The process continues…No news yet…

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In the Charles Darwin wing of the Natural History Museum, there were many interesting displays of insects, butterflies, and small creatures.

After three echocardiograms in three different countries showing severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, which prompted us to come to the Cleveland Clinic, we’ve found that my valves are moderate and not severe based on the more comprehensive echocardiogram I had yesterday. I do not need valve surgery.

However, after many other tests, including blood tests, it appears something is very wrong with my heart, requiring more doctor visits and invasive tests. This morning, I had a nuclear stress test, which started with a heart scan with injected radioactive isotopes, followed by a stress test.

They stopped the stress test early when it was too dangerous for me to continue and considered using a blood vessel-dilated intravenous drug as an alternative. Still, the doctor refused to have me injected with the alternate medication for a lay-down stress test since it, too, was too dangerous with the awful EKG (ECG) they were reading on the screen.

Soon, I have to call the cardiologist we saw yesterday to be referred to another cardiology specialist to go to the next step. My not-so-good blood test results are pointing to other possible heart conditions, and at this point, we have no idea what’s on the horizon. My past cardiac bypass surgery may have failed, which may require another open heart surgery.

After I had the bypass surgery in South Africa in February 2019, the cardiothoracic surgeon explained I might get eight years out of that surgery. Now, I am 5½ years old since the major surgery, and it may have run its course earlier than expected.

We’ll continue with as many more tests and doctor visits as possible to have a complete diagnosis and treatment plan in the next few weeks.

The thoroughness, competency, and care exhibited by all Cleveland Clinic employees, from the reception desk staff to the highly specialized doctors, are outstanding. We couldn’t feel more at ease being here. A big sign in some lobby areas states, “Cleveland Clinic is recognized as the #1 cardiac center in the world.” We knew this, but it was comforting to see it, making us realize we’d done the right thing by coming here.

The hotel is nice, but we plan to move on September 2 to the nearby Residence Inn by Marriott, which also has a shuttle to the clinic. Due to demand, hotel prices are high here, but we have to bite the bullet and see what kind of deal we can get from Marriott’s Bonvoy perks program since we are members. We’ll be calling today to see the pricing we can arrange.

Am I nervous or afraid? Surprisingly, not. We’re always enjoying our time together, staying upbeat and hopeful. Tom is a perfect wheelchair operator, and we often laugh over the incredible nature of my being wheeled everywhere.

Some may say, “How do I so freely share such intimate details of my health?” However, hundreds of readers have written our vulnerability has helped them with their worries and concerns. If we can help one person gain comfort during their health challenges, it will be worth every revealing moment.

We are not special. Like many of you, we are trying to navigate challenging times in our lives using whatever means are available to us with dignity, persistence, and humility.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 29, 2014:

This is an actual bee, with its size as shown at the Museum of Natural History in South Kensington, England. For more photos, Please click here.

Today’s the day…It’s been a long wait…Test results to follow as soon as we know…

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Day #160 in lockdown in Mumbai, India hotel…The frightening reality…
Walking down the street from our hotel in South Kensington, London.

Last night’s attempt at sleeping was fitful, filled with short naps and vivid dreams. As it turned out, I forgot to remind Tom to put “Do Not Disturb” on his phone, and every few hours, it beeped, waking me up when a message came in. Since he doesn’t hear the beeps with his impaired hearing and without his hearing aids while sleeping, he doesn’t notice.

But my sharp hearing picks up every little sound during the night, especially since I am a light sleeper. It was a long and uncomfortable night. I imagine that, with a bit of anxiety about today’s appointments flooding my thoughts when awake, I couldn’t find a way to escape them, regardless of how hard I tried to reframe my thinking.

When I got up this morning, I felt better and ready to tackle the realities of today, but going downstairs for a big breakfast in the restaurant was the last thing on my mind. Instead, Tom brought me decaf coffee from the complimentary service in the lobby. I ate one of my new favorite, very healthy protein bars, IQBar, which can be found at Amazon (please click our Amazon link on our site) and here.

These bars have the most healthy ingredients of any bars I’ve tried and are delicious, a perfect meal replacement or snack. That was all I needed today. The “My Chart” notes didn’t indicate that I’d need to fast for any blood test. I’m sure I’ll have many blood tests down the road, but not today.

Using the HDMI cord, we’re watching the “Garage Logic” podcast from the Minnesota State Fair on the TV monitor. It’s fun to see the guys at the fair. Had I not been having the breathing issue and needing a wheelchair, we certainly would have gone to the fair to see them. Joe continues to mention “the Traveling Lymans” every broadcast, five days a week, which always brings a smile to our faces.

At 11:00, we’ll call the front desk to have them order the Cleveland Clinic shuttle, which will take us to the building specified in “My Chart” for my first appointment. My last appointment is scheduled for 3:30 and lasts one hour. We should know something by the end of the day, but we are prepared that we won’t know much until the next round of tests, the dates for which are yet to be determined.

We should return to the hotel by 5:00 when we assemble a roast chicken dinner from the grocery order we placed yesterday. There will be enough chicken, rice, and salad for a few dinners. At that point, we’ll settle in for the evening and stream a few shows. Without a car, we would not be interested in going out for the evening.

That’s all we have today, folks. Soon, we’ll order the shuttle and be on our way. We’ll be back with more tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 28, 2014:

Ah, my heart flipped at the sight of this warthog at the Museum of Natural History in South Kensington, Londo. The first time we had seen a warthog was in October in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, while on safari. Of course, later in South Africa, we joyfully saw them several times a day. Click here for the first time we saw a live warthog (scroll down the page. For more photos, please click here.

We’ve arrived in Cleveland!…Clinic appointments begin tomorrow…

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This is artwork from the Victoria and Albert Museum, which we could walk to from our South Kensington, UK hotel.

What a relief to be here. If something goes wrong, I am where I’m supposed to be. Although I am a little anxious about what’s to come, the peace of mind of finally being here outweighs any apprehension. No doubt, most of us feel a little out of sorts when facing significant medical appointments when we have no idea as to the outcome.

Will I have surgery right away? What if I must wait for a surgical opening for another few months? Will the breathlessness worsen while I wait? Hopefully, these questions will be answered in the next few weeks or sooner. In any case, knowing what is on the horizon will give us both peace of mind to finally know what is upcoming.

The two-day drive was easy when we only drove about 350 miles each day, allowing us to stop for breakfast, a restroom break, and refueling without feeling rushed. We arrived at the Cleveland Clinic complex around 4:00 pm. Little did we know there were two Intercontinental Hotels in the immediate area.

We ended up at the wrong hotel, the Intercontinental when we were booked at the Intercontinental Suites Hotels, a few blocks away. In no time, Tom maneuvered me in the wheelchair back to the car, and off we went to the correct location, having no trouble finding it.

No words can express how grateful I’ve been to have the wheelchair. Thanks to many readers who encouraged me to buy one during this challenging time. It was the best purchase we’ve made in years. Hopefully, after recovering from my treatment and recovery, I won’t need to use it.

There are some nuances in using a wheelchair when, in fact, I can still walk unassisted about 20 feet without gasping for air. This morning, at the breakfast buffet in the hotel ($22.00 per person plus tax and tip), I insisted on getting out of the chair to serve myself. Tom was concerned I’d have a problem, but the short buffet was within the 20-foot range, and I did fine. It would have been tricky to serve myself while seated. I’m trying to maintain a level of independence. I’ll need constant help after surgery, so I’d like to preserve a little leg strength and mobility while I can right now.

Last night, we ordered room service, and it was mediocre. I ordered the most sparse Cobb salad I’ve ever had, and Tom had a grilled cheese sandwich with potato chips. That bill was almost $50. We’re trying to keep our daily food purchases $80 – $100 daily, leaving us with $50 for breakfast and $30 – $50 for dinner.

Thus, we decided to order some groceries from a local market, with free delivery from Instacart for the next month. This morning, I ordered two roasted chickens, two premade chicken and veg salads, and cooked white rice for Tom. Our room has a refrigerator and a microwave, and the grocery order was $34, including tax and delivery. There’s enough food to get us through three to four dinners. We’ll only be in this hotel until September 2.

Once we know what the future holds, we’ll move to a nearby Residence Inn by Marriott to stay through my recovery, for however long that may be. Once we know what’s on the horizon, we’ll book the Residence Inn through Bonvoy member benefits for a reasonable price, as we did at the same hotel in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

How are we holding up? Actually, very good. We are upbeat and looking forward to getting all of this behind us so we can continue our world travels.

My first appointment is at 12:45 pm tomorrow, and we don’t need to arrive until noon to check-in. A Cleveland Clinic shuttle will pick us up and take us where we need to go, which information is clearly outlined in “My Chart.”  From there, I have two more appointments. We should be done tomorrow by 5:00 pm, with more appointments to be arranged in days to come.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 27, 2014:

Our new friend/reader, Liz from Bristol, England, took the train to visit us while we stayed in South Kensington, England. Meeting Liz, with whom we’ve stayed in touch over the years, was a joy. For more photos, please click here.

We’re on the road to Cleveland at long last!..

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If we could have cooked our meals in London, we would have purchased some items at this Farmers Market.

Often, we’ve been asked, “Why did we choose to go to the Cleveland Clinic rather than to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, a short 90-minute drive from our current location, which is also highly rated worldwide for heart treatment?”

For me, having already had open heart surgery 5½ years ago and with remaining severe cardiovascular disease (hereditary) and my age, I decided I wanted to go to one of the highest-rated valve disease cardiovascular surgeons in the country, if not in the world, regardless of how long I had to wait to see Dr. Gillinov. It’s been a four-month wait for my appointments, which are upcoming next Wednesday.

If I had to wait another month or two, it wouldn’t have been possible as my condition continues to deteriorate, as evidenced by the necessity of using a wheelchair to get around outside this hotel room, which I can maneuver if I frequently pause when moving about. But any trip outside, even to the car, requires using the wheelchair.

It’s helped make the past few days tolerable and allowed me to see family and friends. They even accommodated me to stay in the wheelchair during Friday’s pedicure.

Following are some of the reasons patients choose Cleveland Clinic for their procedures and surgeries.

  1. Reputation for Excellence: Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States and worldwide. Its reputation for high-quality care, particularly in specialties like cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics, draws patients seeking the best possible outcomes.
  2. Expertise and Innovation: The clinic is known for its cutting-edge treatments and surgical techniques. Surgeons at Cleveland Clinic are often leaders in their fields, offering advanced procedures that may not be available elsewhere. This expertise is especially appealing for complex or high-risk surgeries.
  3. Multidisciplinary Approach: Cleveland Clinic offers a collaborative environment where specialists from various fields work together to create personalized treatment plans. This approach ensures comprehensive care, addressing all aspects of a patient’s health, which is particularly important for those with multiple or complex conditions.
  4. Advanced Technology: The clinic invests heavily in the latest medical technology and equipment, allowing for minimally invasive surgeries, robotic surgery, and other advanced techniques leading to faster recovery times and better outcomes.
  5. Patient-Centered Care: Cleveland Clinic is known for its focus on the patient experience. From pre-surgery consultations to post-operative care, the clinic emphasizes clear communication, patient education, and support, helping patients feel more confident and comfortable throughout their surgical journey.
  6. Research and Education: As a major research institution, Cleveland Clinic is involved in numerous clinical trials and studies, offering patients access to the latest medical treatments and innovations. This research-driven approach means patients benefit from the most current and effective surgical options.
  7. Global Accessibility: Cleveland Clinic attracts patients from all over the world, offering specialized international patient services, including translation, travel assistance, and culturally sensitive care. This global reach adds to its appeal for those seeking top-tier medical care.
  8. Positive Outcomes: Cleveland Clinic’s high success rates and positive patient outcomes contribute significantly to its appeal. Patients often choose the clinic based on recommendations from others who have had successful surgeries there and its track record of excellence in complex cases.

These factors combined make Cleveland Clinic a top choice for patients seeking surgical care, particularly those with complex conditions or who want access to the latest medical technology and treatment advancements.

We’re moving along the road to Cleveland and will stop for the night, well before dinnertime.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 25, 2014:

We had no trouble finding the distant Laundromat, Bobo’s Bubbles, in South Kensington, England. For more photos, please click here.

What d travelers do if they get “vacation diarrhea?” especially in a remote location…

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Venus de Milo by Alexandros of Antioch, also known as Aphrodite of Milos. It was amazing that we got this shot free of onlookers when hundreds were crowded around, also trying to take photos.

When we began our travels almost 12 years ago, we visited a travel clinic associated with our health plan in Minnesota. Not only did we receive many vaccinations (not necessary in many cases for short-term travelers), but our primary care doctor also gave us prescriptions, all of which we had filled out. We included copies of the prescriptions in our luggage to confirm we had received these prescriptions legally.

On another note, we have never been asked to produce copies of prescriptions in those 12 years. However, years ago, our supply of supplements/vitamins was questioned when we were traveling from Belize on a cruise. We had to produce receipts, which we would do by researching our online purchases, and 24 hours later, our supplements were returned to us. Go figure.

One of the most important prescriptions a traveler can bring is antibiotics in the event of gastrointestinal distress, such as vacation diarrhea. Vacation diarrhea is common when travelers drink non-bottled water and eat washed fruits and vegetables. Bottle water is available in every location we’ve visited, but it must have a sealed cap and preferably a familiar brand name. Also, do not eat foods washed in unsanitary tap water, such as fruit without a peel, lettuce, grapes, cherries, and berries.

Unsanitary tap water is common in many countries, even in some locations in the US. It’s also imperative to ask if the tap water has undergone a sterilization process such as reverse osmosis. Most larger hotels have purified water, but we always use bottled water to brush our teeth since some won’t sanitize bathroom water.

However, most camps and resorts do not have a process of sanitizing their water, and tap water served at the table in restaurants is unsafe to drink. Be careful of juices they may make using tap water, and avoid all raw fruits and vegetables, except for bananas, oranges, and grapefruit you may peel yourself. Apples, pineapple, melons, lemons, and limes may be unsafe in your drink. As mentioned above, salad vegetables are a no-no.

What can you drink with less concern? Brand-name beer and soda are served in the bottle that you open. Make sure to wipe the cap carefully or use a food-grade wipe to clean it. Often, bottled beverages are kept cold in bins of water and ice. Yes, it’s unsafe to use ice in your drinks. Bottle wine is generally safe. Most types of liquor are suitable for consumption; however, if you usually drink your chosen liquor with water, only use sealed bottled water.

What about drinks like Mai Tais, Margaritas, and fruity-flavored drinks? I would also avoid those when water may have been used in preparing such cocktails. Often, the language barrier makes it difficult to ensure sanitation processes are utilized. Instead, avoid any possible scenarios.

When should you start taking antibiotics once you get diarrhea? Ask your travel clinic or doctor this question in advance. They may say right away or to wait 24 hours or longer to see if it improves. But for most travelers, a day or two is too long to suffer when they long to continue with their plans.

It’s easy to let other, more experienced travelers or locals dismiss your precautions as unnecessary. But do not let anyone discourage you from being cautious. Locals and other long-term travelers may have developed an immunity to the toxins in water and food.

Even after spending over four years in Africa, we never used tap water. However, in some circumstances, such as dining at a Jabula, we would always eat the salad. This may not be the case in other restaurants in the bush; in those cases, we ate cooked food.

Traveling has a lot of challenges, but doing so can enrich our lives in ways that nothing else can compare. We can’t wait to get back “on the road again.”

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 13, 2014:

Artemis, the Moon Goddess, at le Louvre in Paris. For more, please click here.

No road trip for me!…

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A scene from the Musee d’Orsay, in Paris.

Tomorrow, after talking to a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic, if it’s safe for me to continue here with these breathing issues, we’ll decide how to get me there at the end of the month. Right now, I feel like it would be impossible for me to go on a road trip. Won’t I sit in the car for two days for the 750-mile journey?

The answer is yes and no. Sitting in the car will be okay, but I’m most concerned about getting in and out of the car at roadside stops for restroom breaks and walking to and from a hotel, which I’ll face when we get to Cleveland anyway. It’s usually a long walk from the car to the restroom, which would be impossible. I can’t go to the bathroom here in the hotel room without getting out of breath.

I just looked it up, and the hotel at Cleveland Clinic has wheelchair assistance and wheelchairs for guests. You may say, why don’t we get a wheelchair now? However, I don’t plan to go anywhere if possible. Our room is too small to maneuver a wheelchair around. I’ll arrange for a wheelchair at the airport when I fly out, which will take me to my seat since I doubt I can walk down the aisle to my seat.

Fortunately, I can stand quietly in the kitchen and chop and dice ingredients for dinner. Tom takes everything out and back into the refrigerator while I prepare simple meals, some of which I can do while seated at the kitchen table. Plus, Tom does the cooking, which helps a lot.

Here’s a description of difficulty breathing due to valve regurgitation:

Difficulty breathing, or dyspnea, can be a symptom associated with valve regurgitation. Valve regurgitation, also known as valve insufficiency, occurs when one of the heart’s valves does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward instead of moving through the heart and to the rest of the body. This can affect the efficiency of the heart’s function and lead to various symptoms, including:

  1. Shortness of breath (dyspnea): Especially during physical activity or when lying flat.
  2. Fatigue: Due to reduced oxygenated blood being circulated.
  3. Swelling (edema): In the legs, ankles, or abdomen.
  4. Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats or a sensation of the heart skipping beats.
  5. Chest pain: Though less common, it can occur in severe cases.

I have symptoms #1, #3, and #4. Fortunately, I don’t have chest pain. My heart rate and blood pressure are normal if I stay seated or lying down. As soon as I start moving, they both increase significantly.

The severity of symptoms can vary depending on which valve is affected (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary) and the extent of the regurgitation.

If you’re experiencing difficulty breathing and suspect it might be related to valve regurgitation, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may perform diagnostic tests such as echocardiography, electrocardiograms (EKG), or other imaging studies to assess the function of your heart valves and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

There’s the latest, dear readers. We’ll keep you updated.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 4, 2014:

The massive courtyard of the Musee de l’Armee des Invalides was used as a staging area during times of war. For more photos, please click here.

A harrowing evening…

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From Paris…

After countless echoes of support from our readers, many commented that they, too, have heart and other medical conditions, and it is comforting to them to know they are not alone in their struggles. A positive attitude is vital to navigating medical or other issues, but we’re all human. We may be fearful and apprehensive as we work through ongoing challenges.

After two nights in the hospital last week, during which nothing could be done without more tests and agreeing to treatment at that hospital, I checked out not necessarily feeling better or more at ease with how I’ve been feeling lately. We leave for Cleveland Clinic in a little over three weeks, and the time can’t come quickly enough.

In the past few weeks, I’ve found that whenever I move around for more than a minute, my heart goes wild, trying to keep up with activity-induced blood flow. My pulse rises, my blood pressure increases, and I become breathless. This is an awful feeling, and as hard as I try to breathe it out and stay calm.

Overall, I am a calm person. I usually don’t manifest any physical symptoms when under stress, nor do I overreact to difficult situations. After all, 12 years of world travel were packed with stressful scenarios, and with Tom and I, at each other’s side, we’ve worked our way through immeasurable stressful situations…never a panic attack, a headache, an upset stomach, or any other medical response.

We both revel in our ability to maintain calm through all unexpected situations, even coming out on the other side of my emergency open heart surgery while in South Africa in February 2019 with optimism and determination to continue with our travels, which we did.

We went to Billie’s Bar and Grill in Anoka yesterday late afternoon. We were comfortably seated while I drank three glasses of iced tea, which caused me to go to the restroom a few times, about 30 steps from our big table. I was severely out of breath each time I returned to the table.

The last time I went to the restroom before we left to get back on the road, I was seriously out of breath, and once we were in the car, I couldn’t seem to catch my breath at all. Tom asked if we needed to go to the ER. I agreed to be safe, and we returned to Methodist Hospital.

An ER assistant grabbed a wheelchair and wheeled me in to approach the check-in desk. I explained my situation through difficult breathing and endless questions from the intake person to whom I explained I might be having a heart attack based on my symptoms. The phone number on my chart from last week was incorrect, but she finally found my file and corrected the number.

Practically slumped in the chair, struggling to breathe, I was told someone would come get me “soon.” The emergency room was packed with at least 60 people. After two hours, a kindly woman sitting beside me in a wheelchair explained she had been waiting for hours. She’d broken her hip, which had been diagnosed by an orthopedic surgeon, and was told to go to emergency to be put into a room for tomorrow’s surgery.

She was in pain and uncomfortable waiting for someone to take her, but she’d waited for many hours. Nurses and intake people told other patients that the wait could be eight to ten hours. I asked a few passing staff, and they said the wait would be many hours. Good grief! What if I was having a heart attack?

I told Tom I’d be better off returning to the hotel and lying down. If it got worse, we’d call an ambulance, ensuring a quicker opportunity for triage. There was no way I could sit in that chair for eight to ten hours.

Once back at the hotel, I lay on the bed, took my vitals, did an EKG on the Fitbit, and did lots of deep breathing to slow my heart rate. An hour later, I was feeling much better. On Monday, I will call the Cleveland Clinic and ask them what to do and if this breathing issue is extremely worrisome while I await my appointments on August 28. If they say this is a normal response to valve issues, I will wait it out.

Last night, I slept well, but even when I got up to shower and dress, I got winded. Hopefully, on Monday, I will know more. Meanwhile, Tom is doing everything while I sit like a lump of clay watching the Olympics, a wonderful distraction.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 3, 2014:

The most romantic city in the world, Paris, obviously inspired a romantic person to have this sign posted, “Will you marry me, Diane?” We hope she said yes! For more photos, please click here.

Going downhill…A harsh reality…

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Exquisite needlepoint done by Gina’s mother in Madeira.

Since my heart event last week, it’s been evident to me that my ability to walk and strength is deteriorating. At this point, I can’t convince Tom to attend his family functions, leaving me behind. There’s such a gathering tomorrow, but regardless of what I say, he won’t leave me alone.

There is a barbecue at Mary’s house on Thursday evening. I hope to be able to go to Billy’s on Friday night; I don’t feel I can be out two nights in a row. I wish he’d go tomorrow when I believe I will be okay being alone for one evening.

Tonight, we’re meeting Greg and Madighan nearby at Pizza Luce at 5:00 pm since we haven’t seen them in a few weeks. They were on vacation, and then, when they returned…I was in hospital. I explained that none of the family needed to visit me. Tom stayed with me day and night until they kicked him out when visiting hours ended.

How am I holding up emotionally? Actually, we both are our usual cheerful selves, with no whining or complaining about this situation. We plan to maintain this attitude going forward, even after our medical appointments at Cleveland Clinic. We both know a positive attitude can impact one’s health outcome, and there’s no way we’re going down the self-pitying or whinging route.

Over the years, we’ve met many seniors who’ve experienced life-threatening illnesses and, when the crisis was under control, were still able to spend time in Marloth Park. Such joy and pleasure most assuredly impacts one’s recovery from illness. As soon as the weather cools, we’ll be back on our way.

Knowing we’ll be returning to my favorite place in the world is a wonderful means of maintaining a positive outlook. I’ve always told Tom if I knew in advance that “my number was up,” there is nowhere in the world I’d rather spend my final days than with him at my side in the bush, drinking red wine, listening to Andrea Bocelli on YouTube through our portable speaker and watching our beloved wildlife friends come to visit.

Of course, seeing our wonderful friends in Marloth Park would be a great joy. We can’t wait to see them all again.

But sometimes, life is harsh, and we don’t have the opportunity to create the perfect scenario for our final days. Those dreams can only remain in one’s mind and heart while facing fate.

Yesterday, I received an email from friends we met at the Mugg and Bean gift shop in Lower Sabie, South Africa, who later ended up renting from Louise. Right now, Les and Jerry are staying in the Ratel house, where we always have stayed in the past several years.

They, too, have named their favorite visitors a plethora of delightful human names, as we had done in years past. When Les explained that Norman has been visiting several times a day, my heart skipped a beat. I can’t wait to see Norman once again!

Life isn’t always easy for retirees, whether living in a home in a familiar location or being on the move, as is our lifestyle. We’re not giving up our world travels and pray that we will return to traveling the world soon.

Thanks for your continuing support and interest in following along with us. Every one of our readers means the world to us!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 31, 2014:

It was a travel day ten years ago, and no posts were uploaded.

What to do if you become ill while traveling…

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This goat was chained on a hill by the road. It was sad to see.
Because I have excellent insurance coverage, when my blood pressure went through the roof, I knew I could order an ambulance and go to a hospital with an outstanding reputation, all of which would be covered by my insurance plan. The services provided to me were 100% covered by Medicare A and B, and my Plan G supplement covered any deductibles. I left the hospital without being ill. What a relief!
But, over the years, I had worried about coverage in foreign countries, especially when the travel insurance we had in the past never covered any of my previous expenses for open heart surgery and complications there. We had to pay everything out of pocket, which we did in full before we left the country.
If we hadn’t paid in South Africa, they would have tagged our passports, and we wouldn’t have been allowed to leave the country. That’s a scary thought! The result is that quality insurance is imperative when traveling. We had no idea they wouldn’t pay the enormous bill.
Getting sick in a foreign land is scary enough, let alone wondering if your insurance will ultimately pay. Of course, your first consideration is receiving quality care and getting you through the crises.
I hadn’t mentioned this in yesterday’s post…but while I was in the hospital on Thursday, Friday, and part of Saturday, I encountered issues with not having a primary care physician in Minnesota. The specialists didn’t quite know how to handle my case, which surprised me. But at least I got through the crises, and they were able to stabilize me.
The doctors even suggested I get a primary care doctor, which I had tried to do months after we first arrived, but after contacting about ten, I could not get an appointment. They were booked to as far as September, and by then, we’d be long gone. Plus, after we leave for Cleveland, having a primary care doctor in Minnesota would make no sense since we don’t plan to return for a while.
These are some of the long-term challenges of traveling the world that one must address when one needs medical care. There is nothing we could have done to prepare for such an event. Instead, as often, we figure it out as we go. All I can say is that the best thing I ever did was get signed up for Medicare with a good supplement, which I took care of while we were in Nevada during the open enrollment period.

Getting sick in a foreign country can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to manage the situation effectively. Obviously, if you have a life-threatening situation, your first concern is getting to the closest medical center, wherever you may be. If you anticipate medical issues based on your current health, here are some suggestions as to what you may do:

  1. Stay Calm: Panicking will not help. Stay calm and assess your symptoms.
  2. Rest and Hydrate: Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Drink bottled water if you’re unsure about the quality of tap water.
  3. Medication: Use any over-the-counter medication you brought with you. Common medications for pain relief, fever, or stomach issues can be helpful.
  4. Contact Your Embassy: Your embassy can provide guidance on medical facilities and assistance.
  5. Local Medical Facilities: Find the nearest hospital or clinic. Many countries have English-speaking doctors in major cities.
  6. Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, contact your provider to understand your coverage and get assistance finding medical care.
  7. Local Pharmacy: Visit a local pharmacy for advice and over-the-counter medication. Pharmacists can often provide helpful advice for minor ailments.
  8. Language Barrier: Use translation apps to communicate your symptoms if there’s a language barrier.
  9. Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene practices to avoid worsening your condition or spreading illness to others.
  10. Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local friends, family, and your embassy.
  11. Documentation: Keep all medical documents, prescriptions, and receipts in case you need them for insurance claims or follow-up care.
  12. Follow Up: Once you return home, follow up with your primary care physician to ensure complete recovery.

We are grateful for having the appropriate health insurance and for receiving good care to help me through the crisis. Although I feel weak since leaving the hospital, I am much better, and my blood pressure is normal. I will be very grateful if I avoid another such event until we get to Cleveland Clinic.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 29, 2014:

While on a walk, we spotted this waterfall. For more photos, please click here.

We’re back after a medical ordeal…

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A lovely scene of a beach in Madeira while on a road trip.

It all started on Thursday morning. I went for a short walk, and we headed to the bank’s ATM for some cash and then to Aldi. I had only been to one Aldi in the UK, but I was curious about what a US store was about. Upon entering the store, within a few minutes, I saw it wasn’t for me.

I had no idea about the “off-brand” products and wouldn’t have time to use them to determine their quality. Plus, it mainly was packaged, processed foods that we don’t eat. After grabbing the four spices we needed, I headed to check out. It was at this time that I began to feel light-headed and shaky,

From there, we drove to the Cub Market to pick up our awaiting grocery order, which I had placed earlier in the day. Once we returned to the hotel, Tom carried in the groceries I put away. I still felt light-headed, shaky, and dizzy. I sat down, hoping the awful feeling would pass. But ten minutes later, I felt worse.

Thinking that it might be a breakthrough Afib and possibly an increase in blood pressure, I took my blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is roughly 120/80. Mine was 240/142, outrageously and dangerously high. I took the reading three times, and it didn’t budge. I told Tom we needed to call 911.

Within minutes,  help arrived with police and firefighters, and shortly after that, paramedics with the ambulance. The 20-minute ride in the ambulance was bumpy and unsettling. Still, before I knew it, we arrived at Methodist Hospital, and I was rushed into a room in the emergency department where I was hooked up to lots of equipment and given nitroglycerin, and blood tests were done.

Heart and valve problems definitely impact blood pressure. Blood tests were taken, and it was determined that I hadn’t had a heart attack but had what is called malignant blood pressure, described as follows from the Cleveland Clinic:

“Malignant Hypertension

Malignant hypertension occurs when a sudden spike in blood pressure puts you at risk for organ damage. It often happens in people with a history of high blood pressure. But it can also occur in people with normal blood pressure. The condition is a medical emergency that requires immediate care.”

We both felt I was in good hands. Once I was stabilized, the doctor suggested I stay overnight for some tests. I explained that I had scheduled appointments at the Cleveland Clinic beginning on August 28 after leaving Minnesota on August 25. I explained that my objective was to determine if it was safe for me to wait for treatment for the upcoming appointments in Cleveland and that nothing was going on that required we leave sooner.

By 10:00 pm, after six hours in the emergency department, I was escorted to a spacious private room on the cardiac floor. During the night, I had scans and didn’t get much sleep.

After the tests during the night and more the next day, it was determined I was safe to wait for the month until we’d get to Cleveland. Still, if I had another episode of malignant hypertension, I’d need to return to the hospital for treatment.

Two days later, I was released with no new drugs or prescription changes, and yesterday afternoon, we returned to the hotel by 2:00 pm. I certainly didn’t feel like going out to dinner, but instead, based on the items we purchased from Cub, I could slice the vegetables for us to put together our desired bread-less subway-type sandwiches.

It was so good to be back at the hotel, albeit slightly tentative, feeling weak and exhausted after lying in bed for two days and nights. But I am attempting to walk a little every 30 minutes.

Thanks to our readers who wrote about our well-being. We appreciate all of you!

Be well.

Photos from ten years ago today, June 28, 2014:

Late blooming Bird of Paradise, aptly named in Madeira. For more photos, please click here.