It is a week of appointments for me.
On Monday, I had my yearly dental checkup and cleaning with good results. The best result was the charge — $35.
Canada has a new dental plan for seniors of modest means. If we meet the income criterion and do not otherwise have private coverage, we are eligible for federal assistance. My portion of the $300 bill was the aforementioned $35.
Oh . . . and no cavities.
On Friday, I will have an appointment with audiologist. I expect that they will then send in one of my hearing aids for cleaning and a new battery. Having only one hearing aid will not be the best, but I should manage with Sue's indulgence.
While I am sans hearing aid, I will try to stay home for the most part except for my physio appointment that afternoon. I will inform the therapist of my audio difficulty, and she will raise her voice at first. But then I will have to remind her because I have found that people automatically and quickly drop to their normal volume. But we'll manage.
The biggest appointment came on Tuesday when I finally got to see the specialist urologist in one of the big Ottawa hospitals.
He will employ a cold knife technique and also apply the cancer/chemo drug, Mitomycin, and he is hopeful that it will work well for at least some time. Please note that I don't have cancer.
Mitomycin is an antibiotic used as a chemotherapy drug. It stops or slows the growth of cancer cells and other rapidly growing cells by damaging their DNA.
As I was trying to take it all in, I think he said that 2% - 4% of patients develop scarring after the typical TURP protocol, and I am one of the lucky ones. Yay me!
He thought that the surgery would take place in a month or two, but we know that hospital waits can be prolonged.
Whatever you call this procedure it will be my fourth surgery to endeavour to rectify my problem. I am pretty confident that this guy is topnotch, but we know that my poor body isn't, so we shall see.
If that doesn't work, there is the possibly of open reconstructive surgery, but I hope that I never have to cross that particular bridge.
I hope your docs can finally get "hold" of your problem and solve it my friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It has been quite the perplexing thing.
DeleteAt least you are in good hands and there is hope that you don't need further surgery after this one. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteFingers Crossed
DeleteSo much work that our aging bodies require! So glad there's a procedure that will help, and I'm hoping that's the last of it! The political situation here has made me see that all I can do is take care of myself and friends and loved ones...I have no further scope and indeed hope to hide under a rock. I see a dentist tomorrow. Kudos for no cavities for you...I'm afraid a filling is definitely in the works for me!
ReplyDeleteI know it has been devastating for you. I am Canadian, and it is very hard for me. Take care of yourself as best you can.
DeleteBless you my friend. We care and are pulling for you. Thanks for sharing. Aloha
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteWe wondered if there would be an increase in immigration from US to Canada. It's not available to everyone, I'm sure, but would be an attractive alternative for many, no?
ReplyDeleteIt's not an easy process.
DeleteEven as a first cousin to Canada, Minnesotans have to follow the same rules as anyone else to migrate. sigh. I hope this is the answer to your issue. It's good to have confidence in the Dr.
ReplyDeleteI imagine that you speak pretty much like I do.
DeleteAC, it is great you have this special urologist finally to help you. Wishing you the best result possible, my friend.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a wait, but my other guy told me that it would be 6 - 8 months, and it was under 9 months, I'd say.
DeleteIt's not great to be exceptional when it comes to medical stuff. I hope this procedure can provide you with some relief.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that fourth time will be a charm. lol
DeleteWow -- you are special, which is a plus and a minus, isn't it. But it sounds like the guy knows what he's talking about so hang in there! We're all on your side.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping. I would be nice to be somewhat normal for a few years -- at least in that way.
DeleteMy hearing problem is not volume but pitch
ReplyDeleteAnd for me it's also being able to distinguish words even when the volume seems to be sufficient.
DeleteI have a cochlear implant on the left and a hearing aid on the right, that coordinate with each other. Even with Advanced Bionics brands and Phonak aid, and all the wonderful programming, I still have trouble understanding words. Hearing devices don't fix hearing like glasses fix vision. I have to almost demand that people speak up (especially when I remove them for fancy xrays to protect the speakers,) and slow down and ennunciate their words. I make them look at me, since I still read lips and I don't hear backwards. I've told several docs talking to my bedbound hospital patients to come forward and talk to their ears, not their feet! Good luck with the plumbing adventures. Please prepare several rooms, as some of your blog buddies are coming to Canada. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteI feel somewhat vindicated that you have a similar problem with enunciation. I know no one else with my degree of loss, so I have been unable to comapre.
DeleteIt is a good sign that this Dr thinks that you are a good candidate for this new procedure. Fingers crossed that it happens soon.
ReplyDeleteWe push on in our quest.
DeleteThis made me happy (and the world needs more happiness right now). Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYes, the world does need a boost.
DeleteI think this sounds like positive news, AC. I hope you have the procedure sooner rather than later. It certainly has been a journey for you, and no fun either.
ReplyDeleteThanks. You are also having quite a journey these days.
DeleteNext month I will be getting my teeth clean it was around $120.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating procedure. I hope it works out for you. This has been quite a rough road for you. I'm not surprised that you're one of the 2-4%. We all know you are an uncommon fellow.
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, glad to hear it is not cancer, thank you for that. I had no idea that hearing aids needed to be cleaned (which kind of seems obvious now that I think about it.) My MIL is having trouble with hers, and maybe that's it?
ReplyDeleteYes, we are all thinking about you and hoping everything works out beautifully. I know it's really worrisome though.
ReplyDelete$35? Wow! That's amazing!