OT January Chit Chat

[Howie]

That's probably true, especially for a woman so she's not stranded in a bad place. But I never feel the need for a phone when I'm out. I only go to CVS and Food Lion, and they are in the same lot, and only a few miles from home.

My PT Cruiser was bought new in 2005, and only has 24,000 on it now, has a brand new set of tires, so the chance of it breaking down are slim. The Ghia has 147 miles on it, but I probably will carry a phone in it.

Howie can take pretty good care of himself, so don't you worry, I don't. You know those wrinkle lines people get when they get older across their forehead, especially men? I'm 63 and have NONE. I worry about nothing. Worry is what makes you old.

I'll bet I could take you for a ride in Pinky, and put a couple of wrinkles in YOUR forehead!

[agate]

Howie, I'm sure you're an expert at taking care of yourself, but I do recall a time when you fell in the parking lot at a supermarket. I think you said it was the Food Lio supermarket. A cellphone on you at that time might have been handy.

I usually take my cellphone with me when I go out but, like Virginia, it's the only time I might use it.

As for the Walmart layout, couldn't you call and ask them about where the department you want is? I do this kind of thing. I ask a store for a map if I can't find one readily available in the store. I make my own map if they don't have one--if it's a store I'm going to be in often.

Well, I used to do that. It's been months since I've been in any store, and that time it was just to visit the bank branch briefly.

For years I had several store maps that I always kept very handy, and I plotted my trip around the store based on the map.

[Howie]

Ah yes, the Great Food Lion Incident! That brings back some interesting memories, like being given a bath by four nurses. Well, that all happened during my Vodka drinking days. It may have been because of the Vodka, but I collapsed in the Food Lion parking lot.

Being on the third day of not sleeping (Again, I would blame the Vodka) I had just gotten out of my car, and headed inside, and the next thing I remembered, I was taking my first ride in an ambulance.

That ended the Vodka drinking days. But today I drink beer only. All have been low alcohol content, and my newest is 4.2% alcohol content, and is the best tasting beer I've ever had.

Where were we...OH, I'm waiting on CVS to call me my meds are ready. I called them first thing this morning. When they call, I will pick those up, and head to Walmart.

I'm pretty sure of the layout, and how to get where I want. And didn't I read once they have the motorized carts now? I won't need them, but if I do, it's good to know they are there.

I'm ready for my second mug of coffee. SAM....I'M READY!

[SalpalSally]

Happy January everyone!!!

[stillstANNding]

Hi Sally!

Howie, all these women trying to fix you! And you are 63? I have a husband younger than you!!

ANN

[Jeanie Z]

:) Sally glad you checked in. Happy New Year! Jeanie :)

[Howie]

Hi Sally!

Howie, all these women trying to fix you! And you are 63? I have a husband younger than you!!

ANN

That poor man!


Hi Sally!

[agate]

Happy January to you too, Sally!

[Virginia]

Happy January Sally!!

Ann, since I know you are not even 60 I will not ask if you are a "Cougar".

So far I have been unable to get funding for my Rebif for 2017. It's freak out time again.

[stillstANNding]

Virginia, by the numbers (7), I am a Cougar!
ANN

[Howie]

A Cougar? Well that's a cat, so you're OK in my book!

Any of you A Team watchers know the phrase "I love it when a plan comes together". Well that was the trip I just got back from. Went to CVS and got my meds. Went to the ATM, then headed to Walmart.

Went in the back door and got the exact air pump I wanted and at a clearance price, then headed home. Traffic was great. My walking in the back door of Walmart went great, but another 10 steps I would have been wobbly.

Joan, thank you for the card, and we both know who you are. I appreciate it very much, and the cats and I wish you the same!

Clear and 65 tomorrow I think they are saying, so a little time with Pinky is the plan. Right now, I will relax, and pat myself on the back for a job well done.

OH, and I did take my phone.

[Sunshine]

Happy January Sally!!

Ann, since I know you are not even 60 I will not ask if you are a "Cougar".

So far I have been unable to get funding for my Rebif for 2017. It's freak out time again.

I saw that UHC is not going to pay for Avonex and Rebif, and patients have to move to Plegidy (sp?). They're making some exceptions though.

[Virginia]

BBS, that is not my problem. I do have UHC, but not for drugs. I have Medicare Part D through a company that covers Rebif, however there is a 30 something percent co-payment and on a drug like that there is no way. Patient Assistance Network had been helping with copayment for several years, but said their funds for MS were already allocated. I will keep trying.

Well Ann, now we know - way to go!

[Cat Dancer]

AKKKK.. It's the new year. Which means, for the first time in more than 20 years, a new health care plan. We have health care through my husband's employment (he was a state employee), for which we've paid premiums for the last 20 years, since he retired (early, at age 56). Anyway, THIS year for the first time since he retired, we had to change health plans, as ALL our doctors, therapists, hospitals and clinics would no longer accept our old plan (it was an argument between providers and providees), nothing to do with the plan itself.

Anyway, this of course means I have to go back to all the doctors, etc., and re-register with the new plan. And the pharmacy. I hadn't even thought about the Tecfidera. I think it's covered under my regular health insurance (not Medicare), but I'm not sure. Which means...if UHC is NOT covering Betaseron, it might not be covering this, either! Yikes! I'll have to get on the phone tomorrow and see! I know my other plan did. There is a supplemental drug plan that had been covering it..and I think -- but don't know for sure-- that it is separate from the insurance plan. I'll have to see. Akkkk. I hate this bureaucratic garbage.

I'm like Howie in that I have a computer that computes, a land-based telephone that is a basic telephone. And I have a cell phone which is a basic telephone. I do carry that with me, though, and in fact carry it on a chain around my neck most of the time even in the house. If I should fall, I know I can't get off the floor, and with the cell, I can call for help. Tom Cat and I will call each other, too, when he's out in the yard (we have 15 acres that we call "yard"), so if I need something, that's how I get him.

I've never had to use it in an emergency, but it is nice to know that it is there, around my neck. We pay a pretty basic fee, $40/month, but it's good insurance. It's suppose to do things...text, take pictures, but I don't know how to do any of that. Just take calls, send out calls. I do like the fact that I have programmed in all my doctors phone numbers, so if I am found somewhere, unresponsive, folks can pick up the phone and know who to call, and at what number(s). When I was in the nursing home, which did not have telephones in patient's rooms (there was a coin-operated...yes, COIN-OPERATED!!!) ... phone down the hall for outgoing calls), it came in quite handy. I could reach the outside world!!

Strange weather here, though. Up to 40 degrees yesterday, 35 or so today...then 8 tomorrow. Brrrrr. and of course I've been indoors for the past week, and have to be out tomorrow (physical therapy). Lousy scheduling on my part. :)

[Howie]

Cat, you're doing better with the cell phone than I am. I don't have any numbers programed in the phone, but I feel like it's good brain exercise to have them programmed in my head.

What's odd is if someone asks me just for my phone number, I have to include the area code, or I get it wrong. My cell phone is training me to always include the area code!