Medical Update

This morning I had my first visit with my ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor. This is address my phlegm problem that I've had over a year.

The good news is that I don't have some fatal or chronic disease. Phew, that IS a relief! 

She (yes, I have my first female doctor and thank goodness for the upper part of my body) said my I have gastroesophageal reflex (GERD) condition.   At least that's what I think she said, she was pretty fast. She prescribed Zantax (ranitidine) pills.  She found this condition in me after inserting a camera through my right nostril (nose) down to my throat. Yes, that's what I said . . . . a camera through my nose.  It was on the end of a long, flexible tube.  It didn't hurt but was uncomfortable.  Sort of.  

Inserting cameras into bodies seems to be the latest thing doctors do.  I've turned down two offers in the past ten years to have a camera inserted up through my penis into my bladder to check for bladder cancer.  No thank you, I don't need any unnecessary medical procedures like that, especially THERE.

Well, she inserted that camera before I had a chance to really discuss it. But it was worth it because she quickly identified my problem. I was surprised that she prescribed Zantax, which I already have a prescription for though my VA facility.  Occasionally I get acid reflux if I eat greasy food (which I try to avoid) or extra spicy food. She also prescribed a nasal spray.  I've never used a nasal spray before in my life, probably because Bill in the past used nasal spray, a lot, and now has lost his sense of smell. 

I filled that $41 prescription at Walgreen's.  I'm to take that twice a day. I already took it once and it has already had an effect.  It loosened my mucus so I'm not feeling like I'm suffocating.  It also has a side effect of making me slightly light-headed.  Seems like I'm getting light-headed a lot lately.  


I'm feeling fragile these days folks.  I feel like I'm playing Whack-a-Mole with my health issues. But I always consider that things could be a lot worse. And thank goodness it is not.  For a seventy-six year old man, I'm in basically pretty good health. But I realize sooner or later something will eventually catch up with me. As my brother John told me a few weeks ago when I called him to inquire about his health, he said "Ronnie, we all get our turn."  My  turn isn't yet. 

Have a great day every one!