Exploring the Jungle - a Column by Mary Lott

Heavy rains require extra preparation when living with CAD

“It rained and it rained and it rained. Piglet told himself that never in all his life, and he was goodness knows how old—three, was it, or four?—never had he seen so much rain.” — A.A. Milne’s “Winnie-the-Pooh“ This was a perfect description of the rain coming down. Before,…

Getting sick can cause a cascade of issues for CAD patients

Pokey, my constant companion and cohort in crime, let me know that he had to go outside immediately. I am at an age where this is perfectly understandable. It was just 5:30 a.m. However, Pokey is a creature of habit. He has never understood the human concept of “sleeping in.”…

How orienteering skills help me navigate living with CAD

Looking down at the compass, I lined up the arrow on the bottom plate with the degrees where my counselor had told me to go. “Turn the compass to make sure the red arrow is showing north,” I mumbled to myself as I oriented my body to face the designated…

Cold temperatures can cause coagulation in ‘captive spaces’

I glanced around the sanctuary to see where the heating vents were located. Selecting a pew not too far away from one was difficult because the vents were in the ceiling. I sat down and began arranging my coats, sweater, and mufflers to be easily accessible if I needed them.

Why technicolor fingertips spell trouble for CAD patients

I jammed my hands as far as I could into the pockets of my jacket, hoping the rough, gray wool would provide more warmth to my cold fingers. Beth, my daughter whose graduation we were celebrating, was focused on the sign at the side of Samford Park that welcomed visitors…

Panic in the ER: Undiagnosed CAD symptoms caused consternation

The doors opened and I entered the emergency room. I quickly scanned the room and noted that it was about half-full. Inwardly, I groaned, expecting a bit of a wait. Beckoning to me, the newcomer, was a hospital official at a small desk toward the back of the waiting area,…