Just in Case

As my final days of freedom for 2013 are coming to a close, I'm wrapping up important things I need to do - especially those "just in case" things. I recently saw my neurologist and received a copy of my medical record from him, telling him exactly what is happening. If my health takes a turn while I'm in prison, my doctors on the outside are my best advocates, but only if they know. I already did the same with my general practitioner, although we are doing one more follow up just before I go, and I will repeat my story with my Rhumatoligist on Monday. Each time, I'm getting a full copy of my medical records. I'm bringing them with me to my self surrender so my medications have support. I'm also leaving a copy with Survivor and with Faith (my friend taking on all my medical advocacy and who is also my health care proxy).

That's right, I finally did it. I drafted my health care power of attorney, my living will, my property power of attorney, and a hippa release, as well as a last will and testament today. I've written these documents so many times for other people, but it was really weird writing my own. I have a friend reading them over to ensure they read okay and then I'll get them notarized. Originals will go into Cache's safety deposit box and copies will go to the relevant people. Signed, sealed, and delivered. Of all the documents, writing my will was the oddest and most difficult. I included a small memorandum of just a few items I wanted special distribution of, the rest would go to those listed in my will. There are so many I would want to recognize, but I had to stop and realize that my loved ones will each ask for what they want and hopefully those I named as heirs will be open to giving that. Although, I do not plan on dying for at least a half century. But, we must be prepared.

Another health related appointment I made, as Faith had insisted (she is a good health proxy) is with an eye doctor. I wear glasses all the time. If for some reason my glasses break in prison, I am authorized to have a new pair shipped to me. Faith is set to do so, but can only order some if I have a prescription within 1 year of ordering. Faith knows of a great website where I can select my frames and everything now, so all she has to do is order them if I need them. They are inexpensive too. I actually had a nice surprise at the optometrist today, he had to recheck my eyes multiple times perplexed, it appears my medications are improving my eyesight, which is extremely rare. He was checking to see if it was a mistake. But it wasn't. He offered me a free follow up in a month to see if it continued, as it is so rare, but alas, I told him I will be out of town for a while.

There are so many little things we need to do to prepare. Sure, we can choose not to. A lot of people don't even get the chance to self surrender. But a little bit of inconvenience could probably make our lives a whole lot easier once we lose our ability to have access to much of anything.

11 days til self surrender.