Leading You Out ep001 where has Max been

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Hello again;

This week I’m going to answer the question where has Max been and what has he been up to. I’m also going to tell you about a new podcast that I just started. I hope this is the beginning of a whole new chapter for me.

New Podcast Watch 1st Episode

Leading You Out of the Darkness episode 001

Where has Max Been and What Has He Been Doing

https://youtu.be/2opTKxosWhA

For those who know me, or for anyone who has been reading my blog for very long; you know that I am a firm believer in the importance of good health to your ability to succeed at anything. This is true whether we are talking about starting a business, getting a degree, learning a language, or losing weight. And its not just your physical health that is important. You also need to pay attention to your mental, emotional, and spiritual well being.

I wrote a great two part post about this last year. You can read part one here.
And this is a link to part 2.
I also discussed my journey to good health in my ebook Leading You Out of the Darkness Into the Light

I started dragging

I honestly thought all my health issues were behind me. I mean I eat right, exercise regularly, take my vitamin supplements, get plenty of sleep, visit my doctors regularly, etc. But a few months ago I started to feel tired out. I was having a hard time finding the energy to keep up with all my work for both my websites, their blogs, blog commenting, doing radio shows, and promoting my work. I even had trouble finding the desire to ride my stationary bike or walk on my treadmill.

Maybe I hit the wall

I actually thought I might have hit the wall. You know that point that all online business owners have heard about and most wonder about. I thought have I reached that point where I just don’t have the energy or the desire to keep going. I don’t see myself as a quitter, so my decision was to find out if there was some medical reason for me feeling this way.

Eliminating sleep apnea

I have sleep apnea, and it will always be with me; so the first thing I thought was there must be something wrong with my cpap machine. I mentioned this to my primary care physician Dr. Christina Ho from Lone Star Family Health care. She said that the first step would be to order a new sleep study. I thought we would start with checking the machine. But apparently its easier to get my insurance provider to pay for test than it is to get them to pay for equipment.

I don’t mind the sleep study. You stay in what amounts to a hotel room with no one to share the bed or the tv with. Yes, they put those sensors all over you, but I don’t mind them. The only part I mind is when they remove them and that tape rips off of your skin and you are left with gunk in your hair where they attached some of the wires.

Resetting the cpap machine

So, after the sleep study; they determined that my machine did need to be reset. They said it was at 11 and needed to be raised up to 13. I thought they would have to reset the machine. They said no we could do it ourselves. So I called my brother Patrick into my room to get him to change the settings.

We found out two things about the unit. First, it wasn’t set on 11. It was on 5.5 exactly half what I should have been getting. This is just another example of how blind people and devices with touch screens but no speech don’t mix. We figured that the machine got reset by one of the thunder storms we have all the time here.

The second thing we learned is that Patrick could put it back to 11, but he could not raise it past that number. I imagine it is a safety device. I do know they had to write a prescription to have a home health care person come out to change the level.

That wasn’t it

So, I started sleeping with the updated machine and hoped that would take care of my problem with not having enough energy. But the problem persisted. I still didn’t have an idea what was going on until a few weeks ago.

Maybe it was my arthritis

I have arthritis in my right shoulder right knee, and lower back. About the time we started getting all that rain that lead to the flooding I noticed that the pain in my shoulder was getting worse. I went from taking tylonol after exercising to having to take it to fall asleep at night. And when the tylonol wore off, I would wake up and have trouble falling back asleep.

I checked into natural remedies and read posts about foods that can help with arthritis and inflammation in general. Fish was one of the top recommendations. I realized that I was out of my omega three fish oil and had been for a while. I was taking so much of it that my doctor gave me a prescription for a more concentrated version. When I called to get it refilled I mentioned the increased pain to her nurse. I’ve learned that you don’t hold anything back from your doctor.

A solution is found

Even though I wasn’t due for my annual physical for several months, she decided to bring me in for a good check up. While there, she did some tests on me for flexibility and range of motion. She surprised me by saying that she didn’t believe it was the arthritis. She said I have severe tightness in the muscles of my neck back and shoulders.

Her prescription surprised me a little. She first asked when was the last time I had a massage. I had to tell her that I’ve never had a massage. She then told me that I should use heat, massage, and physical therapy. She also prescribed naproxen. Since I am a gastric surgery patient, she gave me one with a buffer; and so far I’ve had no issues with my tummy.

She did order blood work just to be sure. She wanted to make sure my CLL was under control. She also wanted to rule out the possibility I might be anemic or low in one of the vitamin b group. The blood tests all came back in the normal range including my white blood cell counts. Well, that one wasn’t normal, but it was within a range we are comfortable with for now.

I haven’t managed to get that massage yet, but I’m open to the idea. I used to rub my dad’s neck, shoulders, hands, and scalp to help him keep going; but I’ve never thought of having it done for me. Have also never had a girlfriend or family member offer to do it. As for the physical therapy I’m still fussing with the insurance company to find someone that is on my plan.

Feeling the effects of the treatment

I do know that within two days of starting to take the naproxen before bed I started sleeping longer and deeper and feeling more rested. I have gotten more done. I returned to writing posts for my own site as well as visiting the sites of my blogging friends to read their posts, leave comments, and share their content. Several told me they had missed me and were glad to see me back on their sites.

A couple people had even emailed me to ask if I were okay. And after sending out my first email newsletter with a new post from me in it, I got a few more who said they had wondered what was up and were about to email or call to find out.

Before the recent post about doing more radio shows, I hadn’t written a blog post in over a month. If it weren’t for Debra Morgan offering to write a guest post sharing her inspirational story, I imagine people would have thought I was completely off the grid.

I only kept doing the radio shows because most of them had been scheduled quite a bit in advance and I just couldn’t leave someone in a bind by not showing up. I did take the easy way out letting my friend and editor Lorraine Reguly update the as seen online page and not writing posts sharing my show appearances telling myself it was because I didn’t want to clutter up the blog.

So, not only am I writing to share this with you today; but I have included more internal and external links than I ever use. I don’t have any images, but I hope no one is disappointed. I keep trying to get Patrick to give me the ones he took of Miss Penny playing with a deer.

New videos

This weekend I also recorded some new videos for the first time in a while.

I recorded one for The Midway Marketplace where I shared some amazing amusement park rides from cambodia. I created a slide show and included it in the video. I sang a bit of roustabout by Elvis Presley. I haven’t written the blog post yet, but its next on my list.

https://youtu.be/DV82rmjqGKY

I recorded myself singing you belong to me for my aunt. Its been recorded by a lot of people including Patsy Kline and Bob Dylan. Its one of her favorite songs. She has sung it to or taught it to many of her kids, grandkids, nephews, and nieces. If you know my Aunt Marguerite, then you will have heard you belong to me at some point. I hope you like it, but I really hope she does.

https://youtu.be/GUvWLEdc_1o

And I recorded the first episode of a new podcast for myself as the blind blogger. Please don’t be worried I’m overloading myself. Its going to be about five to ten minutes of something i can share to inspire, motivate, encourage, or uplift people.

https://youtu.be/2opTKxosWhA

I shared the audio with a few of my friends, and several have already asked me if I plan to do interviews on the podcast. I told them I don’t plan to. I want to keep it easy on myself if possible. But I also told them I’ve learned not to put limits on God.

And I went one step farther with what I’m calling Leading You Out of the Darkness in honor of the book. Since there won’t be need for any photos or videos, I opened up a Podomatic account so I can syndicate the audio. I hear there is even a way people can download or listen to files on their site in itunes. And hopefully I will get the show on to Itunes proper soon.

Getting back to my routine

I have also gotten back into my exercise routine. I am doing at least 30 minutes a day now. And a couple of times I even walked on the treadmill too. I’m up to 15 minutes at two miles per hour. I’m very pleased with my progress.

And my weight is starting to come back down. During this time period I had gone up to 282 pounds or about 30 above what I had been when things were going well for me. I am giving myself time to get back to my ideal weight. Pushing too hard or stressing about it doesn’t make your progress any quicker. Or at least it doesn’t for me.

And I’m also back to reading more. I made it through John Entborg’s book Everybody Is Normal Until You Get to Know Them. He talks about how we should see everyone we meet like you would an item for sale that says as is. We should take people as they are not as we wish they could be, and this applies to yourselves as well. I am about half way through Breakout by Joel Osteen. So, things seem to be moving in the right direction Thank God.

The lesson

I hope I’ve made it clear that our health is something we have to pay attention to. We have to listen to our bodies and see our medical health professionals regularly. We have to do the things that most people agree are good for a long healthy life such as eating healthy foods, getting regular moderate exercise, taking vitamins where necessary, drinking plenty of water, getting quality sleep or rest, and having a circle of friend and family to support and care for you.

Before I end I want people to know that I don’t see myself as perfect. And I hope I haven’t come off as preachy. I just know how much I can accomplish when my mind and body are right and how little I have gotten done when they weren’t. I want success for you. And I don’t believe anyone can achieve their dream or accomplish their goal unless their mind, body, and spirit are right.

Sharing is caring

I hope you have enjoyed the post. More importantly I hope my story has encouraged you to take action. And I’m sure you have friends and family who could also use a healthy reminder. So, please forward this post to them. I also hope you will share it on your social media networks. And I want to thank you in advance for your help.

Well, that’s it for this time. I am always happy to hear from my readers. I enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. And I want to be there for you my friend.

If there is something I can help with, or if you need someone to share with; I’m here. I look forward to hearing about your successes, your disappointments, and your plans for overcoming your past failures.

Until next time thanks and take care out there, Max

28 thoughts on “Leading You Out ep001 where has Max been”

    • hey chelsea think you are off to a great start with your new blog. the world needs more humor and funny sites just like funny videos get lots of traffic. but then you told me that’s why you post your cat videos and photography videos to the same youtube account. can’t believe patrick didn’t get video of penny playing with that deer the other morning. he says he took photos and i keep telling him to send them to me i’ll turn them into a slide show. glad you liked my videos and the post. do you think i did it the right way putting the video link at the top and then writing the post about what was in the video below? will appreciate your suggestions too, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Leading You Out ep001 where has Max beenMy Profile

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  2. Hi Max

    Inspiring as always! You have a great voice – it’s a blessing! Can’t recall hearing the songs before but great job with the singing. Love the idea of the videos. It is something I have been thinking about for a while just have b=not gotten to the place of creating one in the first place. I am also thinking I would need a theme so that I can have follow up videos.

    Thanks for sharing with us and continue to enjoy the rest of the week.
    Yvonne I. Wilson recently posted…13 Simple Happiness Mantras To Ease Your MindMy Profile

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    • hi yvonne; i’m glad you enjoyed my singing and the videos. I don’t honestly know if i have a theme yet. I figure just like with blogging I didn’t know it all when i started but i still started. of course once you post something that includes number 1 episode 1 part 1 etc you are obligated to have a next chapter. 🙂 let me know if you do decide at some point to do a video. its cool to hear that i inspire people but i like it even more when i can hear what i inspired them to do and actually follow their progress as they do it. i’m not trying to put pressure on you just expressing some thoughts. thanks again for the comments. you are a dear friend, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Leading You Out ep001 where has Max beenMy Profile

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  3. thanks a lot for sharing this, it’s giving me a few things to think about. I didn’t revise how much my lack of sleep could be effecting my energy and my blogging. I have kinda hit a blogging wall as you kinda explain at the start of this video. I have wondered what you have been up to. Please, keep being wonderful, and as i like to tell others, make today the best day of your life. Then, do it again tomorrow.
    Coffee only gets me so far, time to listen to my body!
    You’ve got this, keep getting stronger.
    Video marketing is the way things have gone!
    best,
    Michael Babcock.
    Best Marketer In Oregon, blogging at your own pay
    PS, i have a training platform i’m launching friday, i think you may like to take a look at it. Email me and ask me how.

    Reply

    • hi Michael; thanks for watching the video and for stopping by to leave a comment.Yes coffee will only get you so far my friend. the good thing about doing what we do for a living is if you have to you can much more easily catch a nap without fearing stares from others. that is unless you are one of the many bloggers who is working a regular job as an employee on top of your blogging. i have been on youtube for a couple of years now posting ride and equipment videos, videos of my opinions and commentary of rides and now videos of me singing plus the new podcast. I imagine I have enough content built up that I should be able to start generating income from it somehow. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the best way to monetize a youtube channel. I’m glad to hear you were thinking of me and i hope i didn’t worry you. thanks again and take care of yourself, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Leading You Out ep001 where has Max beenMy Profile

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  4. Max, I don’t know if it was my computer, but I couldn’t see you on the video – I did enjoy your singing and of course, your determination to overcome the odds is always an inspiration. Hope your health continues to improve. (Just think what you could accomplish if you felt one hundred percent)
    All the best, Lenie
    Lenie recently posted…25 Unusual Ways With MILKMy Profile

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    • Hi Lenie; sorry you couldn’t see the video. its the usual me sitting in front of the laptop in whatever shirt i happened to pull out of my closet. glad you continue to enjoy my singing. and it I too wonder what would happen if I felt good most all of the time. I do know I love having a lot less pain and the feeling of waking up rested and ready to do something amazing. loved your post about uses for milk. but you got to get a share on twitter button. 🙂 take care my friend. xoxo max
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  5. Hi Max,

    Lovely videos indeed 🙂

    You are becoming better by the day….and you belong to me is lovely number. The first video wasn’t too clear in the audio and video, or was it just my end, but the others were good ones.

    Yes, health is wealth and we need to take care of ourselves more than anything else. Sorry to hear all that you had to go through, and let me add here, blogging does take a toll on your health, which is why we need frequent breaks and a time to getaway from the usual of blogging, like writing the posts, commenting, audios and videos that you are doing, in addition to looking after your other site. So, just take it easy and go slow – you have to to avoid falling sick.

    That’s one reason I’m off on a blogging break after today’s post, later in the day….once you read it, you’d know why! I take my summer and winter breaks for sure, and no two ways about it 🙂

    Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted…Why Do You Take Selfies And How To Avoid It Going WrongMy Profile

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    • hi harleena; then thanks so much for checking these out before taking off for your break. i hate that the video had problems. i mean it was the first one and you want things to be perfect or at least as perfect as we can make them. 🙂 but at least you got to read the post or listen to some of the video. One other friend said she could hear it but couldn’t see it. awe well will do better next time. I definitely believe in taking time away from blogging. the problem was i had so little energy i couldn’t blog and didn’t feel interested in doing much of anything. I didn’t even get much reading in because i couldn’t stay awake. and don’t forget i have miss penny who will insist on being petted several times a day. I am not capable of doing much while scratching her. and if i don’t spend some time hanging out with patrick seth and mom they start to worry about me. and i love jeopardy. so for the half hour a day i don’t even have the computer or phone with me. let me know if i can do anything to help with your taking time off. also i’m still open to suggestion on how to fund my travel plans. I’m also still seeking a woman to do the traveling with and I find those british/indian accents very sexy. 😉 you are one of my best friends and I’ll miss you sweetie. <3 max
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    • thanks lorraine; now if i can add increased income to go along with the increased energy and new ideas; I’ll be set. by the way i uploaded some more songs to my music folder on selz and changed it from free to 99 cents plus pay what you want. good both of our health situations are improving. take care, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Leading You Out ep001 where has Max beenMy Profile

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  7. “Health is something we have to pay attention to”, is probaly the best advise I have heard from anyone. We all should keep an eye on our wellbeing, without, it can be a struggle. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I look forward to the following blogs.

    Reply

    • hi william; yes we have to remember to keep an eye on our bodies and listen to them. good health is something that requires regular attention. hoping this post inspires others to see their doctor if they haven’t or actually have a conversation with their doctor the next time they see him or her. looking forward to more of your posts too, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Leading You Out ep001 where has Max beenMy Profile

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  8. Hi Max,

    I enjoyed this post so much and you have such a lovely voice speaking and now especially singing. Thank you for doing this.

    No matter how busy we are, we need to take care of our health. It is the life force that keeps us going. Taking care of ourselves is a must. I always try to stress that to people. Many take health for granted until they get a wake up call when something goes wrong.

    Sending you all the best and prayers for healing,

    -Donna

    P.S. Go get that massage!
    Donna Merrill recently posted…The Nature Of Your BlogMy Profile

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    • hi donna; thanks for the complements about my voice and the posts. i’m glad to hear you take care of yourself and council others to do the same. too many people are pushing themselves to do it all not leaving themselves any time for enjoyment or rest. and this is especially true for entrepreneurs. They think they don’t have time for exercise meditation education or eating healthy. hoping this post inspires people to put their health at the top of their priority list. wishing you all the best my friend, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Leading You Out ep001 where has Max beenMy Profile

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    • mee too susan; i hope your life has calmed down some too. we have to remember that stress in large amounts isn’t healthy either. and you are right about being a detective. in an episode of matlock andy griffith’s character says that he thought they taught the wrong holmes at law school. he said we could have used more sherlock and less oliver wendyl. I think that this applies to doctors too. my physician dr. ho is very knowledgeable and inquisitive. they say sailors wish for fair winds calm seas and good friends. I have the good friends like you sweetie and am expecting the good sailing conditions. talk soon, max
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  11. Hey Max,

    Bless your heart, it’s not fun when you aren’t feeling great. I remember when I first started online and people were telling me that I would have to work extra hard and go into 12, 14 or more hours of working. I inherited some things from my Dad and not getting enough sleep is one of them. If I don’t have a good restful night sleep several nights in a row then I’ll make myself sick. It’s like I have the flu. I’ll run a fever, get the chills and my sinuses will act up. It’s not fun so I know I can’t let myself get run down or I’m no use to anyone.

    I’m just so glad that you were persistent and kept going to your doctor until they’ve gotten things back under control. I’m sure things will work out with your insurance company, just stay positive.

    Enjoyed the video even though you were sitting in the dark. You have a very soothing voice my friend.

    Thanks for the update and we just want you well and happy.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted…How To Blog Your Way Out Of A JobMy Profile

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    • Hey adrienne; thanks so much for being part of my online family. Knowing that my friends and fellow bloggers are concerned about my welfare is one of the great things about blogging. I tell people all the time if more people knew how supportive the blogosphere was everyone would have a blog or a podcast or both. and thanks for letting me know i was sitting in the dark. I hate that, but I can work with it. You want those first times to be perfect or at least pretty good. some people asked me if the video didn’t play. i’m glad to hear it was a blind moment. I have so little vision that if i don’t look up where the lights are supposed to be i can’t tell if they are on or off. the showman in me wants to let people think it was black or dark as a statement. the teacher in me knows the best thing to do is let people know what happened explain why it happened and use it as a lesson for myself and others. okay add that to my check list plug in the headset check the audio level make sure the camera is pointed the proper direction and make sure the lights are on. 🙂 thanks so much my friend. knowing you were thinking about me and wishing for my recovery helped a lot. <3 max
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  15. Glad your pain is under control somewhat now. Lack of sleep due to pain isn’t fun.
    I don’t like most massage, but a scalp massage is like heaven to me. If there were such thing as a 24/7 head massager I would wear it all the time and my pain would be much more tolerable.
    You are right though. Health is the most important thing. Without it, we can’t focus on other things in life that are important to us.
    Sometimes, my blog is one of the only things that helps me to not drown in self-pity for the amount of pain I experience.
    Believe it or not, I am doing better than in years past and I just celebrated eighteen years with my father’s kidney. That, at least, has been going well.
    Take care of yourself and have a great weekend.
    Kerry recently posted…Into The West: RIP Sir Christopher LeeMy Profile

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