Towel

The time has come to “throw in the towel.” Another SVT even occurred on Thursday about halfway through the cardio workout at the gym. The emergency cooldown protocol was invoked, but to no avail. The SVT event was five hours in length, ending at 6pm during the late afternoon outing to the International Marketplace. Peak heart rate was 153bpm (recorded by the Watch Series 9). No other details necessary.

The SVT events are not temporary. There appears to be a heart malfunction which is resulting in atrial fibrillation. Skipped (read: delayed) heartbeats are also regularly observed. A return to the cardiologist will involve more tests and the dispensing of beta blocker and anticoagulant medication. There are various contraindications associated with both types of medications. And, once put on the medicinal regime, the duration is lifetime.

SVT events occurring a few years down the line are likely to result in a “keel over” event. The heart and the aging body will not be able survive such a traumatic cardiac event. A stroke or heart attack is highly probable in any case. Sleep deprivation is still the most likely culprit. The Watch has logged sleep for several days, none of which even came close to seven hours. There are always several awakenings. From what can be ascertained, there are a series of bizarre dreams during sleep. The nature of the dreams cause the awakenings. The Watch has recorded the heart rate, ranging from 49bpm to 78bpm during sleep. The dreams have triggered the higher heart rates. Clearly, some kind of tranquilizer is required as a countermeasure.

The attempt to reduce saturated fat, sodium, sugar, and starchy carbohydrates continues with great difficulty. Saturated fat, sodium and sugar is very difficult to avoid with externally prepared food (read: frozen meals, even so-called “healthy” ones). Starchy carbohydrates (rice, bread, potatoes) can be effectively reduced. However, weight loss is quite dramatic. Three pounds can be shedded in less than a week, a very alarming situation when already at the optimal weight.

Apples (all varieties) are no longer purchased for lunch. The quality of the apples has been extremely shitty. The inside is soft and mushy. So, bananas are now the only fresh fruit consumed. Raisins are also a diet staple. Junkless® granola bars are supplementing the lunch for now. The return to the venerable Clif® Bars is likely, even though the price has gone up. Subway® and Starbucks® have effectively been phased out. And, no return to Panda Express® has yet been planned.

Well, the time is ripe to also “throw in the towel” on the new cost-cutting measures. Of course, efforts will be made to reduce expenditures on crappy food and useless “junk.” However, if something must be procured, there will be no restrictions imposed on such acquisitions. All personal assets must be depleted before death, which could happen anytime now.

Addendum: Lavender aromatherapy and melatonin tablets are being investigated as possible mitigations for insomnia.

Miscellany: Vision remains stable with a slight degradation in the right eye, according to the optician. The appointment was on Monday morning.