Medical Personal and Gratitude

7 November 2022 I am celebrating the good news that since my most recent lab work results were so good that I can bypass the annual MRI until a year from now. That reprieve means a lot to me. Having several medical conditions and quite a group of doctors is a huge challenge. This year I received another new General Practitioner (6 in 6 years), a new Dermatologist and a new OBGYN. I still have the same ENT who is wonderful, the same Podiatrist and the same Endocrinologist. I worked with hearing aid specialists, had my vision reviewed and got reinstated with my dentist after getting bumped to someone else during Covid. My foot care home nurse who is moving and I will surely miss her. Gained a new house cleaner who is fantastic. Had my blood pressure monitored for 24 hours. The greatest blessings are that many of my doctor visits are by phone or sending messages with pictures as needed. I am very grateful for every one of these medical personal. I am thankful for having survived having Covid. Learning how to work within the medical systems is amazing. Mostly I learned how wonderful it is to have so many people to assist me with living.

Grateful for Medical Personal

7 November 2022 I am celebrating the good news that since my most recent lab work results were so good that I can bypass the annual MRI until a year from now. That reprieve means a lot to me. Having several medical conditions and quite a group of doctors is a huge challenge. This year I received another new General Practitioner (6 in 6 years), a new Dermatologist and a new OBGYN. I still have the same ENT who is wonderful, the same Podiatrist and the same Endocrinologist. I worked with hearing aid specialists, had my vision reviewed and got reinstated with my dentist after getting bumped to someone else during Covid. My foot care home nurse who is moving and I will surely miss her. Gained a new house cleaner who is fantastic. Had my blood pressure monitored for 24 hours. The greatest blessings is that many of my doctor visits are by phone or sending messages with pictures as needed. I am very grateful for everyone of these medical personal. I am thankful for having survived having Covid. Learning how to work within the medical systems is amazing. Mostly I learned how wonderful it is to have so many people to assist me with living.

CURE Cancer Guide and Magazine

 Two years ago I was at home recovering from a hysterectomy and the removal of cancer from my body. My family and several close friends rallied around me. Once my doctor called and informed me that the results were that the cancer was positive and yet no further treatment would be necessary I felt a huge relief. Then for a year and a half I went in regularly for a check-up and continued on my path with her confirmation and support. This last September I advanced even further in not having to return for a year. 

Things Are Opening Up but Many of Us Will be Happy to Stay at Home

Today was different than most since my last doctor visit in Clackamas, Oregon on March 12. That visit was for a checkup with the OBGYN Cancer doctor and went well. Today was a checkup for my ears as the left ear was plugged in the tube. For the past two months there was no hope of getting in to see a specialist for anything unless one went to the Emergency Room. Even when I fell on March 30th all I could do was talk with a doctor by phone. Each time I tried to make an appointment I was put off until the clinics would open. They are not necessarily open now, but they finally gave me an appointment. My ear being plugged was part of the reason that I fell. Today she was able to open up the tube and I can hear much better. I am very grateful to the medical staff who made this happen for me. When I went into the medical facility I was greeted at the entrance by a group of ten staff, including an armed guard, waiting to process anyone coming to the door . This is serious business. The main thing learned today is to speak up if you need to be seen. If and when they do open up for appointments treat the staff well as they are overly stressed just trying to work and maintain their own lives. After the visit we stopped at my friends to drop off some books. It was a social distancing quick visit. Then when we got back to Scappoose we went to Dairy Queen for some lunch. The line was long, but went pretty fast. Now we are back home and I will be doing a couple more weeks of staying home. As we drove on the freeways the electronic boards showed "Local Travel Only, Stay Safe" or something along that line. If you can send me a picture that would be great.

Covid19 Virus Side Effects

Well nothing like a fall in the night to up the experience of living during the Covid19 Virus. My ears are plugged and there is no chance of seeing my Ear Doctor until things settle down, who knows when. I felt sorry for the ER doctor, when we spoke on the phone, who had no answers in what to do other than do not show up at the ER. Now I have a lovely lump on my head, the darkest black eye you have ever seen, a little toe that has a gash but is still connected to my foot. I am grateful for the ice bag and pain pills I have in stock and more just ordered. The best thing was having my husband awakened to the sound of a small earthquake and coming to my rescue. With the help of my walker I pulled myself up off the ground. The day has been a blur of mostly restful sleep and a resettling of my bones, muscles and whatever else was shook up. Then my doctor called to review the unbelievable experience which lasted all of a couple of minutes. This is my fourth major fall over many years. Glad to be staying at home where only my grandchildren who talk with me online can see how really awful I look. No earthquake, just loss of balance, which is why I use a cane and a walker.