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Reader’s Digest version: health issues are such that I CAN road trip … once I have more funds. While overall health results are good (well, good for my case), I’m still a bit apprehensive about some. Detailed info, including the possibility of road tripping later this year, & some new pics below.

Last Thursday, 05/11/2017, I finally had appointments with specialists I’ve needed to see the last few years (see the list via THIS LINK HERE). It took Medicaid over a year to initially approve them. Then, they had to be re-approved after the providing company changed a month after I had all appointments scheduled. Talk about healthcare the hard way. BUT, luckily, all of the specialists are at the same Chicago hospital my cardiologist (of 20+ years) is, so that aids in coordinating care between the different doctors. The only doctor out of that loop is my Medicaid-appointed Primary Care Physician (PCP).

The heart-related portion of the day showed no significant changes in my pacemaker or valves (pig & cow). I continue with yearly monitoring, so my next appointment will be 05/2018. My cardiologist said the echo done 05/11/2017 was “unremarkable” (a good thing), & I’m a few years from needing another open heart surgery … & by then, the valves might be replaced without OHS! How cool would that be? The pacemaker clinic advised my pacemaker’s current life expectancy is ~6 years, tho that fluctuates depending on how much I “use” the pacemaker. I continue with “online phone” checks every 3 months & another clinic visit, 05/2018.

The nephrologist (Stage 3 Kidney disease) noted my kidney function (per tests done with the PCP 12/2016) is at 54%, down only 3% from tests done ~10 years ago at the hospital (before & after other procedures) showing a 57% rate. Thus, I have a mild case of Stage 3 & not nearly as severe as the PCP thought. Phew! The nephrologist suggested having the PCP order tests in a month or so to double check current stats. Otherwise, I only need to have yearly appointments, so I will see the nephrologist the same day I see my cardiologist, 05/2018.

The ENT specialist cleaned the wax out of my left ear & said the right ear, despite some residual & dull (more annoying than anything) ache, is fine & free from the severe infection earlier this year. I’m to monitor it & see the PCP as needed; might have a hearing test done in a year, 05/2018. I am a bit concerned the dull, annoying ache seems to be hanging out every so often, but I will schedule an appointment with the PCP if it doesn’t completely go away … soon.

The vein specialist (pain-swelling in my feet) had a leg ultrasound done while I was there. The results showed my vein function is “just fine” good. After looking at my feet in depth, the vein specialist still could not determine a specific diagnoses for what is causing my symptoms, except the possibility of them being a result of the cumulative effect of all of my health & heart issues. He prescribed compression socks, which I will soon get. I don’t need to see him again, unless I notice worsening symptoms. I’m OK with this, except when the feet are in pain or swollen….

The orthopedic specialist (pain-swelling in my knees) diagnosed me with “patellofemoral pain syndrome” & prescribed physical therapy. I don’t need to see him again, unless I experience worse symptoms. Meantime, I will research potential physical therapy places near where I reside, & see if I can get Medicaid to approve the sessions. This should be fun, in so many ways, eh!?

In ~1 month, my PCP should order follow-up tests: 24-hr urine (kidney function, etc.), bloodwork (cholesterol & other issues) & CT scan (speck on my lung).

So, what does all that mean in terms of road trips? Once I figure out the fund issue (i.e. have more $ readily available), I can once again plan road trips while working. But, some unexpected & upcoming expenses are preventing me from starting to drive right NOW. I have 14 more weeks of OC,SH post photos cued, so I’m thinking of starting the trips in August or September. I will, of course, post updates & itinerary drafts as available.

Meantime: as noted in yesterday’s “Daily Vehicle Choice” (seen via THIS LINK HERE, complete with pics of all 3 of my current cars), my 1979 Caprice Classic sedan (former OC,SH flagship) is still for sale. The sooner this car is sold, the sooner I’ll have funds for road trips & plans for the OC,SH website (new business cards, ads, etc.).

As I also noted in that linked post from yesterday, I am keeping the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS as the OC,SH flagship for the foreseeable future, even though I’m not fond or a fan of cars requiring emissions testing where I live. It just needs new tires & a GOOD detail from someone or someplace reputable! Any suggestions?

As for my other car, the ’81mc (remaining vehicle of my former “car family”), I may have it brought up here to enjoy during the 2017 “driving season”, depending on when the 1979 Caprice Classic sells.

I took all 3 of these OC,SH original photos 05/11/2017, ~1:50p, from the 19th floor, where my cardiologist & the vein specialist are, between my vein specialist & nephrologist (18th floor) appointments.

View of the new children’s hospital; if you look closely, you can see 2 cows on the grassy roof. Those cows are said to have been part of the “Cows On Parade” in Chicago, summer 1999:

1 of my favorite views from this floor: Lake Michigan. When it is clear, as it was last Thursday, you can literally see forever. Always fun to spot boats, too.

A view I like to pretend is actually from the 1970s; I try to figure out what vehicles would be in place of the current vehicles. Course, I have fun looking at the vehicles below, regardless of year, because they look like Matchbox-Hot Wheels cars I can move at will.