A Very Near Brush With Death

Right. Step one is a special super thank-you to my bud Ernie Reardon, without whom I would probably not be talking to you all. I’m going to do something really nice for him. Of course he probably won't let me.

Earlier this month on 7 November, I went back to the Gastrointestinologist because my acid reflux was acting up again. He suggested I resume Nexium 2x per day instead of 1x per day. I had, as instructed dropped back to 1x per day after 90 days. His assistant, also an MD, suggested Claritin-D/24hr and he agreed. Not a big deal, especially since we know I’ve got allergies to dust and such. (See previous blog posts). I resumed the 2x Nexium 8 November.

I began taking the Claritin-D on 9 November before bed. It kept me from sleeping making me restless, so I started taking it in the morning instead, starting 11 November. Since it was a 24hr pill, this shouldn't matter. I also had left, on 10 November, for my trade show in Las Vegas (also a previous blog post). The Claritin-D worked remarkably well and my severe morning reflux issues almost entirely vanished after a few days.

Over the course of that week in Las Vegas, I noticed my heart seemed to be beating faster, but I thought it might be my imagination. After all, I was at a trade show in Las Vegas, where there are rumours people drink a bit more than they normally do, you're surrounded by smokers, there's a lot going on that might cause more excitement than you would normally get in a given day. That and all the wonderful food. The rapid heartbeet kept up even after I returned home. It slowly worsened -- coming and going both fast and slow -- and I wasn’t sure what it was. I didn’t connect it to the Claritin-D. A possibly nearly fatal mistake.

By 22 November, Thanksgiving Day, it felt like my heart was beating really fast, then really slow, and then back to normal for a few hours, but when it started going I thought it was going to burst right out of my chest. I had no way to confirm my feelings except putting my hand on my chest and feeling it – admittedly not very scientific. It was, indeed, very noticeable. I did not have the "heart attack symptoms" such as pain in the arm, blue coloured fingers and toes, chest pain, shortness of breath, and so on. So I didn't panic and think I was having a heart attack.

During this time, I became extremely fatigued, falling asleep often even mid-day, sometimes getting light-headed. As the week progressed my heart got louder and louder, so I could hear the pounding in my ears, and even see spots in front of my eyes in time with each beat. I realized something was amiss, but I didn't know what. I decided, perhaps, on Monday if it wasn't better I might get around to calling the doctor. As a guy, I wish to report that it's true: we hate going to the doctor.

It so happened the evening of Friday, 23 November, I ran into my friend Ernie on-line (AIM). We chit-chatted and he asked how I was. So, I told him. He said it sounded like an Arrhythmia. Ernie has a medical background and uses big medical words I don't know. So, I peeked at Google – Google knows everything, trust me. It so happened that several of the matches specifically mentioned Claritin-D. I followed the link and saw a mention very rare side-effect of which is not listed on the box.

So I stopped taking it, to see if I would get better. At that time, I also sent a fax to the doctor’s office letting him know what I discovered. I figured if it got worse, I’d call emergency. I exercised on Saturday morning for 45 straight minutes (ice skating) with no problem, though that’s about 1 hour less than normal. It didn’t kill me though.

The GI doctor called me first thing Monday morning and told me to see my primary care doctor and then have my doctor call him. I saw my doctor today (Tuesday) as soon as he got back in town. I decided I’d rather wait until today and see my doctor rather than some random doctor in the hospital.

He spent quite some time with me. We did x-rays, EKG, and all sorts of other tests. All these results were compared with the base-line tests we did after my 40th birthday when I had a complete physical. Happily, it appears I have suffered no serious damage and that all of this was a reaction to the Claritin as it built up in my system. We are awaiting (Friday) results of my blood spectrum and toxicology reports. He's checking my thyroid as well, but based on my weight we're pretty sure that's not it.

Irregular heart rhythms can also occur in "normal, healthy" hearts. But I first got mine a few days after starting the Claritin-D. According to WebMD, although arrhythmias may be normal in certain settings, they can be life threatening in other situations. This is because certain abnormal heartbeats that result from electrical dysfunction in the heart make the heart unable to pump enough blood to keep a person alive. In other cases, irregular heartbeats can lead to blood clots, which can cause a stroke or brain damage and other tissue damage.

This really sucks, too. You know why? The Claritin worked very well and reduced my Acid Reflux to negligible levels indicating it is indeed at least partially allergen related. However, both doctors insist under no circumstances may I take any allergy drugs of any type for at least one month and then, only after a full consultation.

The Near Death of My Mac

Okay, it didn't really die, but I got quite the scare. Actually, I got the first EVER hard crash of my Mac. I've never even seen this happen before on ANY of my Macs. It's more impressive than the chimes of death (which I have seen on an old Mac in the shop many years ago).

The Mac's been on all day -- since about nine this morning. Unusual but not unprecedented for my Mac. I was sitting there burning CD-Rs of our new catalogue for people at work to check, before I declare it a Golden Master and send it off for 1000 copies. Suddenly, the screen went from normal to half brightness over a 2 to 3 second interval and the mouse and keyboard locked. In the dead center of the screen, an indented non-modal dialogue box -- it wasn't really a dialogue box but that's my best description -- appeared in dark grey with white letters. It said "Your Mac must be restarted" which was repeated in about 8 languages. The instructions said to hold the power button for 3 seconds or press the reset key*.

When the Mac restarted it informed me "OS-X unexpectedly quit, forcing the Mac to re-start" and a Report to Apple button -- which I clicked this time. Are you impressed? I am. I Googled this error and found only ONE match. The Mac appears to be running fine now.

Here's the Log for the geeks among you:

Unresolved kernel trap(cpu 1): 0x300 - Data access DAR=0x0000000026427F68 PC=0x000000000093D020
Latest crash info for cpu 1:
Exception state (sv=0x48260280)
PC=0x0093D020; MSR=0x00009030; DAR=0x26427F68; DSISR=0x40000000; LR=0x00940A04; R1=0x17ADB9F0; XCP=0x0000000C (0x300 - Data access)
Backtrace:
0x00940A04 0x00921014 0x002E9A80 0x002EB94C 0x0008C248 0x00029234
0x000233F8 0x000ABEAC 0xFFFFFFFF
backtrace terminated - frame not mapped or invalid: 0xBFFFD650

Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.ATIRadeon9700(4.1.8)@0x919000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(1.7)@0x4cf000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(1.4.2)@0x8df000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONDRVSupport(1.4.2)@0x903000
Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x48260280)
previously dumped as "Latest" state. skipping...
Exception state (sv=0x2F9CC280)
PC=0x9000B348; MSR=0x0200F030; DAR=0x09D3B006; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x9000B29C; R1=0xBFFFD650; XCP=0x00000030 (0xC00 - System call)

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.11.0: Wed Oct 10 18:26:00 PDT 2007; root:xnu-792.24.17~1/RELEASE_PPC
panic(cpu 1 caller 0xFFFF0003): 0x300 - Data access
Latest stack backtrace for cpu 1:
Backtrace:
0x000954F8 0x00095A10 0x00026898 0x000A8204 0x000ABB80
Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x48260280)
PC=0x0093D020; MSR=0x00009030; DAR=0x26427F68; DSISR=0x40000000; LR=0x00940A04; R1=0x17ADB9F0; XCP=0x0000000C (0x300 - Data access)
Backtrace:
0x00940A04 0x00921014 0x002E9A80 0x002EB94C 0x0008C248 0x00029234
0x000233F8 0x000ABEAC 0xFFFFFFFF
backtrace terminated - frame not mapped or invalid: 0xBFFFD650

Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.ATIRadeon9700(4.1.8)@0x919000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(1.7)@0x4cf000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(1.4.2)@0x8df000
dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONDRVSupport(1.4.2)@0x903000
Exception state (sv=0x2F9CC280)
PC=0x9000B348; MSR=0x0200F030; DAR=0x09D3B006; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x9000B29C; R1=0xBFFFD650; XCP=0x00000030 (0xC00 - System call)

Kernel version:
Darwin KepModel: PowerMac7,3, BootROM 5.1.8f7, 2 processors, PowerPC G5 (3.0), 2.5 GHz, 1 GB
Graphics: ATI Radeon 9600 XT, ATY,RV360, AGP, 128 MB
Memory Module: DIMM0/J11, 512 MB, DDR SDRAM, PC3200U-30330
Memory Module: DIMM1/J12, 512 MB, DDR SDRAM, PC3200U-30330
AirPort: AirPort Extreme, 405.1 (3.90.34.0.p18)
Modem: Jump, V.92, Version 1.0
Bluetooth: Version 1.9.5f4, 2 service, 0 devices, 1 incoming serial ports
Network Service: Built-in Ethernet, Ethernet, en0
Serial ATA Device: Maxtor 6Y160M0, 152.67 GB
Serial ATA Device: ST3160023AS, 149.05 GB
Parallel ATA Device: PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-108, 486.31 MB
USB Device: Hub, Up to 12 Mb/sec, 500 mA
USB Device: STRONG MAN KBD HUB, ALCOR, Up to 12 Mb/sec, 500 mA
USB Device: Microsoft IntelliMouse® Optical, Microsoft, Up to 1.5 Mb/sec, 100 mA
USB Device: STRONG MAN KBD HUB, ALCOR, Up to 12 Mb/sec, 200 mA
USB Device: USB Monitor, LG Electronics Inc., Up to 1.5 Mb/sec, 500 mA
USB Device: SoundSticks, harman/kardon, Up to 12 Mb/sec, 500 mA
USB Device: Bluetooth USB Host Controller, Apple, Inc., Up to 12 Mb/sec, 500 mA
USB Device: Hub, Up to 12 Mb/sec, 500 mA
FireWire Device: My Book Device, WD, Up to 800 Mb/sec
FireWire Device: Zip Ultra, Iomega, Up to 400 Mb/sec
FireWire Device: unknown_device, unknown_value, Up to 400 Mb/sec

From what I gather in reading this, it appears from all this that CPU#1 blew up with a problem between the ATI Radeon driver and the Apple IOKit with an unresolved kernel trap -- frame not mapped or invalid. I have no idea what the means. I mean, I have a basic idea but no idea how that relates to what I was doing.

I also wonder if this is related to the fact that when I try and install Leopard it tells me my drives must be formatted in "HFS Extended, Journaled" even though they are already formatted in just that way. I tried to install it on my second internal and my external drive, but in both cases Leopard first tried, then failed, and on the second attempt said the drives were not formatted properly. Screw Leopard.

* I don't have one.

Making Money (Pratchett Book Review)

Ah, yes, another in the beloved Discworld series, and I've just finished it -- Terry Pratchett's latest adventure. This one features Moist, Vetinari, and cameos by some of the Guards. It's a direct follow-on to Going Postal. I really liked Going Postal. And I liked this one too.

However if you're looking for Terry's normal bell-laugh bludgeoning you will be disappointed. While funny in spots, very funny to be exact, mostly it's a relatively serious though comical take on running a Mint.

Personally, I like Vetinari remaining mysterious but we learn quite a bit about him in this novel. And we learn more about Moist and, well, I won't spoil it. We meet Mr. Bent and if he's gone missing you can always get Bent :)

There's also a new family, the Lavishes, who I hope make a return appearance. They are horribly dysfunctional and could be right out of the old soaps Dallas or Dynasty.

I could go on about this book, but I try to be spoiler free. I will give it very high marks, and a full refund in Ankh-Porkian dollars to anyone who doesn't agree*.


* Apply to Sgt. Detrius at the Watch

Randomness Part Four

1. I have removed SnapShots from my blog because their login procedure pissed me off. It had nothing to do with the fact they have advertising. Just a stupid login problem. If they contact me, I'll put it back. They won't, though. Too bad. I liked it.
2. I am back from Las Vegas. I left Vegas at 1220pm for Miami via Atlanta, arriving in Miami at near midnight. My luggage took considerably longer. I didn't get home until after 1am.
3. If you hear anything about the Mandalay Bay building a new multi-billion dollar tower, I just want everyone to know I paid for the damned thing. Buy stock in MGM/Mirage -- they're going to have a GREAT quarter. It was not a good week from a financial standpoint.
4. Business? I don't discuss business on my blog, but the convention was sad. Over 5,000 grown men all crying about the economy: how bad it is, how much worse it's going to get, and how clueless the American Public is abut it.
5. I've gotten invited to the new Hulu beta. Interesting. Am playing with it. Will report later.
6. In the past six nights (Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs) I have gotten about 16 hours of total sleep. I am in pretty damned bad shape. There are other details, but I won't bore you.
7. I probably gained 20 pounds on the trip.
8. I am writing a new novel. I am not planning on sharing this one with anyone. But it's rather good, if I do say so myself. I refuse to share any new works until I get the last one published which probably won't ever happen. No self-publishing or POD for me, dammit.

Today's Medical Reports

Lots of health news today. I'll be self-centred and go first.

I am relieved as all hell to report that I do not currently have Barrett's esophagus which I was afraid I might have. Barrett's esophagus is a relatively uncommon side effect of Acid Reflux (see multiple previous blog entries) that often leads to esophageal cancer, which is generally fatal. Anyway, I don't have it so enough of that. However, my Acid Reflux is acting up strongly again because a new granuloma has recurred (if you remember, I had a previous pair) and is also located on my vocal cords. As such, I'm going on a new regimen of drugs and dtronger dosages and frequencies thereof and expect more arguments from my shit-ass insurance company. I am confident in Dr. Arin H. Newman, the doctor in question, so we'll see what happens. I go back in six months unless I feel my granuloma is getting worse in which case I go back immediately. Those of you who have talked to me recently know how bad my voice has sounded.

My dad is not-cancer free, but he's almost cancer free and it has retreated to negligible levels. There's no such thing as "almost" or "negligible" in the cancer world, but he is no longer in any immediate danger of dying from his lung cancer (second hand smoke is bad which is what caused it). All good news has some bad news with it, and this is no exception. His bronchial passageways, which were already a mess because of his chronic and severe asthma, are in very, very bad shape due to damage caused by the cancer treatment, so he is going to a pulmonary specialist soon to see what, if anything, can be done.

And, for those concerned, Scooter has stopped gaining weight but she is at a relatively healthy weight for her advanced (20+) years -- having recovered from the 5-1/2 or so pounds she sunk to at the bottom of her illness. She's happy. She's not so playful any more -- probably because of the ligament that's torn which they can't operate on due to her age -- but she's happy to be petted. She's even jumping small distances again, though getting down still challenges her. Her hearing is definitely shot for good (cry) and she has dental issues which they also can't fix due to her age.

Return of Wherefore art thou Eric J. Hedlund?

It's been a busy week. Let's see, I'm sick. I have a cold. My throat problem appears to be back, but I've been ignoring it for weeks -- it's pretty bad now so I'm off to the doctor tomorrow. Dad gets his one year oncologists report tomorrow.

Last night, I saw the Trans-Siberian Orchestra with Evan and Brenda, their kids, and Adrian. Actually enjoyed it. For their second year running, they opened the show in Sunrise, Florida. It's a bit early for a Christmas show. WHAT? CHRISTMAS? Yeah. But that's not why I go, though I truly don't mind it. I love the second half where they do rock-based classical music. That's how I discovered TSO.

Codey, a 17 year old kid, who I never, but knew on-line, died this past Sunday. I won't go into all the details but it's not fair. Life isn't fair. A great kid and we need more people like him. I'm remarkably sad considering I never spoke to him, only had a few IMs, and basically knew him via email and/or forum posts. Friendships aren't defined like they used to be.

In a previous post I wrote about Unca Eric which was actually a follow up to a 2004 post I made. A few months ago, I decided to track him down a few months ago. I found out he left his job in Taos (see that previous post). I knew some of his friends names -- met them once so many moons ago -- and through the power of Google and my persistence I contacted PL and EW -- who both had no idea how to get in touch with him. E-mails to all known addresses bounced. I had given up.

Then, suddenly, there were new posts in his blog. Yay. YAY! I wrote him through the LiveJournal internal mail system for its members, figuring there was no chance of contact whatsoever. He wrote me back! I felt some really nice, sincere, deep joy. I realize none of my blog readers will care, but I do. Eric meant a lot to me -- in a world of mental midgets he was a rare mental giant I could talk to. I respect him.

Runaway Trains and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

There's a great song by Soul Asylum called Runaway Train, but it wasn't about this! Yes, you read it right. In a surprise bid for freedom, a Docklands Light Rail train escaped its operator at West India Quay station and went for a ride. Naturally, being the DLR and English, it dutifully came to a peaceful ending at Westferry where the train awaited the return of the operator. For the uninitiated, the DLR operated in London.

In news that is far less funny, I wish to bring your attention to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. While humorously named, it's decidedly less funny. You can read a story over at the San Francisco Chronicle about it. To sum it up, this collection of plastic is formed on land where a piece of plastic floats into a sewer, follows the storm drain to the ocean, then makes its way to the so-called Great Pacific Garbage Patch -- a heap of debris floating in the Pacific that's twice the size of Texas. The enormous stew of trash - which consists of 80 percent plastics and weighs some 3.5 million tons -- floats where few people ever travel, in a no-man's land between San Francisco and Hawaii.

People just don't realize our planet can be broken, and it's on the verge right now. Yes, we're destroying our own planet, the only place we have to live. If it's not global warming, it's pollution. Talk about people shitting in the own backyard. Sad.