Hello again; Its no secret that I believe my personal transformation started by getting in better physical health. First, I was convinced to have a sleep study. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and fitted with a CPAP machine. Later, I was persuaded to consider having gastric surgery. I listened to the information and decided to go ahead with it after finding out that it wasn’t the answer just a tool to help with long term weight loss. I had a successful procedure. Following that up with eating healthier and daily exercise I am now at my ideal weight of 255 pounds for a 6 ft. 4 man with a solid build. As I have gotten healthier I have come to have more energy, creativity, and passion. So, I want to share some of my recent experiences in hopes of encouraging you to also make your health a priority.
Some questions
Let’s start with a few questions. When was the last time you saw a doctor? Was it in his or her office, or was it at an emergency room? Did you go to have a regular check up or where you there for some sort of condition?
Do you have a regular primary care physician? Do you know them by name? When was the last time you visited them? And when you go do you have a conversation or just listen to their advice and get out of there?
I know going to the doctor is not much fun. I hear it is even less fun for women. And for those who get told this often, going there only to hear you need to quit smoking, drink less, or lose weight isn’t fun either. I used to be that guy. I would go to my doctor every six months but only because I had prescriptions that needed to be approved by a physician before they could be refilled. I would promise to try harder, and she would tell me I better. 🙂
Talking to my doctor
But there finally came a point where I decided to talk to my doctor. At that point it was Dr. Sundaraj from the Sunshine Family Clinic. We discussed what I could do to actually lose weight. She suggested I think about gastric surgery if diet and exercise alone weren’t working. She also prescribe a drug called metformin as a chemical weight loss option. Some of you will recognize it as a diabetes drug. You would be correct because at that point I was boarder line diabetic and would have certainly become diabetic without losing the weight.
She referred me to Texas Laparoscopic Consultants. I went to a seminar that they give on the various types of gastric surgeries. I decided that the gastric sleeve sounded like the best option for me personally. It didn’t seem as drastic as a traditional bypass. And it seemed like less maintenance than the band procedure. However, my insurance provider wouldn’t cover the sleeve. They did offer me a newer procedure called a duodenal switch. They explained how it was two procedures but no more risky than my other options.
I had the surgery in October of 2012. My surgeon Was Dr. Terry Scarborough. He was very friendly and explained everything to me. He told me what would be expected of me before and after the procedure if I wanted it to be a complete success. He also told me that they would continue to monitor me long after the procedure. he said that once I was their patient I would be part of their family for life.
The story will have a happy ending
I mention this as a way of building up to the reason I decided to write this post this week. About six months ago Dr. Scarborough told me that my white blood cell count was elevated. He said I had always been a little high, but now I was outside the normal range. He told me that normal was between three and ten and that my reading was thirteen. He said that this was confusing because all my other test results were excellent. He referred me to a hematologist. The one he recommended wasn’t on my insurance plan, but I did eventually find one.
My new doctor
Thanks to my insurance provider I actually had to find a new primary care physician. It isn’t easy to find a new doctor. Even if they take your plan, that doesn’t mean they are accepting new patients. I was lucky to find Dr. Christina Ho at the Lone Star Family Health Center.
At our first meeting I gave her all my past medical history including a couple of things that weren’t on it. It is critical that you are honest with your physician. You don’t really know what is meaningful and what isn’t. They do. So I mentioned the pain in my right shoulder and lower back. I told her about a rash that I had on my waist and under my right arm. And I asked her about the white blood count. I was hoping she could tell me what could be causing it.
She arranged for me to have x-rays on the shoulder and back. the images showed that I have arthritis but no structural damage. She offered to schedule an MRI if I wanted, but told me she didn’t think it was necessary at this time.
She then asked me what I was taking for the soreness. I told her nothing. She asked me why. I told her that it was a combination of being raised to be a tough kid and a general preference against taking any medicine not absolutely necessary. She said I should get over it. She told me that unless I had previous urinary tract or stomach issues from taking over the counter medicine I should take tylenol or aleve. She also told me I could use a sports cream or sports wrap. She also told me that if it got worse, there were other things she could prescribe to help.
We talked about how my shoulder joints would be under less stress if I built up the muscles around them. I told her I had tried free weights but even three pounds would cause pain after a few days. She gave me an unusual suggestion. She said try taking a couple of tylenol a half hour or so before you exercise. I was skeptical, but I tried it; and it worked. I still don’t care for the weights, but I can use them.
When I told her about having a rash that had been there for a while, she wanted to see it. Neither of the two patches are visible, so I had to disrobe. She took a photo of it and sent it to a dermatologist. She wasn’t happy with the answer, so she did a biopsy of it. The results came back something called seborrheic keratosis. She explained that it wasn’t dangerous and never becomes cancerous but can be an indicator of an underlying condition.
She said that considering that I am almost 50 and the fact that the larger area of the stuff was on my waist; she said a colonoscopy would be the next best step. She said it would help rule out a lot of the possibilities and it was part of good health maintenance anyway. So she referred me to a gastroenterologist named Dr. Behara at Regional Digestive Consultants to schedule that procedure.
As for the white blood count she also referred me to Dr. arani an oncologist with Millennium Physicians. He is also a hematologist. It still made me nervous to see someone who is a cancer doctor. He turned out to be a very pleasant and upbeat fellow. I liked him immediately. He took more blood. That latest test showed my white blood count at 18.4 but he wanted to wait on the colonoscopy before deciding on a diagnosis.
Having a colonoscopy
Dr. Behara performed the colonoscopy. I had a very good anesthesiologist and didn’t even feel a thing. It was the best two hours sleep I’ve had in a long time. I didn’t care for having to drink all that nasty liquid or spending all that time in the bathroom; but the procedure itself was painless.
Dr. Behara told me I was in great shape. There were no polyps or lesions of any kind. She told me to keep getting my fiber and come back and see her again in five years.
The results are in
So, all the test were in and I went to see Dr. Arani Thursday to get a diagnosis. He told me that he would tell me what it was before he told me what it was called. This proved to be a good idea and proof that the man knows his business. It also showed me that he agrees with me on the value of having a positive mindset. It turns out I have something called CLL, or Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. I am at stage zero and am in the low risk group. He told me that if you have to have leukemia its the best one to have. He told me I could live a long life without any effects other than the increased white blood cell counts.
He explained that CLL is where there is a mutation in the white blood cells. These cells are intended to die off. However, mine don’t die off on their own so they build up in my system. The increases can be gradual, which mine are; or they can progress much more rapidly. If they build up to sufficient levels, they can crowd out other cells such as red blood cells. So, potential effects could be anemia, swollen lymph nodes, swelling in the abdomen. If at some point treatment is required, there are a lot of options. And my primary care physician backed him up on this saying that many of the newer options have much less drastic side effects.
I will be okay!
The current research has shown no value to trying to treat it in the early stages. At this point the only thing to be done is to monitor my white cell counts. He has scheduled me for testing and follow ups every three months. We were impressed with the level of positivity shown by his patients. I believe I am being treated in a place that agrees with my values and where I will get good advice. So at this point all that is to be done is what I’m already doing. I will continue to live my life, build my businesses, and expect the best out of life. I still plan to travel even though all these doctor’s visits don’t make the idea of scheduling any easier. And I’m still looking for a lady to join me in this adventure.
The lesson here
I wanted to write this post for two reasons. First, I wanted to let people know about the diagnosis. I wanted to be as open as possible, tell as many people at one time, and assure my friends that there really is nothing to worry about. I also wanted to remind people about the value of good health. I want people to be motivated to not only see their doctors but actually communicate with them to make sure they are in the best health possible. Regardless of whether you believe it or not, poor health effects you in all aspects of your life. Just imagine how much better you would be in your profession or at your business if you had the energy that comes from eating a well rounded diet, getting regular exercise, taking time for thoughtful reflection, getting the proper amount of quality sleep and rest, etc.
Sharing is caring
I know I always ask you to share my posts. Its one of those things we all do. But this time, I’m not asking for me. I’m asking for those people you know who need that little push to invest some time and effort in their physical well being. I am fortunate to have gotten good news all along. But the news could have been far worse. Also, by not finding out now I could have left myself fewer options down the road.
I hope you and your friends will read this and decide to do the basic health maintenance at least. What I mean are things like breast exams, pap smears, and mammograms for women as well as colonoscopies and prostate screenings for men. I want us to both be around for a long time to come.
Well, I always love hearing from my readers. If you have any questions about this, or if you want me to be your partner in your own journey; then be sure to send me an email via the contact form. I answer every question and reply to every comment. Also, please don’t forget about my coaching services and my offer to share my inspiring story with your groups. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thanks and take care out there, Max
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glad you are OK and healthy! i just recently started nursing assistant school and we are learning all about diabetes and bypass surgeries. It is serious business and the consequences are high if you don’t take care of yourself. Thanks for being an inspiration and taking care of yourself! I try and eat a healthy diet most of the time and exercise. Now that I am in this class it makes me proactive because of all the cancers and diseases out there. Great article!
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Hi Christal; I’m happy that I can inspire you all be it on a different subject than my usual posts. I did think it important to share the diagnosis and let everyone Know I am okay. I also thought it would be a good time to remind people to keep up with their basic health. And if a few decide to do more, I’ll be very happy to hear it. I’m sure that in your studies they have talked about how it costs about 70,000 to have gastric surgery as opposed to over 500,000 to treat a diabetic long term. I am hopeful this will lead to more coverage for the procedures. I also hope it will not lead to people getting the surgery that aren’t ready to have it. Yes, people can lose a lot of weight without working the program after the procedure. But some people have had worse problems than they had before the surgery because they went into it with the wrong ideas. I wish you all the best with your studies. Let me know if I can do anything to help. Take care now, Max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Apart from blogging, good health can help one achieve a lot things. When health is lost all is lost.
Hi Mazino; So glad you agree with me. I wish you good health my friend. take care, max
Hi Max,
This is touching and very good coming.
Sometime in the year 2010 I think, I had tuberculosis which nearly cost my life . It was during this time I realize the important of being healthy.
I could attend to nothing, and was at the mercy of anyone around me for help.
Max, is very interesting reading you are 6ft .4, that’s some kind of BIG figure guy.
Thanks for sharing this with us Max, you’re such a good man.
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Hi Shamsudeen; It is sad that for most of us it takes a health crisis to realize how important it is to all other aspects of our lives. I know that if more bloggers realized how much more productive they would be when healthy then many more would exercise, eat a healthy diet and see their doctors regularly. tuberculosis is not something we see a lot of in the u s, but it is a very dangerous illness that I am sure you are continuing to monitor. and 6 ft 4 is tall but there are many in texas and the world even taller. thanks for sharing, Max
Max, Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us of how important it is to go to the doctor frequently and catch things before they get too bad.
Beth Niebuhr recently posted…Really? I have to have a blog?
Hi Beth; Thanks for the comment. Just hope the two posts together don’t turn people off. I hope you and your family are all well. Take care, Max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Our health affects everything we do. It can be stressful and frustrating when there appears to be an issue and it is taking time to find out what it is. Where I live in Canada, although health care is government funded, it can also be hard to find family doctors accepting new patients. There seems to be a shortage of GPs. Wish you continued good health.
Hi Donna; Yes there does seem to be a shortage of family doctors. I imagine part of this has to do with the fact that they require so much more training than someone who specializes. I was happy to find out that my disease isn’t life threatening. But it wasn’t fun having to go to so many doctor’s visits to find out. And continuing to schedule follow up visits makes planning anything else more difficult. Glad to hear you are in good health too, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Hi Max – you are so right about good health but one thing – never give up. Over the last 30 years, I have come close to dying three times because of illness, but seeing I’m a stubborn dutch person, I just wouldn’t give up and here I am, commenting on your moving post. Sounds like you are receiving wonderful medical care. All the very best, Lenie
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Yes Lenie; I have been blessed to find many wonderful doctors. and this is especially amazing when you consider that the american health care system is run by the insurance providers. You may have a choice in theory, but in reality; these choices are often very limited. they are even more limited when you are looking for someone to take on a new patient. I feel confident that I have a long life ahead of me as long as I continue to follow my doctor’s advice and stay positive. sounds like we are both tough customers. 🙂 take care my friend, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
A lot of good advice here Max. Thanks for sharing it all.
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thanks ken; I’m glad you liked it. I’m all about openness and honesty. I thought my friends might want to know, and I figured I could use this as an opportunity to remind and motivate some of them to take action. take care, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Well I guess there is truth in what you doc says…if you have to have leukemia, this is the best kind to have! But it’s a great reminder to have those check-ups and follow up. Thanks for sharing your story Max. Continued good health to you:)
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Hi Jacqueline; You are so right. I’m hoping the post will spur some of those who read it to actually invest in their health. I want me and my friends to be around a long time. I wish you good health too. take care, max
I’m glad you are okay Max! I have to say, I was tentatively reading this post, as I was afraid it was going to end badly, but it is a relief to know you are okay!
Sharing your medical experience is very useful, I’m sure someone reading this may be more likely to visit their own doctor after reading.
Hi Christine; I worried about that too which is why I tell people early on that the story has a good ending. but a little stress might help them actually do something they need to and have needed to for a while. thanks for your concern. Its good to know I have so many caring friends out here in the blogging world. Take care, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Nice to know that you are going to be ok. Sharing your story to my social media networks. Just wish, you don’t have the leukemia though.
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Hi Sweet Bindu; I wish I didn’t have it either. But there are so many worse things I could have. I expect to be around a long time. who knows I may even come to your country someday. take care my friend, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Good question about when we get to see our doc, whether in their office or at the emergency rooms. I am seeing my doctor tomorrow as I need a pain on the side checked. We do take health for granted, but yes indeed it makes us better at the end of the day in all we do.
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Hi Welli; I thought that point about where we see our doctors is important because if you only see them in times of crisis you aren’t doing enough for yourself. I hope the pain you mentioned turns out to be nothing. I will be praying for the skill and knowledge of your doctor as well as for your health physical mental emotional and spiritual. let me know how it turns out. you can email me if you don’t want it shared here. Blessings, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Max, you are so right. Everyone needs to get checked out regularly, whether they want to or not.
I’m so glad you are okay. I knew you would be. You’ve taken all the right steps all along, and I was praying for you. I have an “in” with God, in case you didn’t know! LOL
Kidding. I’m so happy you’re doing better!
Sending hugs…
Hi Lorraine; I think God has done a good job looking aftr both of us. And I am sure he wil continue to do so. I appreciate the prayers and good thoughts. My oncologist said it sounds bad but it isn’t. 🙂 and there were a lot of happy upbeat people in his waiting room who I’m told were getting worse news than mine. I hope I didn’t worry you or anyone else with the post. I made sure to put that heading early on saying that the story would have a happy ending. Oh yes I was interviewed yesterday for that pdocast and it will be live on sunday. and I think I finally figured out how to send an html email in a weber where the recipient gets the salutation followed by their name like everyone else does. thanks so much my friend. take care, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
In my opinion, what makes your blogs powerful, Max, is your honesty, your willingness to reveal your vulnerability and your desire to be of service to others. Thank you for sharing this blog. It makes good common sense to get medical check ups. I’m glad you were wise enough to see your doctor(s), that you respected their professional expertise and that you followed their advice. And I’m very glad you are well. Thanks for sharing. You can never know the extent of the good you have done.
Ramona McKean recently posted…Dr. Norman Bethune, China’s Canadian Hero, Fate or Destiny? (Part II)
Hi Ramona; Given your posts about th good doctor from canada who became a hero in china i thought You would appreciate this post and its sequel that will be coming next week where i talk about visual, dental, and care for pets. And you are the second person today to comment on my honesty. My friends insist that it is what sets me apart from many bloggers and what will ultimately make me a successful writer, coach, and public speaker. thanks so much for your kind words. Take care my friend, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Hi Max,
Sorry for being late here this time, just been a little overwhelming with the numerous registration for the Giveaway and the forum work 🙂
You surely seem to have gone through a lot, though I am so glad you came out strong and everything is alright and well in control. Yes, things could have been worse, and that’s exactly what my Mom used to say – be grateful that they aren’t!
I say this because there are SO many people who are in such a worse state when they land up at the doctors that nothing much can be done to help them, and though CLL can be bad if it’s found out later, your’s is safe as it was found at zero stage, so with proper medicines and care, I am sure it’s going to just get alright – keep the faith!
You are right, and I am glad you wrote about this to make all of us aware about taking care of our health, something that most people tend to ignore, until something happens and by then it’s too late. I am glad I have my Dad there for me because he is like my timer and reminds me every few days to be regular with my tests, walks, diet, and everything related to health! He himself is very health conscious at his age (as he turns 75 in a few days), so he knows how to take care pretty well I would say.
All my wishes with you dear friend, for I know you’re a fighter and would walk through all hurdles and come out strong. With a positive mind you can achieve anything, and I would love to see the lovely lady who would eventually get to travel with you too! 😉
Thanks for sharing this with us. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
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Hi Harleena; I’m so glad to hear that both you and your dad are not only healthy but that you take the daily effort to stay that way. I agree obviously that getting through anything requires a positive outlook and mindset. and we are both to tough strong positive people. yes it is good that they found the cll early. and they wouldn’t have if i hadn’t had the gastric surgery or if i hadn’t had the surgery with such a caring professional group of people. Its probably why they keep getting voted best in texas year after year. my doctor doesn’t advertise much but he does have his awards hung in the area where people go to weigh in. that’s pretty smart of him I think. I know there is a woman out there for me who would be lucky enough. 🙂 and you would think i would have an easier time finding her since i’m more into voice accent and temperament than i am in to height weight or hair and eye color. there is an old joke among us totally blind men. it goes that when you are total every bill is a twenty and every woman is a tall blonde. of course now we have bill identifiers and smart phone apps for the money. lol thanks for your love and support. take care my friend, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Hi Max
Thanks for sharing this with us. It is really important for us to take care of our health and to keep in good shape. Your story revealed that you have gone through a lot but out of all that there is good. The lessons are really important to pay attention to.
Nevertheless, it is so good to know that you are doing okay. I pray your continued strength. Blessings! 🙂
Yvonne
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Hi Yvonne; Looks like we were both thinking along the same lines. However, your post is more about the spiritual and mine about the physical. I regret that. I have been blessed by God to meet so many great doctors and nurses. I was blessed that all procedures done turned out the way they were supposed to with no unforeseen complications. I was further blessed in that my condition is treatable and has not advanced. so for all of this i thank god. and for your reminder I thank you my friend. God bless you, Max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Sometimes it is funny how we place the significance of items in our life. I know some people would need to have a technician or web guru look at their blog site, or computer if it was not working properly. But, we would ignore signs that maybe our body is not working correctly. If there is anything advice we should follow, is to see a doctor regularly, take care of our defects as early as possible.
Hi William; You said that very well. Maybe its because the tech guy or girl will be opening up the laptop or tearing apart your blog dashboard but the doctor will be trying to figure us out. also, I think problems are much easier to diagnose with gadgets than with people. Hope this comment means you are taking care of yourself, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Boy does this ever hit home for me. I had an issue that turned out not to be a big deal, but it was scary for awhile.
Our health can affect everything. when something manifests itself, the stress it creates stressful is a challenge in an of itself. Then there is the frustration of waiting to find out what it is! I am very lucky, I have a great medical center within walking distance of where I live. She really listens and pays attention, acts quickly and takes care of my needs. I’m lucky.
All that said, take very good care of yourself Max.
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Hi susan; glad you have such good health care available to you and so close that you actually want to go. too many people go out of a sense of duty rather than because they want to make sure they are healthy and stay that way. i am glad to hear your stress was unwarranted. and given your chaotic life lately I’m glad you haven’t let your visits to doctors go by the wayside. take care my friend. xoxo max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Max — very sound advice. My insurance company recently sent a letter to its insureds offering a $15 gift certificate if they would schedule an annual physical. I had already scheduled mine and sure enough got a check in the mail. I’m glad you discovered what was wrong so that you can continually monitor it. You can have all the money in the world but if you don’t have your health you are a poor man.
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Hi Jeannette; That is good of your insurance company. Most people are more likely to address their health if they get something out of it. 🙂 I’m glad that you take your health seriously enough to have made the appointment prior to hearing about the offer. Last week houston had a area blood drive. I was disappointed that timing prevented me from giving because everyone got a free quart of blue bell ice cream. I don’t know if you’ve heard of blue bell. We think its the best stuff going. and my mom started going to curves a couple of years ago because her insurance company started paying for half the membership for all customers and 100 percent for anyone over 50. Hoping this post helps some people to get their check ups and whatever else they need to stay healthy, Max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
It’s good to see that you’re going to be alright. I love reading your stories. You don’t hold back. That’s something I struggle with when writing. Thanks for keeping me inspired.
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Hi Carl; I have been told often that I am too open. However, I get far more comments like yours praising me for my honesty and openness. We all have a style. Yours may not be as open as mine but its who you are. Of course, you can make a conscious effort to improve this if you want. I enjoy your posts. I’m glad that I can continue to inspire you. Perhaps you will consider subscribing to my email list or liking my new face book page to show your support. Please share the posts too my friend. Thanks and wishing you good health, Max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
I’ve added you to my email updates and will work to share your words to everyone as well via twitter and other spaces. Just keep it up!
Carl recently posted…A Chance Meeting – El Nido
Hi Carl; thanks for your generous assistance. I didn’t find a email sign up form on your site. I know you must have one, so perhaps you will try adding it to your side bar? And I saw your tweets. Its like I’ve said many times, social media is good but it takes the cooperation of real friends to make it really special. take care, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Max- I really enjoyed you article which is written in such clear detail. I am so glad that after all your tests – the illness diagnosed is treatable. I am so glad that we have the National Health System in UK where a lot of the recommendations and treatments are done without having to go for private treatment like in USA. Remain positive and all the best.
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Hi Mina; Thanks for your positive thoughts. Yes, our system is far too dependent on insurance providers and doctors ability or willingness to properly refer us to specialists. I’m glad to hear you are taking advantage of the health care available to you. One of my points is we have to take an active roll in maintaining our health. I hope you share as the more people who read this the better. thanks, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Hello Max
I am happy to know that you are felling better and it was nice to read your story.
Its really important to visit our doctors. Its important to take our health very seriously as it is important to be healthy.
You have to live here in this world for a specific time and if we have a chance then why we do not choose a healthy life?
I get my insurance card by company and you will not believe I do not visit Dr. throughout year , but in case of small problems I try to be my Doctor , I think I will take everything seriously now. Thanks for advice.
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Hi Andleeb; I know everyone gets busy and we all have so many obligations work family etc. but I am glad to hear you are going to take advantage of your insurance and not just visit your doctor or the emergency room when you have an illness or injury. thanks for this decision, max
I am glad you are okay and don’t have a more severe case of Leukemia. I love the positive attitude. I think it is so important to look after our health and cherish it also. This post reminds me that I need to go get some labs done for my psychiatrist hehe. I send positive thoughts your way and hope that you continue to be healthy my friend.
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Hi Sebastian; Thanks for the positive thoughts. They are welcome and critical to good health as much as the doctors tests medicines and procedures. I’m glad to hear this post has reminded you to follow up on those tests. wishing you all the best too, Max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Max, when I started taking mineral supplements and balancing my pH via diet, my memory and creativity improved. I’m glad you’re doing well. It seems that aging requires using the wisdom we acquire to keep the health we had.
Hi Diedre; the point of the post was to encourage others to take charge of their health. It sounds like you are already doing that. glad to hear it. wishing us both many years of good health, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Glad to hear you’re going to be okay and that you make sure to visit your doctor on a regular basis. I make sure to get annual check-ups because a good number of my family members have some pretty serious health issues. I also do my best to exercise, but boy do I have a hard time avoiding good food! It’s sad to see people avoid the doctor and I’ve read lots of research that shows how people who go on a regular basis are those who tend to take better care of themselves in the first place.
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Hi Jeri; Yes it is good that I am generally healthy. As a matter of fact I have an appointment tomorrow with my gastric surgeon. He is the only one I haven’t talked with about the cll, but he is the one who noticed the problem in the first place. I didn’t know about that research but it makes sense. And it is good to hear that you do what you can to maintain your good health. We all have trouble with food in one form or another. Its just a matter of making better choices when you can and forgiving yourself when you don’t. 🙂 I’m glad to hear you are in good health too, Max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
I have plenty of medical stories I can share to my own blog and seeing this one helps me realize how valuable those can be to readers.
Hi Kerry; I didn’t even think about that. I just wanted to share my own story, remind my readers to get their check ups; and assure readers of my good health. I hadn’t counted on giving anyone ideas for posts on their own sites. but you sure do have them. And they will help give people a more human view of you. they could be good filler around your travel posts. Or will you be starting a new blog for the travel posts? best of luck, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
I’m glad that you are okay. I agree that your health is the most important thing in the world and if you don’t take care of yourself you will not be able to accomplish any goal you set out. A positive attitude is key as well. Knowing that you will be okay and keeping a good outlook will always help.
Niekka McDonald recently posted…Keeping Eyes Healthly With Vitamin A
Hi Niekka; Thanks for the kind thoughts. Yes, we have to take care of our minds and bodies if we want to accomplish anything. This is true whether its the simplest goal of watching sunsets or the grandest dreams of a business a family or a charitable foundation. Take care my friend, Max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Wishing you good health, Max. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Chris recently posted…Collaboration, limits and boundaries
Hi Chris; Thanks for your good wishes. I can use all the positive thoughts I can get. I’m convinced they are part of the reason why my condition turned out to be relatively benign. thanks again, max
Glad to know that you will be ok. I haven’t been to the doctor since last year. I need to get a check up with in the next couple of months.
Hi Jason; Thanks for your well wishes. I’m glad to hear you at least get a check up once a year. wishing you all the best, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Max, you always provide such great insights into your personal life and with that said I am glad all is going well for you now. For many years I have had an annual checkup and I agree with you that the peace that comes with knowing far outweighs the nerves of not. Blogging has been good for me to.
Tim recently posted…Sunrise Over Bromo
Hi Tim; I agree with you knowing is always better. I Know that where relevant to the story you have shared some of your own health issues. I would love to travel like you do and know its just a matter of time before the funds appear. be safe my friend, Max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Good health makes me a better blogger part 1
Hey Max,
Sorry I’m so late getting over here and I enjoyed reading this to the end. I know I’m familiar with a lot of the process you went through but not everything.
Thank you for emailing me though about your current condition, I so appreciate that since I haven’t had time to drop by here.
As you know, both of my parents have had cancer and Leukemia runs on my Mom’s side but only the older uncles of hers have had it. No one else in the family which was strange. Anyway, since I have been working on my own I don’t visit the doctor like I use to I admit. But I have a fabulous positive mindset, I eat good, I’m not overweight, I only drink water and I walk everyday. I myself know I have a lot going for me.
I know you’ll be okay too, you’re in very good hands and will stay on top of this. I know the checkups are a royal pain but worth it in the end.
Thank you for sharing this with us, I for one appreciate it.
You have a great weekend now.
~Adrienne
P.S. Just wanted to let you know that your Twitter ID is not set up in your social sharing buttons. I also noticed that you still don’t have your gravatar set up. If you need some help, give me a shout okay!
Hi Adrienne; Thanks so much for the warm supportive comment. Glad to hear you are taking good care of yourself. The problem is there are those conditions that don’t show up unless the doctor is looking for them. It does sound like you at least have a good handle on your family’s history which is very important. I can fix the twitter issue. every time jet pack updates I have to enter it again. the gravitar is anyone’s guess. It started when I tried to add my new photo. You know the one where everyone says I look hot? 😉 and since then its been a mess. would love the help. I’ll email you my log in info. thanks so much. You are a great friend Adrienne. xoxo Max
Max, Thanks for sharing this information. Its good to see that you are ok with CLL. I have never heard of that before and really appreciate all that you have shared in this post. It takes a strong person to share something so personal with the world. Stay strong.
Jay recently posted…Romance and the Dance
Hi Jay; I’m glad that you said that. I was worried that I might have gone too far. I have ben told that my posts are very honest and revealing. Sometimes I think I may be too open. But then I get a comment from someone saying how much they appreciate it and admire me for it. And I would have to make a conscious effort to change. any. Thanks again and take care, Max
Max – Thanks for sharing your personal on-goings with all of us and my prayers are with you during these difficult times. I am glad that you are going to be OK, and as you very well said, being healthy adds so much to what we do, be it blogging or any other passion. Once we realize the importance of health, we see life from a different perspective.
Keep sharing your progress and take care.
Praveen rajarao recently posted…Tech Tips For Smooth Travels
Hello; Thanks for reading and for leaving a positive comment. We can all use additional encouragement. In truth my health is a work in progress. I probably should post some more about it. However, I hate to be one of those people who is always talking about their health. It is critical to our success. Sadly so many people only think about it during a crisis. In my latest book which I hope will be out in late may or early june I wrote that after returning home my brother had a heart attack. I was proud to say I hadn’t been one of those people who failed to live life because they were waiting for someday. I didn’t need my brother’s health emergency to kick me in the but like so many need to. And he is doing very well. Thanks again, Max