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. 

How To Travel With Prescription Medicine

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

Ever since I had to have two stents installed in a coronary artery five years ago, I have to take a blood thinner everyday along with other medications.

One time, I went to Albuquerque in my RV to stay overnight as I had an early flight the next morning. Before leaving home, I packed my medications in my medications travel bag. When I got to the RV park, I saw that I didn't pack the most important prescription: the blood thinner. Everything else was inside.

I contacted the pharmacy in Gallup to arrange for enough pills to tide me over on the trip through their Albuquerque location, which was only a couple of miles away. This was accomplished, but that experience caused me to double-check my prescription travel bag before leaving home on subsequent trips.

The subject of traveling with prescriptions is the topic of a new article in RV Life. 

They begin it with:

Everyone needs to take medication at some point in their lives, and sometimes you need something a bit stronger than over-the-counter drugs. Prescriptions from medical professionals can help you access important medication that will help you stay healthy. But many RVers have questions about how to travel with prescription medicine.

This is a fair concern because many prescriptions have to be taken every day and there can be consequences if you miss a dose. Running out of medicine while you’re on the road is a scary situation, but you can avoid it if you plan ahead and understand your options for receiving medication when you’re away from home.

So whether you’re a snowbird, a casual road tripper, or a full-time RVer, there are ways to travel with prescription medicine. Everyone’s situation is unique though, so read along with the tips below and consult with your healthcare provider to find the best solution for your needs. There may be other options available to you in addition to the ones we’ll explore below!

To read more, go here. 

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.

Doctors Can Now Prescribe National Park Passes In Manitoba

Above, Lassen Peak. It would be nice to have national park passes prescribed here. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I first saw the name of the news source for the following story, SteinbachOnline.com, my immediate thought was, Has J. D. Lees (of G-FAN and G-FEST fame) taken a job in his town's news website? 

Reading on, the answer is no. But, when the story came to my attention, I thought it merited a mention here. Since there's been so much bad news coming out of Canada these days, it is nice to see something different.

Doctors in Manitoba, Canada can now prescribe national park passes. Interesting concept!

They begin with:

Thanks to a new program introduced to the province, residents of Manitoba, can now be issued ‘nature prescriptions’ from their healthcare providers. And local healthcare professionals are liking what they’re seeing.

The program is called PaRx, an initiative of the BC Parks Foundation and was recently introduced to Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and BC. A nature prescription could involve a patient being prescribed ‘2 hours in nature a week for 20 minutes each time.’

Doctors Manitoba has recently announced its endorsement of PaRx.

“As physicians, we recognize that spending time in nature can offer measurable benefits to patients’ physical and mental health,” said Dr. Kristjan Thompson, President of Doctors Manitoba. ​“The PaRx initiative will allow doctors to actually prescribe nature to their patients, while also removing barriers for patients to access a national park in Manitoba. It’s truly a win-win initiative.”

​“It is so exciting to see Doctors Manitoba endorse PaRx, because it has never been a more important time for folks to get outside. Not only is outside one of the safest places to be right now, but research also indicates that those who are more connected to nature are more likely to protect it,” says Anna Reed, a social worker, and Manitoba PaRx coordinator.

PaRx recently announced a new partnering agreement with Parks Canada. Licensed healthcare professionals registered in the PaRx program can now help reduce their patients’ barriers to nature access by prescribing an Adult Parks Canada Discovery Pass. They are asked to prioritize those who live close to national parks, national historic sites, or national marine conservation areas, and who could benefit from the pass the most. In Manitoba, this includes Riding Mountain National Park. Each physician can prescribe one park pass per month.

To read the full article, go here. 

Trip To Walmart

Above, rain/snow is expected tonight. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while ago, I returned home from Gallup where I went to Walmart to pick up one of my medications that the doctor's office goofed up on (18 pills instead of 180).

That part of my visit went fine. I figured that since I was there, I would pick up a few groceries. Well, except for the vegetable section, every section of the supermarket part of Walmart was picked clean (or almost) of foodstuffs.

The water and toilet paper sections were barren of anything (it is a good thing I don't need any). The canned vegetable section had very few items. In one area of the canned vegetables section, there was nothing except for a small stack of canned lima beans. Well, since I happen to like lima beans, I took three cans. The only indulgence in the canned vegetables section was getting a can of artichoke hearts.

The meat section was picked almost picked clean. Except for the "high end" meats in the beef portion, it was empty. No ground beef or steaks.

The frozen chicken was a little more promising. Although I couldn't get my usual bag of frozen chicken breasts, I was able to get frozen chicken strips. That'll work!

I did manage to get food items I needed, even though they weren't exactly what I wanted. What I did manage to get will work fine.

I find it hard to believe the bottled water area was devoid of anything (a worker did have a cart of small packages of bottled water, but before he could load them onto a shelf, people were grabbing them). I don't understand why bottled water is in such high demand. Isn't tap water good enough?

There were a few things I need but couldn't get. What I might do is to go to Albertson's early in the morning and see if they have what I need, before the hoarders get there.

In & Out of Gallup

Above, heading eastbound on I-40 today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's big activity was to go into Gallup to get my three-month supply of meds at the "Gathering of the Nations" (a.k.a. Walmart).

I just basically went in, got the prescriptions, browsed in the auto department for about five minutes and headed out the door. When I was walking to the car, sleet started falling.

I got on the road and the sleet quit just before I reached the city limit line on Interstate 40.

The rest of the ride home was uneventful until I got home. A few snowflakes started falling as I pulled into the driveway. Then it quit after I got into the house.

Mustang Parts Arrived

Above, gassing up The Beast this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's a good thing I put in a half tank of gasoline into The Beast as I had some driving to do today and tomorrow. Thankfully, with my Good Sam discount, gas only cost $2.149/gallon. That is sure a lot better than California's prices!

The parts I ordered for the Mustang came in this afternoon and I got them over to the body shop. The body shop tech looked them over and said what was needed was there.

While also in Gallup, I printed off my flight and rental car documents at the UPS Store so I will have them handy when I head to California for the Christmas holiday.

I'll have to go back into Gallup tomorrow to pick up my medication refills. I'm going to do that early in the morning before Walmart (known by the locals as "The Gathering of the Nations") gets crowded with shoppers.

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!