Health Update

Ten days ago we took a trip to Celestino Gasca and had a wonderful day.  Both of us felt great.

But….that night Eric experienced severe vertigo in the night when he rolled over.  Never had vertigo in his whole life.  Next day severe sinus congestion, sore left ear, vertigo and just generally unwell.  No mucous but he had a headache and dizziness along with the vertigo.

We tried cleaning his ears with hydrogen peroxide (per Dr. Oz) and although there was some wax removed there was no improvement. 

He was immobile for a couple of days and then we decided to try a package of broad spectrum antibiotic along with his usual nose spray for allergies.  Next two days minor improvement. 

One week later we went to see Dr. Olalde.  He was given a shot for allergies, allergy medication, vertigo medication and ear drops.  It is now Thursday and he is not a whole lot better.  So….what to do.  I guess we’ll wait until Monday and then go to see an ear, nose and throat specialist.  We have researched the internet and are aware of something called BPPV which is loose crystals in the ear which may cause vertigo but an inner ear problem can do the same thing.  He is riding his bicycle as he is not real dizzy unless he changes position or lays down and then sits up.  

After the doctor’s visit we walked back to the malecon and had lunch.  Back to El Molcajete Loco where my lunch group ate a couple of weeks ago.

Tacos Gobernador.  Eric had Marlin and I had shrimp.  It was as delicious as it looks….cost $90 pesos each plus a limonada.  

Waiting for the bus on the Malecon.  A very windy day.

Today (Thursday Mar. 5th) the vertigo is much worse, his vision is blurry, he has a very thick head, his arms aren’t working great because of being slammed by a big wave but …..he doesn’t have a really big headache!  He says that’s an improvement…..go figure!

As for me well…..I did discuss my ongoing joint issues and my self medication with Dr. Olalde.  I did mention in the past that I now have Barrett’s Esophagus and that limits my options for taking anti inflammatory drugs which are the only thing that helps.  Dr. Olalde suggested Celebrex and gave me some samples which I will try.  My rheumatologist told me that the pain I was experiencing was just from getting old!   Well that’s all very nice but I do know the difference between old age pain and inflammatory pain.  Sigh…..at least in Mexico they will try to dispense drugs that may help and not just pat you on the head and send you home.

This is all quite crazy.  Oh….did I mention that Dr. Olalde thought that maybe I should see a psychiatrist to help with my Barrett’s esophagus.  He seemed to think that too much acid production was due to being upset and worried.  Well that is partially true but I never had any esophogitis until I had taken a huge amount of prednisone.  The problem now is a loose connection between the duodenum and the esophagus that lets acid into an area where it shouldn’t be.  Some may think I can benefit from seeing a psychiatrist but it’s probably not for health reasons!

Have I mentioned that “ Getting Old Ain’t For Sissies!”