Now that I some of the dust from the gang seems to have settled, I realized it was time for my mammogram and eye doctor appointments and was shocked to find that I'm way overdue (2007 was the last appointment for the eyes). Just wanted to remind you that your own needs can be overlooked while you're so busy taking care of the ranch. Along that line, I saw a PBS special not long ago about a Dr. Amen who talked about brain health. I got his DVD from the library and found it fascinating. He talked about fish oils, and that's something I'll investigate. Hate the fishy burps afterwards though; I'm thinking back to the days of cod liver oil.
So true, Mary. And sometimes it's so hard to "find the time". But I have managed to get all my yearly appointments pretty much on time. It just freaks me out though with what happened this time: Lump found in breast - finally determined it was just lymph node - no problem. Chest x-ray revealed "something", had another x-ray- same thing; then had CT scan and nothing showed up. Then got phlebitis in my ankle~! Not the scary kind though and my PCP just told me to take 2 asperin for a couple of days and it should clear up - it did! But, boy, for a couple of weeks there I was in a panic. But....all's well that ends well. Girls, get those mammos!
GUILTY AS CHARGED. We have lived in Florida for 3 years, and except for the primary who keeps an eye on the blood pressure and stress, the ENT who keeps an eye on the sinus problems, and the eye doctor,I haven't done anything I am supposed to do.
I had been turned inside out and upside down with invasive tests, biopsies, and surgeries for 6 full years before we moved here. I was absolutely sick of it. I didn't want one more doctor putting one more instrument inside my body. Everything that could be fixed was fixed, and anything that couldn't be fixed was non life threatening.
But 3 years of major stress has taken its toll, so I'm off to the primary next week to start figuring out which specialist to go to first.
If I could have a wish granted, I would wish that I could check into a hospital and be given a comfortable bed. While there, I'd be taken to this lab or that x ray..and have my extensive blood work, echocardiogram, nuclear stress test, mammogram,colonoscopy, orthopedic studies on my elbow and knees, and any other thing they could think of. From one place. So I would not have to be driving all over Houston from one place to the other, getting stressed, dressed an undressed, ealing with insufferable heat indexes of over 110, and worrying about DH, I woner if that could be arranged????
Nancy, if I'm not mistaken, you can check into the "sick bay" on our cruise ship. Very comfortable bed, wait-service for your every need, state of the art flat screen TV, wave radio, and the rooms aren't anything like a hospital room...but the beds are adjustable. Grand vistas from every room. And, aside from giving you all the tests you need (even the ones you don't know about), full body massages are included to reduce the stress of it all.....and a mini-bar at no charge. If they find anything wrong with you, you won't have to wait weeks to see a doctor or surgeon to have it taken care of. Even biopsies are taken care of right away....you'll have your results in less than 24 hours, not the usual 10-14 working days! ............but on the serious side, yes, I am one of those that neglect my physical health. No mammogram for at least three years, or any other physical exam. I did, however have some blood work drawn about three months ago that told me I need to watch my cholesterol. And my eyes need to be examined as Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration run in my mother's family (as well as breast cancer). We DO need to take care of ourselves, too.
For me all those nasty things will have to continue to be put on hold. No insurance - no money. Even if I had the money for the test, I would not have them cause there is no money for treatment. I am thankful Art has the VA - otherwise he would get no treatment and we would still be wondering. Such is life.
i also had a mammo last yr and when i went into the ER 18mos,had stress test and all the stuff that goes with that too. so i am done. all i am doing with a 2500 deductible i have to pay out of pocket so much. ugh. i will be glad to have medicare someday! i had glasses done around the same time but i can tell i may need a new checkup. cocacola bottles may work just fine the way my eyes are going.! divvi
Every State is different, but if your finances are dire, you should be able to qualify for Medicaid. Check with the elder affairs office in your state to see what other programs there are for medical services.
Many years ago, before my son had health insurance from his job, he went to a free clinic for a badly infected cyst on his face. Since his income was so low at the time, he qualified, and received exams, tests, and surgery for free. The surgeon did a great job. Left no scar.
By the time you finish all of the appointments, all of the tests, and back for all of the results, it can take months. I agree with you 100%. I have always said that I wanted to check into the hosptial, and get everything done at once. One stop shopping.
I am dead serious about needing to get my "work" done like I wished for. I am going to call my doctor's nurse and explain what I want, (they know about my situation here at home) and see if there is way we can do this. I have insurance out the magoo and my deductables have been met. Maybe they will agree it's a better way.
OMG, Can't remember when I had my last mammo. Gotta get that done. Need another eye exam--way past due and I should know better with this AMD. Also, need my hearing aids checked--they don't work now so either I need them adjusted or new ones.
I did get the results back from the sleep test I took. Dr. told me I have severe sleep apnea--I wake up 52 times an hour. I guess that's why I get so tired. Ya' think?
I also need to see the dentist in August.
I want to go to bed and pull the covers up, turn on my new C-PAP machine and go to sleep for a loong looooon time. :)
Mawzy, please let us know how you do with the C-PAP machine. I hope it helps you get more sleep. Waking almost every minute is a tad excessive. (-: Have a {{{{{hug}}}}}.