Even diabetics get attacked by a sweet tooth once in a while.

I was supposed to have an appointment this morning with my cardiologist, Dr. Singh, pictured at right in his best hat. It was just a routine six-month checkup thing to make sure my meds are working nicely (they are) and I’m still alive (I am). I do have one heart-related complaint, however: I’M ALWAYS SHORT OF BREATH. This began a few months ago as an occasional side effect ... and now I have to deal with it almost all the time. I have atrial fibrillation.

Unfortunately, Dr. Singh was sick today and his office canceled my appointment. We rescheduled for October 13, one week after I see my kidney specialist.

For your possible interest, according to information on the Mayo Clinic’s website “atrial fibrillation is an irregular and rapid heart rate that commonly causes blood clots and poor blood flow to the body. The heart’s two upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly, out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles). Symptoms often include heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness.”

If I don’t take medication I’m at high risk for a stroke. I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE A STROKE.

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In other news, this morning I dragged myself out of bed at 4:30 feeling like crap on a cracker. To cheer myself up I decided to order some sugar-free Smucker’s jelly and a nice sack of sugar-free cookies from Wal-Mart because even diabetics get attacked by a sweet tooth once in a while. Smucker’s tastes best right out of the jar with a teaspoon when you watch “People’s Court.” (Stop laughing. I’m decadent.)

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After I emailed this Rosh Hashanah graphic to a bunch of friends and relatives yesterday a couple of you commented that you couldn’t open the image file. Therefore I’m pleased to include it here as a general happy new year greeting from the Howdygram!

You’re welcome. And thank you for reading this.