jakorte's blog

Encapsulated:
I lost myself once at home. When my mom found me, she took pictures. My sleeping little body was jammed between the backside of the American-eagle patterned sofa and the radiant heat baseboards along the wall. I was sound asleep amongst my mother’s pot and pans; happy, encapsulated, warm.

Encapsulated:
I closed my eyes to the already dim lights, absorbed the warmth flowing through me, and listened for patterns in the deep changing vibrations. Easily immobile, I found myself internally grooving to the infectious pulsating resonance of Lady Gaga's "Money Honey."

Encapsulated:
45 minutes of MRI absolute stillness is a bane for some. For me, it’s a vacation.

A chance to blank my mind of worries, say a few long overdue prayers of thanks,
and offer sincere intentions of supplication. That lasts about 8 minutes.

Then, it’s off to the mind races where I am evaluating what furniture I could stand to part with rather than move to where ever my new, as-of-yet non-existent, job takes me. Mission accomplished – without the use of a pen and paper. They don’t allow that stuff in the tube.

Then, it’s off to my happy place: a beach, anywhere provided there is sunshine, blue water, an umbrella, a good book or two, and some sort of beverage. Oh, and some pretzels and fresh fruit, too. Absolutely no pineapple, though. That would ruin everything.

Have I distracted you enough, or are you still wondering, why an MRI?

Well, I first noticed it in Louisiana last October. On October 6th, to be exact.
I did a double deep-knee bend to sign Ms. Cheryl’s Katrina-survived fence. The long string of volunteers who have worked on her home have left their names, thoughts and well-wishes on the boards she plans to apply protective coating to and hang in her workspace.

I lowered into a squat, and signed, but I simply could not stand back up.
At least not the way I was used to – pushing off on my right leg. At the time, I figured it was due to the 3rd day on the job site in sunny, one-hundred degree, ninety-percent humidity conditions.

Back in Michigan, the leg weakness did not go away; it spread to my side and right arm.
Since then, I’ve had some new interesting symptoms appear. Like the constant microphone-feedback ringing in my ears going on for over four weeks now.

I’ve had x-rays, blood work, a CT scan, more blood work, an EMG, yet more blood work, and just this morning, an MRI. I’ve already learned to mostly ignore the ringing. I’d rather not live with it, but I could.

It will take a few days for the MRI results to get back around to my totally engaged MD. I love that she's in good spirits about it. She cheerily announced at our last meeting that she “gets to play House!”
I love “House” and Hugh, so I just as cheerily answered, “Fine, but beware - I can be just as snarly!”

As I mentioned, the good news is I did a mental inventory of excess furniture and estimated sale prices.
Plus, I took a mini vacation on my own perfect little island.

In this issue: MRI, Encapsulation, Lady Gaga.
Now Posted: New Orleans, Oct 2009: Super Conductors