'hold out your hand, darling. hold out your hand, say please'

I've been running full steam as of late. Lots of work and traveling. I never really thought about how it might affect my health but it seems that the constant movement is catching up with me. Late Friday night I started having what felt like severe chest pains. All symptoms leaned toward heart issues, which rightly scared me. I tried to sleep it off but around 4:00 I had Jill drive me to Charlotte's Presbyterian hospital. No heart issues, which was a relief, but the problem was not identified.

Upon some research and realization that pain is often worse after I eat, we've pinpointed that I'm having esophageal spasms as a result of indigestion and possible GERD. Scary stuff. The symptoms are almost identical to a heart attack, which explains my chest pains and left arm numbness.

So, lacking health care, I am trying to let this just work its course. I'm eating smaller portions throughout the day to train my esophagus to accept food without pain. It's gotten progressively better but I have to avoid dairy, spicy foods, eating within 3 hours of going to sleep.

I was thankful that it wasn't anything more serious and I really can't wait to get back to my normal health so I can continue running. If anything this will teach me better eating habits. I'll avoid large meals, fast food, eating too fast or too much.

Thank God Jill and my family were there to support me through this. I don't know what I'd do without them.

Otherwise, life has been pretty good. Lots of new music arriving on my computer. really enjoying the new Monsters of Folk album along with many other new releases. Expect some posts about music I'm listening to over the weekend.

My relationship with Jill is going great. I really look forward to and enjoy our time together. We went and saw the play "Big Boys" at the Actors Theatre last weekend. Quite hilarious and a great satire on greedy corporate America. Besides the hospital scare my visit with her was excellent. It might be a while before I see her, but we have a great weekend planned in Asheville next month. Also, she might be doing her Co-Op there! I think the Biltmore Estate would be a great place for her to work and I won't lie, it would be really cool to have my girlfriend and a lot of my great friends all in the wonderful city of Asheville for a while.

For now I'll keep relaxing and prepare for work this evening. I'm feeling pretty optimistic and am realizing that life is pretty damn good.