Dr. Song follow-up and other 'lovely' updates

It's been a year since I had my cataract laser surgery and my In-Ocular-Lens (I.O.L.) implant. Today, I had my 'yearly' check -up with Dr. Song at the Waltham location for the Massachusetts Eye and Ear.

Traffic cooperated today and I arrived a half hour early to a packed waiting room.  It didn't seem to take too long before I was called in for my eye test(s) and dilation.  My vision continues to be very good in both eyes and I do not need corrective lenses.  My cataract in my left eye hasn't changed much since my last screening (about 6 months ago).  Everything checked out OK.  I was asked to return to waiting room so the dilation drops could take effect.

About 15 minutes later Dr. Song called me into his examination room.  He had mentioned that he was reviewing my chart/history and seemed surprised about my recent Triple A repair.  He asked how things were going (for my eyes).  I had mentioned that the only 'issue' I had was the halo effect I experience when I go into an area that has heavy fluorescent lighting and/or bright (LED) overheads. I mentioned that my brain assimilates after a period and I'm no longer aware of the anomaly.  He reminded me that this is caused by moisture buildup between the lens and the tissue at the bottom of the 'capsule'.  "This can be easily corrected," he said.  "We can monitor this and if it gets worse or becomes bothersome, we can discuss performing the procedure".   I agreed.  He then to check my eyes. The good news is: Everything looks good and I will need to see him next year.  [Yay]

I left his office and visited the receptionist for next year's appointment information.  Leaving the office the sun decided to make a rare appearance and I was glad to have remembered to bring my sun glasses in with me.  Between the bright sun and the dilated eyes, I'd be squinting without the glasses.

The ride home was uneventful.

Other medical updates

It must be a law or protocol to inform the patient of the results of any type of imaging performed.  Last December, I was notified that there was no cancer detected in my mammogram.  Well I did get the results of the CT scan I had done at UMass Medical on May 1st.

Primarily, the results were favorable for the final placement of the stent (repair of the Triple A) and there was no endo-leak.  However, there was a notation that the aneurysm was now a bit larger (6 cm.).  I recall my research and Dr. Schanzer's saying that the 'sac' will begin to shrink over time.  He did say that the risk of rupture (at the site) has been almost eliminated.  There is no blood supply or leak that could cause this.  This news is just a bit disconcerting to me.  But they are the professionals and I'm scheduled to see him in December.  I'm optimistic that things will be better. [Fingers crossed]

There were also two entries that surprised me.  Apparently I have a Hiatus Hernia (not Hiatal) and a distended gall bladder without stones.

• I did some research on the hernia.  The Hiatus is the end of the esophagus as it 'starts' the stomach. This condition can be caused by acid re flux (GERD) [Which I have]; straining; excessive coughing; sneezing, and some others.  There are no symptoms until it gets bad.  For many there are no real problems.  But with my luck....

• The distended gall bladder research indicated that the cause could be a blockage of the bile duct (generally a stone) or another serious type of illness - my cancer??  Once again the symptoms mimic other maladies (heart attack being one) and manifest as the condition worsens.  Treatment is exercise and proper diet or removal of the gall bladder.   I currently get a good amount of exercise (walking) and I'm good about making healthy choices when it comes to eating.  [Thank you, Weight Watchers]  So I'll have to 'be aware' of this.

The report also indicated that a copy would go to my PCP.  So I have some questions to ask Dr. Rees when I see him in August.  As Rosanne Rosannadanna used to say: It's always something!

More to come.

Follow-up with PCP - Dr. Rees

According to my instructions on my discharge paperwork that I received from UMass Medical, I had scheduled a follow-up visit with my primary care provider (PCP) - Dr. Rees.  He now works part-time and I was unexpectedly surprised when he showed his face.  He now 'Winters" in Florida and comes back to work in the Spring.  I have history with him, so his presence made me feel that much better.

Everything is run off computers these days, so with laptop in hand, he entered the examination room.  After greeting, he said that he was reading the 'file' and he has seen that I have been through a lot since our last face-to-face (August). But he expressed satisfaction in knowing it is all in the past (as I am).

He checked my vitals and reviewed my medication list and recent test results. "Things look good," he said.  He asked if I had any questions or needed to talk about any 'new business'.  I took the opportunity to state my case for not needing Atorvastatin.  I likened it to an honor student being forced to attend summer school.  My cholesterol numbers have been stellar - without medication, so having to take this was like a slap in the face.  Dr. Rees agreed with me.

He said, "Just because there are pills, doesn't mean that we have to take them all.  Atorvastatin is not a blood thinner and although it also used to treat heart disease, you don't have heart disease.  I would stop taking it."  Fine with me.  He asked that I come in for a lipid (cholesterol blood test) in about a month to ensure that my numbers are at their historical levels.

I'm glad to be off Atorvastatin, but I'm sure it will take a bit before I notice any side effects diminishing.  It should be interesting to see if my runny nose and hoarseness goes away...and anything else I've gotten used to.

Energy levels are improving and I'm almost to the point of wellness just prior to the procedure.  I was able to work in the yard today and mow the lawn.  It was a struggle toward the end, but I made it.

More to come.

It's May! (Sure doesn't feel it)

Happy May 1st everyone.  I guess the warm (summer-like) weather we had a few days ago just couldn't stick around long enough to greet the new month.  This is New England and more rain is predicted.  Drought, be gone!

I had my (little more than a) month follow-up since my Triple A repair (EVAR).  I fasted four hours prior to a CT scan.  But basically, when the exam is scheduled for 11:30, I had been fasting since night before.  I can handle the lack of food intake, but I'm in a perpetual fog without my coffee.

Checking in at Radiology at 11, I was given my mandatory SAT to complete.  Seems they are always giving me something to complete that requires my looking up answers.  For example, how old ma was when she passed.  I get my calculator app fired up and subtract 2001 from 1923 (year of death/year of birth).  I'm good at remembering the dates, but not so much on the number of years alive.  Same for dad.  I finished and waited...and waited.  Finally at 12:15 PM, I complained.  I did have a follow-up visit with Dr. Schanzer at 1PM and I was concerned. 

Don't know if it was happenstance or the squeaky wheel syndrome, but I was called in with a few minutes of my returning to my seat.  I was guided down a long corridor and was instructed to enter the imaging room.  There were two attendants and they were furiously working to get everything in order.  I was told to lie down and pull my pants down to my knees.  I was covered with a blanket while one attendant prepared my vein for the IV.  Before I knew it, the saline was coursing through my veins and both technicians left the room to view me from the control room.  They took about four passes. [They must have a recorded female voice that they use to provide instructions: "Take a deep breath and hold. Now exhale and breathe regularly."  I saw no woman in sight.]

I heard one attendant say, "Here comes the warm feeling".  At that point I could feel the "contrast" (nuclear dye??) enter my body and diffuse through my veins.  It was warm, but not painful.  My hot flashes seem stronger.  I took a few more rides in and out of the tube and was told that we were done.  I looked at the clock and the whole thing took about 15 minutes.  [Do shoulder shrug here.]

I left and thankfully, there was a kiosk right outside radiology and they had Starbucks.  [High Test].  I ordered a small back and a blueberry muffin.  Not cheap, but convenience has its price.  The coffee was wicked hot, but after a significant amount of blowing, I was able to caffeinated myself.  I felt my brain waking up.  [Almost heaven].

I had 15 minutes to get across the street and up to the third floor for Dr. Schanzer.  Walking while sipping I got there in 5 minutes.  I checked in and got another round of SAT paperwork to complete, but I was called before I finished.  Angela said she'd help me out.  She took my vitals and we stopped into my examination room.  She looked at the paperwork and asked the questions and entered the information to their computer system.  I was asked to strip down to my undershorts and was given a johnnie to cover my lap.  "Dr. Schanzer will be with you shortly", Angela said.

It seemed to be about 20 minutes of waiting before a colleague of Dr. Schanzer's arrived.  Apparently, Dr. Schanzer was delayed in the operating room.  She [can't remember her name] said that she reviewed the CT scan results and everything looked good.  She indicated that there was no leak, but they were going to monitor an artery (to the lumbar region) that will correct itself over time.  She said that I'll have a follow-up ultrasound in 6 months.  She said I could wait for Dr. Schanzer, but I didn't have to if I didn't want to wait any longer.  I indicated that I was here, so I'll wait.

Not long after, Dr. Schanzer knocked on the door and entered.  After apologizing for the wait, he reiterated what his colleague had told me.  He did explain that the artery they are watching is not leaking.  There is no blood source.  The body makes this correction over time.  [I recall some of my early research indicated that this condition is fairly common.  The body is smart and will re-route veins and arteries when one is (some are) no longer functioning.  There is also redundancy so there are many arteries/veins to take up the extra slack to ensure delivery of blood.]

Dr. Schanzer said I have no restrictions and he will see me in 6 months.  He shook my hand and I left to schedule the follow-up.

Yet another health issue can be closed (almost).  I no longer have to worry about a rupture at the most inopportune time.  Only if the sun were out today.  There's always tomorrow and the day after.....

More to come!