I actually haven't had a GP my entire adult life. Went to specialists here and there, but no general care. The company provides a yearly physical, but that's about all I've gone off of. Had said physical earlier this week and decided (not due to any specific result) that it was about time to finally take the plunge. Found what seems like a highly regarded(/rated) physician nearby and made an appointment.
I traded in my family practice GP for an internist several years back and it was one of the best moves I've made. Before he became a medical doctor he had a Ph.D. in biochemistry and did recombinant DNA research. He was the one who first noticed my lung was collapsing after my bypass surgery, diagnosed my hernias after another doctor failed to, spotted my iron deficient anemia after intestinal surgery and sorted out my blood pressure meds to get my systolic pressure down where it belongs. I'm keeping him until he retires or I die, whichever comes first.
It sucks when your doctor retires and you have to get a new one. It’s like you lose that second conscious that helps to keep you honest. I trust a doctor that tells me what I don’t want to hear.
I'm officially done with work* and retired. So far, so good. It's kinda weird.
*I'm going to log back in later this afternoon to pick up any straggler best wishes emails, and to change my out of office message
Did you go for the serious or joking out of office message?
Haven't yet, actually. I'm going to log back in end of the day for any last well-wishes and set it then. Probably just something to the point. I already spammed the tech org with my goodbye brief.
You got some whipsaw weather in STL for your retirement, eh?
70F today!
Congrats!
Welcome to the Island of Dr. Nous-arrivons!
Here’s a sutta I picked up after visiting Koyasan earlier this week to kick off your passage (Bhaddekaratta Sutta):
Don’t chase the past.
Have no expectations for the future.
The past is left behind,
The future not yet reached.
Clearly see phenomena
As they arise, here and there.
Knowing this—undefeated and unshaken—
Develop the mind.
Ardently do what should be done today—
who knows, death may come tomorrow.
There is no bargaining with mortality
And death’s great army.
Whoever lives thus ardent
—active day and night—
Is, says the peaceful sage,
One who has an auspicious day.
I had a complete physical about a month ago, the first one I'd had for several years. The PA said I was in amazingly good health for a sixty-six year old. I take a few dietary supplements, but no prescription meds. Essentially, I'm as healthy as an ox and nearly as intelligent. The only thing she could find to tell me was that my cholesterol was up slightly, but she just said to eat more greens. So now, when I share my M&Ms, I make sure to keep all the green ones.
Lots of pastor humor in that post. Huzzah on your good health.
Speaking of retirement and pastor humor, go to about 7:40:00 in this video if you missed it.
A good memory. Thanks!
Oooh, wonderful word of the day: compatabilism
So in Minny I had a great doc - I called him the War Doctor - wore a tie, dress shoes.
Best War Doctor story - I had just returned from Thailand, and about a week later was still feeling kinda bad - wondered if I had picked up something.
Me: So I’m just dragging. Whoosy. And it’s been a full week now. Maybe I caught something? (thinking he might prescribe some suchat).
He: Ah, suck it up. You’ll be fine.