Cardiologist Appointment Yesterday

Above, at El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant at Grants. 

Yesterday, I went to Grants (about 45 miles east) for my annual check-up with my cardiologist.

The drive wasn't bad. It did rain (a downpour) near Thoreau, but that only lasted a couple of minutes. 

At the doctors, I was weighed (149 lbs.) and had a cardiogram done. I also had my blood pressure checked (111/71). So far, so good. The doctor told me that he reviewed all the tests (lexiscan, stress test, etc.) I took last year and I came out better than expected and for my age. 

We decided that rather than coming in once every year, I would come in six months. This is nothing bad, but since I am getting older, it is best that I get examined so that if anything develops, we catch it earlier rather than later. He asked if this is a problem, I told him that since I am retired, it is fine with me. So, my next appointment will be in December. 

He noted that since I gave up cigarette smoking ten years ago, I am still alive and kicking. He said if I still smoked cigarettes, I would likely not be here. He wasn't concerned about the cigars. I told him I came down with bronchitis back then and used that as an opportunity to quit. 

Above, the chile relleno plate at El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in Grants. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We discussed my activities and showed him photos of the Jeep. I told him we have OHV roads in nearby Six Mile Canyon and I enjoy driving them. This is a lot better than sitting in a rocking chair.

After the exam and everything was done, I headed out to the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in town. It was a bit of an effort getting there as there was roadwork being done and I had to take numerous detours. 

One I got there, I had the chile relleno plate. Following dinner, I headed back to Jamestown. 

After getting home, we had a good downpour, which gave my trees a good soaking. We needed this. Monsoon season is definitely here. 

New Injection Could Help Reverse Damage

Above, yours truly in a Twin Falls, Idaho hospital after two stents were installed.

Eight years ago, when I had my heart attack (or something very close to it) in Wells, Nevada. It was due to fast action by a friend that got paramedics to me that prevented any heart muscle damage. All I needed were two stents to remedy a coronary artery blockage in Twin Falls, Idaho.

I recovered so well that I was able to go on a cruise to Cuba and do some river rafting in Jackson, Wyoming the following year. I also shed some weight as well.

Above, river rafting the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming in 2019. Photo by Floatographs

My Lexiscan (and other exams) last summer showed no new blockages. Whew!

Meantime, Fox News posted a story on a new therapy that may repair cardiac muscle damage following a heart attack. I was sent the article by my "honorary sister" Diane.

The article starts with:

Scientists have developed a new therapy designed to repair cardiac damage after a heart attack.

The study, led by researchers at Columbia University and published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, explored a two-step strategy that uses skeletal muscle to produce a healing molecule that activates when it reaches an injured heart.

Unlike many organs, the adult human heart has a limited ability to repair itself after a heart attack, the researchers noted.

 To read more, go here.

Stress Test Done

Above, last night at Laguna Burger in Route 66 Hotel Casino.

The lexiscan stress test is over and done with.

I got up early this morning and checked out of the Route 66 RV Resort and headed to the hospital where the test would be given.

To say that it was a weird experience would be an understatement. Initially, I had to have monitoring patches attached to my chest and the IV needle installed in my right arm.

First, I was rolled into the imagine machine while flat on my back on a gurney. The picture-taking took around 20 minutes. After that was done, I was wheeled back.

I was then given the radioactive "joy juice" through the IV. When the effect of it hit, I felt as if I were running up a steep hill. After about 15 minutes of that, I was then given the counteractive "joy juice" and it removed all of the effects of the first. It caused me to have something close to a headache as it was administered. 

After that, I was wheeled back into the imaging machine for about 15 minutes. When that was done, I was done with the whole procedure. 

During all this, my blood pressure was checked twice and it was lower than it had been previously. Obviously, the blood pressure meds are doing their job.

I was able to leave the hospital with no ill effects. By then (it was around 9:40), I was starving. I found a McDonalds next to a gas station whose price for unleaded regular was $2.63/gallon. After filling the gas tank, I went to McDonalds for a egg/sausage McMuffin meal that included hash browns and coffee.

After breakfast, I then headed home and arrived home at around 12:40. 

Now that that's over, I can concentrate on getting the Jeep running again (likely due to an ignition switch problem) and more enjoyable pursuits. 

Stress Test Today

Above, relaxing at the Route 66 RV Resort.

Today's the day I'll finally get the lexiscan cardiac stress test done. The first try didn't go as the dates were mixed up.

What's a lexiscan? Here's what it is in a nutshell:

A Lexiscan stress test, also known as a Sit Down Stress Test, is a procedure used to evaluate the condition of your heart's coronary arteries. It involves injecting a small amount of a radioactive tracer and taking pictures of your heart muscle before and after the injection. The test helps determine if there's adequate blood flow to the heart and can be used to assess coronary artery blockages or evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac procedures. 

I am fasting for 12 hours (started last evening) after having a Laguna Burger at the Route 66 Hotel Casino. It was big enough to fill me. At this moment, I am not at all hungry. The only issue is I am not to have caffeine during this period. 

Above, yesterday's Laguna Burger. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am currently staying at the Route 66 RV Resort and will be heading out to the medical facility in a couple of hours. 

Hopefully, I will feel good enough to drive home afterwards. 

Above, at the Route 66 RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have two friends who had or are having stress tests. One found that he needs heart surgery and the other will be taking his today at about the same time as I am. We are all in the same age range. As my late dad used to say, "Growing old ain't for sissies!" Now I know what he meant. 

Second Try

Above, last month at Route 66 RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This week will be the second try at getting my lexiscan stress test completed in Albuquerque.

The last time I tried, I arrived a day late. I had it down as March 25, but the clinic had my appointment down for the day earlier. This time, we're both in sync.

I'll be arriving a day earlier and will be at the Route 66 RV Resort as the appointment is early in the morning. If I feel okay after the procedure, I'll drive on home afterwards. If not, I'll stay another night. 

At least the weather in Albuquerque will be nice in the lower 80s. 

First RV Trip

Above, at Route 66 RV Resort in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We are now three days into the Spring Equinox. It took place on March 20. 

Winter was a dry one. We've had only a few inches of rain and snow. 

The first RV trip in the spring season will be this coming week when I have to go into Albuquerque for a cardiac stress test. I will go the day before and camp at an RV park as the appointment is early in the morning. 

Depending upon how I am feeling afterwards (I heard that the stress test is about 2-3 hours in duration), I may stay over an extra night and drive home the following day. 

Cardiac Tests

Above, a jackalope on display at the Bluewater Outpost. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I had to drive to Grants to have an echocardiogram done.

What's an echocardiogram? 

Basically:

 An echocardiogram, commonly referred to as an echo, is a non-invasive imaging test that uses ultrasound technology to create detailed pictures of the heart. It provides valuable information about the heart's structure, function, and blood flow. 

It didn't take long and since I got there early and another patient cancelled, I was out by my appointment time. 

It was just as well, with a storm approaching, I figured I would head back home before it hit. I intended to have dinner at Rosie's Cafe, but it was closed (they close at 2:00 PM). So I got on the road and stopped at Bowlin's Bluewater Outpost to get a burger at the Dairy Queen there. 

That didn't take too long and I was back on the road and home by 3:30. 

Two weeks from now, I have to go into Albuquerque and have a lexiscan done. 

What's a lexiscan?

This is it in a nutshell:

Lexiscan is a medication used in cardiac nuclear stress tests to simulate the effects of exercise on the heart. It is administered intravenously to dilate the coronary arteries and increase blood flow to the heart. This allows doctors to assess the heart's function and detect any potential blockages or abnormalities. 

Since it is a morning appointment, I will go into Albuquerque the day before and stay at an RV park and stay there for a night after the procedure.. I can't have anything with caffeine 12 hours before and can't eat during that time. Lovely.

Annual Cardiologist Check-up

Above, at the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant on Thursday.

A couple of days ago, I had my annual check-up with my cardiologist.

He was pleased that I lost weight and am keeping active (I told him about last year's travels, including jet skiing in the Bahamas) and recreational Jeep drives.

Everything came out okay for the most part, but his only concern was the rise in my blood pressure. He said most of the time higher blood pressure comes with age.

So now, in addition to the medications that I have been taking for the past seven years, I also now have to take a blood pressure medication. He wants to see me in six months to see how that's working out. I picked up the medication yesterday and will start it this morning.

It was a longer doctor visit than I expected, so I didn't head over to Loeffler's Guns Etc. I went directly to the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in Grants. 

Grants Today

Above, Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today seems like today's weather will be decent enough for my drive to Grants today. I have an appointment with my cardiologist there for my annual check-up.

The temperature will be around 54° with 15 mph winds. 

Since it will be an afternoon appointment, I will likely have dinner at a Mexican restaurant, El Cafecito, in town. 

I may also stop in at Loeffler's Guns Etc. while in town to browse around. It is one of the better gun stores in the region.

Just As Well I Stayed Home

Thanks to westbound Interstate 40 being closed from Flagstaff, Arizona to Gallup, New Mexico, many trucks and cars had been diverted into Gallup, where they sat for hours causing a massive traffic jam at Exit 26.

As things turned out, my cardiologist could not make it into Gallup due to the above. He comes in from Albuquerque on Wednesdays. It was a good thing I didn't go into Gallup. We re-scheduled my appointment to May, but if something opens up sooner, they will call me. 

No wonder Interstate 40 was closed, the snow amounts in Arizona as of this morning:

Here in Jamestown, New Mexico, we only got about a couple of inches. However, I am reading  another storm (a bigger one) is on its way.

We are now getting snow mixed with rain.

Buckle up!

Looks Like I Won't Make My Appointment

This morning, I have a cardiologist appointment for my annual check-up in Gallup

Looking outside, it appears that I won't be making that appointment due to snow. This happened before and I had to reschedule. It looks like one or two inches of snow came down overnight. It is still snowing.

I took these two photos a few minutes ago:

 

Snow Next Week

Above, the snow on January 17. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like tomorrow will be a little warmer than today.

It'll reach into the 40s tomorrow. We didn't get out of the 30s today. At least it won't be snowing, which caused me to cancel my cardiologist appointment last month. We rescheduled my appointment to tomorrow.

We won't be getting any snow until next week. At least, that's what the National Weather Service is saying.

 Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 8. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 44. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Increasing clouds, with a low around 17. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Partly sunny, with a high near 52.

Sunday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Monday

Snow showers likely before 11am, then rain and snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Tuesday

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Breezy.

Tuesday Night

Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday

Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 27. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11.

Looks Like I'm Not Going To Gallup

Above, the deck and furniture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After getting out of the shower 25 minutes ago, I took a look out the window and saw that the snow showers have begun.

Then, a few minutes ago, I looked out again and it was still snowing and accumulating on the ground, deck and deck furniture.

Above, snow and cat tracks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, unless it abates, it looks like I won't be going into Gallup today for my cardiologist appointment and pick-up my prescription.  

The National Weather Service forecast the snowfall to be mainly after 11:00 this morning. That would have worked out okay. 

Another Storm and Trip To Gallup

Above, my trip into Gallup includes picking up a prescription. 

Today is going to be interesting.

This morning, I have to go into Gallup for my appointment with my cardiologist for my annual check-up. And, while I am in town, I have pick up a prescription.

But, we are supposed to be getting a "fast-moving" snowstorm coming in before I am to head out. I spoke with the doctor's office last evening and they said that if the roads are hazardous, I can cancel and reschedule.

I am not concerned about my snow-driving, it's the "other guys" out there one has to be leery about.

According to the National Weather Service:

Overnight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. South wind around 10 mph.

Friday

Snow showers likely, mainly between 11am and 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Friday Night

Scattered snow showers, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Yup, this is going to be an interesting day.

Yesterday In Gallup

Above, Rehoboth McKinley Christian Medical Center in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday was spent in Gallup for my cardiologist appointment at the Rehoboth McKinley Christian Medical Center and to pick up my Mustang from the mechanic's shop.

First, about the car. 

I bought it in to have an estimate on replacing parts and/or repairing sections of the exhaust system. It seems it got thrashed driving a few weeks ago in Six Mile Canyon and the rocks it kicked up did some damage. It was akin, I suppose, flying into a meteor shower.

A day before, it was noticed that I was leaking coolant. Yesterday, while in Gallup, I noticed more coolant leaking. I suspected that the water pump went out. Thankfully, it never overheated and the shop I was to get an exhaust system estimate also does radiator and cooling system repairs. Sure enough, it was the water pump. So I had those taken care of there. Sometimes, things work out like this. 

After picking up the car, I was headed to the pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions when the clutch pedal went out about a mile from the repair shop. It just actually flopped around. I was able to get the car to my regular mechanic and that's where it is now. Thankfully, friends that brought me to Gallup were following me to the pharmacy "just in case." Now, I await for the diagnosis on the clutch pedal problem. Hopefully, it is a minor one. I replaced the clutch a day before moving from California.

I am hoping the Mustang can be done today, because a snowstorm is arriving tonight. It is a pain to have to deal with automotive repairs, but as friend Greg Lucier says, "It's still cheaper than buying a new car." True!

Back to my cardiologist appointment.

I needed a check-up in order for my prescriptions could be updated. I hadn't seen him since before the pandemic began. 

My vitals were checked (my blood pressure was a little up, but not concerningly so) and I had an electrocardiogram done.

What's an electrocardiogram?

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine:

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches that stick to the skin) are placed at certain spots on the chest, arms, and legs. The electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires. The electrical activity of the heart is then measured, interpreted, and printed out. No electricity is sent into the body.

Natural electrical impulses coordinate contractions of the different parts of the heart to keep blood flowing the way it should. An ECG records these impulses to show how fast the heart is beating, the rhythm of the heart beats (steady or irregular), and the strength and timing of the electrical impulses as they move through the different parts of the heart. Changes in an ECG can be a sign of many heart-related conditions.

Well, after my cardiologist reviewed the ECG print-out, he came into the examining room and said, "Well, it looks as good as your boots!" I was wearing my new (as of last January) pair of boots. That was welcome and pleasing news. He then gave me my new prescriptions and I was on my way.  

Following my check-up, we headed to Cracker Barrel for some breakfast. 

My cardiologist and were talking about mask mandates and he feels they're ridiculous. He agreed with me that they are about as useful as trying to keep mosquitoes our your yard with a chain-link fence.

Just Ducky In Gallup

Above, ducklings for sale at Tractor Supply Company. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Everything I needed to get done in Gallup today got done.

I had a morning appointment with my cardiologist (all's well) and a computer repair shop. After that, I picked up an order at Tractor Supply Co. I decided that since I was in the area, I would stop in at Safeway to pick up some groceries.

They had signs all over that limited purchases of certain items (cases of water, gallon bottles of milk, toilet paper, etc.) to one item. Everything was in stock that I needed. I took a look at the toilet paper aisle and, as it was the last time, completely empty. The hoarders did a number on that.

After finishing up, I headed home.

When I was heading out this morning, the Mustang wouldn't start. It had strong cranking and the battery was fine (it is about a year old). But it wouldn't start. So I had to drive The Beast into Gallup.

But when I got home, I tried the Mustang again and it started fine. Weird. I took it down to the Flying J so I could get my mail. It started fine there, too. That's a big relief. I was worried that I might have to replace the module in the distributor. It happened once before in Indio, California, 20 years ago. Once they go out, they go out without any warning.

It was a relief that the car started fine.

Gallup Today

Above, Tractor Supply in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today will be the first time I will be in Gallup since the coronavirus "stay at home" order was issued.

I have a doctor appointment and then I have other things to attend to while I am in town. It will be interesting to see if people will actually be staying at home making Gallup a "ghost town" or if they're out and about as usual.

One stop will be at Tractor Supply to pick up cat food (they have big bags of Iams that nobody else seems to carry) and a computer repair shop. I have plenty of everything else, so a stop at a supermarket won't be necessary.

After that, it's home again.

Here's a little diddy by Roy Rogers:

Meanwhile, In Gallup...

Above, the plaque is now mounted under a portrait of the former
owner of the hotel, Armand Ortega. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today didn't start off as planned.

I got up and ready for my 9:00 cardiologist appointment in Gallup. When I got there, the receptionist told me that they had "no record" of my appointment.

However, all was not lost as they had an opening at 12:30. So I grabbed it.

While I was in Gallup, I then headed over to Home Deport to pick up some bolts and nuts to fix one of the patio chairs on the deck. A bolt broke one of the chairs. I bought some extra nuts and bolts. If one is going to fail, sooner or later another one will. Might as well be prepared.

I then headed to the Flying J for our usual coffee gathering. After this, I went home and fixed the patio chair.

Before heading back into Gallup, I relaxed for a bit on the deck.

At about 11:40, I headed down the hill to get on Interstate 40 to go to Gallup. A few minutes later, when I was at the Iyanbito overcrossing, I spotted the Nomadic Fanatic heading eastbound towards Grants and, eventually, Albuquerque.

Above, a close-up of the plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I got to the cardiologist's office on time and had my examination. All my vitals (blood pressure, pulse, oxygen, heartbeat) were fine. My cardiologist was pleased that I have been active and doing things like off-roading, riding the mini bike and whitewater rafting. I don't have to go back for a year. The receptionist made sure that they will notify me about the next appointment by noting my file.

I then headed back home.

But, since I was nearby, I stopped at the El Rancho Hotel to take some photos of the Lost Dutchman plaque that was dedicated in August.

Then, after that, I headed home.

Snow Shoveling and Heart Attacks

Above, the new snow shovel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever since my "little" heart episode last summer, I have been careful in watching my diet, taking my meds and getting some exercise.

After the New Year's blizzard hit New Mexico, I went and bought a snow shovel. Last winter, the snow wasn't enough of a hindrance to warrant getting a shovel. But the New Year's blizzard dumped 14" of snow in the area. There's still plenty of it left on the ground, even though almost two weeks have passed.

Above, the mesas following the New Year's blizzard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Shoveling snow has led to heart attacks, some of which had hit otherwise healthy people.

According to AccuWeather:

As winter kicks off and snowstorms strike across the country, an unsuspected risk arises when performing outside activities like shoveling. 

“It has been shown by many, many studies that there are more heart attacks in the December-January timeframe,” Doctor Samin Sharma, director of Clinical and Interventional Cardiology at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, said. 

While intense cardio exercise certainly puts a strain on the heart, cold weather is an exacerbating factor which leads to an increase in heart-related failures and fatalities over the winter season. 

These factors can even put an otherwise healthy person at risk. 

Cold weather causes the arteries to constrict, which then raises blood pressure and pulse rate. These increases put additional strain on the heart.

That's why I do snow shoveling a little at a time.

To read more, go here. 

Indulged

Above, Genaro's Cafe in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the past few days, I've been craving chile rellenos.

The initial thought on chile rellenos months ago is that since there's no meat in them, they should be okay for heart patients to consume. Unfortunately, no. They're loaded with cheese.

However, when discussing food and cardiac diets during our morning gatherings at Denny's in the Flying J, most agreed that it's okay to have something that's not exactly "heart healthy" on occasion. They key they (most are also heart patients) agree on is moderation.

Since I have been adhering to a heart healthy diet, it is okay to have an indulgence once in a while. Also, as the doctor in Twin Falls, Idaho told me, "Changing your diet is okay, but the most important thing is to take the medications."

So, with all that in mind, I went to Genaro's Cafe in Gallup last night and had chile rellenos for dinner. Those were great!

Funny thing, the hot sauce (red) made my scalp sweat. I wasn't too aware of it inside the restaurant, but when I left the restaurant, the cold air hit the perspiration and it was freezing cold! (It was around 40° outside.) That was a waker-upper!