Someone quipped the other day that the reason people need to retire at 65 is that they need the time to make all of the doctor’s appointments they’ll have. After the past couple of months, I have little doubt that they’re right.

My current count is that I have at least half a dozen professionals concerned for my welfare; my Primary Care Physician, the doctor who does colonoscopies, a Colorectal surgeon, a Cancer specialist, my optometrist, and my ophthalmologist. I’ve met most of them in the last 18 months and will have numerous follow-up visits coming up in the next six months or so.

It’s starting to get to a point where a fellow can get confused as to who needs to see him and when.

My most recent visit was with Dr. P, the Cancer specialist. That was last Monday to follow up a visit I had with her about six weeks earlier. She and Dr. N (the Colorectal surgeon) are keeping an eye on me for the next five years, or so because of the cancerous thing found by Dr. R (the colonoscopy guy) back in… I think it was in April. Maybe May. It’s hard to keep track.

Not that I mind. As I have stated before, I was damn lucky to have had a prompt diagnosis and removal of a cancerous polyp before it had a chance to go and invade another part of my body. I much prefer dozens of doctor visits, a few more colonoscopies, bi-annual CAT scans and innumerable blood draws to the alternative.

But it takes time. And organization.

There were a couple of appointments I lost track of which got resolved earlier today. I had a pair of appointments to see the Ophthalmologist at some point in September, but was unsure of when they were. Not a problem. A quick call to Dr. B’s office confirmed both appointments. I was sure to write them down on my calendar. I also knew that I had another appointment with Dr. P (indicated on the lab results I had on the internet), but had no idea what time to show up. A trip to the mailbox and presto! She sent a letter telling me when to show up. Sigh of relief.

Looking at my calendar, I get to see everyone except for my optometrist in September and October. I get to see her in January, depending on when the others want me to be on their dance cards when I am due for the next round of visits. Oh, and I need to make an appointment with Dr. R. to run another colonoscopy next April or May.

I’m definitely going to have on my track shoes.

Be Seeing You!