August 2020 Newsletter Edition
Throughout August I've been preoccupied with my health care. For better or worse this needed to happen. There are other things I am trying to do. But my right ankle has become a problem. This has honestly crippled me. This redefines what is wrong.
I have a serious problem on my hands that I doubt is going away any time soon. One morning in mid August I woke up to my right ankle being rigid. It was a reminder of what I went through with my left hip. I took a single step. I felt and heard it pop. My ankle didn't recover. A trip to the emergency department of my local hospital gave me a diagnosis of a partially torn Achilles tendon. I was bluntly told to give it a few days of rest followed by "use it or loose". This brings me to the challenge that everything is joined together inside my body. I am not able to isolate my ankle problem from my arthritic knees. I am not able to move my ankle without increasing my knee pain. Being in pain consumes energy. The knock on side effect of this is not getting done what I need to do each day. If I can find a doctor that demonstrates competency and is trustworthy I need to have a very honest conversation.
The family doctor I've had since the fall of 2006 is retiring in October. His office is located in the next village over. In 2006 his practice was new. He took a chance on me. Certainly going to the emergency department of my local hospital wasn't really helping me and especially having someone follow me. But it has become increasingly impractical because of the travel. Physically speaking I can't tolerate it. My pain spirals out of control. I approached the family doctor practical two blocks from my home. A patient transfer to their facility is now in motion. I just hope it is for the best. I don't know that I have anything to loose. I am going to have a new doctor regardless. I just hope it is someone who wants to help me.
I am continuing to progress with piloting a drone. I am starting to become interested in flying at sunset. I have ordered an intermediate drone and drone strobe lights to fulfill the flying in low light conditions requirement. I am continuing to practice and improve my skills. I am being thorough and methodical. I am counting on this as a hobby and the potential income it could provide me with etching nature photos onto wood. I do enjoy flying. I suppose this is baby steps. At a minimum I am really enjoying getting outside with a fun purpose.
I renewed my mortgage for another 12 months. My plan is to pay it out in mid 2021. I have been able to pay down the principal owing with inheritance money. With inheritance money I will be receiving shortly I will own my home outright in 2021. This will be a relief. With the Ontario Government not providing annual cost of living / inflation increases for 3 years for disability benefits I have to reduce my cost of living to continue living within my means. When the next Ontario general election is called I plan to write a letter to the editor calling attention to this.