Cruising Past Seventy: The Inner Journeys: WOW: Overhauling Carol!

Monday, November 5, 2012

WOW: Overhauling Carol!


in the recovery room, after the cataract surgery on my right eye

To overhaul means: to take apart in order to examine it and repair it if necessary. I may not be a piece of machinery (though many say I am close to being one) but this is how Jack Dock, an engineer and husband of Bill’s sister Rosemary, suggested I title this piece. In 2 ½ months we probably wore thin the couple’s hospitality. I have told you about our many visits to family and friends and explorations of many points of interest from the warmth of their home, but the best is that I got my chance to be examined and repaired! 

dancing after the overhaul!
This is the disadvantage of the full time RV cruising lifestyle that I clearly did not foresee (please look at http://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2010/04/debating-pros-and-cons-of-rv-cruising.html): inconsistent health care. I talked about ways to mitigate the disadvantage of not being close to family and friends in the post cited above but with inconsistent healthcare, especially with advancing age, the health risks of yesterday are turned into the health issues of today!

Besides, our lifestyle had us bouncing around 47 American states, 9 Canadian provinces, and 6 Mexican states in just a little more than three years. It’s bad enough that we have grown older; it is worse because we do not have a family physician who knows our history. Bill contracted pneumonia in Mexico (please see http://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2010/03/crossing-gulf-states.html), had arthroscopic surgery in Indiana/Ohio though not really due to RVing (please see http://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/08/ola-taking-much-needed-breaks.html), and even suffered a heart attack in Florida last December (please see http://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/12/wow-getting-scared.html). 

As for me, I have been having issues myself but we often joke about how major but easy Bill’s and how irritatingly minor and hard to diagnose and cure mine are. I had only talked about hypertension which produced GERD after the aspirins and diuretic regimen, I think, (please see http://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/01/wow-focusing-on-health.html). But I have been silent about the others, hoping they would simply go away. So Bill decided that we stay put at the Docks for however long it takes to take advantage of the good doctors the couple has.


find the wrist brace, not the grapettes!
Tendonitis. A couple of days before we arrived in Pittsburg, I had hurt my right wrist. Bill alleges it was because of 4-6-8 hours a day of incessant thumping on the computer keyboard because of various and sundry hobbies: blogging, surfing, facebooking, emailing, uploading and editing photos and creating albums, and WWF (Words With Friends). Dr. Carlson referred me to Dr. Stringer who gave me a PAINFUL steroid shot. And here I am, finally free of the wrist brace I was forced to wear for about a month! 

oral surgery on #5
Dental Care. Bill was not happy about the dental care I had with my #5. It hurt in 2008 and a dental clinic in Kent, Washington did a root canal. When I got to the Philippines in 2009, my dentist thought I had better see an endodontist. We went to one of only 2 such dentists in the country. She performed a root canal on a second root she discovered in #5. Well, I don’t think that went well and she instructed my dentist to be conservative about the kind of filling to use. 

The filling that was placed fell out just a few weeks after (in Taiwan, actually, even before we got back to the US!). I had that filling redone twice while we were cruising in the US. In March 2010 when we returned to the Philippines, my dentist and endodontist checked their work and went ahead and said it was ok and just put in another filling. About 6 months after our return to the US that last filling fell out, as well as half of the tooth. Dr. Mendez, the Dock’s dentist, referred me to Dr. Lowe, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. And now I have one brand new tooth!

Chronic Hives. The day Bill returned from the hospital after his heart attack, I had sciatica. Excruciating pain left me to be cared for by Bill who was, himself, just recovering. It eased a week after but then aggressive hives took over. I woke up with a swollen left eye one morning so we went to an ophthalmologist who prescribed antibiotic drops and tablets since he thought it was a bacterial infection. 

hives on arms and legs
But then the hives spread to the right eye, then the neck, and downwards to the arms and torso, and finally the legs. One day, the itchiness became intolerable we took refuge at an urgent care clinic near the campground where I was given steroid shots. We then finally surfed for a nearby family doctor who quickly referred us to an allergist. I could not muster enough confidence in these two doctors so we asked Bill’s cardiologist for a new referral.

She turned out to be a beautiful Filipina doctor whose tests led her to suspect lupus and so we were referred to a rheumatologist. He ruled it out and so we were referred to a dermatologist. The skin test was positive for hives. So we went to another allergist. Her tests revealed that at one point I had been infected with hepatitis A, which my Filipina doctor contested. We left Florida, still with recurrent hives, still dazed and confused. 

At the Unbearables reunion in Nova Scotia, Jeep gave me her bottle of liquid Benadryl (I had been using cortisone before then)! It was like a miracle lotion! I could not understand why not any one of the doctors who saw me recommended this over-the-counter gem which largely controlled my hives. But in Pittsburg, Jack’s family physician, Dr. Carlson, gave me an aggressive dose of non-sedating anti-allergy meds. Here I am a month and a half now, virtually free of hives, except for one or two that appear once in a while!


the left eye in preparation three weeks after
being wheeled for the right eye
Cataract Surgery. Nobody has seen me without any glasses, except for my grades 1-3 classmates. I have had aggressive myopia since I was in grade school. My study habits did not help at all. In 1997 I was one of the very first beneficiaries of laser eye surgery in the Philippines. Less than ten years after, however, my vision started to deteriorate again. In 2009 I had new prescription lenses done in the Philippines. 

left eye patch being removed
Back in the US only 6 months later, I needed another set of corrective lenses, especially. When I was back in the Philippines in 2011 I had new lenses prescribed and, again, only 6 months after returning to the US I needed new ones again. The ophthalmologist who saw me for my swollen left eye, the start of my hives, had said I had better have my eyes checked for cataracts when I got ‘home’. 

both eyes now done!
So I went to Rosemary and Jack’s ophthalmologist, Dr. Lazenby, and eye surgeon, Dr. Bhend, and both recommended cataract surgery on both eyes. Well, I now carry 2 cards for my implants and can clearly see! I wake up every morning without having to look for any glasses (except when I need to read or look cool with fancy dark ones) to put on. Bill survived the fear of my finally seeing how he really looks with 20/20 vision!

the mass more clearly revealed by ultrasound
Possibility of Breast Cancer. But, guess what may be the biggest one? A mammogram detected a 7 mm mass on my right breast. An ultrasound was done, then a physical examination. I am supposed to have another mammogram in another 3 months to see if the mass has grown so a biopsy could be done to test malignancy. The process of overhauling may not be completely over. Still, our stay with the Docks had overhauled Carol, though a somewhat bionic one! 

with my pink top ready for
breast examination
It certainly showed to us that full-time RVing should not be carried to the extreme we did at our age.  It was certainly possible to full-time without being constantly on the move as we have been. Our next travel patterns shall have to change to 4-5 months in Europe, 2-3 months visiting family and friends, and 4-5 months settling down in a normal home, in other words, moving closer to the sunbird/nesting stages (please see http://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com/2010/04/going-through-five-stages-of-cruising.html). We will be in Arizona for about 2 months looking to find a home much like the Docks’.  We now think there is wisdom in having some roots, even if, as Bill would say, we are not trees (may I add, plants?)!      

49 comments:

  1. sounds like you had an excellent opportunity to get lots of health issues resolved. that's great.

    some of those would have happened whether travelling or not. making the decisions to take care of them is the important part. glad you are now new and improved (if that's really possible!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are right but I think trying to do too much all at the same time puts a lot of stress. Then combine that with inconsistent health care because of all the travels, then the issues came. Thanks for the concern and the wishes!

      Delete
  2. Don't you want to do a biopsy now? The earlier the better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. the doctor felt it was too small and did not look malignant. how about you...how big was the mass?

      Delete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It seems as if you are now a $6 million woman. As for the mass in your breast, I can say as a cancer survivor that you need to follow doctor's orders. Make sure you go back when you should. I was fortunate that I needed no chemo or radiation. I hope it is benign but if that ugly little c-word happens, remember that a happy hopeful person has a better recovery than a pessimist. I wish you the very best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Emma! Thanks for your recognition of my accomplishment! And congratulations for beating it! Did you have a biopsy done even when they didn't recommend it? And thanks for your good wishes for me.
      Carol

      Delete
  5. I belieνе this іs among thе mοst important info foг me.

    And i am haрpу studying youг
    article. Howеver shοuld οbservation on few normal issues,
    The webѕіte style iѕ wonderful, the artіclеs is in point of fаct greаt : D.
    Goοd ϳob, cheers
    Also see my website - wall mounted fireplace

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks for your nice compliment. it is nice to have given valuable info! your website is nice, too. i didn't know there were wall mounted fireplaces!

      Delete
  6. Carol, I am sure you have heard of people who stayed home, free from germs and all, have also met medical issues far more challenging than yours. I just hope that in the coming days you will have more of chasing your dream of visiting beautiful places and less of chasing doctors.

    You didn't mention how Rving life deprives or provides you of healthy food and lifestyle.

    Take care, you are not yet done with me and Julie.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Orly...you are so right...I am trying to have that delicate balance of caution and being carefree. We are not stopping traveling but I would like to establish a home base where we can return to 3-5 months a year for regular check-ups etc. Bill and I have decided not to return to our condos in Seattle but to find one where it is warmer and dryer. Arizona, southern California, and Florida are the candidates (I have a post on this). So when do we begin your next quest for the world championship in public speaking?

      Delete
  7. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello to all, it's in fact a good for me to go to see this web site, it includes helpful Information.

    Here is my web-site: arthritis fact rheumatoid

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi, I think your website might be having browser compatibility
    issues. When I look at your blog in Firefox, it looks
    fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, superb blog!


    Here is my web blog: http://gharkhojle.com/article.php?id=817

    ReplyDelete
  10. I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is needed to get setup? I'm assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I'm not very web smart so I'm not 100% certain. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Appreciate it

    my site - backcountry edge coupon code

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It costs absolutely nothing. Just use Blogger and its tools.

      Delete
  11. I just like the helpful information you supply in your articles.
    I will bookmark your weblog and check again right here frequently.
    I am moderately sure I'll be informed many new stuff proper right here! Best of luck for the following!

    Check out my web page ... no win no fee in accident claim

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi, I do think this is a great website. I stumbledupon it ;) I am going to
    return once again since i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the
    best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.


    Feel free to surf to my web-site :: best wrinkle cream

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi there, its pleasant paragraph about media print, we all be aware of media is a fantastic source of data.


    Have a look at my weblog ... Sensitive Skin Products

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello very nice web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful .

    . I'll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also? I am satisfied to seek out a lot of useful information right here within the put up, we'd like develop extra strategies in this regard, thank
    you for sharing. . . . . .

    Here is my homepage: insults

    ReplyDelete
  15. It's great that you are getting ideas from this paragraph as well as from our dialogue made at this place.

    my web page :: random Facts

    ReplyDelete
  16. Heya this is kind of of off topic but I was wanting to
    know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
    I'm starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    My web-site ... best insults

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi! Quick question that's totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4. I'm trying
    to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem.
    If you have any suggestions, please share. With thanks!


    Feel free to visit my blog; insults

    ReplyDelete
  18. I really like what you guys tend to be up too. This sort
    of clever work and coverage! Keep up the awesome works guys I've incorporated you guys to blogroll.

    my web page :: best insults

    ReplyDelete
  19. What's up Dear, are you in fact visiting this site regularly, if so after that you will definitely get nice knowledge.

    Feel free to surf to my weblog :: funny facts (http://wiki.directvelo.com)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks very interesting blog!

    My site; funny facts - -

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi there friends, how is the whole thing, and what you want to say
    regarding this article, in my view its in fact remarkable in support of me.


    Here is my site - fun facts

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm not sure where you are getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this info for my mission.

    my web blog: Interesting Facts (www.jels.cz)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I'm impressed! Extremely useful information specifically the last part :) I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

    Stop by my blog post; interesting facts (www.acs-soft.net)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hey there, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in
    Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a
    quick heads up! Other then that, terrific blog!

    My web site; random facts

    ReplyDelete
  25. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that
    I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
    In any case I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!


    Feel free to visit my web blog; android freebies

    ReplyDelete
  26. Excellent goods from you, man. I've have in mind your stuff previous to
    and you are simply extremely excellent. I actually like what you have
    bought right here, really like what you are saying and the way in
    which by which you say it. You are making it enjoyable and you continue to take care
    of to keep it wise. I cant wait to learn much more from you.
    This is really a wonderful web site.

    Also visit my web-site - comebacks

    ReplyDelete
  27. I take pleasure in, result in I found just what I was having a look for.
    You've ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you
    man. Have a nice day. Bye

    Here is my homepage :: insults

    ReplyDelete
  28. Incredible story there. What happened after?
    Good luck!

    my web page :: Lee Trotman

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks for sharing about your life. The reminder about benadryl for hives is appreciated too!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you for sharing such wonderful information. Will surely keep visiting this website.
    Cataract Doctors Arizona

    ReplyDelete

Leave a Comment