Happy Spring!
Clocks have changed and we get glimpses of Spring weather every now and then. However, today seems less Spring with a chill in the air and a Wintry mix. Even a coating of snow is predicted before turning to all rain.
Not knowing what the weather would do to the commute, I got up a bit earlier and headed out to UMass, Worcester at 6:15AM to arrive at 8AM for my annual Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm ultra sound and follow up. Having fasted since last night and not allowed to have coffee, my brain was just as cloudy and dark as the early morning. Although the weather held off, the traffic was heavy, but moving with no issues. I made good time and arrived at the parking garage at 7:15. I took my sweet time and walked up three flights to the waiting area of the Ambulatory Unit/Vascular Surgery.
Being early, the normally bustling medical center was pretty much a ghost town with a few staff members rushing to get to their respective stations. By the time I arrived at check in, I seemed to be the first patient to arrive. Check in was uneventful and I was directed to wait to be called. It didn't take too long before Caitlyn called my name. After grilling me for my personal information, I was directed to lift my shirt and lay on the examination table. She was quick. (I was really appreciating the warmed gel used to guide the implement for the ultrasound). With no audible gasps or sudden stopping (that translates to an 'Oh oh, found something), she exclaimed that we were done. I was directed back to the waiting area.
It didn't take too long before another medical professional (didn't get the name) called me in for weighing, measuring and taking my vitals. I must have had the white coat syndrome because my blood pressure was elevated. She said it was 147. Yes that is high, since my daily readings are in the vicinity of 103-110. She didn't seem too concerned. She finished up and reviewed some information in my chart, then said Shauneen will be right in.
The Nurse Practitioner, Shauneen did arrive within minutes. She said, "Things look good, but..." She searched for a piece of paper and began sketching an Aorta. She drew in the stint and just below (she referred to as the ileus), she said there was some enlarging (both legs). She said this was observed last year and it doesn't appear to have gotten larger, so "It's OK for now, but we will have to monitor it", she said.
Now I Googled ileus and didn't go down the rabbit hole. But some of the things listed (as far as symptoms) I don't have. So she said it's OK for now. So I guess it's just something else to keep an eye on. She said she'll see me in a year. So there's no urgency, apparently.
So I have an appointment for next March.
Other Things In The Works
Last week I had my 6 month check in with my primary care doctor. My cholesterol numbers are stellar and other health things appear in good order. He did want me to have my booster for Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Whooping Cough) which I scheduled for today at Walgreens.
I had had two appointments scheduled and canceled for my annual mammogram due to the reorganization/change from Stewart to Lawrence General. I called today and got an appointment for 3/31 in the evening. I had been concerned because my oncologist wanted to have the results ready for review for my next appointment 4/2. So that's in motion.
While I was at my 6 month, when asked if I had any question, I asked for guidance on a bump on my neck. My dermatologist said it wasn't cancerous and thought it might be a cyst. Dr Reese looked at it and said he could have it removed if it bothered me. Actually there's no pain and it was only during scarf season that I even noticed it. He said since there's no pain, you can leave it alone or make an appointment to have it removed. "I think I'll wait", I said.
I also mentioned that my toe nails are too thick to cut and are now ingrown. He referred me to a podiatrist, Dr Greenblott. So I have an appointment next week.
More to come!
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