Half-Birthday Cataclysm

Were Skinny New Socks the Problem?

As I strolled through the aisles of Walgreens, I carefully selected various items, including athlete’s foot powder spray, blister patches, a spray to minimize blisters, and several other necessities. As I approached the checkout counter, I couldn’t help but wonder if the cashier thought I was stocking up for the apocalypse. I expressed my gratitude for their assistance as the cashier bagged my purchases, and I completed the transaction using Apple Pay. I couldn’t help but ponder what my sons would make of my eclectic assortment of items when they eventually cleared out of my apartment.

Despite the blisters, strain, and foot aches, I walked 8 miles ten mornings before Yom Kippur. As I put on my thin Brooks-branded socks this Friday, I wanted to know if the thicker ones I had worn with my Ghost 15s might be the solution. Taking my first steps, I felt the snugness of my shoes around my feet as I stepped out the door. While dropping off the recycling, I reached to start my workout and was astonished to find my bare wrist. It dawned on me that I had forgotten to put on my Apple Watch after charging it earlier that morning, and my nights had been restless, filled with bouts of tossing and turning, leaving me to ponder if I was slowly losing my mind.

With my sleek Apple Watch snugly wrapped around my wrist, I embarked on my invigorating workout routine. It was during this time that my dear friend Jess shared concerning news about our mutual friend Jim, who had recently returned home following a stroke. I vividly recalled seeing him just last Sunday at the delightful Hanson Park Duck Race. “You seem more informed than I am,” Jess remarked. I offer comforting reassurance, sharing that Jim appeared in high spirits and had a dedicated caregiver. I playfully teased Jim about always being accompanied by a lovely lady,” I recounted with a chuckle and assured Jess that I would gladly sign any card she planned to send him. As I strolled, I couldn’t help but notice an unexpected sense of ease in my feet. This prompted me to ponder whether the discomfort I had been experiencing was due to my choice of socks rather than the natural aging of my feet.

OMG – Sticker Shock

I was taken aback by the receptionist’s nonchalant manner as she handed me the estimated cost for my upcoming dental implant. I had expected the amount to be closer to the lower estimate I had seen online, but when I glanced at the bottom line, my half-smile vanished. The figure was significantly higher than I had anticipated, equivalent to more than two and a half months’ rent or an entire month’s living expenses. It felt as though the ground was about to give way beneath me.

After composing myself, I updated my calendar with the date and time of the upcoming surgery appointment. Although I knew I would receive a text reminder, I found comfort in having the information readily available. Before leaving, I picked up the bill and some background information on dental implants. When I double-checked the appointment time with the receptionist, she confirmed that it was scheduled for 9:45. She also mentioned something about it not being at 9:30 or 10, which left me slightly puzzled.

Sitting in my Prius, I reflected on the unexpectedly high cost of the procedure, which I would have to pay in full as my dental insurance did not cover implants. Despite living modestly, I knew I could afford it, but it would require adjustments. Did I really need Amazon Prime and Netflix? I could postpone getting a new iPhone for now. The silver lining was the prospect of having a crown installed four months after the surgery, just in time for my seventy-sixth birthday. It felt like a vital gift to myself, albeit an expensive one.

How Do I Have Ear Wax Again?

When I offered to pay at Dr. Presti’s office and confirmed that there were no changes in my health, the receptionist seemed surprised that I was using an Apple credit card. She stated, “We do not accept Apple Pay,” and added, “I never knew they had a credit card.” I explained that this was a physical card when a vendor did not accept Apple Pay. The staff listened like I was trying to pay with the first Diner’s Club Card almost years ago. Just as I was about to explain that Apple also had a virtual card, I was called into my appointment.

During my visit to Dr. Presti, he asked why I was there. I explained that during my previous visit in December, he recommended Marie Original Healthy Ears, which I had been using weekly to clean out ear wax. I mentioned that during my annual physical in June, my ears were finally free of wax for the first time. Dr. Presti noted that my primary care physician had retired and had missed the good news. I agreed that it would have been better if Dr. Jefferies had been there to see that I had finally resolved my most persistent medical issue.

In late September, I explained that I had stopped the medication when my ears were hurting and I heard a buzzing. Dr. Presti asked me to lean toward my side so he could check my right ear. I almost gasped when he said my ears were fully compacted with wax. He asked if I wanted him to remove the wax, and my voice increased by an octave or two when I responded in the affirmative.

After cleaning both ears, Dr. Presti said the minor ringing is familiar for about 20% of adults. He asked when I had last had a complete hearing exam. It was five years before COVID-19. He recommended that I have one and said the staff at the front desk would help me schedule one.

I was recommended a regular hearing exam, but I was scheduled for a complete hearing exam to establish a baseline as I age. Walking to my car, I stopped and dialed the phone number for Atlantic Health Systems to schedule an appointment. I paced around the parking lot while I was on hold. When the scheduler answered, she asked if I could hear her. I responded that I could hear her perfectly, which made me question the need for an ear exam. After several moments, I was given their earliest appointment with Ann Lisa Cantatore on December 23rd.

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