A lot of niggling little health issues have kept me away for about 19 months, but, I’ve dodged the major problems that often come with age: Heart, cancer, stroke, and diabetes have so far passed me by… So far.

What I’ve discovered is; Getting older ain't for wimps.
In Feb of 2014 I had all my lower teeth extracted after 4 abscesses that had caused constant sinus infections for 2 years. The dentist: “Gee, I never noticed that before but I don’t think teeth would cause that…” In the last 19months I only had 1 sinus infection.

I've now had 3 surgeries on each eye and can finally see perfectly. I'm so happy!!!

Many of you know I have ADHD and for many years have taken Strattera, the only non-stimulant med. for this condition. It's also the only drug approved for use by middle aged and older adults. My insurance company decided in January (only in the cause of cheapness) that they would no longer pay for it and told me they would only pay for a med. approved only for children, teens, and young adults, which is a form of speed.

In what fantasy world that seemed like a good idea for a 71 year old with a history of Essential Hypertension, I have no clue! After only 19 days my blood pressure was sky high with the top number approaching 200. I was confused and suffering from lack of balance. I lost all feeling in my hands and feet (Peripheral Neuropathy) and the circulation was impaired to the point that my extremities were freezing cold to the touch (Renaud's Syndrome).

The sad part is that these are all known effects of the drug they insisted on!!! 2 hours after a phone call from me, in which I accused them of elder abuse and threatened a law suit, I was called by my pharmacy to tell me I had a prescription of Strattera which was pre-approved for the next 3 years.

Within 4 days of taking it all symptoms were relieved, EXCEPT, I still had no feeling or circulation in my right hand. It felt like the whole hand was being shocked; like sticking your finger in a light socket. Seems there was a preexisting condition of Carpal Tunnel which had never manifested but was exacerbated by the ill-chosen med. After messing about for a few months with steroids and therapy while things got worse I contacted an excellent hand surgeon, who I knew through medical associations and other surgeons, and made an appointment. He operated 6 days later, and though he told me that healing would be slow due to my age, he released me in just 5 weeks saying I was way ahead of the curve.

I still have tingling in the tips of 3 of 4 fingers served by the median nerve in my right, dominant, hand but I can feel textures again with the pads. Due to nerve regeneration one finger is entirely symptom free.

In July I had all my upper teeth extracted. I came from a time when there was no fluoride in the water, and we had well water till I was 21. I’ve had tooth problems since I was a child despite brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. They were always a source of pain and infection. I love the dentures! I have more teeth to chew with and they’re all mine; I paid for ‘em!!!

Then a week ago I found that my PSA had doubled in the last 9 months. If it’s not one thing, it’s something else. Geez…

So for awhile there, I couldn’t see well, or feel my fingers to type, so I haven’t been around much. But hey, I’m baa-aack...

Your health is too important to trust to insurance companies, they just want money and really don't care about you. Your doctor or dentist probably does care but she or her minions may not have the same sense of urgency that you have: They're treating 100s of patients. YOU HAVE THE ULTIMATE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTHCARE!

If your doctor won't let you be involved, find a new one.

However, right now, I feel great, and I can read and type. So I intend to be around a lot more.

Life is good and beautiful…

I wanted you all to know I'm still alive and love you all!