Jim & Alice

1 hour ago, RV_ said:

I waited a week before saying anything definitive, as I wanted to be sure I had no reactions of any kind. I had exactly the same reaction as I get from my annual Flu shot. No pain unless I pressed the area hard to check and it lasted all of a day, no swelling or hot arm where it went in.

I was wondering if anyone else had any reactions. I am doing daily reporting on VSafe: https://vsafe.cdc.gov/

 

Hi, Derek.   Glad your shot went well.   We've had ours (Moderna), and my wife had side-effects about like you... and I had slight temperature, muscle aches, headache, and bone aches.   Tylenol helped a lot after the 2nd shot!   Like you, we will be observing CDC recommendations for the duration.   Its a feeling of relief... opening the door to better days ahead.   

Take care,

Jim 

Currently 30 degrees here in Atlanta, Texas (Texarkana).   Forecast Sunday thru Friday .... Cold, snow, with Monday being 5 - 9 inches, and Wednesday being 7 - 11 inches.   Lows during this 5-day time period will be down to 9 degrees, highs up to 34 degrees.

Well... at least we got the COVID shots done!

My wife and I received our 2nd Moderna vaccine shot last night, at Christus St. Michael Clinic in Texarkana, Texas.   We are out of state residents, here visiting family for the snowbird season, no problem.   We registered in person on Jan 4, 1st shot on Jan 6, then 2nd on Feb 3.   The whole process was extremely smooth, no hitches, no mistakes,   Both doses, DW had no reactions, I had fever, muscle aches, headache.   Kirk mentioned Tylenol after shot... that clearly helps.    Thanks, Kirk!

We are smiling ear-to-ear... thankful the Good Lord provided Science.

3 hours ago, Kirk W said:

We have two working nurses in our family who were very early in the vaccination program because of their exposure. They gave us very similar advice but with the addition that they say as soon as the shot has been administered, take a does of either Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, whichever you prefer as they act as a preventive. They say to do the same again at bedtime and when you get up. We followed those suggestions and experienced almost no side effects at all. 

Thanks, Kirk!   Just added these recommendations to my calendar entry for the appointment.

Jim 

48 minutes ago, Barbaraok said:

Best thing is hydrating well before and after receiving the vaccine, taking fever reducer and moving the arm after the shot to help reduce soreness.  The hydration is really important in helping to reduce fevers along with the OTC medication.   Also will help with headaches that often occur.  And this will occur in a lot of people as their immune system kicks into action.  Remember, the second dose will probably cause a swifter reaction - again, that just shows that you immune system is reacting.   

Thanks, Barbara, for the advice.   We take dose #2 in two weeks, and I will remember the hydration for sure.

26 minutes ago, GR "Scott" Cundiff said:

I'm one of millions of internet medical experts 😀 - but from what I read, having a reaction like you did is an indication that you have a well functioning immune system.  Still, knowing what we are dealing with, I'm sure it caused you some concern at the time.  I know I would have been concerned.

Yes, Scott, I was concerned.   The Vaccine provider (Christus St. Michaels Clinic) provided a data sheet that covered the potential side effects, but still... So I double checked the Internet 🙂 just to make sure that the vaccines did NOT contain the virus itself... No, of course... and then took two tylenol and a nap!   Hope all is well for you. 

5 hours ago, GR "Scott" Cundiff said:

.  Got Pfizer, so far no side effects at all.

We got our vaccinations two weeks ago in Texarkana, Texas, Moderna.   Shots were in the 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM timeframe.  My wife had no side effects.    For me, by the following morning, I had fever, bone aches, headaches.,, which lasted all day, Tylenol helped tremendously.   Went to bed that evening and woke up side-effect free the next morning.   And very grateful for the vaccinations...   No problems ever since.

Years ago in the 70's, as a young Yankee newly in Shreveport, Louisiana, I got pulled over one morning on 4-lane 70th Street, after a 2" snowfall.   Road surface was slushy, but temps were above 32... no problem.   Shreveport Policeman said, "speeding too fast for conditions" and wrote me out a ticket.  (I was doing the speed limit)  Politely I said, "But officer, I am from Michigan, and this is not much snow at all".   He gave me a hard look... and said: "Improper lane change!"... and wrote me out a 2nd ticket.  No dummy here, I shut up.   (I did appeal both tickets and got them dropped.)    Been careful ever since, tho, when I am in the ArkLaTex and a snow flake falls!

On 1/3/2021 at 10:21 PM, Jim & Alice said:

I am in Atlanta, Texas (close to Texarkana).   The Texas web site I am working with for tracking vaccine opportunity is:

Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Note the link... https://txdshs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=91ac7fb5e5fd47e7ada4acfe4a05920a

for locations and associated info.   Texas has priority Phase 1B as including ages 65 and up... I think only other state doing that is Florida.   I have yet to ascertain that Texas is treating out-of-state snowbirds...

For what it is worth, My wife an I received our first COVID Vaccine shots this afternoon.   I used the above link (NOTE)... to locate sites close by with available Vaccine doses, visited them (2 sites) and on Monday (two days ago) made an appointments for both of us.   Medicare covered everything.   I listed my home state residency as Michigan, no problem.   Shot #2 was booked for follow up in 28 days.   Waiting time was minimal.   Everything worked well.

I am in Atlanta, Texas (close to Texarkana).   The Texas web site I am working with for tracking vaccine opportunity is:

Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Note the link... https://txdshs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=91ac7fb5e5fd47e7ada4acfe4a05920a

for locations and associated info.   Texas has priority Phase 1B as including ages 65 and up... I think only other state doing that is Florida.   I have yet to ascertain that Texas is treating out-of-state snowbirds... but in my questioning, no one at Walgreens, CVS, Collom & Carney Clinic, Christus St. Michaels.... has said 'no', either.

On 12/31/2020 at 9:00 AM, LindaH said:

I've used Turbo Tax's program for years and, if you qualify, you can do so for free.

2X

6 hours ago, Kirk W said:

Texas also has the winter resident issue to deal with and in searching the internet I was unable to find anything about how or if there is any plan to vaccinate winter visitors. It may be that there is no differentiation between part & full time residents. 

We'll be tracking on this also, Kirk.   Two months ago my wife and I were on our way to Michigan (via car) for Holidays with family there.   We stopped in Texarkana  to visit family and while stopped, was advised by my Michigan Doctor to not continue to Michigan due to COVID spiking.   We then decided to stay in Texarkana and to get settled into a motel suite for the season.   We would also undertake our medical exams & treatments in Texarkana for our various medical needs.   (Family here, all going well.)   

I just read where the State of Texas changed the priority for Vaccines to include age 65+ in the "Priority 1B"category, up from the "Priority 1C" category.   Question still remains... as a "seasonal snowbirder"in Texas, undergoing medical treatment... do we qualify for Texas Vaccine inoculations?   If anyone comes across an answer, please post?   We will do the same.   I have asked local medical folks... and they are non-committal and do not seem to know themselves.

Count my Wife and I as Medicare Supplement Plan 'G' advocates... In 8 years of Fulltiming, we have used our policy in Michigan, Texas, South Dakota, and Arizona.   No problems whatsoever.   

No problem.   Glad to be here.

On 9/26/2020 at 9:43 AM, rpsinc said:

It would seem that you may have a similar condition.  I encourage you to seek out a reputable local AC repair shop, use Yelp feedbacks, and have them check it out.  Undoubtably, they would be more familiar with AC problems in your locale. 

Thanks, rpsinc - I think I will do just that.

Kirk, it could well have been behaving that way all along... and just not noticed.   This 'just completed' Summer is the first time in our 260K miles that we were driving it in the temperatures of Yuma... so very well could be the first time any 'computer control' could have needed to kick in.   I did ask this question of the Honda Dealership Service Mgr... and he was not sure but suspected it to be 'computer control' situation.   My chief concern is to discern whether or not I still have a problem prior to departing on a long driving trip... And I think I am checking off 'problem fixed'!   Thanks again, Kirk, for help & suggestions.   We'll be driving by Dallas in a few weeks... on our way to Texarkana... and we will wave 'hi' to you and Pam!   Take care.   

Some follow-up for closure:

I had the local Honda dealership do some PM type work (Fuel injector, plugs, valves, etc) for a high Mileage car (260,000+ miles), and have been driving the car extensively for three days.   The PM work, along with a new A/C kit, has put some great life into the 2008 Honda.   Hope so, as we are looking at a 10,000 mile road trip in a few weeks.   It does seem as if the A/C, with engine under load, does reduce cooling a little bit... and restores cooling as soon as the engine load is eased.   Can't find any documentation on this, but have noticed the 'effect'.   Not documented, just observed.   

So, like SunDancer268 suggested, it appears a computer controlled engine will adjust A/C loads to accommodate extra engine strain.     I think that is what's happening here...  Thanks, folks, for the help & observations!

Jim 

On 9/22/2020 at 3:45 PM, bobsallyh said:

Jim and Alice, it is no problem crossing at Algodones for meds and dental work. T

bobsallyh, thanks for the information.   May be heading there soon.   And... You have been such helpful folks over the last couple years that my wife and I have been coming to Wellton... I just want to note such, and say to you, "Thank You".

5 hours ago, Kirk W said:

 If the flu is still rampant at that point we will just get a second shot in Feb. Medicare won't pay for the second one but our plan G supplement would. 

Good to know, Kirk.   Thanks for mentioning.   My wife and I are, and have been, Flu Vaccine people... pneumonia vaccine, etc.   Plus, we are both 70, and Alice is subject to pneumonia.   We don't take chances. 

7 hours ago, 2gypsies said:

Sorry, I'm not in the area right now so don't know the circumstances.  Perhaps call an agency?  We've gone in prime time and always had to walk a good distance.

No problem, 2gypsies.   I have had dental work at Sani Dental, and I believe I still have a card with their numbers on it.   But Thanks for the good pointer!

2 hours ago, 2gypsies said:

Dental in Mexico is considered a necessity and you are allowed to cross to have it done.

https://sanidentalgroup.com/

https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/

All you have to do is to give them a call.  Most of the dentists have a U.S. ph. # so no charge to do so.

Good to know - Any recommendation on how to physically cross?   Currently, the parking lot is closed, and the only way I can see is drive across the border, or park way  back on the highway and walk.

2 hours ago, agesilaus said:

But thanks for the warning, I'll certainly check before going.

You bet, agesilaus.   If you find any definitive info about los Algodones, many people would appreciate hearing.   I will do the same.   For us, it is a 70 mile round trip there, and the only practical pedestrian parking is the Quechan Lot (on border, American side)... and when it's closed, wasted trip. 

27 minutes ago, agesilaus said:

I want visit a mexico dental clinic and that puts us in the general area.

Check ahead for the mexico dental clinic.   We went by the Los Algodones parking lot today (Quechan Reservation), and it was locked mid-afternoon.   The appearance is that the border is still closed to pedestrian traffic.   We hope things reopen soon, as we need exams & cleaning.   We have good successes with dental work there over the last 5 years. 

Thanks for the comments, Folks.   Please keep them coming... for 'oldjohnt' and myself!   I will be taking it in to the Honda dealership next week for 100,000 mile PM work and will run the event by them for their reaction.   Car has 260,000+ driving miles, plus approx 60,000 towing miles... still runs great and looks great. 

5 hours ago, bobsallyh said:

Jim & Alice, did it do what you describe before the kit was put on?

Yes, about a year ago... once... just about the time we started to have AC problems.   Wasn't sure if it was the start of problems or like what we just experienced.   Interesting that today we did the same trip, temps below 100, and no problem.   I shulda been a mechanic!