I'm On "Vacation" for a Week & a Half

Every other year, the city gives us firefighters a physical. Over 50 years old, you have to have a Coronary Calcium CT scan. Two years ago, when I had one, my calcium score was 84, which means mild possibility of Coronary Artery Disease. On the 9th of September, I reported to UVRMC Radiology dept. and had that procedure done. It took me longer to drive there than it took for the test!!!!! Well, today was the physical part of the test. I got poked, prodded, punctured, the "over 50" prostate check, hearing, pulmonary function, UA, eyesight , TB test - you name it, it was done to me. Well, I had talked to the doctor and he said I was in good shape. Here comes the kicker. He hadn't seen the results for the Calcium test yet. This year my results were 123. That number means moderate possibility of CAD. Well, he said that the person who wrote the report from the test said that I have some calcium buildup (you think??) in one of my coronary artieries which could be BAD. Well, the Dr. said I had to go on "light duty" till I can be seen by a cardiologist. They don't want me exerting myself and popping something loose in an artery and having the "big one." Well, instead of working light duty, Monday thru Friday and having to wear a dress shirt and tie in the front office of the Fire Department, I opted to use sick leave until I get cleared to go back to full duty as a firefighter.

I have an appointment next Tuesday to see a cardiologist and have him evaluate the films from the aforementioned test. The doc at WorkMed today said that those tests have as many false positives as actual real results so he told me not to worry but to be on the safe side, I needed to see the specialist. I guess it could be worse - I could have had the big one during my physical!!!!!

I still am going to work my normal shifts at HD - this little set-back isn't going to slow me down. I'm too onery to get sick!!!!!!!!

So, M is going to have me under-foot until at least next Friday. That is the first day that I would normally be at the fire station after seeing the cardiologist. It could be longer if he wants to run more tests on me but I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed. I want to get back to work - I don't do not having much to do well. At least it is still warm and I can work in the yard and stuff like that but yard work won't keep me occupied all the time. There is alway temple sessions while M is teaching!!!!! Might as well do something good while I can't work.