At-home medical tests

[Andrew]

I have so many medical appointments I can't keep up with them. I don't have the energy to go out for a medical appointment more than once a week. And sometimes I can't go out at all.

So I made a decision to do whatever I can at home. Even if it costs a lot. So for example, the last blood draw I had to do, I did at home. The phlebotomist came to my home and drew the blood and took it to Quest. He told me he's able to spin the blood down in his truck in case he can't get there fast enough.

I've also had more than one COVID test at home, one strep throat test and one flu test. I also realized that doing it this way might not be ideal. But when I get to the point of being months behind on following through on certain medical things. I think it's worth taking this chance.

 

[Zebra]

I have so many medical appointments I can't keep up with them. I don't have the energy to go out for a medical appointment more than once a week. And sometimes I can't go out at all.

Andrew, I am in the same boat!

Due to an exacerbation of ME/CFS and unexpected hospitalization and surgery, I wasn't able to keep up with my medical appointments and tests this year, and as I postpone/reschedule each one into 2024, I find myself fully booked through June and doubtful of my ability to follow through.

I feel SO OVERWHELMED. Do you feel that way too?

I appreciate your suggestion to pay a bit more for services that can be provided at home. That is a wise idea, thanks.

 

[lenora]

Well, at this point in my life (age 77), I'm trying to cut way back on the numbers of doctor visits I have. One Dr. begets another Dr., and so it goes. It's too much.

If I'm having difficulty, I'll see the best doctor for the problem. I find video visits almost useless.....I wish I didn't.

I'll see the doctors who really matter about once/yr. My heart and lungs are concerns, but I haven't been to a cardiologist for well over 2 yrs. My last appt. was cancelled and made for next November! Ah, no....I asked to be referred to another cardiologist although I liked the one who keeps cancelling. I have 7 stents, probably more to go and both my husband and me need to see a cardiologist.

We're experiencing shortages of certain doctors. Blame COVID and just plain burnout for the problem.

I think I'm getting smarter about what can be treated and what can't. If I have strep throat, my Internist will do nothing. I'll go the ER at the corner (a clinic) and get a prescription for an antibiotic. We have plenty of tests for COVID and yes, in spite of immunizations, I'd had it. A mild case and fortunately no doctor was involved.

As long as I don't get really bad, I'll live with what comes along. I know I'm also wearing my husband out....so the doctor visits have to go. Old age ills are also catching up with us now. I keep busy, try to fulfill my obligations (small) and know that some things just can't be helped. However, I've had this for an extremely long time and can afford to take that attitude.

When you're young....try and get better. As you get older, accept what is and find a life for yourself and others around you. And yes, visitors are very tiring....but is that ME or simply old age? Yours, Lenora

 

[Andrew]

feel SO OVERWHELMED. Do you feel that way too?

Well, yes. Sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed and I can't even think. I'm never sure what's going on. First, I have ME. I also have cancer. I'm fighting this with drugs and they have side effects. I also have lung disease and that adds another complication. And a weak immune system. Plus, I'm 76 years old. So I never know if one of these is affecting me or it's something additional I really need to check on.

 

[lenora]

Wow, @Andrew, that's a lot to carry. Personally, I have found that old age really settles in sometime between 70 and 75. Others have noted the same thing. My husband is 79 and has a no. of small problems, but don't they all add up?

@Zebra, there are days when feeling overwhelmed is possible. Usually it involves dealing with the medical system and things like the holidays. I'm just cutting back on what I used to do and somehow make it through. Most medical matters, I keep out of my mind, even when I'm bedridden. I suddenly felt old after I had fractured my pelvic and some vertebrae in a number of places. I'm still feeling the after-effects of that one.

I think it makes one feel vulnerable, thus an old age feeling.

@Andrew, in your case you're keeping your head above water. I would imagine the cancer treatments may have been difficult, but the lung problems make it worse. I also have lung difficulties....like a yearly bout of bronchitis that lasts for months, usually ending up in an infection. But you have matters on top of this and somehow you're juggling everything. I hope your cancer treatments end soon, and you can go on with the rest of your life. Yours, Lenora