Living because of chemistry

Since a vein burst in my brain 36 years ago, doctors have written numerous prescriptions for drugs that keep me alive. That’s one up for the drug industry. Because the aneurysm happened when I was on Active Duty, the Army medically retired me with Tricare for Life. Hooray for soldier benefits. When I took Social Security at age 62, Medicare kicked in. I’m paying $163 a month, but that is world’s better than what most people pay for insurance coverage. 

The first prescriptions were for Phenytoin for seizure control and Procardia for blood pressure. Two drugs. Over the years, brain damage residuals and continued blood pressure problems led to more and more prescriptions. I am not complaining about the number of drugs. They keep me alive.

Nor am I complaining about the frequency of delivery, although I sometimes wonder if the government drug warehouses know something the rest of us can only conjecture. I have enough prescribed drugs to last more than a year. Like I said, not complaining.

Here is what I have:

 

Eliquis – 11 refills

Atorvastatin – 7

Hydralazine – 9

Furosemide – 5

Phenytoin – 6

Gapapentin – 8

Amlodipine Besylate – 7

Metoprolol Succinate – 4

Lisinopril – 5

Potassium Chloride ER (Wax) – 4

As I said, I’m not complaining. As an 18-year-old Private in 1964, I cared practically nothing for the benefits way down the road. At almost 77, I appreciate every one of them.