Steady As She Goes

 

We're still here folks. 

We have our new routine in place now. 

It's taking longer to care for Bill. 

The past two years before Bill's latest hospitalization the morning routine took about half an hour. Now because of his leg wound, getting him ready for the day takes at last an hour.

As in the past, every third day is Shower Day. Bill continues to hate Shower Day (I'm not so fond of it either) but it is something we must do. I don't want any more fungus growing on Bill. He doesn't and can't bath himself. Thank goodness he can walk to the shower on his own.

Now every morning I have to dress his leg wound. That leg wound is taking much longer to heal but it appears to be healing, albeit slowly. I needed a lot more dressing with the VA sent this week. I wonder what the UPS driver thinks of all this medical equipment and boxes of Depends being send to Casa Tipton-Kelly. I'm pretty sure they surmised that there is caregiving going on here. 

The VA has been so good to us, supplying us with whatever we need. Hospice has also been very good to us. They have offered to have someone come in to help me and have a hospital bed installed downstairs in Bill's bedroom but we both demurred. Neither one of us wants a stranger semi-living in our house. I can still take care of Bill. Of course I am concerned that if my health changes what will happen to Bill. But I push that thought out of my mind when it rudely intrudes.

Bill has stabilized somewhat but he hasn't gotten stronger. He no longer walks around outside. He may as the weather warms up but I doubt he will survive the summer. He feels the same way too. He feels his strength ebbing. I see it too. 

I cannot say often enough how thankful I am Bill isn't in pain. His leg wound hurts when I clean it but the rest of the day there is no pain. He's still sleeping about twenty hours a day. 

I felt sad that he no longer checks the weather patterns on his iPad. His appetite is down, he doesn't eat the shortbread cookies that I used to make weekly. That's a break for me because making those cookies was very labor intensive for me. After I made a batch of them, my back was aching on a scale of one to ten at a six or sometimes a seven. His favorite cookies are the Oreo Lemon Thins. After I'm done posting this blog, we'll go out for our daily ride and I'll buy some more of those cookies.

Earlier this week I was thinking of posting about other subjects other than the sometimes depressing health issues and caregiving here at Casa Tipton-Kelly. I have so many memories of my life I would like to post about. Wonderful and interesting (to me anyway) memories. I think I've posted enough about the bad memories in my many previous blog postings. Time to post the fond memories. One of them is from my childhood when I attending East Ward Elementary School in Downingtown, PA. I lived three blocks from the school on Washington Avenue. I would walk those three blocks (which seemed so long to me in those days with my little short legs) to the school every day. Sometimes our little kid network would get word that a nice old lady in one of the grand old houses had cookies for us kids.

I think this is the house. It was one I just pulled from the  Internet. I would go to the right side of the house for my cookie

Her house was on a small hill, steps which I had to climb to go to the back of her house where the kitchen was located. We kids never assembled en masse but individually we would climb those steps and walk the sidewalk to her backdoor and knock on the storm door. She would come to the door and I would ask "Can I have a cookie?" She would smile and say something like "I'll get one for you now." And she would return with a big sugar cookie. Oh what a treat that was! The cookie was so big, and had sugar crystals sprinkled on it. Often the cookie was still warm from her oven. Thinking back she must have timed the cooking of those cookies to when we were returning home from school. 

By the way, here is something interest from my childhood. These days you hear so often of little kids being abused or taken advantage of. That NEVER happened to me. All my interactions with adults was always positive. I was always treated with kindness and respect. No one even came close to abusing me. And I was a cute kid! In a future blog post I'll have to tell you about that brief time when a church volunteer young man would pick us young boys up after school once a week to help clean the church. Just from that brief description it sounds like a perfect opportunity to take advantage of your, gullible boys doesn't it? I think I was about ten year old at that time. The only things I remember was how thrilled I was to be chosen to help along with about six other young boys, to help clean the church. I can still remember the perfect peaceful quiet of the church pews as we polished the wooden benches. The smell of the furniture polish. And the young man (he was about twenty-five) was a very handsome man so I was thrilled even though at the time I didn't know why.  Of course I discovered later why I liked this attention. These days I wonder if an old lady can hand out cookies to little kids from elementary school and an adult male can pick up pre teen boys after school to help clean a church. Probably not. These are just some of the many fond memories I have never forgotten from my youth and adult hood. At this time of my life I think I will recount more of them in this blog so when I am gone, someone will enjoy reading about those experiences that I was so fortunate to live.

Have a great day everyone!

Trump and House Republicans Declare Health Care Victory

Trump and the House Republicans "celebrating" taking healthcare away from 24 millions Americans and taking the fist step to giving 880 billion dollars in tax cuts to the richest Americans.  All white, comfortable and powerful white men. Do you not know anything about images you dumb ass orange monster? "Look at me, I'm president!"

Take a look at this photo folks of all these white men declaring "victory" over repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as "Obama Care."

Yes, all comfortable well off white men of power and influence have just passed a bill that will take health care away from 24 million Americans.  

Of course this isn't law yet.  The Republicans were bussed over to the White House to feed Trump's insatiable ego.  The law they passed has to go through the Senate yet.  And the consensus is that it will never pass the Senate in its present form.

So what are all these comfortable, well off and powerful white men celebrating?  The fact that they could get ANYTHING out of the House of Representatives.  Did they actually read the bill? Very doubtful.  Does Trump actually know what's in the bill?  Highly doubtful.  It is a well known fact that Trump is too lazy to read.  Short attention span.

So here we go folks, the Republicans are now busy trying to pass more BIG LIES to the American public like those with pre-existing conditions will not be affected by this bill. So why pass another bill?  Just to get rid of the name Obamacare?  Certainly. 

So here is the TRUTH folks, this is the first step of a massive transfer of wealth from poor and middle class Americans to the very wealthy.  Eight-hundred and eighty-billion in tax cuts mainly benefiting the rich over the next ten years defunding Medicaid. Older folks will pay up to five times the price of their premiums that they pay now. And those with pre-existing conditions WILL lose.  People will die just so the rich can have more tax cuts, that they clearly don't need.

Two of the biggest monsters and liars in public life today - Paul Ryan is about to realize his lifetime dream of destroying the safety net of Medicare and Social Security.  One is clueless and the other knows exactly what he is doing - using the clueless one to advance his agenda.

So much for Trump's promise during his campaign that he would not touch Medicaid. But of course by now we all know that Trump is a pathological liar.  Even his most fervent supporters will admit that fact now.  

We are living in dark times folks. This is a test for our democracy.

A very self satisfied monster and his soulless enablers 

New Year's Challenges

Happy New Year folks! 

I have my first challenge of the new year. Yesterday I received the three (huge) bills that resulted from Bill's emergency room visit of December 1st.  Now the challenge to get the VA to pay for it.  

Bill doesn't have Medicare Part B.  Fortunately for us he's never needed it since he began Medicare at sixty-five years of age, twenty-three years ago.  Medicare Part B would cover the emergency room costs plus the ambulance cost. We got that bill yesterday too. 

The VA says they "may" pay for non-service related emergency room visits if eight conditions are met.  I won't relate all those conditions but Bill meets all of them.  

It's interesting all the bills one receives for an emergency room visit. A bill for anesthesia.  A billfor the emergency room doctor.  We have yet to receive the one for the emergency room services, which I expect today.  

I'm glad that I can navigate the system to take care of Bill.  He wouldn't be able to do it.  I wonder what other senior citizens who live alone handle something like this.  Those poor folks.  Not even senior citizens, how about a younger vet who has PST or other problems?  Our health care system is a challenge.

Sorry folks, not in the mood for one of my usually light and interesting blog posts.  I'm waiting for the billing department of the VA to call me back. I hope we get the resolved soon.  I hate something like this hanging over my head.

Christmas Tree at the Inn

Christmas tree at the Inn

Notice how fast the Christmas season is upon us? Every year the Christmas season seems to come around faster and faster.

I can't say I'm in the Christmas mood this year but I do like Christmas decorations. 

Both Bill and I like the multi-colored lights. We used to do a Christmas tree in our homes but we fell away from that tradition many years ago.  I put out three ceramic Christmas trees around the house. Bill also puts some lights outside but nothing Griswold Christmas worthy. Just a few colorful lights.

The header picture at the top of this blog I took of one of our neighbors' house.  I have several photos that I took of neighbors houses which I will post up until Christmas.

The Christmas tree pictured at the beginning of this post was taken of the tree at the hotel where I work. The hotel always has a beautiful tree every year, decorated by my co-worker Monica.  Nice job Monica!

I've been a bit depressed these past few days because I'm still having great difficulty navigating the VA Healthcare system trying to get Bill an appointment with a gastroentrologist. I was going to post about spending hours on the phone this morning only to be met with one delay after another. But I decided to give you, my faithful readers a break. "Post something nice Ron", I said to myself. That's good for you and good for me. Hopefully tomorrow we'll get that appointment and get Bill well.  

In the meantime, I hope you're enjoying the Christmas season as much as I am.

Prostate Update

The door to my doctor's office at the VA Outpatient Clinic

Good morning folks!  I'm delaying the next installment of "Roads Not Taken" for one day.  Partly because I was called into work yesterday unexpectedly due to an emergency so I wasn't able to complete my blog post.  I'm also working today and tomorrow.  Another three day work week thus putting be behind in my normal activity.

Also, this morning I had a much anticipated visit with my doctor at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Georgetown.  This is the visit where I would know the results of my labs (blood test) that I took on Monday.  Why is this blood test so important?  It is the first blood test since my prostate surgery on May 2nd in which I had radioactive seeds implanted into my prostate gland to fight my prostate cancer.  To say I was concerned about the results of my blood test and PSA score would be a very big understatement.  Yes, I was VERY CONCERNED.  Life and death matter here folks, life and death.  I had already decided that if my score didn't go down significantly I wasn't going for any further treatment.  The side effects from my brachytherapy surgery are just about all I can handle now.  

My appointment was at 9 a.m.  Right at nine a physician's assistant check's my height (6'3" - I didn't shrink).  My weight (171.2 - I just CAN'T seem to lose that extra 10 pounds of that I picked up somewhere over the past few years or else my clothes weigh a lot more these days), and my blood pressure was 118 over 66 (which he said was good).  Then I snuck in a question "What's my PSA score?"  Before my surgery it was 8.4.  Anything over 4.0 is cause for concern.  He said "The doctor will tell you when he goes over your labs with you."  

My doctor's desk (he was away on a cell phone call)

I took a good look on his face to show if he was showing any signs of my imminent doom.  He was as expressionless as George Zimmerman was when he heard the jury's verdict and was exonerated for his killing of Trayvon Martin....nothing.  Then, just as I was getting up to go into the doctor's office he said "Your PSA is 1.9".  I let out a YELP!  I said "You just made my day!  That is GREAT!"  He looked at me and put his finger to his lips and said "Shhhh! Don't let the doctor know I told you."  

Of course I couldn't hide my glee.  I said "This is better than winning the lottery!"  I saw him smile. When I went into the doctor's office I tried to put on my George Zimmerman Bland Look but I wasn't successful....he knew I knew.  

So folks.....my PSA score is 1.9!!!!!!!!!!

I wish you could have seen how happy Bill was when I got in our car and told him.  He banged his hands on the steering wheel and big smile spread across his face.  This is what it's all about folks.  

A happy day today here at Casa Tipton-Kelly.

Something different - me smiling at my doctor's office (after the good news!)

Medical Update

Me at the medical center last week for my dermatology appointment

Just back from the doctor this morning.  My heart rate is low, 40.  I understand it should be around 60.  My doctor recommended an EKG.  I had that done and the results showed an uneven heart beat.  My doctor is now arranging an appointment for me with a cardiologist.  This is a first for me.  Both of my younger brothers have heart issues.  My youngest brother is on his second pacemaker.

I hope I'm not going down that path.  I'm not overweight (like both of my brothers) and I get plenty of exercise (walking).  I know that's no guarantee against heart problems but I was probably under the false assumption that I was immune from any heart problems.  Perhaps the clincher was when my doctor asked me this morning if I get dizzy.  Are you kidding?  All the time. In fact a wave of dizziness washed over me even as he was asking me.  He asked me if I wanted to lie down.  I told him I didn't.

Just for a safe measure he sent me to get a blood test.  That was an hour wait sitting next to a gravelly voiced woman who talked non-stop and laughed at everything she said.  She obviously drove up my blood pressure.

Don't cry for me Argentina, I'm still plugging along.  I do what has to be done and appreciate each day as a treasure.  I'm ready for whatever, as long as it doesn't hurt too much.

Me this morning in the lobby of the Medical Arts Building waiting for my doctor and 8 am appointment

New Doctor

Tomorrow I have an appointment with a new doctor.  This is a general practitioner doctor.

Except for my near death experience when I was 17 years old (I got a staph infection from an unnecessary hernia operation), I've never had my own designated doctor.  That was good news because my health has been good all those years from 1959 until 2000.

In the year 2000, when I was without a job and didn't have medical insurance I did have a couple of health issues which required two surgeries.  Fortunately for me I had access to the VA (Veterans Administration Health) facilities.  I received excellent care from the VA.

However, recently I've been running into more medical issues and using the VA for every issue isn't convenient.  In order to use the VA I have to arrange a ride through the American Legion Post 28 to the closest VA facility to me which is in Wilmington, 90 miles away.  I can only have appointments in the morning and only Monday through Thursday in order to take advantage of the transportation to and from the Wilmington VA provided by the American Legion.

In the past few months I have had several skin cancer (pre-cancer thank God) on my face.  I just couldn't wait the two or three months I had to wait to make an appointment at the VA so I made an appointment with a local dermatologist.  I have Medicare and supplemental insurance which I pay a heft amount for every month, so I decided to use it.

I am receiving excellent care from the local dermatologist that I am using and it is much more convenient for me.  I'll think I'll forgo using the VA for my dermatology needs.

Now I am having some other problems like the one a few weeks ago in which my right leg was very sore.  I have no idea what happened to it but I couldn't bend my leg and standing up or getting out of a car I experienced excruciating pain.  I looked for a general practitioner doctor and was about to find one (purely by coincidence) right next to my dermatologist's office in Rehoboth Beach!  Another coincidence is his last name Kelly.  The same name as my Bill.

I have an appointment with him tomorrow.  The pain in my right leg is gone (I have no idea what happened) but now I have a soreness in my jaw.  It seems as if it is always something.  It is time for me to have a regular doctor.  My own personal "regular" doctor.  This is the doctor who is going to take me out.

As I've told my friends and co-workers so often, I am way past my expiration date.  I never expected to live past sixty years old.  Anything over sixty is gravy.  I'm working on bonus time now.

I'm still in very good health but little things are starting to go.  My eye doctor (who I see every year) says I have cataracts developing but probably won't need surgery for several years.  I do have a lot more aches and pains but with the exception of that very sore leg a couple weeks ago, I can live with the creakiness that is normal everyday for me now.

However, it does give me a feeling of comfort to know that I can call and make an appointment fairly quickly in case something develops in the future.

I now have an excellent dentist, eye doctor and dermatologist.  With this new general practitioner doctor that I will see tomorrow I will have all my bases covered except maybe for a shrink.

Head Sucked

Head wart removed!

How do you like that for a title?  Well, that's what happened to me when I visited my dermatologist this afternoon.  Ya gotta get those attention grabbing titles!

I used a new dermatologist.  I usually go to the Wilmington VA for my dermatology appointments but I was just there in December.  They see me every six months.  Usually I have small actinic keratosis lesions removed from my face.  My last visit I had four remove, including one right on the tip of my nose.  Actinic keratosis is a pre-cancerous condition. So far no skin cancer.  Both my Mother and one brother have had skin cancer so it runs in my family.  I am due.

The Medical Arts Building, Rehoboth Beach, DE

I didn't want to go through all the aggravation of making another appointment so soon at the Wilmington VA so I took advantage of my Medicare Part B and AARP supplement insurance for which I am paying Big Bucks every month and sought out a local dermatologist.

I did good.  His name is Dr. Chang.  He is Chinese as was my very first dermatologist Dr. Uy back in 1991 when I worked at Fidelity Bank in Philadelphia, PA.  Dr. Uy worked out of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital which was a few blocks from where I worked on Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA.  I've had interesting dermatologists care for me over the years.  When I worked in Downingtown, PA my dermatologist was Dr. Dvorkin.  Yes, almost Dr. Kevorkin but not quite.  But I digress.

The Hallway of Doom - floor to my dermatologist's office

So today's visit resulted in me getting what Dr. Chang called a "punch biopsy" which is literally sucking the growth off of my forehead.  Thus, I got my head "sucked."  That was a first.

Oh the stories this recliner could tell

Oh, I almost forget.  He numbed my head first.  Now I've been called "Numb Head" before (mostly be disaffected former employees and my first sergeant in Basic Training) but this is the first time my head was literally numb.  A STRANGE FEELING to be sure.

After the offending growth was sucked from my head, blood flowed (I do bleed easily).  The good doctor applied one stitch (he sewed my head!), then bandaged me up.

Yes folks, that red stuff is MY BLOOD!

So here I am now, a Poor Little Puppy...Poor Little OLD Puppy.

Properly feeling sorry for myself and looking every day of my 70 years - check out the wrinkles - man oh man where did my Youthful Boyish Good Looks go?

Dr. Chang is sending out the Offending Growth from my forehead for a biopsy.  He said he may be cancerous, it may not.  He doesn't know.  I have an appointment this time next week to get my STITCH out.  He will also remove another Offending Growth from the small of my back that keeps coming back at that time.  He didn't have time to do it today.


He said his office will call me immediately if what he took off today was cancerous because then he will have to remove move meat from my head.  Yes, I know...MEATHEAD.

Oh woe is me.  All those years I laid on the beach and now I am Paying the Price.

Me back in the day when I seriously worked on getting skin cancer a tan - Provincetown, Mass 1979

The Adventure continues folks.

Me now, I need some pity here folks - my head hurts and I'm still bleeding

Why I'm Not Getting a Prostate Biopsy

A few months ago, the results of a routine blood test showed that I had a high PSA count.  My doctor suggested that I should see a urologist to "discuss" further test to see if I had prostate cancer.

I made arrangements to see a urologist and he did a digital test which did not indicate prostate cancer.  However, he did another blood test which again indicated that I had a high PSA count.  He told me "If you do have prostate cancer, at your age (what, I'm old art 70?) you will probably die of something else before you die of prostate cancer."  He then asked "Do you want to continue?" 


I asked him what my options were.  He said he would take a biopsy of my prostate gland which would be twelve pieces of meat from my prostate gland. I wasn't too thrilled about this procedure because of the risk of infection.  When I was seventeen years old I almost died of a staph infection that I contacted through a routine hernia operation.  I was in and out of the hospital for six months.  Three surgeries later I was finally free of the staph infection.  Since that time I have always been leary of hospitals.  The risk of infection is just so great.  That was especially brought home to me when an older cousin of mine died of a staph infection she contacted at the hospital.

I reluctantly agreed to the biopsy procedure.  However, a few days later I called and cancelled the appointment.

I started to ask around.  My cousin was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  He was going to have his prostate removed until he found out he didn't have prostate cancer when he took his X-rays to "Dr. Magic Hands" to get a second opinion.  That doctor told him that he didn't have prostate cancer but had prostatitis, which was not cancer but just an infection of the prostate gland. He went back to his original doctor, who was none to happy that he went to a second doctor.  His original doctor, upon further examination of my cousin's X-Rays, reluctantly agreed that they had misread the X-rays.  EXCUSE ME?  Man oh man.

I talked to other people who have had successful treatment for prostate cancer with minimal or little side effects.  Then I talked to my uncle who doesn't have control over his peeing since he went through the seed implant treatment.

So you see folks, it's a mixed bag.  I've been struggling with a decision whether or not to have the biopsy and what flows from that or else just let this thing go and either die of "something else", prostate cancer or just plain Old Age.  I just haven't felt comfortable with the track I was on to getting the biopsy.  I was getting a bad feeling about it.  My intuition (which has ALWAYS BEEN RIGHT IN THE PAST) was saying "DON'T DO IT!"

As the days crept closer to my appointment for the biopsy procedure on January 6th, 2012; I'm dreading that I'm going to get myself snared in the same trap I was in back in 1959 when I couldn't get rid of that staph infection.  I had to make a decision so I could go on with my life.

Last night I made that decision.  I'm not going to do it and here are the reasons why:

This is why I have decided not to get a prostate biopsy:


Prostate Biopsy Side EffectsBecause Prostate cancer is common in men, many doctors recommended testing for it even in the absence of clear symptoms. Screening is usually done to most men at the age of 40 and above. However, many experts disagree whether this screening is helpful or not.








In theory, screening offers the advantage of finding prostate cancer early. But prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer; it often never causes symptoms or death. Often times, using conventional methods to treat early cancer can prove more damaging than leaving the cancer undetected.






Even though biopsy is regarded as the major way to detect cancer, prostate biopsy side effects far outweigh the benefits of this detection. And above all, it’s not 100% reliable in detecting cancer because it takes a very small sample of your tissues.






To begin with, biopsy is invasive and damaging. The biopsy procedure involves needles, scalpels (knife) and other such instruments to remove a small piece of your living tissues from the prostate gland for microscopic examination and evaluation. Tissue injury occurs because an excision made in the prostate.






Bleeding is a regular, well-known side effect experienced after the procedure. You may see blood in the semen, urine or stool. In some cases it lasts for weeks, but at other times it can take months to stop. But prostate biopsy side effects don’t stop at bleeding.






Another common downside is urinary problems. Since the prostate gland is located and related to the urinary tract, there is a good chance something may happen that will affect your urinary system. Common urinary side effects of prostate biopsy include incontinence and dribbling.






And if it gets worse, you may also end up with a catheter or in diapers for a long time. Afterward, removal of the catheter will depend if you’re able to recover well. Patients are also advised to refrain from any heavy lifting and vigorous activities to prevent an increase in pressure. Ambulation (walking) should also be minimal after a biopsy so as to prevent further pain and discomfort.






One of the most annoying side effects of prostate biopsy is how it affects your sex life; most men are advised to refrain from any sexual activity for several weeks, sometimes months. Erection is difficult for some because of damage in the tissues.






Another major problem with biopsies is that each time you have a biopsy, it tends to increase the level of your PSA so it’s very easy to get into a spiral of biopsies, ever-increasing PSA and worry. Plus multiple biopsies can do you serious harm.






Prostate biopsy is an invasive procedure, a number of side-effects and symptoms would always occur after the procedure. Some clients are able to cope up well after the procedure, but some will not.






Please feel free to get in touch with us using the Question Form and ask any question specific to your prostate health. Our prostate experts will reply soon with a specific response tailored to your conditions.

Wilmington VAMC Visit

The Wilmington VAMC December 19, 2011

Yesterday morning I visited the Wilmington Veterans Affairs Medical Center.  I had a lot on my plate to accomplish during my morning visit.  I had to coordinate the following:

• Blood work
• Dermatology
• Sign up for MyHealthevet
• Swollen leg and ankle issues

I get the best care I've ever had in my life through the VA system.  The only problem is that the main medical facility is 82 miles away from me.  The American Legion Post 28 out of Millsboro, Delaware provides a van to ferry us old vets to the Wilmington VA Mondays through Thursday.  The only catch is that we have to finish all of our appointments by 11 am so all us Old Vets can catch the van back to Sussex County, at the very end of Delaware.  Wilmington is at the top of Delaware.  Delaware as you all know is a peninsula.  We're a little like Korea, just a jut of land sticking out in the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay.

My trip from Point A to point B yesterday 

I was dreading this trip because I didn't think I could coordinate everything and see everyone.  I especially wanted to see my doctor (I finally have a doctor who CARES about me) to address the problem of my swollen lower legs and ankles.  When I called earlier int he week the earliest I could make an appointment with him was 1 o'clock in the afternoon, and that would have been too late.  He suggested I do a "Walk In" and take my chances.

So that was the challenge I was faced with yesterday.  Without going into the boring logistics I will tell you that I was successful!  To do the "Walk-In" I had to go to the Emergency Room.  They saw me immediately.  The nurse practitioner looked at my legs and ankles and filled out the required Sheet of Paper that I was to take to Team B.  The Sheet of Paper is required to gain entry.  

Waiting for the doctor to check my ankles, that my records on the computer 

While I was waiting my turn for give blood for my blood work I took the elevator to the sixth floor and the Dermatology unit and was taken care of in a timely manner again.  The Wilmington VA has residents and doctors from Thomas Jefferson University of Philadelphia to make the daily trip from Philadelphia to Wilmington to take care of us Old Vets.  Coincidentally when I was first diagnosed with a pre skin cancer condition twenty-five years ago it was from a doctor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.  At that time I worked at a bank just up the street.  Yesterday the resident found five spots on my face and he burned them off.  Didn't feel good but at least I'm keeping the skin cancer at bay.

I would rather be shopping

Then back down to the first floor to have my blood drawn.  Then to wait for another doctor to look at my legs.  He determined that I should wear special support socks to keep my lower legs from swelling when I stand a lot, which is what I do when I work at the hotel like I am all these week.  He also increased the size of my "water pill" prescription.  

I arrived at the VA at 7:30 am.  I was done with all my business at 10 am and coincidentally the van driver was ready to go.  Perfect timing!

Bill picked me up at the Rt. 1 and 5 pickup point for the VA van and while he was driving me home my doctor called me and discussed my situation, including my upcoming biopsy for prostate cancer.  While I am not looking forward to this biopsy (I'm looking for any excuse to get out of it), I did feel more comfortable talking to a medical professional he seems to care about ME.

It's ironic but my whole life I've never felt I had a doctor who cared about ME.  Never.  In fact I had a doctor who almost caused my death by his negligence and other doctors who seems only interested in Turnover.  What I like at the VA medical system is that the people who work there are not in it for the money.  Most of them seem to work there because they truly care about us Old Vets.  At the VA they don't put you in a cubicle to wait for them because they're trying to get as much turnover as possible to make as much money as they can.  There is a difference.  

I don't have a whole lot longer to go in this world but I do feel comfortable knowing that where I go they do care about me.  That is as long as this government keeps the Republicans out of power.  Once they're in, they will try and do away with the VA medical system and privatize it.  If that happens, then I am a goner.  If anyone ever wanted to know why this lifelong conservative Republican is a liberal Democrat, one need to look no further than when George W. Bush and Company attempted to do away with medical care for veterans like me by charging an annual $2,500 FEE for us to use the VA.  Pardon me while I get on my political stump again but I seem to remember so clearly when I joined the Army, one of the reasons given to me to join by the Army recruiter was that I could have a FREE college education (which I took advantage of) and Lifetime Medical Care IF I NEEDED IT. 

 Well, there came a time in my life when I was without a job (2000) and had to have TWO MAJOR SURGERIES.  The VA performed those surgeries and saved me.  Bill had a ruptured gall bladder.  They took him by ambulance to Philadelphia in the driving snow and SAVED HIS LIFE.  Bill was in Intensive Care for FOUR DAYS.  They didn't think he would make it.  He did and I attribute that to the excellent non-profit motive driven care that he received from the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center.  My former dentist's wife had a similar situation where the VA saved her life.  

So when anyone asks me "How can you be ONE OF THOSE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS?" all I can answer is that the VA benefits that I EARNED (just like Social Security that I PAID INTO) saved my life  as well as saving Bill's life when he gall bladder burst during a snowstorm.  If the Republicans were in power and had their way both Bill and I would probably be dead or if we did survive we would be so deep in debt life wouldn't be worth living.  

So there my Republican Friends, chew on that reality.  And by the way, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The beautiful 2 ft by 3 ft watercolor (original) in the VA emergency waiting room
I WANT IT!

Good News!

I just came back from the Orthopaedics Associates in Lewes.  I don't have any bones fractured in my wrist! 


This is great news!


My appointment was at 2:20 this afternoon.  It was just over two weeks ago that I fell at the entrance to the American Legion Post 28 building in Millsboro and jammed my right arm.  I should have gone to the emergency room right away but I didn't.  By Tuesday the pain was so great that I decided to go to my doctor.  She ordered an X-ray.  It took all that time for me to see the doctor at the orthopedic unit to go over my X-ray.


At today's appointment, the orthopedic doctor showed me the X-ray.  I did fracture my elbow.  A small fracture.  In fact I can't even feel it now.  I asked him what should I do about it.  He said "Nothing" which is fine by me.


But here was the problem.  My wrist is still hurting big time.  The X-ray that I had taken two weeks ago (today actually) wasn't of my wrist.  It was only of my arm.  I was hurting so much then that it probably covered up the problem I have with my wrist.  

The doctor took an X-ray of my wrist today.  He showed me the X-ray.  He said I have arthritis in my hand.  He said "You've had that quite some time."  He's right.  I've had it since 2000.  I looked at the X-ray past the arthritic thumb and saw a lot of little bones.  Oh God I thought, please don't let any of them be broken.  They weren't!  He said "It looks like you just got a bad sprain.  It will continue to get better.  If it doesn't, give us a call and we'll look at it again."  


What a relief!  Looking at all those intricate and delicate bones in my wrist, I fear to think of what could have happened.  I got lucky.....again.  I've been pretty lucky all my life health wise.  My streak continues.  


Thank you whatever power that is in heaven or wherever.  I promise to be a good boy for here on out. 


Now it's time for a well deserved nap.

Arm Injury Update

Bill waiting for me this morning at the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach

This morning for the first time in almost two weeks, I walked the boardwalk.


Bill took me down.  I still don't feel comfortable driving with my arm that I injured in a fall two weeks ago.  


The only time I've driven since my fall on Sunday, October 17th, was last Sunday when I took a short drive down Oyster Rocks Road.  My arm was still stiff but I was able to drive.  However, I still didn't feel comfortable driving on Rt. 1 so Bill drove me to work this past Wednesday.


I"m scheduled to work tonight and tomorrow night.  I'm going to drive myself.  I have to start sometime.


This week on Tuesday I'm scheduled to see the orthopedic doctor.  I am upset that it will have taken me two weeks from the time of my X-ray until I see the doctor for his analysis of the X-ray.


Hindsight is 20-20 so now I know the next time (which I hope there never is) I fall and injure a limb, I will go directly to the emergency room.  


I thought I was doing the right thing by going to my doctor but apparently this is not the way things are done in the private health care system.  What I should have really done was gone to the VA.  They have always taken good care of me.  


The VA is not a for profit system.  They operate differently.  They see their patients and take care of them immediately.  


It is very obvious from my experience since my fall that the private health care system is inferior to the VA.  Their first priority is to generate a profit.  The care of the patient is obviously secondary.  


I learned my lesson.  I won't make that mistake again.  

The Madness Continues

The injured hand

So I go to the Orthopedics Associates for my appointment today at 2:20.  They tell me it is for NEXT TUESDAY, November 2nd.  That would be Election Day.


I am going to see Dr. Otter to go over the results an X-ray I had taken of my injured arm on October 19th, or my fall on October 17th.  TWO WEEKS LATER.


Then I have to go back to my original doctor for what I don't know.  I stopped there on the way back and asked why.  Sandi, the person in the office said "Well, not unless you want to.  We really can't do anything for you. Dr. Otter has the facilities to read the X-ray, we don't."  


You know what I'm thinking?  I'm thinking I would have done just as well to see a doctor when I was at the VA yesterday.  All this talk about a Single Payer System and government takeover of health care....I'll tell you one thing right now.  I get the BEST HEALTH CARE from the VA without all this bullshit.


So I'm using my private health care for an arm injury.  First I go to my doctor.  She sends me to Beebe Medical Campus to get an X-ray.  Then I have to go to the Orthopedic Unit to have the X-ray read.  Then I have to go back to the doctor.  I'M WAITING TWO WEEKS TO HAVE MY X-RAY READ.  Does that make ANY SENSE?  


In the meantime, my supplemental insurance has risen from $117.32 to $136.56 in a little over a year.  It was $117, then $120, then $126, then $130, now it's $136.  I also pay over a $100 a month for Medicare Part B.  So what am I getting for my money?  Basically insurance for an emergency room visit.  I'm not getting timely medical care.  


Last year I tried to see a dermatologist through my private insurance.  This was in May.  I was told the earliest I could get an appointment was DECEMBER!   That's when I decided to go back to the VA even though it requires a trip on the American Legion Van to the 89 miles to the Wilmington VAMC.  I saw the dermatologist yesterday at the VA.  They are from Thomas Jefferson University.  One of the top hospitals in the country for dermatology.  


If the Republicans get in power and have their way they will privatize the VA.  Then everything will be screwed up.  EVERYTHING.  


I'm glad I'm old and I won't have to put up with this crap much longer.  


What a joke.

A Day at the VA

The Wilmington Veterans Administration Center

Yesterday morning my alarm went off at 4:30 am.  I had an 8:30 dermatology appointment at the Wilmington VAMC (Veterans' Administration Medical Center.)

I have to get up so early in order to get ready to catch the American Legion Post 28 van at 6 am that hauls us old vets all the way to Wilmington so we don't have to fight the early morning traffic ourselves.

The way I look early yesterday morning - not my usual perky self

The van picked me up at Rts. 1 and 5 by the liquor store.  In addition to Tim driver, there were four of us old grizzled vets that would be transported to the gleaming VA in Wilmington this morning.

Traffic was heavy as we rolled onto I-95 then Rt. 141 before we made the final turn on Kirkwood Highway and entered the VA at about 7:15 am.  Construction work was going on outside the entrance to the VA (the VA is building an extension to their emergency room facilities) so Tim took the van around the back of the VA and we entered through the basement past the coffee shop.

Since my appointment wasn't until 8:30, I thought it was a good time to take some random pictures of this medical facility which has taken such good care of me since 2001.

The main elevators at the Wilmington VAMC

All years I had this wonderful insurance at the banks were I've worked I never used their insurance once.  However, wouldn't you know it that once I lost my job at the bank I had some medical problems.  That's when I had no other choice than to take advantage of the promise made to me when I joined the Army way back in January of 1960.  The promise made to me if I joined active duty for three years was that I the Army would pay for my college education (which they did after I got out) and lifetime medical care "if I needed it."  Well, I needed it back in 2001.  Of course I was reluctant to use the VA because I heard all those horror stories about how badly they cared for the veterans who used their facilities.  Well, that may have been in the past but it has not been my experience.  Since I started using the VA, I have received the best medical care in my life.

After taking a few pictures around the VA premises, including on of the pictures of President Barack Obama and General Eric Shineski (the administrator of the VA), that were prominently hanging on the wall in the lobby (what a pleasure not to see the smirking face of our former president George W. Bush whose administration tried every trick in the book to minimize and eventually take away veterans benefits), I took the elevator to the sixth floor and awaited the team of dermatologists to arrive from Thomas Jefferson University of Philadelphia.  As I said, we receive the BEST medical care.

A welcome sight after having to look at George W. Bush's picture for the past eight years

Back in 1992 when I first discovered I had the precancerous condition known as keratosis, I was working at Fidelity Bank at Broad and Sansom Streets in Philadelphia.   The place where I went for my treatment was just a few blocks away from the bank......Thomas Jefferson University Hospital!  A Dr. Uy an his team of interns (he asked my permission if they could look on while he treated me) looked on, he determined that I had a bad case of keratosis which needed topical chemo therapy treatment.  He also told me that for the rest of my life I would have my skin checked by a dermatologist to prevent skin cancer.  This was my reward for all those years of baking on the beach.  The warnings are true!  Early exposure to the sun WILL result in skin problems later in life.  How ironic that I now live in a beach resort area but I never go to the beach because of my skin condition.

The dermatologist who saw me yesterday was Courtney.  She is the same dermatologist who saw me six months ago.  We're becoming friends.  She checked me out and only found a few small spots of keratosis which she quickly burned off (didn't hurt at all.)  She told me I looked good (something I already knew.)  She suggested that since I "looked so good", it probably wouldn't be necessary for me to make a return visit every six months, but instead return annually.  I agreed with her suggestion and made an appointment to return next year.

Courtney, my dermatologist at the VA

I left the dermatology department and returned to the first floor lobby area of the VA to meet up with our driver Tim and await the other veterans who came up in the van to return from their appointments.  We were lucky today because everyone was finished at 10:30 am and we were on our way back to LSD (Lower Slower Delaware.)

The waiting area in the lobby of the VAMC - this is what socialized medical care looks like

Ah yes, a good day.  But my day wasn't over.  Yesterday afternoon I had scheduled for my PC Guy to come over to the house and configure my three PC's.  More about that in a future blog posting.  This morning I have to get ready for my refinancing settlement scheduled for 2 this afternoon.

Tim, our van driver awaits me. This is what socialized medical care looks like. We vets care for one another.  

There always seems to be something going on around the Tipton/Kelly household.  As I postulated before in a previous blog posting.....what did I do before retirement?