I went to my primary care physician for a routine check up and pain management re-evaluation.
He's pleased that I have lost nearly ten pounds since my last visit three months ago. However my blood pressure and blood sugar have both gone up. Last visit when I was fatter both numbers were down nicely. He says the tests also show a low red blood count. Possible the beginnings of anemia. I have been told this now and then for forty years. Nothing ever comes from it.
Other than these items everything else appears ok for now. The remains of the blood clot in the right leg hasn't improved and it still hurts. I'm told it should go away someday.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Eye Exam for New Prescription
Today I saw the optician at my eye surgeon's office. I will need a slight correction for my new eye so there will be new lenses ready in a week or so. All is well with the recovery and the vision.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Eye Exam, One Month After Surgery
The eye is doing fine and the doc reduced the number of eye drops I have to take daily. In three weeks I will be done with them completely.
Next month I need to go in for a vision test to get a new prescription for my glasses and I need to see the surgeon in two months for a check up.
Next month I need to go in for a vision test to get a new prescription for my glasses and I need to see the surgeon in two months for a check up.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Post-Op Eye Treatment
Three weeks ago next Tuesday I had the surgery on my right eye. All goes well with that and it appears to have healed completely. The vision in that eye is good and way ahead of what it was before the operation.
The only tiresome aspect of the post operative treatments are the eye drops. And how many times a day you have to take them.
There are three different drops -- and to help the patient with vision problems each bottle cap is a different color. It began with taking the white cap drops four times a day; the pink capped one six times a day; the gray one once a day. That's a total of 11 applications daily. After two weeks the total was reduced to 7 per day. Next week it goes down to 5 a day.
For a while it seemed every time I turned around it was time for another eye drop.
The only tiresome aspect of the post operative treatments are the eye drops. And how many times a day you have to take them.
There are three different drops -- and to help the patient with vision problems each bottle cap is a different color. It began with taking the white cap drops four times a day; the pink capped one six times a day; the gray one once a day. That's a total of 11 applications daily. After two weeks the total was reduced to 7 per day. Next week it goes down to 5 a day.
For a while it seemed every time I turned around it was time for another eye drop.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Got My Flu Shot
The shot I got today was an "extra strength" flu shot for us elderly folks. Hope it works.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
DVT Acting Up
Update --
I'm having a flare again and it's bothering my sleep. I haven't been regularly wearing the compression stocking recently so I will start again.
The leg looks better than it has in ages. The inflamed area is smaller and lighter in color. But the pain can get intense. Off and on. Painkillers help for a while but not for very long.
I'm having a flare again and it's bothering my sleep. I haven't been regularly wearing the compression stocking recently so I will start again.
The leg looks better than it has in ages. The inflamed area is smaller and lighter in color. But the pain can get intense. Off and on. Painkillers help for a while but not for very long.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Eye Checkup, One Week After
The cataract surgery was a week ago yesterday. Today I had a follow up appointment at 10:40 A.M.
Doctor says the eye is progressing well. He has me continuing the three eye drops. Next week I reduce the frequency and I hope that after my next checkup in three weeks I can get off the drops completely. He found a bent eye lash that was irritating and scratching my eye so he removed it. I wasn't really aware of the problem but now it is gone my eye feels much better. I thought the irritation was part of the recovery.
The doctor was unusually prompt and I was out of there in fifteen minutes.
Doctor says the eye is progressing well. He has me continuing the three eye drops. Next week I reduce the frequency and I hope that after my next checkup in three weeks I can get off the drops completely. He found a bent eye lash that was irritating and scratching my eye so he removed it. I wasn't really aware of the problem but now it is gone my eye feels much better. I thought the irritation was part of the recovery.
The doctor was unusually prompt and I was out of there in fifteen minutes.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Day After
Today's appointment was at 7:30 A.M., less than 24 hours after the surgery. The tech took my pressure and gave me a new schedule of eye drops. There's a third one now. It was all written out for me and I was happy about that because one of the drops I take once a day; another, four times a day; and the other, six times a day.
I also got a pair of huge, clunky wrap-around dark glasses. Big enough to wear over my regular glasses. I left my regular glasses with them to have a plain glass lens to replace the prescription lens for my right eye.
At long last the doctor arrived and told me he had done a beautiful job and everything looked great. I asked him when I would be able to drive, expecting a week, and he said, "today," as soon as you want to.
So after lunch, about 27 hours after the surgery, I drove into town and made four stops, including a quick shop at the supermarket. No problems.
I made another chart (this one's an Excel spreadsheet) to keep track of when to take my eye drops. I see the doctor again in one week, and then three weeks later.
The vision in the right eye is much better than it was. Full recovery may take several weeks. My left eye is already good and the right eye will be even better soon so I won't need corrective lenses for driving.
I also got a pair of huge, clunky wrap-around dark glasses. Big enough to wear over my regular glasses. I left my regular glasses with them to have a plain glass lens to replace the prescription lens for my right eye.
At long last the doctor arrived and told me he had done a beautiful job and everything looked great. I asked him when I would be able to drive, expecting a week, and he said, "today," as soon as you want to.
So after lunch, about 27 hours after the surgery, I drove into town and made four stops, including a quick shop at the supermarket. No problems.
I made another chart (this one's an Excel spreadsheet) to keep track of when to take my eye drops. I see the doctor again in one week, and then three weeks later.
The vision in the right eye is much better than it was. Full recovery may take several weeks. My left eye is already good and the right eye will be even better soon so I won't need corrective lenses for driving.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Cataract Is Gone!
After a quick shower early in the morning I got Jack up, gave him a cup of coffee (no coffee for me) and we left the house at 8:00 A.M. -- no food or drink for me after midnight. We got to the out-patient check in and I was heading for pre-op procedures by 8:40.
Lots of different RNs and Techs poking me with sharp things and squrting stuff in my right eye. And all of them asking me the same questions over and over -- hospital rules -- and for very good reasons I bet.
Just before 10:00 they wheeled me into the OR and got me settled in. A nice touch, although the surgeon needs the patient somewhat conscious during the event, when there are particularly ugly things about to happen they turn up the sedation and you conk out momentarily. So I have no memory of needles in uncomfortable places or eyelid clamps etc. What I remember most were the wild, vivid colors during the entire operation. By 10:40 I was done and they were getting me ready for the recovery room and some water to drink at last.
I knew I needed to see the doctor at 7:30 tomorrow morning. I thought it was to get the bandages removed. But when I was awake and ready to leave they tell me I have a 1:00 P.M. appointment today at the doctor's office. And I still need to see the doctor at 7:30 tomorrow morning.
Today's appointment was to remove the bandages, check my eye pressure and instruct me about eye drops and what not to do today. Also, how and when to use the eye patch/shield they gave me.
At home the rest of the day was spent mostly lying down in a darkened room, listening to the iPod and eating the chicken soup I made yesterday. That was a good idea.
There is very little discomfort. The eye itself has no pain. The eyelids are sore and feel scratchy. And one of the eye drops stings them, a lot. I have two eye drops and take them every hour -- five minutes apart. I have made a chart so I know if and when I took them last.
Lots of different RNs and Techs poking me with sharp things and squrting stuff in my right eye. And all of them asking me the same questions over and over -- hospital rules -- and for very good reasons I bet.
Just before 10:00 they wheeled me into the OR and got me settled in. A nice touch, although the surgeon needs the patient somewhat conscious during the event, when there are particularly ugly things about to happen they turn up the sedation and you conk out momentarily. So I have no memory of needles in uncomfortable places or eyelid clamps etc. What I remember most were the wild, vivid colors during the entire operation. By 10:40 I was done and they were getting me ready for the recovery room and some water to drink at last.
I knew I needed to see the doctor at 7:30 tomorrow morning. I thought it was to get the bandages removed. But when I was awake and ready to leave they tell me I have a 1:00 P.M. appointment today at the doctor's office. And I still need to see the doctor at 7:30 tomorrow morning.
Today's appointment was to remove the bandages, check my eye pressure and instruct me about eye drops and what not to do today. Also, how and when to use the eye patch/shield they gave me.
At home the rest of the day was spent mostly lying down in a darkened room, listening to the iPod and eating the chicken soup I made yesterday. That was a good idea.
There is very little discomfort. The eye itself has no pain. The eyelids are sore and feel scratchy. And one of the eye drops stings them, a lot. I have two eye drops and take them every hour -- five minutes apart. I have made a chart so I know if and when I took them last.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Pre-medication for the eye surgery
Today I began taking anti-bacterial eye drops four times daily in my cataract eye -- three days before the operation.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The Cardiologist's Opinion
The doctor had all my medical records on his computer. And after looking them over and typing in lots of notes he told me there are no scars on my heart. There was no reason for me to come in. I was reminded of the late Gilda Radner's character, Emily Litella, who always said, "Never mind."
He saw nothing alarming except my usual high cholesterol score, as always. His only advice was -- lose some weight.
There were no signs of an earlier "silent" heart attack either.
Why did the two previous docs send me for extra consideration? He didn't have an answer for that one.
He saw nothing alarming except my usual high cholesterol score, as always. His only advice was -- lose some weight.
There were no signs of an earlier "silent" heart attack either.
Why did the two previous docs send me for extra consideration? He didn't have an answer for that one.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Eye Appointment Change
Got a call from the eye doctor. There have been more cancellations. Now I need to be at the hospital's out patient check in at 8:30. Fine with me. Earlier in: earlier out.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Pre-Op Interview for the Cataract Removal
The good part is I don't have to go into the hospital for the interview. The nurse will call me. At 2:00 P.M. I am to be by the phone with all my insurance cards and prescription drugs.
At 2:55 I get the call and the nurse was good and quick and it was over in about 45 minutes. It turned out going to the hospital for an in-person interview would have been faster. Oh well.
I have a new, earlier, time for the operation. And that's fine with me. I need to be at the hospital by 9:45 -- not 10:00. No food or drink for 12 hours prior. I should be released by 1:30.
At 2:55 I get the call and the nurse was good and quick and it was over in about 45 minutes. It turned out going to the hospital for an in-person interview would have been faster. Oh well.
I have a new, earlier, time for the operation. And that's fine with me. I need to be at the hospital by 9:45 -- not 10:00. No food or drink for 12 hours prior. I should be released by 1:30.
Friday, August 26, 2011
The Cardiologist's Office Calls
The cardiologist can see me next Thursday at 1:45. Bring all my insurance cards, a photo ID and all my prescription drugs. Come to the office a few minutes early to fill out the usual paperwork.
I love the doctors who have all the medical history and release forms online. Then you can either fill them out online or at least print then and fill them out by hand. At home. At one's leisure.
I love the doctors who have all the medical history and release forms online. Then you can either fill them out online or at least print then and fill them out by hand. At home. At one's leisure.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Test Results
Got a call at 8:00 A.M. from my MD's office. There seem to be no significant blockages of the arteries. This was my biggest concern. However there are some scars on the heart muscle and doctor wants me to see a cardiologist for an exam. Somebody will call in the next few days to make an appointment.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Stress EKG, Day 2
Today I got there at 7:30 A.M. and I was called in at 7:45. I got only the radioactive shot today and 45 minutes later I was having pictures taken. The tech today was much calmer and more attentive than yesterday's and he kept popping in to tell me how much longer. I was back home around 9:00.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Stress EKG
Got a call yesterday afternoon offering me the chance to reschedule so I went in earlier than originally planed. No food or water after midnight. No coffee either. Got there at 9:30 A.M. for my 10:00 procedure. They let me sit until 10:10.
There were five steps in my test and each was done by a different, highly trained (and highly paid I'm sure) nurse or tech. My MD ordered an chemical stress instead of the treadmill. The treadmill would have been better. The chemical is a strong vasodilator. Lots of heavy breathing and room spinning for a few minutes. Also at the same time an injection of something radioactive so they can track the flow, or not, of blood in and out of the heart. Had to wait 45 minutes before pictures could be taken. At this point I got some coffee.
When waiting time was up I got into a machine and had to lay there for a long time while huge radiation sensors recorded my blood flow. I wasn't told how long it would take and I was in an uncomfortable position. Finally it was over and I got out of there at 12:30 P.M.
As I was about to leave somebody rememberede to tell me to come back at 8:00 tomorrow morning for a retest.
I felt strange, I believe from all the injections of weird chemicals. Rested the balance of the day.
There were five steps in my test and each was done by a different, highly trained (and highly paid I'm sure) nurse or tech. My MD ordered an chemical stress instead of the treadmill. The treadmill would have been better. The chemical is a strong vasodilator. Lots of heavy breathing and room spinning for a few minutes. Also at the same time an injection of something radioactive so they can track the flow, or not, of blood in and out of the heart. Had to wait 45 minutes before pictures could be taken. At this point I got some coffee.
When waiting time was up I got into a machine and had to lay there for a long time while huge radiation sensors recorded my blood flow. I wasn't told how long it would take and I was in an uncomfortable position. Finally it was over and I got out of there at 12:30 P.M.
As I was about to leave somebody rememberede to tell me to come back at 8:00 tomorrow morning for a retest.
I felt strange, I believe from all the injections of weird chemicals. Rested the balance of the day.
Monday, August 22, 2011
To the Dentist for Cleaning
A routine cleaning. There was much flutter about a deep pocket in the upper right gum. It's been there for 40 years and nothing ever gets done to it -- for treatments or repairs. Next cleaning in December.
Friday, August 19, 2011
EKG Results
Today I get a call from my medical doctor's -- it seems the EKG "results were questionable" and I need to got to the hospital to get a "Stress EKG." On Tuesday. Be there at 1:00 P.M. for a 1:30 appointment. "It will take about an hour or so."
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Medical exam & eye exam
In the morning had a quick visit with My regular doctor. He needed to talk with me about pain killers for my right leg and the PTS problems. I think there is also some discomfort because the right knee is giving out, but it's too early for that to get fixed. We also discussed the most recent blood tests from back in June.
I mentioned that I had a date for the eye surgery. He was puzzled that I hadn't been told by the eye doctor to get a pre-op physical from my regular doctor and an EKG. This was the first I had heard about any of this. I'll need to get the EKG soon -- today if possible.
Afternoon I went to the eye doctor and got more measurements taken and was done with medical/optical stuff for the day. Did not see the doctor so did not mention my pre-op physical and EKG.
I mentioned that I had a date for the eye surgery. He was puzzled that I hadn't been told by the eye doctor to get a pre-op physical from my regular doctor and an EKG. This was the first I had heard about any of this. I'll need to get the EKG soon -- today if possible.
Afternoon I went to the eye doctor and got more measurements taken and was done with medical/optical stuff for the day. Did not see the doctor so did not mention my pre-op physical and EKG.
Monday, August 1, 2011
First Cataract Exam
I got examined and measured by the surgeon and his staff for the operation and the date will be September 6, a Tuesday. In two weeks I need to return for more measurements.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Saw my eye doctor today
This was a routine check up and exam, the annual one I get with the opthamologist. He says the cataract in my right eye is ready ro be removed. I thought it was as I can't see anything but shapes anymore. Lucky for me the left eye is in excellent shape.
He referred me to another doctor in the practice who is the area's top eye surgeons for cataracts and lens replacement. My regular eye doctor does retinas only. I will have a visit with the surgeon in early August. After our road trip to Peru, Indiana.
He referred me to another doctor in the practice who is the area's top eye surgeons for cataracts and lens replacement. My regular eye doctor does retinas only. I will have a visit with the surgeon in early August. After our road trip to Peru, Indiana.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Knee Replacement Surgery Follow Up
This was the exam for two years after the total knee replacement. Doctor said the x-rays looked fine and he wants to see me in two years.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Follow Up Ultrasound On Right Leg
The vascular specialist who examined my right leg back on April 6, 2010, called me in for a followup. The tech said everything looked fine.
I mentioned the continuing discomfort and the flare three weeks ago but she had no interest in it and I did not see her make a note about it for the doctor. Who, by my previous experience with him, is the most uninformative medical person I ever met.
I mentioned the continuing discomfort and the flare three weeks ago but she had no interest in it and I did not see her make a note about it for the doctor. Who, by my previous experience with him, is the most uninformative medical person I ever met.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Right Leg Flare
Starting last night shortly after I went to bed, I had a painful episode with my right leg. By the way the lower part of my leg, just above the ankle, is where the remaining patch of the DVT discoloration is.
As I was falling asleep it started to itch. It has gotten itchy in the past and I have learned not to scratch hard as it can get riled up very easily and then start to hurt. It itching continued and in my sleepy state I'm sure I went from rubbing the area gently to some brief moments of scratching.
I took some Vicodin and fell asleep soon after. I woke up about an hour later, just before midnight, with some serious, sharp pains in the location of the DVT and into my upper leg. I took some more Vicodin and sat up for a while applying warm and cold compresses to the lower leg. At 8:00 A.M. I still had a lot of pain, my whole leg, and went to the emergency room after reading about many dire possible causes. I had a two hour wait then I got processed and interviewed.
An ultrasound showed nothing serious as did the the EKG and other monitors I was hooked up to. Finally the principal MD told me it would either get better or worse. If it gets worse they'll have a vascular specialist look me over. He asked if I needed some painkillers and I said I had plenty at home. He then told me thses thing come up and go away and they don't really have a clue.
I got home at 1:00 P.M. and the pain level was better. I took some more Vicodin and was fine.
As I was falling asleep it started to itch. It has gotten itchy in the past and I have learned not to scratch hard as it can get riled up very easily and then start to hurt. It itching continued and in my sleepy state I'm sure I went from rubbing the area gently to some brief moments of scratching.
I took some Vicodin and fell asleep soon after. I woke up about an hour later, just before midnight, with some serious, sharp pains in the location of the DVT and into my upper leg. I took some more Vicodin and sat up for a while applying warm and cold compresses to the lower leg. At 8:00 A.M. I still had a lot of pain, my whole leg, and went to the emergency room after reading about many dire possible causes. I had a two hour wait then I got processed and interviewed.
An ultrasound showed nothing serious as did the the EKG and other monitors I was hooked up to. Finally the principal MD told me it would either get better or worse. If it gets worse they'll have a vascular specialist look me over. He asked if I needed some painkillers and I said I had plenty at home. He then told me thses thing come up and go away and they don't really have a clue.
I got home at 1:00 P.M. and the pain level was better. I took some more Vicodin and was fine.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Semi-annual Lab Test Results
Report from lab tests on:
December 29, 2010
A1C = 5.6
Triglycerides too high
June 10, 2010
PSA = 1.05
A1C = 5.7
Triglycerides too high
March, 2008
A1C = 5.7
June, 2008
A1C = 5.9
October 28, 2008
PSA = 0.9
A1C = 5.7
Triglycerides too high
December 29, 2010
A1C = 5.6
Triglycerides too high
June 10, 2010
PSA = 1.05
A1C = 5.7
Triglycerides too high
March, 2008
A1C = 5.7
June, 2008
A1C = 5.9
October 28, 2008
PSA = 0.9
A1C = 5.7
Triglycerides too high
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