just on the off chance people have been trying to contact me, i've been away in the local hospital for the last week (Oct 17th-21st). it appears that the 'dust mite poop' allergy that i've had in Germany for the last 5-6 years - which always gave me a shortness of breath - got aggravated with a cold/flu-bug that i acquired last Monday (16th of Oct) after a long ride in the cold air.

as a result i fell unconscious Tuesday afternoon and was taken to the hospital. blood-oxygen levels were very low, but a few days of antibiotics and steroids seems to have put things right again. i certainly coughed up a lot of sinus material (from the allergy) that was residing in my upper brochial/lung area. that, in itself, has helped to clear my lungs.

i did a lung test on Friday which was not very good- about 50-60% of normal capactiy. today i had a cycle/lung test where they stressed me a bit, but the doctor said that thanks to my cycling regime (3-5 kilometers daily plus long 50-70km tours on the weekends) has kept me up in towards the 'normal' range for lung operation activity. the cycling prevented me from being far worse - i may not have large lung capactiy with what remains, but i can go far with what i've got, ie: stamina (good heart and lung operation) over speed or strength. he said it was pretty good for a 39-year old with asthma.

so it seems i have contracted a type of brochial asthma, which will require long-term (if not permanent) therapy. not something i look forward to, but atleast i can get it under control and life can continue at a more-or-less reasonable pace. just no marathons for me!

for those who have been trying to contact me about digitalBYOND hosting-related issues, give me a day or two to do some doctor things, and i'll get back to you as soon as i can - probably towards the end of the week [i just checked my email; appears to be 3-4 people interested in an account].