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We are in a season of doctors’ visits, blood draws and radiological testing.  There is the general practitioner, oncologist, urologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist, orthopedic surgeon, pulmonologist (C-Pap doctor), and the cardiologist.  And they all want their own blood tests, scans and x-rays.

All of this is to make sure that whatever health issues we have stay minor and not allowed to fester and grow.  And while we can slow the progression of aging down, we can’t eliminate it, so it can often feel like a dog chasing its tail.

I am trying to be a big girl about it, but it is starting to feel like we haven’t retired because taking care of our bodies has become a full time job.  And one that requires the both of us helping one another, I might add.

When our daughter, Francesca was in kindergarten and first grade we asked her how she liked school. “It’s good but it cuts into my playtime”, she said.  Boy, do we know that feeling.

We thought retirement would be filled with exploring new places, traveling, starting new hobbies, making and cultivating friends; but these appointments really are “cutting into our playtime”.

And it’s getting so busy with all these appointments they are all melding into one. Sometimes I forget which of us has or had a blood test scheduled and worry that I will  find myself going to Thad’s appointment and he mine.  Whew!

Thad and I have several of the same physicians that we both see and if we don’t label the calendar with specifics we find ourselves scratching our heads and trying to figure out who’s it for.

And then there is trying to remember what we have done and need to do as well as who needs to do it.

Let me give you an example.  I recently had to go to a gastroenterologist because its been 5 and a half years since my last colonoscopy and I have some elevated liver enzymes.  I got all my medical history together along with my current medications.  During my discussion with the doctor he asked me if I had had an abdominal ultrasound.  I totally blanked because lately Thad and I have had so many different ultrasounds (breast, chest, lower abdominal) I couldn’t keep them straight.

Its enough to drive you crazy, question whether you are simply losing your mind.

And this brings me to the point of this blog.

If doctor’s visits and tests are cutting into your playtime here’s a few suggestions to help keep it all straight.

Keep your own medical records.

• List of medications and keep them updated
• A Medical Fact Sheet – a chronological listing of all Dates, procedures and medical events in your life.
• List of Tests you need yearly, date last taken, and prescribing physician

Because you will eventually be in the season that Thad and I are now in.  “Not me!” you may say but believe me – someday it will be you.  Some come into this season on and off at an early age, and others not till later.  But everyone experiences the seasons of medical mayhem sooner or later.

After about 15 seconds I remembered that I use the free Air Table Productivity computer app to keep track of my medications, my Fact Sheet and my List of Tests. It really is an easy way to keep track of your medical needs.

Turns out, it’s a test I haven’t had.  Go figure!  So off I went to schedule that along with more bloodwork.

Retirement ain’t for sissies, Folks!

 

Thank you for reading my post.  If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it.  Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!

I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts.  To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com

Blessings for Health & Wellness.