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. 

10 Essential Tips For RVing With Health Issues

Above, RV parking at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Eight years ago, I had a medical emergency while in Wells, Nevada. I had to be airlifted to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho to have two stents put in a coronary artery.

I was in Wells for a car show and rally with friends. We drove up to Wells in my motorhome. In the end, everything worked out fine and I was able to drive home a few days later.

RV Travel posted an article (with video) with 10 essential tips for RVing with health issues.

They begin it with:

The open road still calls to many RVers as they age or deal with ongoing health issues. The RVingWithJoe community includes plenty of folks in that season of life, and health planning matters a lot more than it once did. With some smart habits, RV life can stay safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for many miles to come.

In the video at the end of this post, Joe shares tips for those RVing with health issues.

To read more, go here.

Many Americans Unable To Save For Retirement

Above, our senior group cut back on restaurant gatherings from five days to two due to rising prices.

It is getting harder and harder to save money for retirement.

Thanks to inflation, it costs more to buy food, pay for rent, buy a house, healthcare and just everyday living expenses.

CBS News reports that more people are living paycheck-to-paycheck these days and finding it nearly impossible to save for retirement.

They begin with:

Many Americans are eager to put money away for retirement, but that goal is increasingly out of reach because more workers are living paycheck to paycheck, a new Goldman Sachs study finds.

Roughly 42% of younger working Americans — spanning Gen Z, millennials and Gen X — report having no spare savings after covering their basic living expenses, according to the analysis, which surveyed about 3,600 workers and 1,500 retirees. Among those just getting by, about three-quarters said they are struggling to save for retirement, the survey found. 

The share of U.S. workers in this precarious financial position has grown significantly since 1997, when 31% lived paycheck to paycheck, according to Goldman. The investment bank projects that figure could climb to well over half of Americans by 2033 as essentials like housing and health care continue to rise in cost.

To read more, go here.

Democrats Refuse To Fix NM Medical Malpractice Insurance Problem

Doctors are fleeing New Mexico due to the high cost of medical malpractice insurance or are unable to renew their existing policies. 

You can thank the Democrats for this debacle. They are refusing to fix the problem.

 

You need to listen to this New Mexico Doctor who can't renew his insurance.

Exactly what I said would happen back in 2023.

“A sad day for health care. Democrats stopped a bill, dead in its tracks, to fix a medical malpractice bill they passed years ago that will force… https://t.co/ZmnzHoTkzY

— Rep Stefani Lord (@Lord4NM) September 3, 2025

RVer's Guide To Getting Medical Help

Above, the medical center I was airlifted to in Twin Falls, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Getting sick on the road (while RVing) happened to me once.

That took place in Wells, Nevada in 2018 where I was with friends at the Wells Fun Run car show. I had a heart attack (or something quite close to it) that had me airlifted to a hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho to have two stents put into a coronary artery. Luckily, I had insurance coverage that covered everything, including the medical helicopter ride.

Getting sick while RVing is something most of us don't plan for. That's where an article in RV Travel comes in handy. It is a guide to getting medical help while on the road.

They begin with:

One thing many RVers don’t plan for is getting sick while traveling and/or needing medical help on the road. So, what happens if you or a travel buddy need medical care while on the road? How can you find a good doctor or get the quality medical help you need?

Plan healthcare—just in case

RVers plan their travel routes, secure RV camp reservations, plan what to pack, and schedule trip activities. That’s a lot of advanced planning. We don’t usually plan on getting sick. If you are in good health and have kept up to date with annual health visits, getting sick while on vacation probably doesn’t even enter your mind. Maybe it should.

To read more, go here. 

Gov. MLG Trying To Divert Tax Funds To Illegals

 She's trying to follow in the footsteps of her buddy Gavin Newsom.

RPNM Was Right: Gov. Lujan Grisham Caught Trying to Divert Taxpayer Funds to Illegal Immigrants

ALBUQUERQUE, May 2, 2025—The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) warned that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s line-item veto, which removed legislative oversight, would open the… pic.twitter.com/fyWlZYtjCe

— Republican Party of New Mexico (@NewMexicoGOP) May 2, 2025

CA Illegal Aliens Healthcare Billions More Than Known

 

CRITICAL CONDITION: A California budget official disclosed that taxpayers in the Democrat-led state are spending billions more on healthcare for undocumented immigrants than previously known. https://t.co/ZnZpzkSKSP pic.twitter.com/61Cmkc7hbf

— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) February 14, 2025

Managing Chronic Conditions On The Go

When one reaches "geezerhood" and is dependent on prescription medications and medical devices, having access to them when one is on the road in the RV is, to say the least, very important.

RV Life has some tips on managing chronic conditions while traveling in an RV.

They begin with:

The RV lifestyle is popular among many different demographics, and it’s more accessible than ever in modern times. Thanks to digital devices and more people working remotely, it’s common for people to travel all year long. But if you need to manage chronic conditions or other health issues during your travels, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your plans.

Anybody can be diagnosed with medical complications, but it’s particularly common among seniors. If you’re dealing with consistent health issues, there’s a good chance that you need prescription medication, assistive devices, and other lifestyle supplements. Fortunately, you can access all of these things on the road, as long as you plan ahead.

Everybody can enjoy the RV lifestyle, but it’s always important to take the proper precautions for your health. Below, we have some tips and resources that can help you manage chronic conditions on the go.

To read more, go here. 

10 Worst U.S. States To Retire In 2022

Above, the mesas across the valley from Jamestown, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Money Inc. has posted a list of ten states they consider the "worst" U.S. states to retire to this year. One of which is my state of New Mexico.

They begin with:

The desire to retire and do all of the things you enjoy is something that almost everyone has. Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to retire to a place where they can truly enjoy life without the need to worry about getting up and schlepping off to work everyday. The truth of the matter is that it can be so easy to get caught up in dreaming about retiring that it’s easy to forget about the stark reality sometimes associated with it. These days, it’s harder than ever to make ends meet and it doesn’t get any easier when you retire. Choosing the right location to retire to is one of the most important decisions you could ever make. In fact, it makes a dramatic difference in the amount of money you’re likely to be spending during those years.

Below are 10 of the worst states you can possibly retire to. There are plenty of reasons why these aren’t exactly safe havens for retirees. If you’re curious, scan through the list below and figure out if the place you plan to retire has ended up on the list. If it has, it might be time to rethink things.

This is what they posted about New Mexico:

3. New Mexico

New Mexico has a lot of things up against it right now. It’s not always the best place to retire because it has a lot of hot, dry days and it’s desert-like climate simply doesn’t work all that well for every retiree. If you love that type of weather, good for you. If it’s something you’ve always dreaded, you’re not going to enjoy it there because it’s like that for most of the year.

In addition, New Mexico doesn’t manage their state budget particularly well. In fact, they’re usually in the red. That means that there are less services for you to take advantage of, should you need them. A lot of people point out that New Mexico has a lower cost of living than a lot of states, but it won’t do you any good if you’re stuck somewhere trying to get health care and you can’t access it because the state can’t afford to provide it in the first place.

Yes, the state does have its problems. It has been under control of the Democrat Party for years with their mismanagement and corruption. So they are correct about the state budget. And, it does have a lower cost of living.

I am one who likes the climate. It is actually cooler in August in New Mexico than it is in Los Angeles. During monsoon season, it is not all that dry. This year's monsoon has been a wet one. The winter snows aren't that bad either. The food here is great.

I do have to disagree on health care services. Since I am on Medicare, I have been able to get decent health care since I live near Gallup. I have no complaints. Friends here with health issue have good access to health care services. On occasion, they have to drive to Albuquerque for it, but they don't seem to mind the drive (which is actually a nice drive).

I live in a community with a lot of retirees. All enjoy the lifestyle in New Mexico. So it isn't as bad as Money Inc. makes it out to be. It would be a lot better if the Democrats are voted out this coming November.

To read more, go here.

Fauci In 2020: Drug Store Masks "Little Effectiveness"

Above, yours truly last year at Denny's. 

Why are we bothering with masks if they aren't effective against the coronavirus, especially now after many have been vaccinated? 

The Epoch Times posted:

A top U.S. medical adviser during the Trump and Biden administrations told a woman in early 2020 that masks one buys from drug stores had little effectiveness against the virus that causes COVID-19.

“The typical mask you buy in the drug store is not really effective in keeping out virus, which is small enough to pass through the material,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the longtime head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the woman in an email dated Feb. 5, 2020.

No wonder Dr. Fauci's credibility has been called to question numerous times.

To read more, go here. 

Coronavirus: Do Not Resuscitate

Last night, a friend sent me this text message:

I was just told by a nurse that many hospitals across the country have issued Do Not Resuscitate orders for coronavirus patients. People need to check their local hospitals to see which ones have issued this order.

Nothing like tossing the Hippocratic Oath out the window!

It just so happens, another friend send me an article from the Washington Post on Do Not Resuscitate orders. 

It begins with:

Hospitals on the front lines of the pandemic are engaged in a heated private debate over a calculation few have encountered in their lifetimes — how to weigh the “save at all costs” approach to resuscitating a dying patient against the real danger of exposing doctors and nurses to the contagion of coronavirus. 

The conversations are driven by the realization that the risk to staff amid dwindling stores of protective equipment — such as masks, gowns and gloves — may be too great to justify the conventional response when a patient “codes,” and their heart or breathing stops. 

Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago has been discussing a do-not-resuscitate policy for infected patients, regardless of the wishes of the patient or their family members — a wrenching decision to prioritize the lives of the many over the one. 

Richard Wunderink, one of Northwestern’s intensive-care medical directors, said hospital administrators would have to ask Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker for help in clarifying state law and whether it permits the policy shift.

“It’s a major concern for everyone,” he said. “This is something about which we have had lots of communication with families, and I think they are very aware of the grave circumstances.”

Like one of my friends said, check your local hospitals to see which of them issued this order.

To read more, go here.

Trump Signs Executive Order On Healthcare Price Transparency

In a White House ceremony today, President Trump signed an executive order giving people access to pricing on medical care. (This will likely be ignored by the media.)

According to the Washington Examiner:

President Trump has signed an executive order meant to help patients shop for medical care, revving up for a reelection campaign in which he plans to cast himself as a champion of healthcare despite presiding over an increase in uninsurance and trying and failing to undo Obamacare [We can thank late Sen. John McCain for that. - A]. 

The executive order signed Monday will lead to doctors, hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers making their prices publicly available so that patients can see how much they can expect to pay before they receive care. 

"This is a very big thing that is happening right now and it’s pretty much going to blow everything away,” Trump said.

To read more, go here. 

Doctor Appointment and Eyeglasses Problem

Above, without my glasses, AOC looks like this (well, she looks like this anyway).

Today, for the most part, was a a busy day.

I had to go into Gallup for my regular check-up. Blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, etc. all came out fine.

I have to go in later in the month to get a pneumonia vaccine (they were out of the vaccine). The doctor recommends them of those in my age group. Considering how miserable my "honorary sister" was when she came down with pneumonia recently, I decided that would be a good idea. I should get vaccinated before my cruise to Cuba next month.

While in the lab for a blood test, a screw to my eyeglasses broke and I had to get it taken care of. Fortunately, I keep a spare pair of glasses in The Beast and was able to drive with those. I went to three places to see about getting the eyeglasses fixed. The first one doesn't do glasses. The second place (a block away) tried, but one part was bent, so they recommended Bishop Optical a mile away. That did the trick. They were able to fix it in minutes at no charge!

It is just as well this happened when it did instead of being on a cruise ship. I am currently on a waiting list for an optometrist to get an eye exam. They are booked up through May. I definitely need new glasses!

Texas Federal Judge Rules ObamaCare Is "Unconstitutional"

A federal judge in Texas (a highly respected one) ruled that ObamaCare is "unconstitutional".

According to the Denver Post:

WASHINGTON — A conservative federal judge in Texas on Friday ruled the Affordable Care Act “invalid” on the eve of the sign-up deadline for next year. But with appeals certain, even the Trump White House said the law will remain in place for now. 

In a 55-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor ruled that last year’s tax cut bill knocked the constitutional foundation from under “Obamacare” by eliminating a penalty for not having coverage. The rest of the law cannot be separated from that provision and is therefore invalid, he wrote. 

Supporters of the law immediately said they would appeal. “Today’s misguided ruling will not deter us: our coalition will continue to fight in court for the health and wellbeing of all Americans,” said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who is leading a coalition of states defending the ACA.

Yes, an appeal is expected.

To read more, go here.

Medical Check-up

Above, the crab apple tree (left) is losing its leaves. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I had an appointment with my new primary physician in Gallup.

Without even planning on it, it turns out that she's also the primary physician for my neighbor across the street, who is also a cardiac patient.

After an exam and reviewing my medical records, including the most recent check-up and lab tests by my cardiologist, she said I am doing very good.

She said:

• My cholesterol level went way down and is in a good range. She said the medications are doing their job. No change in them are necessary.
• My heart rate was normal.
• My blood pressure was normal

While I was there, she recommended a flu shot, saying that people my age die from flus, especially cardiac patients. So I got it. I hardly felt a thing with the injection was given. I asked, "Is that it?"

Above, the oak trees lost most of their leaves already. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the oaks still had their leaves two weeks ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I don't have to go back until March 2019, but I will stop in for a tetanus shot which, oddly, also protects against whooping cough. She said there was a rise in whooping cough cases last year.

After the appointment, I celebrated the good results over lunch at Cracker Barrel and took care of some business while I was in town.

Didn't Go As Planned

Above, the Rehoboth McKinley Medical Health Care Services. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One thing about aging, the mind is willing (and feels young) but the body doesn't quite get the message.

I went to the Rehoboth McKinley Christian Medical Health Care Center in Gallup today to take a stress test. Until I stepped into the medical center, I did not know what was in store as I was not given any details or instructions. Definitely a failure to communicate here. Everything was going fine on the treadmill (my heart rate went up to 100, the target is around 140) until my left leg decided to cramp up. I had to stop.

This has been a chronic problem for the past few years, but it has been better since I've been taking Vitamin D3 and Magnesium supplements. Still, for today, it wasn't good enough.

So, I will have to go back and take a different test, one where you get an injection of some sort of medicine that is radioactive (maybe I'll have atomic breath like Godzilla when I leave) and raises the heart rate without while reclining.

The only problem with that I will have to skip my morning beta blocker and coffee (!) before I go in. I told them that I would prefer to do it during the morning hours.

At least my blood pressure today and heart rate were fine. I, at least, found that out.

Before I went to the medical center, I did manage to get some other things done. I went to Harbor Freight to get some tarps for the swamp cooler to wrap it for winter, Boot Barn for some shirts and Home Depot to see about a signpost. After the medical appointment, I did get some grocery shopping done. I was too beat to cook tonight, so I ate at Denny's at the Flying J.

Got It Done

Above, yours truly a few months ago.

Finally, after almost a week of haggling with my medical insurance carrier, my blood-thinning medication prescription was filled today.

Originally, I was prescribed Brilinta by the doctor at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho. I put in a refill request. The insurer put a hold on it until a pre-authorization notice is received by the doctor. He never responded.

At the pharmacy's suggestion (to speed things up), I had my cardiologist (who is in the medical insurance list of doctors) submit a prescription for the Brilinta. Again, it was put on hold by the insurer. A pre-authorization was sent by my cardiologist. The insurer denied the prescription as it was not on their list of approved medications. The substitute we found was Plavix. It is on the approved list of the insurer.

A prescription for Plavix was submitted by my cardiologist and it was approved. I went into Gallup to pick it up and to get some groceries while I was there.

My cardiologist's office was grateful that I did the "legwork" in getting this straightened out. I told them that since I am retired, it gave me something to do and as I was an insurance adjuster, I was used to being getting things resolved on the phone.

Now I can relax!

The Spring Is Back

Above, just before I was discharged from the hospital.

Ever since my July 27 heart attack, I have been very careful about what I am eating. Grocery shopping has become even more of a chore as I read all nutritional listings on the food labels.

I am especially conscious about watching for cholesterol, sodium, calories and other things that might be detrimental. I have not had any beef since July 27 and I have shed about five pounds since that day. My weight hasn't been this low since just after I graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 1979.

I have to confess that I was very tempted to go to Genaro's Mexican Restaurant in Gallup last night as I was craving Mexican food something fierce. I was getting tired of chicken and fish. But common sense and caution overruled me as I opted instead for a turkey breast sandwich on 9-grain wheat bread at the Subway in the Flying J. It saddened me to have to say "no cheese" when I was asked. I added, "doctor's orders." The only dressing in the sandwich was light mayonnaise.

As for beef, I will eventually have some, but it won't be a regular part of my diet. Just once in a while. I might barbecue a t-bone steak next week as a treat to myself.

It will be a month in three more days since the heart attack and am now feeling normal with the "spring back in my step". For a couple of weeks (or so) I was feeling hesitant and had some trepidation about doing anything. Those feelings are now gone. Still, I am reminded of what happened by all the medications I've been taking and the Life Alert gizmo I am wearing. I don't have to see the cardiologist until November.

I got word the other day that I now have medical coverage in New Mexico, which includes prescriptions. This will be a big help financially as just one medication I have to take (Brilinta) costs around $400 alone.

As a friendly reminder, I posted a blog earlier this month on the warning signs of a heart attack by the American Heart Association. The link to it is here.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

As a public service of this blog (well, generally everything is a "public service" here), here's some warning signs that you or someone you're with is having a heart attack. It is from the American Heart Association.

Catch the signs early

Don’t wait to get help if you experience any of these heart attack warning signs. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Download our heart attack warning signs infographic (PDF).

Seeing Progress

Above, yours truly today.

After four days of a regimen of Robafen DM, antibiotics and Montelukast, my cold is getting somewhat better.

Those were the same meds I was prescribed back in April when I came down with bronchitis. They knocked it off in about two weeks. Hopefully, this cold will be gone by next week.

I have no idea where I caught it, but it got me good.