Thursday, March 10, 2016

YOU KNOW YOU’RE OLD WHEN YOU EFFECTIVELY TELL YOUR DOCTOR TO GO SCREW HIMSELF



YOU KNOW YOU’RE OLD WHEN YOU EFFECTIVELY TELL YOUR DOCTOR TO GO SCREW HIMSELF

My recent few days have been dedicated to the issue of over prescribing by Dr.’s of psychotropic medications, and medications in general. At this moment I am indulging in my first dose of such; caffeine.

Dr. David Healy: “Our citizens would be far better off if we removed all the psychotropic drugs from the market, as doctors are unable to handle them. It is inescapable that their availability creates more harm than good. Psychiatrists should therefore do everything they can to treat as little as possible, in as short time as possible, or not at all, with psychotropic drugs.”

So, I was right primed for my own Dr.’s appointment today.

I needed a renewal on my Armour Thyroid pill. This is an ‘all natural,’ no chemical treatment for hypothyroid issues. [I have refused to take the chemicals like Synthroid, pushed by big Pharma. Dosage is notoriously unreliable.]

The medical office is in Hull / Nantasket Beach. 

Meemz and I walked the beach and then drove to the office early as I had received a call saying that I could just walk in for blood work.  My actual appointment to see the Dr. was at 11:30. We arrived at 10:45 in order to get the blood work completed before the appointment.  The receptionist said I wasn’t scheduled for blood work; scheduling is only done by the Dr. after the appointment. 

Ahhsooo!

 Meemz and I toured the area killing time; after she also STRAIGTENED SEVERAL WEEKS of her own issues out with the receptionist.

Meemz waited in the car while I returned inside.  She has to leave home for her afternoon school bus route by 1:15.  I told her that I would be out by 12:00 no matter what. The very nice but minimal English speaking girl eventually showed me to a fully enclosed cubicle that was 90 degrees in temperature with no ventilation. I had to ask her to repeat the questions too many times. “The Dr. will be right in.”

I stripped down to my tee shirt and flung open the window. And listened to the assigned Dr. in the next cube talking away like it was old home day.

After 30 minutes I stepped out to the desk and asked the time and explained I couldn’t wait much longer due to the school bus issue. “Oh, he will be right in.” Ten minutes later I picked up my clothing, book and water and had my hand on the door ready to leave when I could hear him opening the door to the next cubicle.  

SHIT, missed my opportunity to escape.

He walked in and I was standing facing him ready to bolt. This is where age is such a great thing. One has learned Doctors and Lawyers are not God’s. I kept my semi aggressive attitude, determined he was not going to lull me into useless conversation.

‘Listen Doc, just give me the fucking prescription …’

“You are here why?”

“Prescription refill”

“Armour Thyroid; that is an antique med. Didn’t know they made it any more.  ‘Wassa matta wid the chemicals bitch’.

“Do not like drugs.  Fine with the Armour,” I snapped. “My partner is waiting outside and has to be to her school bus.”

‘Let’s get this show on the road doc; stop fucking around and making believe.’

“Oh, you quit smoking in 76? 

‘Listen, I said no damn small talk’, I thought while not responding.

“What about adding a cholesterol to your blood work?”

“Cholesterol is fine, I don’t eat meat and eat lots of leafy greens.”

“And I don’t suppose you’re interested in a colonoscopy?”

“That’s right. I’ll let you know if I have any problems.”

“Well your blood pressure looks a little high let’s take it again. Nope looks okay.” 

These parma puppets are dying to start me on BP meds.

“I expect to throw out the Armour when I finish losing 35 pounds.” I mistakenly told him.

“Ah I see you have never up’ed your dosage. Might make you lose weight easier.”

“I’m all set there buddy.”

“Well, let me get you a lab schedule.”

“No need, got it cataloged up here sonny.”

Guy was my age, semi-retired, bored to death (assumption).

“Nice to meet you,” he called as I was flying down the hall.

When I got in the car I told Meemz my story. She was about ready to come in a get me. 

Best time ever. Howled with laughter all the way home.  He will have something to tell his wife over dinner.

Never did get the blood work done. The pharmacy just called to say my prescription was ready anyway.

The connection, the brainwashing, of Doctors and prosecutors can be explained in a very lineal composition.  I shall work on that next I think.

Start my master's in Public Policy on Sat. Focus on Government and Law.

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Katahdin or Bust



Age challenge, weight challenge, and get into shape challenge: Anyone out there need a goal.  Join Meemz and I. Climb Katahdin on August 14th, my 70th Birthday. We will be driving up to the Katahdin Inn & Suites on August 12th; proceeding to Roaring Brook campground on the 13th and camping out, (we will try and get a bunk house) then climb to the top of Katahdin on the 14th; then driving back out to the Inn; heading home on the 15th. Reservations have to be made 4 months in advance, so it will be ‘come rain or shine’. Please respond thru FB messaging by March 11th. We can stay connected that way, checking on each other’s progress.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

FOURTH EXCERPT FROM "CROSS THREADED"



A deputy handed Elizabeth an envelope which she opened and read out loud to Maddie. “The judicial review committee has randomly selected cases for review from the files and we find that judicial decisions have remained exceptionally consistent throughout their terms. We find no evidence of abuse of discretion. This committee recommends they complete the remainder of their terms.”
Maddie could feel the heat rising to the top of her head. Her nostrils flared. Her blood pressure felt like it hit 200. Flames could have spewed forth from her mouth. She excused herself and shut herself into a toilet stall where she dropped her hands to her sides and took a moment before starting deep breathing.
She emerged fifteen minutes later.
Elizabeth stared at her. “Are you going to be alright Maddie?”
“You bet,” said Maddie. “You bet.”
Her cell phone rang. It was Gabby letting her know Naylor was in the hospital due to a possible panic attack.
“That is very interesting,” said Maddie. “Shall we get together later at my place.”
“Sure, can I bring Bongo over so he won’t hide my running shoes in the morning?”
“Of course. And I have bad news. The judicial review committee nixed any opinion on cases they reviewed. They said, “The judges exhibited exceptional consistency in decision making.” So, we have to delve into the deeper layers of their deception to make our case.
“Ouch! That is disappointing, what I would call a great showing of moral lassitude.