Goodnight, Irene
24 February 2017
Every so often, and more frequently lately, I seem to be having mortality reminders. After 64 years of reflection, I have decided there is little or no reason for things that befall us. My current mental construct is that Zeus is living somewhere up there, and from time to time he either gets drunk or pissed off and hurls a few thunderbolts about. And since his aim sucks, the results are typically random chaos inflicted on some innocent and unsuspecting victim. As the famed Captain Ron says, "Sh*t happens."
I had what I hope will turn out to be a near miss today. I won't know for a couple of weeks.
A few days ago, odd things started happening with my right eye. I started seeing black spots and kept thinking they were flies. Then dark shadows lurking around the edge of my vision. Next, some blurriness. About 7 o'clock last night, it pretty much shut down, kind of like someone dropped a big blob of Vaseline in it. Hence I had my first encounter with the Mexican health care system today. It was positive, I am glad to say. Please take a moment and reflect on getting medical care outside of your home country, where the may not speak your language. This is a serious and ongoing discussion among cruisers and expats.
A historical aside as background. I have been very near sighted and highly astigmatic my entire life. Discussions with eye care professionals usually include warnings about my elevated risk of retinal detachment and possible permanent and severe decrease in vision. So far I have avoided this, and instead developed cataracts in both eyes, resulting in painless surgery for lens replacement. I still squirm when I consider the details. Sadly common among my age group, but a miracle of modern medical science.
My Captain Ron reference is not random. I had a serious and not unfounded fear I might soon be one eyed. And despite recent politics, I'm not living in the land of the blind. I am also male, genetically programmed to stubbornly insist that it will get better if you ignore it hard enough, whether it be a hangnail, a cold, a broken limb, or a 10 pound tumor growing out of your forehead. It takes a lot to get us to the doctor.
So, off to the emergency room this morning. Oddly enough, my boat slip is literally less than a hundred yards from a fancy, new, shiny hospital. It's also right next to the casino, but that's a story for another time.
Inside of ten minutes, I'm with a doctor. Walk in, no appointment, random guy off the street. Ten minutes. He does a preliminary exam, speculates that it could be my new high tech polymer lens. Or my retina. He makes a call and books an appointment with a specialist for three hours later. When I tell him I don't know where the other hospital is, he says they will take me. I am impressed.
Out to breakfast, back to the hospital for a twenty minute drive. A new van, and I am the only passenger. Older, slightly funkier hospital in Puerto Vallarta. I am early, but by 10 minutes after the appointed time, I am with an eye specialist who dilates my eye and tortures me with the obligatory bright lights.
The good news is, no issues with my cornea, lens or retina. There is some swelling which is causing the problem. It's also stretching things a bit and making me more prone to retinal tearing. He prescribes some drops, and tells me to rest for the next three weeks. Nothing strenuous, no lifting. There goes my new lap swimming regimen, and some boat projects I had planned. Bummer, but my fears of becoming Captain Ron are allayed. A different driver drops me back in Nuevo Vallarta, right next to the gate to the marina, about 150 feet from my boat. Oh, and the doctor gave me his card with his personal cell number. Call anytime if you have problems.
So, what appears to be a smoking thunderbolt crater next to me. Zeus doesn't aim well, so,we,sometimes get a lucky break. I get another reminder about mortality, ticking clocks, use it or lose it, take care of yourself and carpe that fabled diem. And never forget, and always remember, do it while you can. Your mileage may vary, but please enjoy the time we have before Zeus gets in a lucky shot.
Oh, and my experience with the Mexican medical system was impressive. I understand why so many gringos come down here for treatment. I have had health insurance most of my adult life, so I don't have a handle on full medical costs stateside, but I had two emergency doctor visits, transportation, quick, professional service and a prescription filled. My cost was less than $200, including a tip for the driver. I suspect that's high down here, but it's an urban tourist area.
I'll be stateside for a couple of weeks in March, and have a round of doctor visits scheduled before Medicare kicks in, including one with my eye doctor. I emailed hm, and he asked me to change my appointment with him to another facility where he has more equipment. Quick, responsive, caring and professional. But nobody offered me a ride and I think I'm very glad I won't be paying the uncensored bill.
Hoping to get back to lap swimming when I get back. Sure hope Zeus misses the pool.
Goodnight, Irene
Sometimes I live in the country,
Sometimes I live in town,
Sometimes I take a great notion
To jump in the river and drown.