Another personal blog where you can learn “hidden secrets” about me, my life and my photography. At the end of this blog I will give ONE photography tip to those photographers on how I assure proper skin tone exposures on things like fashion shows without using a light meter.

I have written two previous blogs about my latest health drama which started over 6 weeks ago.

One Breath Away: https://www.thomasschmukiphotography.com/blog/2018/5/29/one-breath-away

I hope to see Clearly again: https://www.thomasschmukiphotography.com/blog/2018/7/3/i-hope-to-see-clearly-again

For those few who actually read my blog, thank you. To me it means you care and are interested in my life and my work. For the most part I believe the blog is not really read by anyone, not even my wife lol. For those select few who do…. THANK YOU.

Here is my health update.

After multiple visits to the following doctors: optometrist, ophthalmologist, neurologist, hematologist, cardiologist. My neurologist basically said I need everything extensively checked from the “heart up”. Guess my privates don’t matter …

I have had a Brain Stem Scan, throat scan, EKG, 24 hour heart monitor, echo cardiogram, multiple blood tests, bla, bla, bla. Oh my.

My personal prognosis:

My urologist determined my testosterone levels (T Levels) were far too low …. about 175 and at my age should be approximately 700-1000. We discussed alternatives to fix my problem. I was convinced even though I had initiated a conversation about the risks that I should go on a regimented supervised testosterone shot treatment plan. Every other Friday, I have been shot in the arm with that stuff. After my first blood test, they found my T Levels were great, in the mid 700’s but my blood showed signs of “thickening” and should initiate a plan of purging some of my old blood with new blood. That is when I went and gave blood.

It was that day…. Read my blog on “One Breath Away”, that I believed I had a small minor stroke. Frankly I thought I was going to die lying on the floor. I think it may be called a TIA. I exhibited at least 4 of the major signs of a TIA.

I am still feeling weak, but a little stronger every day. I still see double (no improvement) without my prism glasses. I am convinced after talking with people who have gone through this that I will get better and my vision will improve. Can take 2-6 months.

My fear to be honest. I read 1/3 of all patients who had a TIA have a stroke within 12 months. Guess its time to ….. get in shape, fix my cholesterol issues, and most importantly enjoy my life and get that last great photo out there. I will NEVER stop!

Photography Tip - Proper skin tone exposure

Photographers here is your tip: I look carefully at my histogram. I zoom in on the skin tones and make sure the histogram is reading just past the middle and even as much as ¾. Lets face it, if the skin is not exposed properly, what is the use?????

Thomas Schmuki

954-439-1999