Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Health stuff

While I'd like to be spending my time off from work relaxing & being productive, I've also been trying to get a few health issues taken care of. I went for an eye exam on Monday, which has led to a bunch of other follow on appointments. Unfortunately, the pressure in my eyes was quite high, which can be a problem with lupus. The optometrist told me that I needed to get in to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. When I went to set up that appointment, it turns out that the ophthalmologist wants me to also see my rheumatologist. My rheumatologist recently retired, so I need to find a new one in my network (a change I've been planning to make, but just haven't done yet). Of course, to find a new rheumatologist, I need to get a referral from my primary care doctor.... who is out through the end of the year. It was like a game of dominoes. :-)

I now have a check in with another primary care doctor, who can then give me a referral to a new rheumatologist. And, have an upcoming opthamologist appointment. While I'd prefer to spend my time doing more fun things, it will be nice to have all of this sorted before I head back to work. I also am bringing Sam to doctor's appointments. Once we have a formal diagnosis & more details, I'll share that as well. Long story short, that's also been a tremendous amount of work. I feel grateful to have the time this summer to get all of this done.

What's on the agenda for today?

  • Going for a run
  • Meeting a friend for lunch
  • Must finish the 2006 photo book
  • Vacuum
  • Yard work
  • If the weather cools off, I'll make banana muffins. Our freezer is packed with bananas (we need to buy fewer for sure, now that M & I don't eat bananas), & I'd like to get them out. 
  • Calling about a gift card
That's it from my side. What about you? What are you hoping to accomplish today?

12 comments:

  1. Ack that is a lot of appointments - but you have no choice except to try take care of yourself as best you can.

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  2. Oh the whole referral stuff. I'm dealing with this as well after an insurance change. Good luck to you.

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    1. The referral work is comical. I'm not sure why I need a referral when I have a documented medical condition from another specialist. But, just checking the boxes so I can move on

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  3. I ran into the same situation with going in for a routine appointment and then it cascading into more appointments where the doctors wanted me to see other doctors.

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    1. So much time has to get invested, but worth it for our health

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  4. I despise the time medical takes out of my life.

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    1. SO much! When my lupus was more active, I spent SO much time on this. I feel blessed that I've been in remission, so the time commitment has been minimal for a few years

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  5. I dislike being kept waiting for appointments. My time is just as valuable as the docs time

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    1. I'm with you. The pediatrician the kids go to has a sign on the wall with all of the doctors & there "on time" for the day. It's useful for me, and also I'm sure a motivator for everyone else

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  6. Dr. appointments are a necessary evil sometimes. But your health is really important.

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    1. It is so important. I work hard to get sleep, eat well, & stay in reasonably good shape. But, the process of seeing a doctor is so time consuming that it feels like a big hassle. Oh well, such is life! A necessary evil, as you say

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