Amazing solution for Tom for a year’s long issue…

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Rechargeable batteries are required for these hearing aids, which can be easily recharged in the provided case. They come with a USB plug that easily plugs into the provided adapter, which plugs into any US outlet. For travel, one can use their usual device adapters. Also, the grey case is for charging while traveling. Two instruction booklets are included.

No words can express how excited we were after Tom picked up his hearing aids from Costco and found them working so well. He decided to go with the Philips brand and was thrilled. When he returned from Costco, I couldn’t tell he was wearing them—they are entirely invisible!

They couldn’t be better with the app on his phone to adjust them and the ability to hear incoming and outgoing phone calls. This makes a world of difference to him. But the benefits for me are indescribable. Finally, we can have a conversation without him saying, “What? What? What?”

Often, I’d be in another room and tell or ask him something, and invariably, he’d say, “I can’t hear you!”

You’d think I would have learned and stopped trying to talk to him from another room, but over the years, as his hearing worsened, I didn’t learn. It was frustrating for both of us. General chit-chat was severely impacted when I finally kept my thoughts to myself. Not that he prefers to hear every thought that pops into my mind! I will be considerate and not over-talk.

Many people, especially seniors, have hearing loss for various reasons. Tom’s case was hereditary, with many family members wearing hearing aids at young ages. Still, it was mainly due to working for 42½ years on the railroad with constant blaring noises, including the whistle on the locomotive, the steady sound of the diesel motor, and retarders used to slow down the train cars, often earsplitting. Nothing was soundproofed.

When Tom worked on the railroad, ear protection wasn’t required until the late 90s. By then, the damage had been done. Here are some facts about hearing aids.

The hearing aid package is in a sturdy box that he will save for future reference.

Hearing aids are essential devices for individuals with hearing impairments. Here are some key statistics and information about hearing aids:

  1. Prevalence of Hearing Loss:
    • Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing.
    • About 2-3 out of every 1,000 children in the U.S. are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears.
  2. Hearing Aid Usage:
    • Around 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids.
    • Despite this, only about 30% of adults aged 70 and older who could benefit from hearing aids have ever used them.
    • Among adults aged 20 to 69, the percentage drops to about 16%.
  3. Technology and Types:
    • Hearing aids come in various types, including Behind-the-Ear (BTE), In-the-Ear (ITE), and In-the-Canal (ITC) models.
    • Modern hearing aids use digital technology to process sound, which allows for more precise amplification and noise reduction.
  4. Market and Costs:
    • The global hearing aids market size was valued at USD 9.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
    • Hearing aids can be expensive, ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 per device. However, the introduction of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids is expected to make them more affordable and accessible.
  5. User Satisfaction:
    • User satisfaction with hearing aids is generally high, and many users report improved communication and quality of life.
    • Factors contributing to satisfaction include the degree of hearing loss, the quality of the hearing aid fitting, and ongoing support from audiologists.
  6. Barriers to Adopting the Use of Hearing Aids:
    • Common barriers to hearing aid adoption include the high cost, social stigma, and a lack of awareness about the benefits and advancements in hearing aid technology.

These statistics highlight the importance of hearing aids for those with hearing impairments and the need for increased accessibility and awareness.

As for the process Tom went through to be fitted for hearing aids at Costco, which may differ from other facilities:

  1.  Make an appointment online or over the phone at your local Costco store.
  2.  During the month before the appointment, have your ears checked for wax build-up at Costco’s hearing aid department. No appointment is necessary.
  3. Return to the store for your scheduled appointment for a hearing test, fitting, and selection of brand and style. As shown above, Tom selected the Philips brand for $100 less than the other. However, he didn’t choose it for the lower cost; instead, he chose it for its ability to be hidden in and behind the ear. At this point, you’ll pay for the hearing aids in full, which will be approximately $1600. We used Costco shop cards and coupons for this price, saving about $200.
  4. Return after a new appointment is made for the final fitting, instructions, and app instructions. Bring your phone so the app can be installed and activated on your smartphone.
  5. Return a few weeks later for a final check to ensure everything works well.

All of the above appointments are included in the total cost. Tom was delighted with the service and the process, and now, much to his delight, he can listen to his podcasts and the streamed shows without using a portable Bluetooth speaker. Plus, conversations with family members and friends will be easy to hear going forward.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 6, 2014:

Mardi Gras costumes from centuries ago on a visit to Musee de Quai Branly, in Paris, built in 2006, an architecturally exciting museum with a wealth of treasures from around the world. For more photos, please click here.

Not much I can do…Making difficult decisions…

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We approached Notre Dame Cathedral on a luxury dinner cruise on the River Seine in Paris.

I keep switching between flying alone to Cleveland or riding with Tom on the two-day road trip. The thought of flying alone, even with the help of a wheelchair, is concerning to me. How can I be assured I’ll get the service I need to get on the plane, get to my seat, get help going to the restroom, get to the hotel shuttle on my own, and manage to check in?

Without Tom with me, this is all intimidating, given my current breathing problems. What if I had another “heart episode” on the flight or at either airport? It’s already stressful at airports—getting the wheelchair, going through security, waiting to board, etc. Usually, none of this bothered me. Now, circumstances are different.

The more I think about it, the more I lean toward riding with Tom. This morning, we discussed avoiding a roadside rest for bathroom breaks. Instead, we can stop at a gas station or restaurant. Based on past experience, I can go all day in the car with only one restroom break.

As I write about this, I’m convinced I’ll ride with Tom. We’ll stop for breakfast and one restroom break during each day’s drive, and in each case, he’ll get me as close to the door as possible.

I am contemplating whether I can go out while here. I am wondering if I will be able to go out to dinner with family. It all depends on how much walking I’ll need to do to get to a table. I now know I can’t go to Billy’s on Friday with Tom’s siblings. There’s too much walking required to get in and out and to the restroom.

This morning, I called Cleveland Clinic about this issue. They suggested I go to an emergency room until I explained I’d already done that, spending two days in the hospital with lots of tests. Until I have surgery, there is nothing that can help me. It is the way it is.

We will continue with our plans to get to Cleveland Clinic. In the meantime, watching the Olympics is wonderfully distracting and gets me out of my head. All I have to do is make a salad today, and Tom will do the rest for dinner. Once we use the food we have on hand, we’ll start doing takeaway until it’s time to go.

My son Greg has Covid, and we were out to dinner with him the night before he got symptoms. It will be a relief when the incubation period ends. Right now, it’s been five days, and we are ok. Fingers crossed.

When it’s time to begin packing I will sit on the bed and do what I can. Tom will do the rest. Through all of this, we are still maintaining a good attitude and making the best of this situation.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 5, 2014:

This is a typical Parisian scene of a French Balcony with no room for sitting but offers a view and often room for flowers, such as these. For more photos, 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.

Biting off more than we can chew in today’s busy world…

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Within hours of our arrival, we walked from our hotel to take this photo.The  Eiffel Tower was as busy ten years ago as it is right now during the Olympics.

Note: Ten years ago today, we left Madeira, Portugal, and made our way to Paris for a two-week stay!

We’ve observed our working family members and friends as they take on extra tasks and responsibilities. We appreciate their dedication to the lives of their children, jobs, friends, and community but can’t help but wonder if they have time to renew, relax, and refresh.

In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, the idiom “biting off more than I can chew” resonates more than ever. With constant demands on our time and attention from work, family, social obligations, and the digital world, it’s easy to take on too much. This phrase captures the essence of overcommitting and the struggle to balance numerous responsibilities, often leading to stress, burnout, and diminished performance.

Modern society values productivity and multitasking, sometimes to an unhealthy extent. The pressure to excel in all areas of life can push individuals to overextend themselves. The rise of technology and social media has exacerbated this phenomenon, making it seem as if everyone is juggling multiple successful ventures effortlessly. This illusion of seamless multitasking can create unrealistic expectations, prompting people to take on more than they can handle.

Workplaces, in particular, are breeding grounds for overcommitment. The competitive job market and the drive to succeed professionally can lead employees to accept more responsibilities than they can realistically manage. The proliferation of remote work has blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life, further complicating the ability to gauge one’s capacity. With emails, messages, and notifications pouring in at all hours, the line between work and leisure becomes indistinct, making it difficult to switch off and recharge.

Taking on excessive responsibilities at work can have several adverse effects. First, the quality of work can suffer. When individuals are spread too thin, they may struggle to give adequate attention to each task, leading to mistakes and subpar results. This affects personal performance and can impact team dynamics and project outcomes. Moreover, the stress of managing an overwhelming workload can lead to burnout, characterized by physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy. Burnout is detrimental to the individual and costly for organizations in terms of lost productivity and increased turnover.

Outside of work, personal commitments can also become overwhelming. Balancing family responsibilities, social engagements, hobbies, and self-care can be daunting. The desire to maintain a vibrant social life, nurture relationships, and pursue personal interests often competes with the need for rest and downtime. Parents, in particular, may feel the strain of juggling their careers, children’s activities, household chores, and personal aspirations. The societal expectation to “have it all” can create immense pressure, leading to feelings of inadequacy and guilt when one inevitably falls short.

Social media exacerbates these pressures by creating a perpetual comparison trap. People often showcase their best moments online, giving the impression of effortlessly balanced and successful lives. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and the pressure to emulate such lifestyles. Consequently, individuals may overcommit to activities, social events, and projects in an attempt to match perceived standards, only to find themselves overwhelmed and dissatisfied.

Another critical aspect of biting off more than one can chew in today’s world is the impact on mental health. Chronic stress from overcommitting can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The constant juggling act can make finding time for self-care and relaxation challenging, which are essential for maintaining mental well-being. The fear of missing out (FOMO) and the drive to achieve can keep people in a constant state of alertness and worry, further deteriorating mental health.

To navigate these challenges, developing self-awareness and setting realistic boundaries is crucial. Recognizing one’s limits and learning to say no are essential skills in managing commitments effectively. Prioritizing tasks and focusing on what truly matters can help reduce the burden of overcommitment. Additionally, practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques can aid in maintaining a healthy balance and preventing burnout.

Organizations can also play a significant role in addressing this issue. Promoting a healthy work-life balance, providing resources for stress management, and fostering a supportive work environment can help employees manage their workloads better. Encouraging realistic goal-setting and acknowledging the limitations of multitasking can create a more sustainable and productive workplace culture.

In conclusion, biting off more than one can chew is a common challenge in today’s busy world. The pressures of modern life, amplified by technology and societal expectations, can lead to overcommitment and its associated stresses. Individuals can better manage their responsibilities by developing self-awareness, setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and finding a healthier balance. Similarly, organizations are responsible for supporting their employees in navigating these demands and creating a more sustainable and fulfilling environment for everyone.

Are you “biting off more than you can chew?” Is our obsession with perfection impacting our daily lives? Only each one of us can stop to analyze which changes can ultimately provide balance and success in our day-to-day lives.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 1, 2014

The variety of colors of flowers on the island has been a pleasure to behold in Madeira. For more, 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.

Stats for the Olympics…Who are we cheering for?…

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US fencers Lauren Scruggs, center left, and Lee Kiefer celebrated after facing off in the foil final on July 28. Kiefer overwhelmed Scruggs 15-6 to win the event for the second straight Olympics. Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images.

Watching the Olympics on TV and while streaming if we missed something has been particularly enjoyable. We are less interested in games and sports, preferring team and individual challenges, especially swimming and diving, track events, and most often, women’s and men’s gymnastics.

What do the Olympics have to do with world travel? For us, traveling to many countries and acquiring a certain degree of understanding of the culture has an impact. We often stay in a country for two to three months, not enough for a vast understanding but ample for gathering some knowledge of its people.

This knowledge, although minimal, has given us interest in the athletes from many other countries participating in various challenges. In years past, we were only focused on the athletes from the USA. Our interest has expanded exponentially, although our main focus is USA.

Here are a few facts about the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics:

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, taking place from July 26 to August 11, features a wide array of sports and competitions. Here are some of the key highlights and statistics so far:

  1. Medal Count: As of July 30, the leading countries in the medal tally include the United States, China, and Japan. The detailed and up-to-date medal table can be found on various sports news websites like NBC Olympics and AS USA​ (NBC Olympics).
  2. New Sports: The 2024 Olympics have introduced four new sports: breaking (a competitive form of breakdancing), sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing. These additions are part of an effort to make the Games more inclusive and appealing to younger audiences​ (NBC Olympics).
  3. Athlete Participation: Approximately 10,500 athletes from over 200 countries compete in the Games. This diverse group is participating in 32 sports, encompassing 306 events.
  4. Notable Events:
    • Football: The USA Under-23 team, featuring players from various top clubs, performs well and aims to advance past the group stages.
    • Gymnastics: The women’s gymnastics events have seen intense competition, with top performances from countries like the USA and China​ (NBC Olympics).
  5. Venue and Historical Significance: Paris is hosting the Olympics for the first time since 1924, marking the 100th anniversary of the last time the city held the Games. The events are spread across 16 cities in France, with some surfing events taking place in Tahiti​ (NBC Olympics).

For live updates, schedules, and detailed results, you can visit the official Olympics website or follow coverage on major sports news outlets like NBC Olympics and USA.

Because of our enthusiasm, we’ll continue to watch the 2024 Summer Olympics, enjoying every moment. We hope you are doing the same.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago, July 30, 2014:

We purchased fresh organic produce from the musical truck every week during our time in Madeira. For more photos, please click here.

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.

A day of celebrating Sister Beth…On the move, one month from today…

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Sister Beth loved the sound of bagpipes. Tom’s nephew Tony, shown in this photo, had arranged for this bagpipe player to perform at the cemetery.

We are so glad we stayed behind for Tom’s sister Patty to see Sister Beth’s memorial service. It meant the world to her. Mary’s (who was in Milwaukee at the service) husband, Eugene, joined us at Patty’s home, and the four of us watched the hour-long service intently. It was beautifully done with compassion and attention to detail. It was evident Sister Beth was dearly loved.

We brought my laptop with Tom’s as a backup, our HDMI cord, and our portable speaker. I set my phone up as a hotspot, which worked quite well when Patty doesn’t have WiFi in her home. There were a few delays on the other end, but finally, they got the video stream working properly, and we could easily watch.

I took this photo off of Patty’s TV of Sister Beth’s funeral, which was held in St. Joseph’s Hall, not the church since it is being renovated. Thirteen of Tom’s family members were in the front rows on the left. There were 80 mourners in attendance.

After the service, the luncheon was served in Milwaukee (see the menu below), and then over 30 mourners, including Tom’s 13 family members and many nuns, headed to the cemetery for the burial. As shown in the main photo, Tom’s nephew Tony, son of Margie, had arranged for a bagpipe player to perform at the burial service, as shown in the main photo.

For the four of us observing the service by video, we decided on our own lunch to celebrate Sister Beth and headed to one of Patty’s favorite restaurants. We talked about Sister Beth, sharing personal experiences and being grateful in our own way that we could participate from afar.

A luncheon was served after the funeral but before the cemetery trip.

We had a lovely lunch, and by early afternoon, we were back on the road to our hotel. We quietly spent the remainder of the day there until we had a light dinner around 6:30. Later, we settled in to watch our favorite new series, For All Mankind, on Apple TV. If you like stories about “space,” this is a much-watched drama.

Technology, such as what we used, made this possible. This relatively simple process was very familiar to us since we’ve been utilizing streaming for many years. However, we certainly understand how difficult this could be for those who don’t have WiFi in their homes and have never streamed any movies, series, or events.

Soon, we’ll head out to the bank and Aldi market for a few items and then pick up our usual grocery order from Cub Foods. When I placed the order this morning, they were out of several products we use, resulting in the necessity of stopping at another market.

Sister Julie Rice, a dear friend of Sister Beth, presented the eulogy.

Yesterday, it dawned on us that we’ll leave for Cleveland Clinic one month from today. The months-long wait has happened quickly with all the beautiful times we’ve spent with family and friends. We’ll cram in as much as possible in these remaining 30 days before heading out on the two-day road trip.

That’s all for today, folks. Thank you for the loving and thoughtful condolences for Tom and his family. The kindness of our readers worldwide never ceases to amaze us. Thank you for being YOU!

Be well.

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

We went through as many as 20 tunnels on a few-hour outing in Madeira. For more photos, please click here.