I had a follow-up appointment with my neurologist, Dr. Zoey last week. It was the best appointment so far. She said ‘yes’ when I asked her: May I stop taking Plavix? I was surprised that she said yes. She said my carotid artery is stable enough that she is not worried about my having another stroke. She said I still need to be careful about any sudden jerking of my neck in any direction.

She had more ‘yes’ answers for me. I asked if I could increase the weight I lift at the BodyPump class I teach. She said yes, that I could start to slowly increase my weight, and not go above a ‘reasonable’ weight. When I announced the good news to my class the next night, I received a standing ovation (OK, they were already standing, but they all applauded).

She said I could play golf this season. I think not turning my neck too much will help me keep an eye on the ball.

She said I could play softball as long as I don’t get into a collision on the base path or in the field. I can’t control who might run into me, so I think I’m going into retirement from softball.

My next question made her think. I asked if I could train to run in the Minneapolis half marathon on June 2 of this year. She said that she’d rather that I not attempt this. She said I can train for it, but I need to listen to my body and shut it down if I start to feel that I’m working too hard. I’m going to start training. I plan on starting the marathon. I can always stop running and finish by walking, but I plan on being a finisher.