Mindful Business Monday: Milestones in health, and business education.

Last week was exhausting.

Not your standard exhausting, either. My health was shot, and my focus went on vacation.

I started to pick up near the end of the week. However, I had to work on my school notes. I also had to work on my discussion question.

I saw the vein specialist (obvious signs of venous insufficiency) just to find I obviously have lipedema and lymphedema, too. Because, why not?

---

The Next Made-For-TV Medical Drama?

---

I was informed that I either needed 2x per week manual leg massages or pressure pumps for my legs. It aims to help the fluid (all of it) flow back up through my legs, plus reduce lipedema through compression.

🔍 What Is Lipedema & Lymphedema? I will send you to Wikipedia for this part: Lipedema, Lymphedema, and Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

When I took water pills eons ago? I couldn’t figure out why my swelling only reduced a little. Some days my legs were larger than before I started medication!

Having a proper treatment to help maintain my mobility health matters to me. I’m already fighting lumbar degeneration. So, I am glad I have this specialist to work closely with me to maintain the health of my legs.

💡 Lipedema Family Tree. Because I think it is fun to share humor that is close to the chest: I don’t think my mom ever heard of this condition.

Now I know what it is. When it first showed up as a teenager, though? My mom told me, “Ohhh, it looks like you inherited the family knees!” I always had the weird lumpy fat around my knee caps, right after I became a teenager. To me, they were lovingly referred to as: Ugly Knees.

Yes, lipedema runs in families.

---

Let’s Face It, When It Rains? It Pours. The Health Saga Continues…

---

That was Monday. Sure, it means some adjustments to my life. Understanding what I am facing matters to me, though!

With understanding comes lifestyle changes. It brings better choices. It brings effective treatment.

I’m already dealing with these frustrating Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Without Papilledema (IIHWOP) symptoms. Two specialists do not see any swelling or damage. Yet, the symptoms are there. My current ophthalmologist wants a pressure puncture. He said the symptoms all align. I need it to definitively rule it in or out.

🔍 Further Context. Without the presence of damage, like traditional IIH, it is considered IIHWOP. However, through an act of medical whiplash, I’ve been diagnosed and undiagnosed. I’m facing second opinions and further diagnostics.

I have an appointment this week, tomorrow actually, for extra sight testing. My follow-up is Friday of next week.

---

This Takes Me To Chaotic Oxygen And Poor Sleep.

---

I finished the medical rollercoaster that was my week with a sleep study. My O2 dropped to 85% just by laying down. I was immediately put on oxygen.

While sleeping with oxygen, I continued to drop and reached 79%. This lead to a maximum of 5L of oxygen while I slept.

My tech joked that her other patient must have colluded with me. They ended up hospitalized. Thankfully, she could wean me back to 1L of oxygen by the time I woke up. No hospital visit for me!

Just the sleep lap, thanks!

My tech said she would be surprised if I walked away after that study without a prescription for nighttime oxygen. She is seriously concerned and hopes I finally reach a point of better health.

She was an absolute doll, and I appreciated her humor, too.

I was required to go without my CPAP for a week before this study. I think this is why I have felt worse than usual.

I could use it again Friday night, and I was in absolute misery all day Saturday and Sunday. I had migraines and extreme pain. The migraines were worse Sunday, and the excessive inflammation happened on Saturday.

---

Opinions Are A Dime A Dozen. Here’s Mine.

---

I don’t think every single problem I am facing right now is linked.

I do think there are situations where one disorder is amplifying another. I am in the alligator death roll, physically. Treating the source problem is the only way to stop the spin.

I think I am on the right track to finding an answer. There are issues coming to light that are uncommon. As they are found, it is only going to increase the odds of finding the right treatment.

For example, I question whether the IIHWOP-like symptoms are playing off reduced oxygen and sleep apnea. Almost like a Triage Triangle of Torture, causing my body to launch into Total System Failure.

---

Educational Honors Incoming: Dean’s List

---

I made the Dean’s List at University of Phoenix (UOPx) for January to June 2025.

I’m proud of this. I am halfway through my Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB). I’ve worked hard despite feeling near corpse-like in energy. I’m proud of what I have accomplished and the work I have put into my educational journey.

This is worthy of notation for me. I know what I had to give just to get this far. Milestones like this make each step so much sweeter.

---

Final Words

---

I’m still here, rooting for your success. Unless something major happens, I fully intend on continuing my progression toward public credibility in business.

I’ll continue writing guides and I’ll keep encouraging you!

If you like the transparent honesty of my business style, please like this post. If you know someone who is fighting their own battle, please share my words. It helps me inform entrepreneurs about my guides, while helping others through them.

Business isn’t without battles. What battles are you arming up for in your business? Let’s talk about our journey together, in the comments.

---

Key Search Terms

Dean’s List UOPx | University of Phoenix business degree | chronic illness and entrepreneurship | lipedema lymphedema venous insufficiency | IIHWOP symptoms | idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilledema | oxygen therapy sleep study | sleep apnea | business with chronic illness | mindful business blog | entrepreneur health challenges | small business tools for chronic illness | printable business guides | small business printables | business tools for entrepreneurs | SBS business resources | running a business with disability | self-paced business guides | business support for chronic pain | chronic illness and education | SBS printables for entrepreneurs | health flare and productivity | mindful business planning tools