Something Sweet with Susan

I’ve heard many retired clients and friends say, “I don’t know how I had time to work.”  The feeling is mutual – I could have a job with the time that is spent seeing doctors.  No one told me that aging comes with six-month doctor visits.  Every disease labeled in your medical record means another doctor you will see on a regular basis.  I now have my PCP, Cardiologist, Neurologist and Dentist that I see every 6 months.  I consider myself blessed if none of them are needed in between those visits.

It has been almost a year since my last heart issues.  At that time my Cardiologist  took me back to the cath lab to see what was going on inside my arteries.  He found a couple of issues that have been managed with medications.  He was very happy to report that I had plaque regression.  Upon hearing that news my question for him was, “Since I have plaque regression, can I come off the statin you have me on?”  Wow, did I get a look!  He proceeded to tell me, “No.  How do you think that progression happened?”  That’s why I keep my doctor appointments and do not take my health into my own hands.  I’m not very good on a dance floor, but where my heart is concerned, my Cardiologist leads and I follow.

This week was my 6-month visit with him.  These visits are unlike any other doctor appointments.  We talk – he observes and he listens.  There are no exams, but somehow he doesn’t miss a beat.  He asked, “What’s been going on?” and my reply was, “I’ve got nothing.”  He had already noticed that my Parkinson’s symptoms were not showing.  He was surprised and happy upon hearing about my new PD med that is working so well to control my symptoms.  I’m pretty sure this was my first doctor visit since my heart attack where I had absolutely no issues.   My medication cocktail is currently working perfectly and I am so thankful and I praise God that I am doing so well and I have wonderful doctors.

As I have mentioned many times, exercise is necessary for my medical conditions.  Last week while at the gym I met a man who was celebrating his 88th birthday.  How wonderful to be 88 years old and still working out with your trainer.  While talking with him I learned that he survived a heart attack at age 34. To my HA friends – Don’t give up and don’t give in!

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
Let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before Him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.”
Psalms 95:1-2

“Rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you.”
Deuteronomy 26:11