Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Time Flies.....

...when you're just doing stuff. I'm not sure where these last two days have gone. I don't seem to have much to show for them. Rain has returned. Real rain. Rain that is endless. Rain that floods. And yet I haven't paid much attention to it. I even got out for a 45 minute walk today during a break in the deluge. Yesterday I saw yet another new doctor for my regularly scheduled physical exam. We belong to Group Health Co-op, which is both a health insurer and health care provider. I consider us very fortunate to be a part of this not-for-profit system directed by a board of members. It is rare in this country, maybe one of only two like it in the nation. We have assigned docs, but can see anyone if ours is not available, which means you can usually get prompt care if you really need it. But in my slot at our local clinic, the doc rotation has been frequent, so once again I have a new primary care physician. Because we were getting acquainted, I scheduled a double slot, claiming chronic conditions. I had to wait much longer than usual, but finally got to meet Dr. Wilkerson. She is a petite young woman whom I liked very much. And when I told her I had scheduled a double slot and then came prepared with lists, she was impressed with me too. "You are a very good patient", she said. So we hit it off. As far as I know I am healthy, just sort of falling apart. I had an x-ray taken of my right ankle, since it hurts often and is the only part I don't have a recent picture of. I suspect it will show arthritis. I have been doing my physical therapy exercises regularly, even though I hate it. Oh, I got points from the doc on that one too. Today I picked up my sewing machine, newly serviced and ready for projects. I am in the process of setting up both the sewing machine and the serger, using a new station in the guest bedroom. While I was at the shop I signed up for more classes. I think it's time to see what I can learn from others. I'm not much of a joiner, and have to push myself to get out there and participate in opportunities provided by others. It comes from my being a control freak. But I usually like it when I do. So we'll see. I received some bad news today. I got a short note from one of the cousins I met in Sweden. It was Yvonne, who's house we met at when we were there. She lost her husband to lung cancer in October. The cancer was due to work related causes - exposure to harmful chemicals. He was not an old man. What a loss to that family. I don't know what kind of hazardous work standards they have in Sweden, but it could have been exposure of 20 years ago finally taking it's toll. At least there was full medical coverage . Sweden does get that right. Will we?

6 comments:

  1. I am sorry about your friend and do to work..that happens a lot here too. I don't know if we will ever get decent health coverage for all...

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  2. I'm not sure we will ever get it as right as countries in Europe and that's really sad! I have decent coverage and I'm not complaining about my own personal health care, but there are some that will have NONE! And that is very sad -- as far as I'm concerned. I'm glad you've found a good doctor and you are well covered! Hope the rest of your week goes well!

    Sylvia

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  3. How very sad for your cousin, Linda. Thank goodness they have good medical coverage. I just hope we get that reform we need so much.

    Have fun with your sewing. I agree about time just slipping by.

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  4. fun to hear of you taking opportunities and charge of your health issues. A good doc sure helps. I love to take classes, am off to a photoshop one today. I like to watch how the teacher teaches too.

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  5. Sorry about your cousin's loss. I too am very fortunate in having great healthcare coverage but worry about my children having good coverage. Hmmm....guess I will keep my snow Linda over the rain!

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  6. I'm glad to hear your feelings about group Health Cooperative, I've been curious and there is nothing better than the horses mouth.
    I have some bone thinning Linda, and I suspected it.
    Not enough vit D I guess, for one thing.
    Sunshine is not easy to find in the is area..

    Anyway, I hope all your reports come back favorably and you continue to share this very creative life with us all unimpaired.

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