I went for an appointment with Dr. Deftos this afternoon at UCSD Pearlman Center. I was not disappointed because I expected the dance; I had seen the writing on the wall, that is, Dr. Deftos tells you, he offers me no input, no choices. (Typical University doc mind set.)
He SAYS he thinks that I do have hyperparathyroidism (amazing as that is what the PTH tests have been saying for a number of years). BUT since my Calcium is not high (never mind that I’ve already had TWO parathyroid surgeries and my endo system has been compromised since I was 27 AND he’s done nothing but standard serum Calciums), he can’t refer me to a surgeon.
Actually, I reacted well; I just nodded, and worked at getting the tests done that I felt I needed ie a PTH done at BOTH UCSD and Scantilabs at the same time, and a Calcium and Ionized Calcium. If you have the Labs, there is always another doc down the line.
Actually, what it seems to me that he is doing is going by that ONE Scantilab test, which was absolutely mid-line normal, and ignoring the multitude of other PTH tests, and the actual symptoms. I have to wonder about his connection to this Scantilab Company.
He also came up with: you are functioning well (right, except for the bone pain, muscle weakness, cramps, et al). (In fact, though I did not tell him this, I feel I would be a lot less fat, if I felt well enough to mop the floor or vacuum!)
Then he blamed much on me being fat! (I could not believe he did this! I was literally left breathless) I did try to bring some sanity into this myth, pointing out that I had CAT scans yearly of my pelvic and abdomen without difficulty to help track the bladder cancer. And that I was this fat for most of my surgeries. But he said that now they used ‘less invasive techniques’ and I was too ‘fat’ for the instruments (well hell, I’ll find a surgeon that ‘cuts’)! BTDT!
Then, to my further disbelief, we discussed weight loss surgery, in the past 7 years I was turned down for the ‘gastric bypass’ by two different surgical centers because of my endo probs. And apparently, my insurance does not cover the ‘Lap Band’. He said that if I gave his name as a referral, he would ‘approve’ it. I found this incredibly asinine; you cannot make a surgeon do a procedure s/he feels is wrong!
In passing, he also mentioned a medication to help bring down my PTH, then he told me it didn’t work well! (I will have to do my research on this one!).
Dr, Deftos then told me that he would continue to ‘follow’ me and ‘watch’ (while I am sick and hurting!) on a two month schedule.
I came home feeling ‘used & abused’ by a doc still one more time. However, I did get the lab work done, and THAT may be interesting. The results should be available in two weeks.
Why it is that so few docs ask, “what are your ideas on this”, or “what would you like to do”? Why is there no room for two way communication or action? Why is there never a middle road? It seems to me that these are MY choices and decisions, not his. After all, isn't that why a person CONSULTS a doc? To get options so a valid personal decision can be made? Or maybe I am just confused...
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
The San Diego RSVP
The San Diego Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol is an innovative, active partner of the San Diego Police Department, Western Division. It is a volunteer corps of senior citizens who and are trained and work with the local police. They are taught non-hazardous, non-confrontational police procedures. They patrol in two member uniformed teams in clearly identified cars.
Routine police tasks performed by the RSVP teams allow sworn officers to concentrate on crime and crime prevention. RSVP volunteers are always in contact with police dispatchers through the communication system.
The San Diego Police Department supplies cars, and standard equipment. Tax deductible gifts provide for special equipment and administrative expenses.
The San Diego RSVP patrol shopping, school, and residential areas reporting suspicious activity. They monitor traffic using radar. They check disabled parking and issue citations. They assist the police, when requested by directing traffic at emergency scenes, lift fingerprints, act as couriers, and assist with investigations.
But here is the important part for me; on request, they make regular scheduled visits to the elderly and disabled. In San Diego, this part of their program is named, ‘You Are Not Alone’. I do not remember who told me about this program, but it has been a great help to me for over a year now. Three times a week, they stop by and knock on the door, just to check to see if I am all right.
It sounds like such a small thing, but it gives me all kinds of emotional and physical freedom! It means I have more choice as to when and how I shower, or in overexerting myself on the patio. I know that if something were to happen to me, the RSVP will be here eventually. It means that when I am really in-bed-sick, wondering if I am going to die, and afraid that I will not, I know that the RSVP will be here, sooner or later.
They are only here a few minutes, usually just at the door. This volunteer group of caring, friendly, trained seniors (most of them older than I!) has made a world of difference in my daily life for over a year now.
If you would life further information on the San Diego Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP) you can call: 619.291.8228.
Routine police tasks performed by the RSVP teams allow sworn officers to concentrate on crime and crime prevention. RSVP volunteers are always in contact with police dispatchers through the communication system.
The San Diego Police Department supplies cars, and standard equipment. Tax deductible gifts provide for special equipment and administrative expenses.
The San Diego RSVP patrol shopping, school, and residential areas reporting suspicious activity. They monitor traffic using radar. They check disabled parking and issue citations. They assist the police, when requested by directing traffic at emergency scenes, lift fingerprints, act as couriers, and assist with investigations.
But here is the important part for me; on request, they make regular scheduled visits to the elderly and disabled. In San Diego, this part of their program is named, ‘You Are Not Alone’. I do not remember who told me about this program, but it has been a great help to me for over a year now. Three times a week, they stop by and knock on the door, just to check to see if I am all right.
It sounds like such a small thing, but it gives me all kinds of emotional and physical freedom! It means I have more choice as to when and how I shower, or in overexerting myself on the patio. I know that if something were to happen to me, the RSVP will be here eventually. It means that when I am really in-bed-sick, wondering if I am going to die, and afraid that I will not, I know that the RSVP will be here, sooner or later.
They are only here a few minutes, usually just at the door. This volunteer group of caring, friendly, trained seniors (most of them older than I!) has made a world of difference in my daily life for over a year now.
If you would life further information on the San Diego Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP) you can call: 619.291.8228.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Things that Break
No, it is not a game show question! The thing is, when you live far below the poverty level for years, you cannot replace things that wear out or break!
My Social Security Disability now totals a whopping $876 monthly.
Yes, I can pay my HUD rent. Yes, I can pay my basic utilities. Yes, I can buy (if I am careful and buy what I can afford, not what I need) groceries to get me through the month. Yes, I can pay for disabled transit (at $9 round trip) three or four times a month to go to doc appointments. Yes, I can buy ciggies (American Native – online once each month). Yes, I manage to keep one desktop computer (which a friend so generously gave me), up and running.
I have even managed to get The Sisters their shots, and I have enough Advantage in the closet to last a couple of years! (That is another story!).
But when the bottom-of-the-line ‘things’ that I bought 5 – 10 – 20 years ago finally break or die, I’m just out of luck. I do not have the EXTRA funds, even if only $20 to replace something.
A partial list of ‘things’ that I now live without because I have not been able to replace them:
-crock pot,
-toaster oven,
-kitchen timer,
-bedroom wind up alarm clock,
-radio for bathroom,
-can opener,
-utility scissors,
-small gardening tools,
-wind chime,
-stereo,
-portable radio,
-plug-in night lights,
-bath mat
-comforter
This is not even to mention clothing, I have four pant sets that I wear till literally threadbare before replacing, most folks would not even wear this stuff out in public! I have not been able to replace a 10-year-old coat that wore out, or my only sweater that was stolen off the patio 4 years ago. Nor my ‘linens’, two sets of bed sheets and two blankets that are over 10 years old and threadbare; ditto towels, except what is left is over 20 years old!
Unlike some people (usually males), living on SSD, I have no family I can live with and share expenses, I live alone. There is no one that helps me out; only I provide for me. I do not even get Christmas or Birthday gifts (as all my immediate relatives have died).
So, you can now see why I work so hard (to the point of not having energy to work on poetry or other writing projects) on these Blogs and on the HamFanz endeavors (which I just literally fell into and it grew).
The donations I get from these activities (and our trash bins!) are what keep me afloat! I do not spend the income from these donations on movies, clothes, eating out, etc. It goes to food, transportation, The Sisters, then hopefully, on the stuff that has broken.
The moral of this story? Do not get sick, do not get old, and do not buy things that will break! (Now you know why ‘I accept donations!’)
My Social Security Disability now totals a whopping $876 monthly.
Yes, I can pay my HUD rent. Yes, I can pay my basic utilities. Yes, I can buy (if I am careful and buy what I can afford, not what I need) groceries to get me through the month. Yes, I can pay for disabled transit (at $9 round trip) three or four times a month to go to doc appointments. Yes, I can buy ciggies (American Native – online once each month). Yes, I manage to keep one desktop computer (which a friend so generously gave me), up and running.
I have even managed to get The Sisters their shots, and I have enough Advantage in the closet to last a couple of years! (That is another story!).
But when the bottom-of-the-line ‘things’ that I bought 5 – 10 – 20 years ago finally break or die, I’m just out of luck. I do not have the EXTRA funds, even if only $20 to replace something.
A partial list of ‘things’ that I now live without because I have not been able to replace them:
-crock pot,
-toaster oven,
-kitchen timer,
-bedroom wind up alarm clock,
-radio for bathroom,
-can opener,
-utility scissors,
-small gardening tools,
-wind chime,
-stereo,
-portable radio,
-plug-in night lights,
-bath mat
-comforter
This is not even to mention clothing, I have four pant sets that I wear till literally threadbare before replacing, most folks would not even wear this stuff out in public! I have not been able to replace a 10-year-old coat that wore out, or my only sweater that was stolen off the patio 4 years ago. Nor my ‘linens’, two sets of bed sheets and two blankets that are over 10 years old and threadbare; ditto towels, except what is left is over 20 years old!
Unlike some people (usually males), living on SSD, I have no family I can live with and share expenses, I live alone. There is no one that helps me out; only I provide for me. I do not even get Christmas or Birthday gifts (as all my immediate relatives have died).
So, you can now see why I work so hard (to the point of not having energy to work on poetry or other writing projects) on these Blogs and on the HamFanz endeavors (which I just literally fell into and it grew).
The donations I get from these activities (and our trash bins!) are what keep me afloat! I do not spend the income from these donations on movies, clothes, eating out, etc. It goes to food, transportation, The Sisters, then hopefully, on the stuff that has broken.
The moral of this story? Do not get sick, do not get old, and do not buy things that will break! (Now you know why ‘I accept donations!’)
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Wanted: Primary Care Physician
For the last couple of years, I have been shopping for a new Primary Care Physician. The one I had for years gave up his practice for an administrative job. The doc I replaced him with, after only a couple of years, moved his practice. Both good docs and I miss them.
But I was left (of course there were referrals that didn’t work out for me for whatever reasons) without a Primary Care Physician. So I’ve had to punt, and be my own Primary Care Physician while I ‘shop’.
Since last November, I have seen (3 visits now) a woman Internist just down the street. I like her, it’s close, I could even get there just in my wheelchair if I had to, and she’s affiliated with the hospital I prefer.
My first visit with this ‘new’ doc was great.
On the second visit, the doc was not there; and I was not in the computer as having an appointment. Luckily, her partner was there and saw me. It was the first time I had any contact with her, she was nice and competent, but a ‘yes, but’ person. (You know the type, no matter WHAT you say, they reply with ‘yes, but...’.).
Then in January, I had to cancel my visit because of heavy rain (You do not get the electronics in a wheelchair wet!), then she cancelled the next appointment (the morning of), for whatever reason. The receptionist put me on a ‘waiting list’ for an appointment; it was over a week before she called back!
So in February, the new doc and I finally connected again (well sort of). I called that morning to confirm my appointment. It was not raining. I was there 15 minutes ahead of time. I was greeted in a friendly way by the receptionist, and put in an exam room after only a brief wait.
Then I waited, read an entire magazine. Looked out the door, could see or hear nothing except a phone ringing. Then I waited some more, glancing through the same magazine again. I looked at my watch and realized I had been waiting in the exam room for an hour! I put on my jacket in preparation for leaving, when the doc came in. She did not know me from Adam, obviously had not even taken the time to glance at my chart, read her own prior notes. She did order the yearly mammograms, and the Osteoporosis scan I needed. (Yes, not surprisingly, I also have Osteoporosis.) When I left the office, late afternoon, the lights in the reception area were dimmed, no receptionist, the box of ‘lab samples’ were sitting outside the door! Guess they had shut down for the day and not told me, or even forgotten about me sitting in the exam room!
So it looks like I am still shopping for a doc! Several years ago, when I first started looking to replace my Primary Care Physician, one of my specialists asked me, “what are you looking for in a doc?” My reply was and is, “Someone who gives a damn!”
But I was left (of course there were referrals that didn’t work out for me for whatever reasons) without a Primary Care Physician. So I’ve had to punt, and be my own Primary Care Physician while I ‘shop’.
Since last November, I have seen (3 visits now) a woman Internist just down the street. I like her, it’s close, I could even get there just in my wheelchair if I had to, and she’s affiliated with the hospital I prefer.
My first visit with this ‘new’ doc was great.
On the second visit, the doc was not there; and I was not in the computer as having an appointment. Luckily, her partner was there and saw me. It was the first time I had any contact with her, she was nice and competent, but a ‘yes, but’ person. (You know the type, no matter WHAT you say, they reply with ‘yes, but...’.).
Then in January, I had to cancel my visit because of heavy rain (You do not get the electronics in a wheelchair wet!), then she cancelled the next appointment (the morning of), for whatever reason. The receptionist put me on a ‘waiting list’ for an appointment; it was over a week before she called back!
So in February, the new doc and I finally connected again (well sort of). I called that morning to confirm my appointment. It was not raining. I was there 15 minutes ahead of time. I was greeted in a friendly way by the receptionist, and put in an exam room after only a brief wait.
Then I waited, read an entire magazine. Looked out the door, could see or hear nothing except a phone ringing. Then I waited some more, glancing through the same magazine again. I looked at my watch and realized I had been waiting in the exam room for an hour! I put on my jacket in preparation for leaving, when the doc came in. She did not know me from Adam, obviously had not even taken the time to glance at my chart, read her own prior notes. She did order the yearly mammograms, and the Osteoporosis scan I needed. (Yes, not surprisingly, I also have Osteoporosis.) When I left the office, late afternoon, the lights in the reception area were dimmed, no receptionist, the box of ‘lab samples’ were sitting outside the door! Guess they had shut down for the day and not told me, or even forgotten about me sitting in the exam room!
So it looks like I am still shopping for a doc! Several years ago, when I first started looking to replace my Primary Care Physician, one of my specialists asked me, “what are you looking for in a doc?” My reply was and is, “Someone who gives a damn!”
Monday, February 19, 2007
The Sisters and Rain!
Though we have had rain, sprinkles, showers, or drizzle several times since the Sisters have been going OUT, they just do not ‘get’ it.
They actually went out in a driving rain today, and sat on the wet patio rail in their usual places, where they too got wet as blowing rain pelted them, and big drops of water that fell from the upstairs patio hit them. They would just shake a little head, or leg and continue to stare out at the phenomena (to them) of rain, as if trying to understand. If cats could look quizzical, they did!
The Sisters are not too bright, but they are not the dumbest of cats either. They are just inexperienced in the ways of weather. When they got wet and cold enough, they came in, had a snack, bathed their wet fur, and curled up in my bed.
I do love a rainy day!
They actually went out in a driving rain today, and sat on the wet patio rail in their usual places, where they too got wet as blowing rain pelted them, and big drops of water that fell from the upstairs patio hit them. They would just shake a little head, or leg and continue to stare out at the phenomena (to them) of rain, as if trying to understand. If cats could look quizzical, they did!
The Sisters are not too bright, but they are not the dumbest of cats either. They are just inexperienced in the ways of weather. When they got wet and cold enough, they came in, had a snack, bathed their wet fur, and curled up in my bed.
I do love a rainy day!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Another Old Friend Found though the Internet!
Well, Russell Collins was really my Mom’s friend. He’s 12 years older than I am, and still lived at home, across the street, from where my Mom and her family lived, and where I was born.
But I grew up around him! Though my Mom’s family friend, Russell seemed like an Uncle to me. Another part of our large extended family.
We stayed in touch, by mail and phone, for years after my Mom’s death in 1976. Sometimes this was only an exchange of Christmas Cards. When he retired though, and moved to the Ozarks, we lost touch. That yearly Christmas Card came back marked, no such person, undeliverable, etc. And I was at a loss.
I thought of him often. I went on an Internet search for him once in awhile with no results. But the last time I looked for him, I noticed an address and phone number listed in a city he had once lived in. I picked up the phone. Yes! It was MY Russell Collins!
Since then we have had a couple of delightful, long phone conversations, and now stay in touch with email. Russell, now 73, does not particularly like computers, feels he is not too good with them, but struggles through, seeing the value of email.
Once again, thanks to the World Wide Web!
But I grew up around him! Though my Mom’s family friend, Russell seemed like an Uncle to me. Another part of our large extended family.
We stayed in touch, by mail and phone, for years after my Mom’s death in 1976. Sometimes this was only an exchange of Christmas Cards. When he retired though, and moved to the Ozarks, we lost touch. That yearly Christmas Card came back marked, no such person, undeliverable, etc. And I was at a loss.
I thought of him often. I went on an Internet search for him once in awhile with no results. But the last time I looked for him, I noticed an address and phone number listed in a city he had once lived in. I picked up the phone. Yes! It was MY Russell Collins!
Since then we have had a couple of delightful, long phone conversations, and now stay in touch with email. Russell, now 73, does not particularly like computers, feels he is not too good with them, but struggles through, seeing the value of email.
Once again, thanks to the World Wide Web!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Parathyroid Doc - Round 5
Went to UCSD Hillcrest Medical Center today and had a FOURTH (since 9.06) PTH drawn per Dr. Deftos request.
As usual, it was a circus. The MTS Access Wheelchair Van did not arrive on time (Ha! they did not know I did not have an appointment to keep, just needed to get to the lab!).
Dr. Deftos has not faxed in the 'order' even though he had directed me via email where and what week to go. The lab did not have a phone number for him, though they found he was one of their docs!
So I had to wait while they tried to contact him. Luckily I had his email addie with me, and he responded quickly to that.
While I was waiting, I needed a cappuccino ($3). And, of course, round trip on the disabled van was $9. Nothing 'priceless' about it - all for just some blood work.
Though I am feeling better lately (or just used to being sick?), I am beginning to wonder if all these PTH tests are leading anywhere at all? Will there ever be a 'next' step?
As usual, it was a circus. The MTS Access Wheelchair Van did not arrive on time (Ha! they did not know I did not have an appointment to keep, just needed to get to the lab!).
Dr. Deftos has not faxed in the 'order' even though he had directed me via email where and what week to go. The lab did not have a phone number for him, though they found he was one of their docs!
So I had to wait while they tried to contact him. Luckily I had his email addie with me, and he responded quickly to that.
While I was waiting, I needed a cappuccino ($3). And, of course, round trip on the disabled van was $9. Nothing 'priceless' about it - all for just some blood work.
Though I am feeling better lately (or just used to being sick?), I am beginning to wonder if all these PTH tests are leading anywhere at all? Will there ever be a 'next' step?
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Non-Smoking Comfort!
I have finally found my solution for non-smoking areas and places. I am not talking about an hour or two here, but usually a longer period of time, when I’m stuck somewhere and can’t get to a ciggie!
I buy 4 mg. Commit Lozenges, I like the mint flavor. I cut them into 8 little pieces (my standard, old pill cutter works just fine for this), each piece having about the same amount of nicotine as an 'ultra light' ciggie. I keep the cut Commit Lozenges in a small tightly capped container. Right now, I actually keep them IN my ciggie case. You can buy Commit Lozenges OTC at just about any Drugstore.
I also buy E-Z Quit Smokeless, Artificial Cigarettes http://www.ezquit.com/ . The flavor cartridges (3) that comes with these are also ‘mint’ flavored and they last a long time. These are my ‘pacifiers’, my hand to mouth vehicle!
When I am in a non-smoking place or situation long enough to become uncomfortable, (and that seems to be far too often), I now have relief!
Before I actually fall into a ‘nicotine fit’, I place one little piece of Commit Lozenge under each side of my tongue (it takes awhile to melt, therefore it is better to start BEFORE you have a full blown ‘nicotine fit’, but seems to start being absorbed quickly). Then I pull out my E-Z Quit pacifier (which comes in a nice plastic storage tube) and start puffing away on my ‘pacifier.
This works so well for me, that I am in the process of stocking not only my ciggie case, but each place in my apartment where I smoke, my TV chair, the dining room table, my office. One room at a time, I’m going to wash out the ashtray, put a little container of cut up Commit on one side, and lay an E-Z Quit artificial cigarette, (in it’s tube), ready for use in the ashtray.
I may end up an ex-smoker one room at a time! Though that was not my basic intent, I just wanted to be comfortable in non-smoking environments.
Of course, it depends on having the extra $$$ to get what I need. I just ordered two more (I have one, but am out of cartridges) E-Z Quit artificial cigarettes (they come with 3 cartridges each). When they arrive, I will have my ‘stocked’ ciggie case for when I am out, have an extra in the closet, in case I lose an E-Z Quit, and I will be able to stop smoking in my ‘office’. Next month I will buy more Commit.
A fun aspect of this for a cantankerous, independent old smoker is the reaction I get from people as I puff on my pacifier while in a doctors waiting room, restaurant (after a meal), on the disabled transit van (sometimes you can be stuck on there for well over an hour). People around you are quick to tell you ‘no smoking’, but they do not know how to react when I point out that I am not smoking!
Sadly, the discrimination a smoker gets in our society today (even when in a smoking area!) is so ‘drilled in’ to the populace by our Big Brother government, that it even leaks over to anyone with anything white in their hand or mouth! Amazing...
I buy 4 mg. Commit Lozenges, I like the mint flavor. I cut them into 8 little pieces (my standard, old pill cutter works just fine for this), each piece having about the same amount of nicotine as an 'ultra light' ciggie. I keep the cut Commit Lozenges in a small tightly capped container. Right now, I actually keep them IN my ciggie case. You can buy Commit Lozenges OTC at just about any Drugstore.
I also buy E-Z Quit Smokeless, Artificial Cigarettes http://www.ezquit.com/ . The flavor cartridges (3) that comes with these are also ‘mint’ flavored and they last a long time. These are my ‘pacifiers’, my hand to mouth vehicle!
When I am in a non-smoking place or situation long enough to become uncomfortable, (and that seems to be far too often), I now have relief!
Before I actually fall into a ‘nicotine fit’, I place one little piece of Commit Lozenge under each side of my tongue (it takes awhile to melt, therefore it is better to start BEFORE you have a full blown ‘nicotine fit’, but seems to start being absorbed quickly). Then I pull out my E-Z Quit pacifier (which comes in a nice plastic storage tube) and start puffing away on my ‘pacifier.
This works so well for me, that I am in the process of stocking not only my ciggie case, but each place in my apartment where I smoke, my TV chair, the dining room table, my office. One room at a time, I’m going to wash out the ashtray, put a little container of cut up Commit on one side, and lay an E-Z Quit artificial cigarette, (in it’s tube), ready for use in the ashtray.
I may end up an ex-smoker one room at a time! Though that was not my basic intent, I just wanted to be comfortable in non-smoking environments.
Of course, it depends on having the extra $$$ to get what I need. I just ordered two more (I have one, but am out of cartridges) E-Z Quit artificial cigarettes (they come with 3 cartridges each). When they arrive, I will have my ‘stocked’ ciggie case for when I am out, have an extra in the closet, in case I lose an E-Z Quit, and I will be able to stop smoking in my ‘office’. Next month I will buy more Commit.
A fun aspect of this for a cantankerous, independent old smoker is the reaction I get from people as I puff on my pacifier while in a doctors waiting room, restaurant (after a meal), on the disabled transit van (sometimes you can be stuck on there for well over an hour). People around you are quick to tell you ‘no smoking’, but they do not know how to react when I point out that I am not smoking!
Sadly, the discrimination a smoker gets in our society today (even when in a smoking area!) is so ‘drilled in’ to the populace by our Big Brother government, that it even leaks over to anyone with anything white in their hand or mouth! Amazing...
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