DIS-EASE

Dis-Ease

I am diligent about getting an annual physical because we are called to actively manage our health.

My first long-term relationship with a doctor began in my late twenties and lasted until he retired. After several short flings with other doctors, I am in the second long-term relationship and fully expect it to be my last since he is significantly younger than me. We understand each other. Long-term relationships with a doctor, spouse, or friend have their advantages. The first relationship helped me to understand that I have a high pain threshold. If I wait for the pain level to become unbearable, I am in serious trouble. The current doctor recognizes my high pain threshold and knows that I have googled “whatever” is ailing me before I walk into his office. He does not speak with me in generalities, and he doesn’t mince his words.

My medical challenges always began as dis-ease – something just doesn’t feel right but I ignore it or minimize it (high pain threshold) before calling the doctor. All my ailments have caused me (involuntarily at first) to slow down, re-center myself and focus on cause and treatment and eventually the hidden blessings. But my annual physical this year revealed a special silent surprise – borderline high blood pressure. I was undone. “How could this be?” I asked and proceeded to list all the preventative measures I had practiced. He listened and we developed a plan of action.

My prior experiences with dis-ease diseases have taught me that a plan and accountability work for me. That’s the physical part of hidden surprise but what about the hidden blessings? It is too early to make a definitive report on either. But I am asking myself some questions. What have I failed to pay attention to? Have I subconsciously ignored a stressor? What role is genetics playing?

My plan of action requires that I walk 30 minutes every day for the next 30 days. I am to discontinue the use of an over-the-counter medication. It is known to raise blood pressure. I am to take a prescription medication every other day and take my blood pressure every other day. I am to keep a diary of the readings.

I wrote the above the day after the physical. I am finishing this blog the day after I sent the data to my physician. One number improved significantly, the other is about the same. The hidden blessing has been identified – early detection. High blood pressure isn’t labeled the “silent killer” for no reason. I am asymptomatic. Were it not for an annual physical, the borderline could have progressed to major hypertension. By my intentional care, I can auto correct.

Mark 1:44

PONDER THIS THOUGHT---My most valuable asset is my health.