Is there a Dr. in the house?

It seems I’m constantly going to doctors appointments. Not because something is wrong, but for regular checkups. You know, basic maintenance. Tuneups!

I have my spinal cord injury doctor, a neurosurgeon, a cardiologist, a pulmonologist and a urologist. Yeah, that’s 5 doctors. And that doesn't count the specialists I'm occasionally referred to. Thankfully they’re all great doctors and good people. And thank God for good health insurance.

But living with a spinal cord injury as severe as mine for almost 36 years, seeing doctors is a necessary evil if you want to stay healthy. The great majority of the time the news I receive from my physicians is good, but on occasion it’s not that great.

Like this past week, I received a call from my urologist. He wanted to explain to me the results of my recent kidney analysis. The news wasn’t that great. As a result, another visit to see him come this Thursday. That will be two visits in two weeks.

And of course I also need to see my cardiologist within the next couple of weeks. I visit her once a month. Have to make sure the ticker is still operating properly.

They’ve drawn blood from me so many times my veins refuse to release any more blood to them, at least without a good fight. At my last appointment, upon seeing me the phlebotomist stated, “better call Virginia.” I guess Virginia is the best vampire in that facility.

I’ve had so many x-rays I’m surprised I don’t glow in the dark.

Regardless, these ventures, although they’re sometimes annoying and really cramp my lifestyle, I follow through with because I want to stay alive and healthy, even if the news isn’t always good. Plus, I do want to enjoy my retirement someday.