::::::::
Two important events occurred to me this week. One was listening to Rob Kall's radio interview of Maggie Jackson, where they talked about her book "Distracted." I was much absorbed in what they had to say, because this switching from subject to subject without, sometimes, even finishing a sentence drives me to distraction. I intend to buy the book when there is time to give it a serious reading.The second event happened a couple of nights later in a discussion of how to pay for America's healthcare insurance. Someone in the discussion mentioned that there was a way to find more funds--but the subject was too sensitive to talk about. The last year of a Medicare recipient's life is said to cost the Fund more than all his/her years before. Well, that's a statistic. For someone like me, it's also a challenge.
First of all, I use my backward vision to remember when the matter first came up. A resolution was found then--somewhere in the 80s as best I recall. The result was a major Medicare fix where each procedure was peer-reviewed and then given a reimbursement figure. My neighbors talked about it and thought it was a good idea, because "poor old John wouldn't have been bothered with a gallstone operation when he was dying."
Here comes some Stream of Consciousness from me! A few weeks back I was having shortness of breath which I hadn't experienced to that extent since I got a pacemaker four years ago. I have such a great doctor and I knew if I were in real trouble we could discuss it.
On this particular morning, my friend drove me for water exercise, The weather was frightful at noon--90% humidity and air alert was orange. Also, I noticed what looked like a possible bladder infection coming on. That happens sometimes and I keep antibiotics at the ready. To be safe, I asked her to park while I ran in for a BP reading. Nothing too alarming but the pulse was far too high for the little activity I had expended. So we came back home.
This friend knows me well and she was alarmed enough to emphasize that going to a doctor might be a good idea. Her perspective was influenced by the fact that she and her husband do not have coverage since he was laid off--the children have coverage.
I charted my options and decided to go home, take antibiotics, eat sensibly, sleep when I was able, and give the regimen I'd used before, two weeks. By the Fourth of July I was able to do most usual activities. (One activity I could do during the two-week schedule was to work at the keyboard for OEN--but with more rest breaks.) After not exercising in the water for two weeks my muscles were weak. By now I'm well.
I tell you this because I want you to know that the best thing a patient has is an understanding doctor. Mine have known from the beginning that they are there to advise me. My part is to listen carefully to what they know, ask questions, and take seriously general instructions. I have discussions with my cardiologist about the difference between being elderly and frail. (Frail means to me that I won't be able to live alone, unassisted.)
I always think of this big national health question with a simple phrase: Let doctors be doctors. And my part is to be an educated patient. If I become unable to think for myself, another friend, who holds a durable power of attorney with me, will see that the medical profession respects my wishes.
