My retirement account has dropped 140K in value since January, all thanks to that flop-top Mussolini and his MAGA cronies. I have enough set aside for living expenses for the next 18 months, but this felon has probably put the kibosh on a lot of other’s retirement plans.
But today I was happy, it was “Turkey Flatbread Day” at the Lutheran Center, and I’d be seeing some of my favorite people like Mary, who is a fan of this sandwich as much as I am.
Waiting for the elevator downstairs after coming home from the center; made a stop at Kuhn’s for some eggs
I was also at the center a couple days ago, but things did not go as expected. If I share something really honest here, please no lectures—I’m not a kid, I know when I’ve done wrong.
Every month on Tuesdays, the center has nurses on site who do blood pressure readings. Before getting long covid 15 months ago, I always got mine checked and always had good numbers. The other day however was the first it’s been checked in a long while and didn’t go well.
The nurse took my reading, said “This can’t be right” and did it again, and got the same numbers. She said “Let’s do it old school, with a hand pump and stethoscope” but it wasn’t much better. She asked if I was on BP medication, I said I was, and she said “You better make an appointment with your doctor then. Your numbers are very high.”
Here’s what I was hiding: for the last few months, I’ve been halving my BP meds. For most of 2024 I was in too much pain to leave my house for extended periods, and my (former) PCP wouldn’t renew my 6 month BP prescription unless I came in for an office visit.
I figured it would be okay to chop the pills in half as I’d lost a lot of weight after getting long covid. I’m now guessing this wasn’t such a good idea.
I do want to say, I didn’t feel this nurse was doing accurate readings. She kept putting the cuff over my sleeved arm (it’s supposed to be on bare skin) and kept making small talk with me. (You’re supposed to remain totally silent during BP readings.)
Also, this was right after lunch, and that’s a no-no. Still, I heeded her warning and as soon as I came home, contacted my insurer and set up an appointment with a new PCP at a much more convenient office location than my old one. I’ll be seeing my new doctor on May 1, and until then I’m back on my regular BP dosage.
I take it at bedtime, and I really think that’s why I’ve slept so well these past 2 nights.
I was sharing this with Mary today, and she generously offered to give me a lift to that appointment—I was going to go via Uber, but I’d much rather go with her.
By the way, today there was a new member, Jim—but I have a feeling he won’t last long. He just moved up from Florida, is staying with his daughter’s family, and kept grousing how awful Pennsylvania is with all it’s hills and cold weather. Cussin’ Connie finally said “You’re full of shit! Now shut the hell up!”
After she and most of the other ladies headed downstairs to their exercise class, Jim said to me “What’s her problem?” I told him he wasn’t exactly making many new friends today. He said “I’m not HERE to make friends, I want a woman dammit! Now tell me about this herd!”
Finally, here’s that lunch: a tasty dish of potato salad (sweet but with lots of onions) and a large square of flatbread topped with sliced roasted turkey, ghost pepper cheese, barbeque sauce & cole slaw. Trust me, it just works.
No lectures from me. I could gripe all day about the way most health professionals take BP. Like you said, bare arm, silence, etc. When mine is taken, my arm is dangling because the machine is wall-mounted, my feet are dangling because I'm made to sit up on the table, the tech is asking me questions, etc. Then when it's high, the doctor starts talking medication!
ReplyDeleteLast month, there was a new gal taking mine and it was high. I was infuriated, partly because the whole time she was taking it, she was muttering that we had to walk back down the hall because she forgot to get my height! I was pissed because I told her how tall I am and she wouldn't believe me. (A few minutes later, and the wall stick confirmed it! Grr!!) Anyway, she then tells me she has to do it 3 more times to get an average (after the walk back down the hall.) So she puts the cuff back on, but doesn't explain that she has set the machine to go off automatically 3x. She leaves and says either she'll be back to get my BP or the doctor will do it. A few minutes later, the machine again begins to take my BP. Now I'm really riled, but somehow, I was able to start doing my vagus nerve reset (look it up) and somehow it worked! When the doctor came in, she said my BP was great, came down to normal. Now, this was a long story (sorry!) But, here's the kicker: the doctor told me EVERY SINGLE PATIENT she had that morning had needed to have their BP "averaged"! EVERY SINGLE PERSON! She told me I was the only one whose BP came back to normal. So, did we all really have high BP or was the tech just incompetent at taking it?? I know what I think!
Wow, this would've made me a nervous wreck! Thanks for sharing Bobi, I sure am sorry you went through that. Well, I've had pretty high BP for some years now, even did overnight stays in the hospital with formal testing. It was being managed successfully until I got long covid. But I don't trust every medical professional either. This is also why I'm getting a new pcp.
DeleteOk, first of all... my bp is usually low to normal (94-120) but goes up to 170 at the doctor's (they call it white coat syndrome). But you are right, feet should be on the floor, no talking, and arm heart height - or so I'm told. Never heard of averaging... (guess it's a thing)
ReplyDeleteHalfing your pills without checking probably wasn't a good idea. But beings you couldn't go in, didn't they offer a virtual visit through your phone or laptop? Then they could reorder your pills. I could see if your were a totally new patient, they would have to see you, but you weren't...
As for the new member, Jim... doesn't sound like he will last long there (IMO). Certainly wouldn't last long with me.
And that flatbread sandwich does look good! Happy to hear that you're out and about.
Thanks Rian.... I think I'd prefer if you took my BP. :^) As for virtual doctor visits, I did have 3 video appts with my neurologist, and he did extend my BP meds for 3-4 months. I guess I just got used to halving them, but not doing that anymore with the final month's pills.
DeleteThe new guy needs to move along. Connie was right on track, letting him know that his whining was not going to make friends and influence people.
ReplyDeleteThanks dkzody--I suspect the new guy might have a spot of dementia, unless he thinks he's being funny. I'm done with him already.
DeleteHi Doug. You are right; there are often errors when BP is taken in an office setting. So frustrating! You may want to invest in a home BP machine. For about $26, you can get an Omron BP monitor on Amazon, which has been rated as being very accurate. If you get one, don't get the wrist ones, as they are not as accurate as the arm ones. That way you can monitor your BP at home, and when you see your PCP, you can show him/her your home reading. As a retired NP, I was thrilled when folks would bring their readings from home. so much more accurate!
ReplyDeleteYour lunch looks yummy! Hang in there Doug. You've had a rough time of it. Don't be hard on yourself; you are doing the right thing to get established with a new PCP. Perhaps they may be willing to do Telehealth visits occasionally, where you report your latest BP readings. Good luck!
Carole
Thanks very much Carole! As a matter of fact, I DID buy 2 BP devices from Amazon this year, both a wrist and arm. You're right about the wrist, it gave very different readings each time I used it. As for telehealth, I got 3 appts with my neurologist this year via video (who kept my bp meds going an additional 3 months). My new pcp says they can do that with me, but not the first visit. I appreciate your medical input C.
DeleteI did the opposite and told my doctor that I wanted to bump mine up due to what was going on in my life and in the world. My b/p needs all the help it can get! I'm glad you have an appointment scheduled. Is ghost pepper cheese really hot? I would eat your whole meal minus the cantaloupe which I don't like. I would add a chocolatey dessert too. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha thanks Margaret (laughing about the chocolate, I'd prefer that for dessert too). Yes the ghost pepper cheese is fairly hot, but it's not as noticeable when it's buried in that other stuff. As for the BP meds, I'm worried they WILL bump mine up if I don't get those numbers down. Ugh.
DeleteI was wondering if Trump's tariff nonsense would affect your retirement fund, Doug. Bloody Hell! He really belongs in a straight jacket, far away from any purse strings. As for new member, Jim, a pity he is lacking in basic good manners. Your turkey lunch looked delicious! And with a side order of live, human drama!
ReplyDeleteThanks Florence! YES I agree Trump should be tightly bound (and then put on one of Musk's rockets while they're at it). I follow this Canadian woman "According to Nicole" on youtube who explains what a danger he is to ALL of us. As for the new guy Jim, I think he's leaning towards domentia a bit. He's more than a little eccentric.
DeleteWell, Jim sounds like a real gem. I am pretty positive that none of those lovely ladies at the center is looking for a grouchy complainer that yells at them. Someone needs an attitude adjustment!
ReplyDeleteNot going to yell. I make a lot of irrational health decisions myself. But I am glad you got your BP checked at the center and that it spurred you to get a new doctor and follow through. I have the "white coat" syndrome. When the nurse uses the wall machine it is always high. And when my doctor (due to retire soon) comes in he does it with the old fashioned pump and it is fine. I am actually to the point that, if I forget to take my bp pills first thing in the morning, I can feel my heart racing and feel faint. Not fun.
I will believe you with the turkey sandwich. It does not look terrific to me. But I would be willing to take your word for it and try it in person. Great you are out and about and returning to the center.
I took my investments out in early January and put them in high interest cds. Mr Merry left his in stocks. Now his day is spent watching the sinking ship. What an absolute moron. I am talking about the orange blob. I just told Mr Merry he needs to live another thirty years to recoup. Or have the broker on stand by for when he says something to make it jump up. My kids in their 40's are not happy campers either. I think everyone's health is taking a turn with the instability.
Thanks for sharing Miss Merry, I'm a little surprised (in a comforting way) how many people relate and have similar BP stories of their own. Well, I went thru a whole "BP meds trial" thing a couple years ago involving an overnight stay (on my birthday no less) to get to the right med & dosage, I was really thinking I no longer had high bp. As for the recent market tumbles, I don't know how wise it is to have all stocks in retirement (my portfolio is 75% stocks, 15% bonds, 10% cash) but I'm sure we'll recoup these losses in a couple years at the most. It would help move things along if we could do something about that orange blob though!
Delete75 percent still in stocks? You give hope. Dee
DeleteAre they foreign stocks? Dee
DeleteDee, a good quarter of my portfolio is in a foreign markets fund, it's not doing any better than the domestic stuff I'm afraid.. :^(
DeleteYou won't get a lecture from me either. I'm on no medications but should see the doctor about my right knee. I suspect I'll need surgery at some point, but it's almost impossible to get an appointment, he's a jackass when I do get to see him (can't change as there aren't docs taking new patients), and I avoid seeing him as a result. My BP always goes up when I do go to his office, though the machines at the drugstore are always reasonable.
ReplyDeleteOooh, Jim is a peach - a rotten one. Good on Connie for putting him in his place. Herd? If I had heard him say that I'd have smacked him upside his head.
IQ45's flip-flops have cost me too, about 10% thus far. I'm grateful that I don't need to rely on my investments for living expenses as my pension takes care of those. It's sad because he's playing the game to allow his billionaire supporters to buy low when others can't afford it. Though a few of those idjits are also feeling the pain.
Thanks for sharing Maebeme, I'm so sorry to read about your knee. I know that type of pain can be pretty bad. And yep, I used to use my drugstore's BP machine all the time before it closed down. I still miss it. Anyway, I sure hope that knee gets looked at soon. As for Jim, haha--that herd comment caught me off guard! And yep I mightily suspect Trump has been doing some market timing at much of the world's expense. Just kills me how we're hostage to this bastard.
DeleteLike you, I’m on BP meds. A couple of years ago I had an incident where it was found I had (extremely) high BP. The doc prescribed some pills. After a couple of weeks I found that my feet and ankles were swollen. He switched to other pills and they have worked a treat ever since.
ReplyDeleteHe recommended that I get a home BP testing device and I did. After a month or two my BP steadied into the range he suggested and has remained there ever since, so that’s good.
Also, he is permitted to renew the prescription over the phone – just email it to my pharmacist.
It sure sounds as if Jim wouldn’t add anything positive to your group. I’d avoid him if he’s there much longer.
Sorry to disagree about the food. I’ve mentioned before I’m not a fan of turkey – too bland, usually tough.
Also, not a fan of potato salad that’s sweet. Mine, I make with very thinly sliced salad onions and lots of mint. The dressing is my usual extra virgin olive oil with a bit of Dijon mustard.
Thanks for sharing Peter--this is interesting, your BP story is MY bp story. If you go back a few years on my blog, my bp meds also caused major swelling in my legs and ankles. I had to go thru some drug trials to find what worked without all that. But he still required me to come in twice a year which wasn't bad until I got long covid and he insisted I still come. As for the food, I don't know what to say. As for Jim, he's been to Australia (he claims) and hopes to return there. I'd like to send him along. :^)
DeleteNo, no, no. Keep him there.
DeleteYou know, I'd forgotten about this, Doug! I remember the trouble you had with your extremities swelling.
DeleteHaha thanks Debby that's kind of you to remember but for some reason this gave me a chuckle 😄
DeletePeter I'll try 😄
DeleteAy yi yi. Jim wants a woman? I'd tell him the way he's acting, no woman in her right mind would want him. He sounds like an ass.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow. That sandwich intrigues me. That's coleslaw on top of the ghost pepper cheese?
And, yes. Get that blood pressure checked out. Just the fact that you've slept so well after resuming your regular dosage must mean something. (And to be perfectly honest, I think your PCP was being a bit of an ass, too. I mean, you're were dealing with some pretty extreme chronic symptoms. Surely he could have worked something out.
Thanks very much Debby, if I hadn't switched pcps I would be tempted to give my doc your email address (or phone no if I had it). As for Jim... I think the man may have a spot of dementia, no woman in that center would come close to him with all that vinegar.
DeleteHey Doug you know comedy isn’t free but at the SC there is no coverage charge and there is a lot to laugh about right? It’s not really the place to pick up women beyond friendships and I don’t think that is what Jim had in mind😜. I’m glad you found a new PCP and I’m glad to take you there. Hang in there until then and hopefully your new doctor could regulate your blood pressure. See you soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary, I was hoping you saw this and thanks again for your generous offer! BTW, your facial expressions while Jim was going on--priceless 😄 I hope that poor man finds something to smile about, but doubt he'll get it from the center. See you soon!
DeleteMy BP was high when I checked it last week, so I got new batteries for my home monitor and found I am all right after all.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad new batteries resolved your own BP issue DJan...
DeleteHi Doug, no lectures here! I “neglected “ to have a mammogram and Pap for a few years during Covid. Just wanted to stay away from the doctor’s office. I am all caught up now and everything is good. I usually have a bit of white coat syndrome when I have my BP checked so they check it a few times throughout the appointment and it comes down. Jim sounds like such a lovely man, I am sure the ladies will flock to him! 🙄🙄 Yech!!! Take care Doug!❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteHi Robin, I'm very glad to hear you're all caught up (doctor wise) and frankly, just glad to hear from you. Thank you for sharing your white coat syndrome when getting your BP (maybe I have that too) and you gave me a chuckle here regarding Jim--he's a real character alright and I hope he finds what (or who) he's looking for! You take care too Robin, as always a real pleasure :^)
DeleteHey Doug .I avoid all medical appointments if I can - especially since Tony died . It does not sound like you had a particularly attentive practitioner measure your BP , so a ton of reasons why your reading MAY have been high . It will be ok . Losing all that weight will help . You are a smart guy , you will be ok . No words about Trump - but I bet Jim voted for him ( misogyny much - I want a woman ! ) so give him a wide birth
ReplyDeleteSiobhan
Thank you Siobhan, I'm glad to hear from you. I can relate to you avoiding medical appts, this is why I'm switching my own primary care doctor. He refused to take my long covid seriously until they diagnosed it at hospital. But I still hope you see to your own care soon. As for losing all that weight, I gained almost half of it back. Darn it, been chubby too long. And excellent point about Jim and his politics--I wouldn't be surprised!
DeleteI guess my comment didn't go through. Anyway, you lost a lot of money. I don't know how can sleep at all. I am glad I am so conservative, investing in an annuity and CDs.
ReplyDeleteHi Gigi--comments don't get posted automatically after a couple days. They go to a folder for review. This keeps spammers from posting links on old blogs. As for losing a lot of money, not really, just the value of the stocks are down right now. As long as I don't sell, those stocks should regain their value in time. I earn a lot more in stocks than in CDs or annuities.
DeleteNew member Jim sounds less than charming -hopefully he finds another group to bless with his presence! Good job making a medical appointment so quickly. Cheers, Ceci
DeleteThanks Ceci--I haven't seen him (or been back to the center) since I wrote this, was supposed to go on a lunch outing today but pulled something in my back and had to cancel. Maybe God is telling me to be kinder towards this character.
DeleteMussolini indeed. Lunch looks 👌 😋 Warm greetings from a 68 year old lady living in Montreal, Canada ❤️ 🇨🇦 😀
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda, and nice to meet you. You've got my mother's name and you're from one of the nicest places on Earth, it doesn't get much better than that. :^)
Delete