Let’s Talk Health!

As age 65 closes in on me, Medicare is on the horizon! For me, this is a good thing, as I have had to pay for a temporary health insurance policy since getting divorced. Fortunately, I was with USAA, and I was able to renew the policy for up to three years, in six-month intervals, which put me at the start date for Medicare next June. Whew!

Temporary insurance is good for short term, but having it for three years has been an investment, even with USAA on my side. With a high deductible, I am usually considered a cash patient, so I look forward to that being over soon!

Those of you who know me well, have always known me as a plus-size girl. I haven’t always been thrilled with my size, but in recent years, I have come to terms with it. I think I dress nicely (although I’m no fashion model!). I don’t gorge myself with food, but I do enjoy my social life because of food. Don’t forget the stress eating…and some days are just more stressful than others.

After getting a divorce and having a pretty low opinion of myself and my life, I have finally come to terms with who I am and I’m okay!

That being said, I have taken meds for blood pressure, cholesterol and gout, as well as an anit-depressant, vitamin D and a low dose aspirin. UGH! I’d love to get off some of these pills! Some of my ailments are in the genes and some are self-induced. These pills have become part of my daily routine.

A couple of weeks ago, I registered for a Lifeline Screening. It provides four of the preliminary screening tests for a variety of conditions. It’s just a screening, but it needed to be done. I’ve put off the mailings and the Facebook posts about this long enough. So I registered and I paid! The commitment to have this done became real. The church near our house was the location so everything fell into place.

On Sunday, while looking through my calendar, I realized that the date was upon me. I was going on Wednesday (today) and all of a sudden, I became very much aware of what might happen on Wednesday.

Although it was a little late to be looking at reviews, I did read a few and they seemed to be overall positive. One person did say, “The technician told me to go to the nearest emergency room or to see my doctor as soon as possible.” This startled me a little bit…I started thinking, “what if they tell me that?”

I then read more on the process and realized that it is truly a screening process. This means it gives indications that there could be trouble and to discuss with your doctor. The tests included carotid artery, abdominal aortic aneurysm, a-fib and osteoporosis risk. These were the four tests I had paid for.

When I arrived TODAY, I realized that there were “add-ons” you could get…bloodwork, peripheral arterial disease to name a couple. At that point, I declined because I have my regularly scheduled visit to my doctor next week. She pushed it for a minute, but I told her I was good with the four basic tests.

The tests were held behind three different screened off areas of the gym at a church. You signed in and then were called to complete your registration and wait for your technician to call you for the test.

There were probably 15 people there altogether with me being the youngest and quite honestly, one of the most “fit” looking. When I was called to the desk, I was lucky because I had pre-registered so she had most of the questions completed. However, she had been asking others some personal questions about their health and everyone in the waiting area could hear.

Rae (the clerk) said, “Looks like you pre-registered but I have a couple more questions. What is your height and your weight?” I was wearing a mask so my voice was muffed when I said, “5’ 10” and 145 pounds.” She looked over the top of her glasses and said, “Excuse me?” I chuckled nervously and told her the truth, but I quietly stated it as not to alert the others in their chairs.

I then took my place and waited to be called. I sat and watched the Tai Chi class in the other corner of the gym. I concentrated on their movements and thought we’d all calm down if we did the same. I was nervous and didn’t realize it until it was time for the first test.

Fortunately, I was not told to get to the nearest ER or go to the doctor. I was told that detailed results would be mailed to me but each test looked fine. Now, I’m not sure what that means but it was not critical and since I’m going to my doctor next week, I can let him know and once I get the results we can chat.

I’m fairly certain I will not go through this again. The privacy needs to be worked on. In addition, they did not ask me for my doctor’s name, and they will not be sending results to him. Does this mean that most doctors would not sanction this as a good test? I’m feeling like it’s another way to make money off of us, although I can’t be sure. I will be discussing this next week with my doctor. I have a feeling he will tell me that it’s fine, but he’d prefer that I let him know and he can recommend a place for me to go to.

My point to all of this is we need to look after ourselves and take care. Because of my weight and my meds, I have to go to the doctor every three months and he does a pretty good check up with me, and once a year, a more thorough one. I get the normal screening tests recommended for my “advanced” age. So far, so good. I know this may not last forever, so I plan to be a little more proactive.

In the meantime, stay happy and well! I love you all and will be back next week!! xoxoxoxxo