This internet stranger is really proud of him! :D

    P.P.S. Y'all are adorable and I wish we didn't live 5 states apart.

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  29. Robyn, I hope you don't mind some well-intended unsolicited advice. Flonase did the same for me, and my doctor said (after 2 years!) (I HATE doctors because of stuff like this!), "Oh. Didn't I tell you? You're supposed to aim the stem towards the outer nostril when you deploy it." (So, when you're in the right nostril, point the tip right, and shoot it into the right wall of that nostril. On the left, aim toward the left side of that nostril and shoot it there.) Changed my life. I'm on 4 different allergy medicines every day, and when I go off even one, I get terrible reactions. Back in the 1950's (before I was born) when doctors could still say things like this, one told my parents they had so many allergies between them, they never should have had children. Nice. LOL.

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    1. Oh hey, I didn't know that about Flonase either! Although one doc did tell John the idea was to get it to absorb in the nostril, so I try not to sniff while I'm squirting it. (Which is the most hilariously dirty-sounding sentence I've typed in at least a day.)

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    2. Dying. I've been shooting it straight up my snotlocker, because I thought the idea was to get as much liquid as far up as possible. Started doing it your way today!

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    3. ....that's all it took? really? how you AIM it? :-o Well, maybe I should give it another try then.. cuz Jen's description helped a little but I still don't know where the water GOES after it goes IN.. :(

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  30. Thank you for a terrific post today! Best wishes to you both.

    Question: How much does Suki weigh? For a female cat she really is a Beast. She's very impressive. The photos of Suki and John showing her belly...squee!!!

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    1. Suki was about 15 pounds at her last vet visit a few months ago - which is actually less than I *thought* she was, lol. She does have a rather magnificent belly, doesn't she?

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  31. Hurray for John! Suki is a perfect accessory, she's gorgeous. Thanks for the recc on Vit D oil - I take capsules but they don't seem to do a ton.

    We're in Kissimmee until early May. We were supposed to be in Tampa now and then heading for Pensacola - we're full-time RVers. First the state and federal parks closed, but we were ok because the private parks were still open. Then the private park we were going to in Tampa closed to new guests; I rejiggered our schedule and booked us into a backup park in Clermont. Then the backup park closed to new guests, right after I asked DH what we wanted to do for May. Fortunately we like the park we are in now, and they have plenty of space so we were able to extend here. Playing May by ear, I think.

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    1. My parents are also full-time RV'ers and are in the same boat! Fortunately they're in a VERY sparsely populated campground that's closed to new residents, so it's just them and like 5 other RV's worth of people hanging out in a pretty part of Arkansas, I think it is. Best of luck to you guys as you continue to play it by ear!

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    2. A pretty part of Arkansas sounds nice! We're glad to be where we are, too. Good connectivity, the park is taking prudent precautions, and we have a site with morning shade at least. :) Thanks for the good wishes, and right back atcha!

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  32. I get a sore ear from allergies as well, just the left ear because . . . I don't know why only one ear.
    Anyways, went to an ENT awhile back and his medical advice after years of being a doctor - gargle with salt water. Yup. That was his recommendation. 1 ounce of warm water, 1/8 tsp sea salt (do not use iodized salt!!!!)
    I gargle into my throat and also, high gargle - so it rinses the back of my lower sinuses. This is not an attractive thing to do, makes my nose run but that is the idea, rinse out everything.
    He didn't recommend a Neti pot as it can force mucus farther back into your sinuses instead of rinsing them out.
    Gargling helps clear the bottom of the eustachian tubes (from you ears), if your eustachian tubes aren't draining properly because of allergies = sore ears! Ack, I have had a doctor stick his finger into the back of my throat to manually drain the eustachian tubes. One time of that was enough so I gargle every day.

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    1. I think I'm going to try this! I've been wondering why the neti pot doesn't seem to be helping my ear much, this must be why.

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  33. I think all that I have to say on the topic of allergies has been covered. Instead I'm going to say, can we have a John holding Suki before and after? Just because I know you posted pictures of that tiny scrap of white fluff when she was a kitten, and look at her now,

    Also I love your craft posts and art round ups. It's okay if we all take a break from the 24/7 virus news to look at something neat, or inspiring.

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  34. So fantastic Jen, I'm thrilled to hear about John's journey to great health. It'll inspire the slugs in my house (me included) to think about life after this crazy bit, and take advantage of time together to strengthen everything we have. Lots of love to you both :)

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  35. What a lovely story, thank you for sharing John's great progress!

    As for allergies, I get ear pain/equilibrium issues when my allergies get really bad too. Apart from the Flonase and a prescription nasal spray used in tandem, if my ears get bad I also add Mucinex to the mix. The regular one, not the decongestant one. It really helps thin out the gunk so it can drain better. Just remember to drink lots of extra water if you do try it, because it works better with it and also you may shrivel up like a raisin if you don't ;)

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  36. Please carry on posting! Being able to see that you're out there (well, in there) doing things makes it easier for me to stay in here, doing things, knowing I don't just exist in a vacuum of not-friends and not-normal.

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  37. I'm loving the positivity in this post! It sounds like you're both doing incredibly well and I'm so very happy that John has found a way to be healthy that is working for him!

    As for your allergies--you're the first other person I've "met" that gets ear pain from allergies! When mine were at my worst I was doing Zyrtec-D, Flonase, Astelin (a second nose spray), and Zantac (an antihistamine that helped some skin allergies but has since been identified as causing cancer, so I don't take it anymore). The key was really the Zyrtec-D, though, instead of regular Zyrtec. It helped dry up my ears and lessened the pain immensely. Good luck! I hope you can enjoy outside (or at least open windows) again soon!

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  38. @Robyn, I use a pop top drink bottle to get the same result as a neti pot. I use 1/2 tsp non-iodised salt to 2cups boiled water (you can add a pinch of baking soda to 'soften' the water). When the water has cooled, lean over a sink, BREATHE THROUGH YOUR MOUTH!!! and put the bottle top to the nostril on top, and 'gently' force the water through the nose/sinus. It should flow through. When you have had enough (��), blow your nose. (I usually do this into the sink, then with a tissue. Then repeat on the other side. Hope this helps.

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  39. I used to love this blog. The treatment of your fan page on FB has really turned me off.

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    1. I'm really sorry to hear that, Anna, especially since I'm not involved in running Fans of Epbot; the fans are. (John is a moderator, but he's only one of 10 now, I think? and everything there is decided by majority rules.) I'm not a mod or involved at all in the day-to-day there, and honestly I don't want to be, since that's a hard and mostly thankless job.

      I can tell you all the FOE mods do love this community; they work long hours for free, and they're just doing their best to navigate a hard time. Even I don't always agree with their decisions, but as members I think we should give them some grace. We're all broken humans, just doing the best we can. Can you imagine how hard it is to please nearly 6,000 people at once? To protect each and every one from things they don't want to see, or find triggering? So of course we won't agree with all the rules, but we have to remember they're only making them to protect people who are hurting.

      Anyway, all that said, if the FB group isn't for you, I get it. I just hope you know you're always welcome here on the blog, where I'll *also* just be doing the best I can.

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  40. Congratulations to John, I know how hard that is too do!
    I'm allergic to most of the trees in my neighborhood & plants in my yard; to all of my multiple dogs, cats, & birds; dust & mold too, of course. To make my life bearable I go to an allergist & get regular shots. They suck for the first couple of weeks but then you start feeling better, & it gets easier to believe you're not allergic to anything! It's really amazing, highly recommend
    PS- we just lost a black cat, so it was a nice surprise to see a beloved one today. & Tell John he needs to make a slightly bigger stand, so she fits :-D

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  41. Glad to hear of your good news. I just wanted to comment that the content of this post might be quite triggering for those recovering from eating difficulties/exercise addiction.

    Epbot is usually such a 'safe space'; the content of this post was quite confronting/discomforting for me, which came as a surprise in this space. I certain that was not at all your intention - you are one of the most respectful and considerate people I have the privilege of 'knowing'.

    Not wanting to cramp your style - of course, please post whatever you like! - but perhaps a trigger warning on posts of this sort would be helpful, as you have framed some of your posts that touch on Covid-19?

    Thanks for everything you do :-)

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    1. Oh gosh, I'm so sorry, I admit that never occurred to me, since I've only seen discussions about the harmful effects of before-and-after photos. I'll add that note now, thank you!

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  42. I haven't read the comments but please don't let people tell you how to feel and how to behave. This is going to take a long time to come right - in the US its going to be even longer than here in the UK and bottom line is you can only be responsible for yourself. I also feel personally that we minimise the value of the lives lost by living less than our best life, that includes positivity, productivity and all the other things that make life valuable. There have been lots of helpful posts but for me one of the lines that I am living by is "Control the hell out of what you can control and let the rest go". It can be hard. I am at my lowest weight for a lot of years and I am so thrilled that John is losing weight and getting fit - two entirely different things. I have set a new target weight for myself which is thumbing my nose (do you know that expression) at the medical profession who started my food issues by refusing me contraception because I was 7lb overweight - 40 years ago now. I have found what works and over the last 5 years have lost 5 stone. This is an unprecedented opportunity to focus on these goals and make a difference. Our health service is going to be hard pressed anyway getting through this so if we can do some self help by getting fitter and reducing the burden - I think we should. I know its not that simple but it is something I can do.

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  43. I had a brownie for breakfast today!
    :-)

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  44. Thank you for being here for me.
    I work in a grocery store and have been put on leave because I'm high risk.
    I felt agoraphobia sinking it's claws into me the last few days, so today I went for a walk for the first time in three weeks.
    Have myself a gold star ⭐ it's not much for some people but I wanted to share it with you because I knew you would understand. Love your blog!

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    1. I'm proud of you! Both for recognizing that subtle slide into agoraphobia and for taking literal steps to fight it. All the gold stars for you! ::big virtual hugs::

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  45. Good for John! My hubby (also named Jon!) has lost some weight during quarantine too and I've also noticed a huge difference in his breathing at night. He was never evaluated for sleep apnea, but a few months back when he was at his heaviest he would wake me up multiple times per night with those awful snort/gasp snores. I haven't noticed him snore at all in the last week or two! He tends to gain and lose weight "in the face" so I think having a little less fluff in the neck area made all the difference. I'm with you--I don't care about the number on the scale, I just want a happy, healthy partner!

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  46. I feel you. My allergies are horrible too. I take Flonase Sensimist in the morning, Zyrtec/Allegra/Claritin/whatever (never Xyzal again though) at night and a nasal rinse almost every day, year round. A couple times a year I have to switch what allergy pill I take but the Sensimist is really helping a lot to make my allergies bearable. And, when none of that works, I make a cup of nettle tea by Traditional Medicine. It clears out my symptoms very quickly.

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