The last few weeks I've made it my goal to concentrate 100% on nutrition. It's been 3 weeks since a gummy bear or M&M has been deposited in my mouth. I'm still working out 6 days a week. I've replaced candy with nutritional bars. I've replaced high calorie meals with Healthy Choice Meals. The results are pretty good so far. I've gone from 187 to 179 in 3 weeks. I still need to lose another 4 pounds. I'll keep everyone posted.
I hope that everyone is well.
Andy
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Onset of Diabetes, Bye Bye Gummies, and On the Move!
Good morning everyone. A few weeks ago, I had my doctor's appointment. It was an exhausting one. It was my biannual glucose test to see if I have diabetes. CF patients are very likely to have an onset of CFRD which is CF-Related Diabetes. In the back of mind, I knew my Gummy Bears/M&M's infatuation was going to get me. I eat a bowl per night (sometimes more) and that doesn't include the candies I snack on during the day. I gave 13 vials of blood (that is not a typo) and took a urine test. Here's irony. I have trouble peeing when someone is standing next to or waiting behind me but give me a cup and I can pee in about 3 seconds flat. TMI right?
13 vials!
Anyway, I had to fast from midnight the night before until noon that day and had to drink a disgusting sugary drink (like a more sugary form of Sunkist) before my last vial. The test showed up irregular. I wanted to tell the doctor, "Duh, you took 13 vials of blood. Of course, it's irregular. I'm alive. Shouldn't I be dead after giving 13 vials of blood?" The final diagnosis: I have pre-diabetes which means I'm dangerously close to having CFRD (CF Related Diabetes). In the back of mind I'm thinking I don't want to have to deal with another issue. Isn't cystic fibrosis and a bad sense of humor enough?
Anyway, I have finally decided to stop the sugar infatuation. I have given up gummy bears and M&M's. Ah, the memories we'll have though. It has only been a week but I have lost about 4 pounds since not eating candy for dessert every night and not munching on them during the day.
I'm going to miss you guys!
I tried sugar free candy but that gave me a ton of stomach aches. Now I'm focusing on Healthy Choice Meals, Zone Bars, Atkins Bars (the man died so I'm not sure how good they really are for me) and mangoes. I was at 186 pounds when I started and am currently at 182 pounds. My goal is to be between 175 to 180 pounds.
I'm also taking a new vitamin twice a week that is supposed to give me a ridiculous amount of Vitamin D. I'm also trying to change up my workouts a little bit as I've gotten into a rut. I'm still working out 6 times a week and running at least 8 minutes each day on the treadmill. I am not running outside in 90 degree weather unless I'm being chased.
I'll continue to work my tail off to get better. On the bright side, my lung function was only down 1% which isn't too bad. Still my symptoms revealed to the doctor that I needed to go on Augmentin. I was coughing quite a bit but the coughing has since ceased and I only have another day of antibiotics. The rashes all over my body are just about gone. I know Andrea is glad I won't be waking up in the middle of the night scratching for a while. It was caused by Cayston, a new drug I was on. I looked like a guy who put sunblock on random parts of my body, sat in the sun for 10 hours and then woke up looking like Super Acne Man! Anyway, it scares me that my last few drugs I've taken have caused major side effects. TOBI gave me hearing issues and Cayston made me look like the poster boy for Poison Ivy prevention. What if the cure for CF destroys my body? Wouldn't that be ironic if my body rejected it? I can't worry about it right now since there isn't one to date.
My softball team is in the Final 4 of the competitive league at Atlanta Club Sport looking to defend our winter league championship. We play tonight and hopefully tomorrow for the title. We were the number 3 seed on Monday night and knocked off the number 2 seed and then the undefeated number one seed.
We are shooting the video this weekend for "I Need a Nebulizer." I got a lot of great comments on my song. Thank you. It's really nice to hear. I know I'm not winning a Grammy any time soon (I think I sound like Kermit the Frog on steroids) but if this song can help raise awareness for CF, I will be thrilled. I have lots of pictures of CF patients from around the world to use in the video. I also just got Chipper Jones to take part in it. I'm working on a few others as well.
The Hall of Famer and the Nebulizer Man
The kids are great. Avery is doing tennis camp and she is having a good time. She continues to excel at gymnastics. Ethan has gone from being scared of the water to begging us to take him to the pool everyday thanks to the swimming lessons that Andrea got for him. We might have the next Michael Phelps on our hands.
Andrea is playing a lot of tennis lately and recently played in a tournament. I never thought she'd be the tennis player in the family but she has gotten really good. I think she might wipe the court with me.
In other exciting news, we may be moving in the next few months. Our offer on a house has been accepted. It's only a few miles from our current place. The kids were hesitant to move until they saw the backyard. I was tired of throwing Ethan the ball in the neighbor's yard and having to watch Avery do somersaults on our steep incline of a driveway. I'll keep you updated.
I hope that everyone is doing well.
Andy
13 vials!
Anyway, I had to fast from midnight the night before until noon that day and had to drink a disgusting sugary drink (like a more sugary form of Sunkist) before my last vial. The test showed up irregular. I wanted to tell the doctor, "Duh, you took 13 vials of blood. Of course, it's irregular. I'm alive. Shouldn't I be dead after giving 13 vials of blood?" The final diagnosis: I have pre-diabetes which means I'm dangerously close to having CFRD (CF Related Diabetes). In the back of mind I'm thinking I don't want to have to deal with another issue. Isn't cystic fibrosis and a bad sense of humor enough?
Anyway, I have finally decided to stop the sugar infatuation. I have given up gummy bears and M&M's. Ah, the memories we'll have though. It has only been a week but I have lost about 4 pounds since not eating candy for dessert every night and not munching on them during the day.
I'm going to miss you guys!
I tried sugar free candy but that gave me a ton of stomach aches. Now I'm focusing on Healthy Choice Meals, Zone Bars, Atkins Bars (the man died so I'm not sure how good they really are for me) and mangoes. I was at 186 pounds when I started and am currently at 182 pounds. My goal is to be between 175 to 180 pounds.
I'm also taking a new vitamin twice a week that is supposed to give me a ridiculous amount of Vitamin D. I'm also trying to change up my workouts a little bit as I've gotten into a rut. I'm still working out 6 times a week and running at least 8 minutes each day on the treadmill. I am not running outside in 90 degree weather unless I'm being chased.
I'll continue to work my tail off to get better. On the bright side, my lung function was only down 1% which isn't too bad. Still my symptoms revealed to the doctor that I needed to go on Augmentin. I was coughing quite a bit but the coughing has since ceased and I only have another day of antibiotics. The rashes all over my body are just about gone. I know Andrea is glad I won't be waking up in the middle of the night scratching for a while. It was caused by Cayston, a new drug I was on. I looked like a guy who put sunblock on random parts of my body, sat in the sun for 10 hours and then woke up looking like Super Acne Man! Anyway, it scares me that my last few drugs I've taken have caused major side effects. TOBI gave me hearing issues and Cayston made me look like the poster boy for Poison Ivy prevention. What if the cure for CF destroys my body? Wouldn't that be ironic if my body rejected it? I can't worry about it right now since there isn't one to date.
My softball team is in the Final 4 of the competitive league at Atlanta Club Sport looking to defend our winter league championship. We play tonight and hopefully tomorrow for the title. We were the number 3 seed on Monday night and knocked off the number 2 seed and then the undefeated number one seed.
We are shooting the video this weekend for "I Need a Nebulizer." I got a lot of great comments on my song. Thank you. It's really nice to hear. I know I'm not winning a Grammy any time soon (I think I sound like Kermit the Frog on steroids) but if this song can help raise awareness for CF, I will be thrilled. I have lots of pictures of CF patients from around the world to use in the video. I also just got Chipper Jones to take part in it. I'm working on a few others as well.
The Hall of Famer and the Nebulizer Man
The kids are great. Avery is doing tennis camp and she is having a good time. She continues to excel at gymnastics. Ethan has gone from being scared of the water to begging us to take him to the pool everyday thanks to the swimming lessons that Andrea got for him. We might have the next Michael Phelps on our hands.
Andrea is playing a lot of tennis lately and recently played in a tournament. I never thought she'd be the tennis player in the family but she has gotten really good. I think she might wipe the court with me.
In other exciting news, we may be moving in the next few months. Our offer on a house has been accepted. It's only a few miles from our current place. The kids were hesitant to move until they saw the backyard. I was tired of throwing Ethan the ball in the neighbor's yard and having to watch Avery do somersaults on our steep incline of a driveway. I'll keep you updated.
I hope that everyone is doing well.
Andy
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
What's been going on?
I know I haven't written in several months. Life has been busy though. I've had a few speeches including one in Orange County, California this past weekend. It went very well. I spoke to the Children's Hospital in Orange County.
I'm currently on Cayston which is a new med like TOBI. I had to stop TOBI because I was having hearing issues. Now I'm stopping Cayston because it has caused me to have splotches (rashes) all over my face and body. Picture attached. I look like I'm on the verge of turning into The Fly for those familiar with the Jeff Goldblum movie from the 80's. It's not a compliment. I'm going to take some time away from inhaled antibiotics and see how I do. On the bright side, I won't look like a teenager dealing with acne.
I apologize for some of these pictures being sideways. I changed them to vertical but it is not taking on the blog site.
I've also been working on a music video. I know what you're saying...Andy Lipman and music video don't exactly go hand and hand. This video will raise awareness for CF and I have written and sung the song for the video. Again, I know what you're saying. I didn't know Andy Lipman could sing. I can't. Trust me however the sound coordinator made it sound decent. My dad didn't even know I could read when I published my first book so I suppose it's possible that I could make a successful music video. My goal is for the video to go viral. My son and daughter (especially my son) love the song. I will reveal it at the end of May which is coincidentally Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.
In other news, Andrea has a tennis tournament this weekend so I wanted to wish her luck. Bring us home a trophy, honey! Avery did great at the state gym meet in Bainbridge, Georgia. She won a few medals. Ethan has become a decent baseball player and our team actually won 3 games and tied 1. I think this is my last year as a head coach though as I just don't have the time to commit to it. I was really proud of the kids though and especially Ethan. I'll be an assistant in the future.
Here is my little guy in his Athletics uniform.
As you know, I'm notorious for trying to win big prizes at the basketball competition at carnivals. That's why we have a huge dog and dolphin in our house. Well, add another dog to the mix. This is Fluffy who we won at Lemonade Days in Dunwoody!
Check out Avery's new haircut. She looks so mature.
Well, that's about it. I'll update you when I look more like myself and the video is finished.
Take care,
Andy
I'm currently on Cayston which is a new med like TOBI. I had to stop TOBI because I was having hearing issues. Now I'm stopping Cayston because it has caused me to have splotches (rashes) all over my face and body. Picture attached. I look like I'm on the verge of turning into The Fly for those familiar with the Jeff Goldblum movie from the 80's. It's not a compliment. I'm going to take some time away from inhaled antibiotics and see how I do. On the bright side, I won't look like a teenager dealing with acne.
I apologize for some of these pictures being sideways. I changed them to vertical but it is not taking on the blog site.
I've also been working on a music video. I know what you're saying...Andy Lipman and music video don't exactly go hand and hand. This video will raise awareness for CF and I have written and sung the song for the video. Again, I know what you're saying. I didn't know Andy Lipman could sing. I can't. Trust me however the sound coordinator made it sound decent. My dad didn't even know I could read when I published my first book so I suppose it's possible that I could make a successful music video. My goal is for the video to go viral. My son and daughter (especially my son) love the song. I will reveal it at the end of May which is coincidentally Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.
In other news, Andrea has a tennis tournament this weekend so I wanted to wish her luck. Bring us home a trophy, honey! Avery did great at the state gym meet in Bainbridge, Georgia. She won a few medals. Ethan has become a decent baseball player and our team actually won 3 games and tied 1. I think this is my last year as a head coach though as I just don't have the time to commit to it. I was really proud of the kids though and especially Ethan. I'll be an assistant in the future.
Here is my little guy in his Athletics uniform.
As you know, I'm notorious for trying to win big prizes at the basketball competition at carnivals. That's why we have a huge dog and dolphin in our house. Well, add another dog to the mix. This is Fluffy who we won at Lemonade Days in Dunwoody!
Check out Avery's new haircut. She looks so mature.
Well, that's about it. I'll update you when I look more like myself and the video is finished.
Take care,
Andy
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Meds, meds and more meds!
Hey everyone,
So it's been a crazy week medication-wise. Last week, I woke up and I could literally not hear out of one ear. That's the same thing that happened two months ago. This time I did some research though on side effects of all of my medications and read that ringing of the ears and loss of hearing was a side effect of TOBI. I called my doctor and she had me go off of it right away. Next I had the doctor at the Urgent Care center clean out my ears with boiling water. That's fun for those of you who have not tried it. At least, I can hear again. Then I got a prescription of antibiotics and ear drops to take 3 to 4 times a day. Two days prior, I was at the physical therapist as I think I have an ulner nerve issue. Basically it's like tennis elbow and it's on my right arm. I'm also having slight swelling in my knee and pain in my left shoulder. My therapist and I have concluded it happened when I fell around New Years running with my kids. I actually think it's because I'm almost 40. Ha Ha!
Anyway, I'm now only working out with my left arm and I'm trying to learn how to do one-armed pull-ups. I also have started Cayston today which was kind of stressful. I had to watch a 15 minute video twice to figure out everything. Andrea assisted me thank goodness. I have to take Cayston three times a day for 28 days. That means I'll be taking it to work with me. I also have to clean the new aerosol machine and nebulizer three times a day and mix the medication to get it just right. Anyone who has seen my car knows that cleaning "anything" is a stretch for me. Anyway, I packed a backpack this morning with my new medical device, the nebulizer it comes with, cleaning supplies, an inhaler with a medication, the frozen meds it comes with and a Purell spray bottle. I took my first dose this morning so I'm also making sure I don't suffer any side effects. My lack of humor sadly is normal and not caused by the drug.
So I'm literally exhausted. I have included a picture of the meds I took...for JUST THIS MORNING ALONE. I'm overwhelmed with all of the new stuff I'm taking. I'm also working a full-time job (a bit unusual for someone with CF), a board member on several boards which I'm very committed to, as well as my son's Tee ball coach. Most importantly, I'm Andrea's husband and Ethan and Avery's dad and that, along with my health, remains a top priority.
I have a few speeches coming up. I have a school speech at Tritt Elementary in late March and now I'm scheduled to speak in Orange County, California in late May.
Anyway, I hope that everyone is doing well.
Live your dreams and love your life.
Andy
So it's been a crazy week medication-wise. Last week, I woke up and I could literally not hear out of one ear. That's the same thing that happened two months ago. This time I did some research though on side effects of all of my medications and read that ringing of the ears and loss of hearing was a side effect of TOBI. I called my doctor and she had me go off of it right away. Next I had the doctor at the Urgent Care center clean out my ears with boiling water. That's fun for those of you who have not tried it. At least, I can hear again. Then I got a prescription of antibiotics and ear drops to take 3 to 4 times a day. Two days prior, I was at the physical therapist as I think I have an ulner nerve issue. Basically it's like tennis elbow and it's on my right arm. I'm also having slight swelling in my knee and pain in my left shoulder. My therapist and I have concluded it happened when I fell around New Years running with my kids. I actually think it's because I'm almost 40. Ha Ha!
Anyway, I'm now only working out with my left arm and I'm trying to learn how to do one-armed pull-ups. I also have started Cayston today which was kind of stressful. I had to watch a 15 minute video twice to figure out everything. Andrea assisted me thank goodness. I have to take Cayston three times a day for 28 days. That means I'll be taking it to work with me. I also have to clean the new aerosol machine and nebulizer three times a day and mix the medication to get it just right. Anyone who has seen my car knows that cleaning "anything" is a stretch for me. Anyway, I packed a backpack this morning with my new medical device, the nebulizer it comes with, cleaning supplies, an inhaler with a medication, the frozen meds it comes with and a Purell spray bottle. I took my first dose this morning so I'm also making sure I don't suffer any side effects. My lack of humor sadly is normal and not caused by the drug.
So I'm literally exhausted. I have included a picture of the meds I took...for JUST THIS MORNING ALONE. I'm overwhelmed with all of the new stuff I'm taking. I'm also working a full-time job (a bit unusual for someone with CF), a board member on several boards which I'm very committed to, as well as my son's Tee ball coach. Most importantly, I'm Andrea's husband and Ethan and Avery's dad and that, along with my health, remains a top priority.
I have a few speeches coming up. I have a school speech at Tritt Elementary in late March and now I'm scheduled to speak in Orange County, California in late May.
Anyway, I hope that everyone is doing well.
Live your dreams and love your life.
Andy
Thursday, February 14, 2013
I'm in the Little Leagues now!
Well, I offered to be a coach in Ethan's tee ball league and lo and behold I'm the head coach of Ethan's team. We had the draft Tuesday night.
I've only drafted fantasy league and not 4 and 5 year old kids so this was interesting. So that leads me to today's Top
10 list.
Here are the top 10 things you might overhear between a commissioner and a coach at a little league draft.
10. Has this kid been tested for Flintstone Vitamins?
9. Commissioner: This kid was out most of last season.
Coach: "Why? Tommy John surgery? ACL tear?"
Commissioner: No, he had too much homework.
8. The kid is a Big League Chew addict.
7. The kid has been juicing - Hi-C mostly.
6. I want a birth certificate on this kid. He looks 7.
5. Nobody puts baby "on the hot corner."
4. Commissioner: This kid doesn't give autographs.
Coach: Why? Is he not nice to his fans?
Commissioner: No, he just can't sign his name in cursive yet.
3. Commissioner: This kid is a 5-tool player.
Coach: You mean he can hit for power, hit for average, steal bases, play a great outfield and has a great arm?
Commissioner: No, I mean he's not wearing a diaper anymore, can run without falling, knows which base to run to, knows to hold the bat near the knob and not the barrel and he doesn't cry for mommy during games.
2. Commissioner: Draft this kid!
Coach: Why? Can he hit? Can he catch? Can he throw?
Commissioner: No, his mom always volunteers to be a team mom.
1. And finally, the number one thing you might hear at a Tee ball draft:
Commissioner: This kid really wants to be a Ranger.
Coach: I'm coach of the Rangers and we just drafted him.
Commissioner: Not those Rangers. The Power Rangers.
Happy Valentine's Day!
I just wanted to wish a Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.
To Andrea, thank you for making my life better and for giving me two wonderful children. I love you with all of my heart.
A special Valentine's Day wish to the other important women in my family especially my sister Emily, my mom and my Nana Rose. Thank you for being such an important part of my life.
To my daughter, Avery, I love you and am so proud of the young lady that you are becoming.
To my son, Ethan, Happy V-Day, big man!
Love,
Andy
.jpg)
Never Be Afraid to Fail
Never be afraid to fail,
Making the attempt is the key.
Failure may well determine
Success for you or me.
Have you ever heard these words?
"I don't want to take a chance."
People who find success,
Don't usually take that stance.
Success is a result
Of failures a plenty.
With every trophy earned
Losses, there are many.
In order to succeed,
Attitude is a must.
Dreams don't come true
Without a little trust.
For athletes to win a ring,
They first must come in last.
For politicians to gain office,
Defeats must fill their past.
Heroes were average Joe's
Before they were ever hailed.
Movie stars who won Oscars,
At one time must have failed.
There are options when you fail,
Get back up or quit.
The answer should be simple,
It's time to show some grit.
Though no one often brags,
About unsuccessful trials.
It's good to keep in mind,
The long journey and its miles.
Practice makes perfect,
We've heard it all before.
We each need to be rejected
So hearing "yes" means more.
Those who don't take risks,
Success is not their friend.
Breathing defines living,
Not a good message to send.
FAIL is a 4-letter word,
But not one that is bad.
In order to achieve happiness,
We must first have been sad.
All of us want to win,
Success is therefore yearned.
What we take from failure
Is an important lesson learned.
Failure is a good experience,
And that is the reason why...
The only real way to fail
Is when we refuse to try.
By: Andy Lipman...a failure many times more times than a success - and proud of all of the journeys!
To Andrea, thank you for making my life better and for giving me two wonderful children. I love you with all of my heart.
A special Valentine's Day wish to the other important women in my family especially my sister Emily, my mom and my Nana Rose. Thank you for being such an important part of my life.
To my daughter, Avery, I love you and am so proud of the young lady that you are becoming.
To my son, Ethan, Happy V-Day, big man!
Love,
Andy
.jpg)
Friday, February 1, 2013
Never be afraid to fail
Never Be Afraid to Fail
Never be afraid to fail,
Making the attempt is the key.
Failure may well determine
Success for you or me.
Have you ever heard these words?
"I don't want to take a chance."
People who find success,
Don't usually take that stance.
Success is a result
Of failures a plenty.
With every trophy earned
Losses, there are many.
In order to succeed,
Attitude is a must.
Dreams don't come true
Without a little trust.
For athletes to win a ring,
They first must come in last.
For politicians to gain office,
Defeats must fill their past.
Heroes were average Joe's
Before they were ever hailed.
Movie stars who won Oscars,
At one time must have failed.
There are options when you fail,
Get back up or quit.
The answer should be simple,
It's time to show some grit.
Though no one often brags,
About unsuccessful trials.
It's good to keep in mind,
The long journey and its miles.
Practice makes perfect,
We've heard it all before.
We each need to be rejected
So hearing "yes" means more.
Those who don't take risks,
Success is not their friend.
Breathing defines living,
Not a good message to send.
FAIL is a 4-letter word,
But not one that is bad.
In order to achieve happiness,
We must first have been sad.
All of us want to win,
Success is therefore yearned.
What we take from failure
Is an important lesson learned.
Failure is a good experience,
And that is the reason why...
The only real way to fail
Is when we refuse to try.
By: Andy Lipman...a failure many times more times than a success - and proud of all of the journeys!
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