In That Loop

 In my ministry work over the years, I often saw what it was like to get in that medical loop, particularly as one ages.  I have avoided it as long as possible.  Recently, I decided that just in case I get sick, I should probably meet my doctor.  But to do so, puts one right in the middle of that loop.

Also, due to my own personal experiences of doctors over the past twenty five years, I have developed some strongly held opinions.  Namely,  after taking several prescriptions that were pushed by the doctors and discovering the adverse affects on my body,  I am not inclined to take medications, unless it is absolutely necessary (or unless it is a short term antibiotic).  If one wants to avoid medications, the bottom line is, one needs to avoid doctors.

I met with my new general practitioner two days ago and it was an interesting experience.  There were tests that I knew that I needed which were long overdue.  There were different tests that she wanted me to have, which she thought were overdue.  It was a matter of negotiation.  I was checking her out.  She was trying to figure me out, and could tell you just couldn't push me too far too fast.  I would certainly own up to being among the worst and most opinionated of patients   Soon I was booked for blood work, a physical, an EKG, etc.

The night before that,  I had broken a molar, and today I had an appointment with my dentist.  As it turns out,the tooth is not repair-able, and so I am scheduled for an extraction on Monday.  Tuesday the doctor.  Wednesday the dentist, Thursday the blood work, Monday the extracting dentist; next week the appointment for a physical.   I have gone from being completely well and healthy, to suddenly finding myself caught up in the vortex of the ever swirling medical loop.

This is exactly what I did not want to happen.  But here it is.  I can only hope that this is temporary and will pass.  Hopefully, it is not the beginning of that long road of medical maintenance for the aging.  Ugh!!