theodorepong

I am 74 years old, 5' 6" tall, and weigh 120 lbs. I was born a third generation vegetarian. I am aspiring to be vegan, if I can learn enough about nutrition to get off milk and eggs, although I am careful to get raw milk or milk products, or eggs only from a local farmer whom I know well. Mine is a comeback story. My goal is to gain a few pounds. Three months ago I was shocked that I had trouble squatting 85 lbs. So I got to work with a will in the gym. Last week I did three sets of 20 full squats with 135, a few days later three sets of 10 with 155. Also I used to swim, but I had sadly gotten out of shape there two. After also working on that for the last three months, I have recovered to where I can swim a fair pace crawl for a mile or so easily. I had a unnerving experience the other day. I swam along the shore of Lake Abiquiu, (65 to 70 F water temperature) about a quarter mile at a fair pace. Half way back I felt strange, and headed for shore, where, upon climbing out I started becoming very disoriented, and had to have help from several people to get rational again. I was very tired that day, and had not eaten enough. Two friends insisted I check into ER so I did even though I was feeling OK after a bit of food and warm clothing. They found no problem with EKG or brain cat scan, but they said I had a light mild anemia, and traces of protein in urine, possible kidney problems. They said it is nothing serious, ----- yet. I don't usually go to doctors, but this has me just a little anxious, maybe plain scared. I am joining this group for dietary suggestions and general moral support from fellowship here. I think it's a wake up warning to pay a lot more attention to nutrition and diet, and gain a bit of weight reserve, some fat as well as muscle.