Where Has MineralMan Been?
Just in case someone wondered.
Well, a bit of adventure. After doing too many chores the day after catching my wife's cold, I got all weak and clammy. I mentioned that to her and she said, "Lets check something." Then she brought the house's pulse oximeter, something old beings like us have in their houses. So my blood Oxygen percentage was at 84. It stayed there for half an hour, so we got in the car and headed for an Urgent Care clinic operated by our Medicare Advantage Company's medical system.
Next thing I know, I'm in their Emergency Room. Living in a large metro area means our Allina Medical System, which is owned by Aetna, the company from which we have our Advantage Plan. More on that downthread.
From there, an emergency transport vehicle, also from the Allina system hauled me off to one of the largest hospital in Minneapolis, also owned by Allina and the Aetna Insurance company. I was popped into a bed there, in the wing that handles heart and respiratory cases. Some preliminary tests were done immediately. I had been on oxygen the whole time and my oxygen levels had come up. They took away the oxygen and the numbers went right back down.
For the next four days, I was subjected to every sort of scan and test you can imagine. Every part of my 80 year old body was scrutinized. Echo cardiogram, several ultrasound test available, along with more blood and other tests than I could ever have thought possible. I shy inquired about what this was going to cost. "Nothing. You're covered 100%." Again, this is why I have the Aetna Allina Advantage plan. It all gets approval before the testing is performed.
In the end, I have COPD, from many years of smoking. I will smoke no more. Now I'm using Nicotine patches for life. I'll be running through the Allina system's COPD specialty clinic from now on. I got stabilized, got some new meds, and am at home, temporarily with an Oxygen hose following me along. "You'll get rid of most of that before long," I've been told. I'm a little better now, and back at home, resting a lot and taking pills and nebulizer treatments and a little oxygen as needed. "Slow down a little," I was advised. So I will.
The Good News
1. Another of the benefits of all those scans is that nothing was found that is scary. No lung cancer signs. No heart issues. Nothing in my digestive system or lungs, beyond some damage causing the COPD.
2. As the doctor who was supervising that part of the system said, "I don't know how you're getting away with this. If you slow down and do what we prescribe, your decrepit old 80 year old self will probably see you well into your 90s." After I told her that both of my parents lived to be 96, she said, "Well, you got some good genes from them, then. I was surprised that you didn't have any frightening surprises revealed. Lucky man!"
3. Every one who worked in that specialized wing was great. From the experienced doctors to the burka-clad Somali medical assistants, everyone was friendly, helpful and caring. Of course, I followed my father's advice given long ago, "If people are helping you in a bad time, give them your complete respect and keep all of your frustrations hidden. Thank each one, even if what they do hurts. They're caring for you. Be grateful and cooperative always." He was a wise, wise man, I assure you.
My Political Advice and Opinion about Medicare Advantage Programs
Many people curse at those here on DU. Not all of the naysayers offer good information. If you have choices offered to you when selecting one, do as much research as you can. Don't get the $0 premium version. Choose a plan near to the most expensive. You'll be glad you did, I promise. Then, learn how your provider operates, and what facilities and companies they're aligned with. Research those, too, and if you need services, go to the clinics, etc. that have the best reviews. Do this in advance of need. If you must go a few more miles to get to their best clinics, hospitals, etc., you'll be rewarded, as I was.
Don't listen to online naysayers. They are generally uninformed about your local options. Research what is available to you for yourself. It could save your life. Then, do what your medical pros tell you to do. Ask polite questions when you have them, and be patient. It's not always easy, but it's your best route. Treat those who help you as trusted friends. That's what they want to be. Give what you'd like to get.
I just got home yesterday. I'm still moving slowly as I recover. The old Grumpy MineralMan will be back shortly. Meanwhile, I probably won't comment on the replies in this thread as I usually do. I'll probably be resting up for a while longer. But, I wanted to say a few (a bunch) of words about this.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Very happy to hear you got good care and sounds like they jumped on it fast, which is also good.
Keep getting better and happy to hear you will be kicking around here for many years to come. 
That's the most important thing. 
..and even better that you are kicking the cigarettes. Keep the alcohol moderate too and reduce indoor and outdoor pollutants as much as possible (avoid outdoor physical exertion on bad air quality days and if indoor dust or other allergens is an issue, consider HEPA air purifiers in your home. All can help a lot. National Jewish Health is located in Denver (www.nationaljewish.org) --the world renowned center for respiratory diseases-- and I collaborated on a study with them some time ago. While our altitude is a major issue for COPD out here (and Denver's ozone pollution), the other issues mentioned really impact recovery and stabilization.
To your returned good health. 
My parents were both heavy smokers for their entire lives, and they both died of cancer. I think my mom showed signs of emphysema but she wasn't diagnosed with it. Breast and lung cancers killed her at 62. My dad lived into his 80's but lung cancer finally got him too. Cigarettes are an awful thing and tobacco is the devil-weed. I'm so glad you've given them up for good.
Best of luck, MineralMan!
Sounds like you are recovering extremely well for an 80 year old! I've been dealing with COPD for many years and now congestive heart failure occasionally too.
I've been surprised at how many body parts have been wearing out in the past few years, sometimes resulting in surgery. So as you recuperate, I am laying on my couch doing the same thing. I think I have a few more years in me, but this can be exhausting.
