As a hospital employee when you or a family member has to stay overnight you can request the "suite". It's much like a hotel suite. There is the patient's room with bed/bath/television, etc. and then an adjoining room for a guest with separate bed/bath/television. You also have the benefit of room service for both the patient and guest.
At 5:00 p.m. the day of my surgery the nurse came by and told me to go ahead and order my dinner. He handed me a menu and said I was on a soft diet to make sure I could tolerate it and then if so by morning I would be on a regular diet. No problem. I looked over the menu decided on chicken salad and mac and cheese. I called room service and here is how the conversation went:
"I'd like to order chicken salad and macaroni and cheese please."
"Sorry that is not on your menu."
"I've got the menu in my hand and it is on there."
"No, you have bariatric soft diet and that is not on there."
"Oh, okay, may I get a bariatric soft menu then?"
"No, we don't have any."
"Then how can I order?"
"I can tell you there is grilled chicken on the menu."
"Really? Grilled chicken is on a SOFT DIET menu but chicken salad is not?"
"Yes."
"OK, please send me grilled chicken and mac and cheese."
"Mac and cheese is not on the menu."
I'm so frustrated at this point. "OK, just send me whatever is on the menu."
My sister arrived at 6:00 p.m. and my dinner still had not. I gave her the guest menu and she settled on Salisbury steak, green beans and mashed potatoes. I was having dinner envy for sure.
I called back to room service, asked where my dinner was and was assured it was on it's way. They had a new girl. Sara ordered her dinner and we waited.
Sara's meal arrived about 6:20 p.m. and mine was still a no show. I called room service again.
"I'm still waiting on my meal."
"They said they brought it to you already."
"No, it never arrived."
They said they would be right up. A few minutes later the dietary manager came in my room and apologized. Great, but did you bring any food? Nope, she just wanted to apologize and take my order. At this point my nurse was so angry he changed my menu to regular, no more bariatric, no more soft. He told me to go crazy and order whatever I wanted. I really wanted chicken salad and mac and cheese. (Side note: my hospital has outstanding chicken salad). OK, the dietary manager said she get my order straight away.
About 6:45 she arrived back with my dinner tray finally. Again another apology for the delay, apparently my grilled chicken was delivered to the room next door. Hope that patient enjoyed it! More apologies as they were now out of mac and cheese...well of course because it's been an hour and 45 minutes since I ordered it. As a substitute I was given asparagus. How does asparagus substitute for mac and cheese? I mean, potato salad, macaroni salad, pasta salad maybe, but asparagus. I like asparagus, but I only like it when it still has some crunch. When it's so soggy it looks like trees from the swamp land I'm not interested.
Oh well, the chicken salad was delicious.
Friday, November 1, 2013
More Surgery
As excited as I was to have a gastric bypass, my decision and approval to get a laprascopic hysterectomy with the robot was even more thrilling. I tried to do this in my late thirties and the doctor kept saying I was too young. I knew I didn't want more children, anyone who has met my boys can understand why.
Anyway, I arrived at the hospital on October 11th at 7:30 a.m., got wheeled to the surgery room at 9:30 a.m. and was in my private room for the night by 12:30 p.m. Everything was removed and the pathology report came back that all cysts and tumors were benign - no cancer of any kind - Hallelujah!
By 2:00 p.m. I had eaten my broth and jello and even managed to get dressed in spite of the catheter. I was walking the halls and feeling great. The only painful thing was my IV, they placed it on my hand at the base of my thumb, isn't that a weird place? I didn't even ask for pain meds until 9:30 p.m. and then it was because I wanted to sleep. I'm a stomach sleeper but that wasn't going to happen for a few days and I just could not get comfortable sleeping on my back.
My sister Sara came to stay with me for the night and we had the suite at the hospital, one of the perks of being an employee. Dinner for us was quite an event, I'll post that shortly.
Anyway, I arrived at the hospital on October 11th at 7:30 a.m., got wheeled to the surgery room at 9:30 a.m. and was in my private room for the night by 12:30 p.m. Everything was removed and the pathology report came back that all cysts and tumors were benign - no cancer of any kind - Hallelujah!
By 2:00 p.m. I had eaten my broth and jello and even managed to get dressed in spite of the catheter. I was walking the halls and feeling great. The only painful thing was my IV, they placed it on my hand at the base of my thumb, isn't that a weird place? I didn't even ask for pain meds until 9:30 p.m. and then it was because I wanted to sleep. I'm a stomach sleeper but that wasn't going to happen for a few days and I just could not get comfortable sleeping on my back.
My sister Sara came to stay with me for the night and we had the suite at the hospital, one of the perks of being an employee. Dinner for us was quite an event, I'll post that shortly.
Where Has the Time Gone?
My goodness time does fly. I think about writing on this blog every few days and then never get around to it. I have so much to catch up on so here goes.
In August, after my iron infusion, I had a follow-up appointment with the hematologist. My numbers were better but still below average (yes, it kills me to say I was below average). I was strongly encouraged to seek a hysterectomy.
So I asked around the hospital and did some research. Dr. Stephen Salmieri came highly recommended and he performs the hysterectomy laprascopically using the robot, which cuts the healing time in half. I made my appointment with him to consult about surgery.
In September I arrived at Dr. Salmieri's office and was a bit nervous as his group practice is for Gynecology Oncology. I was escorted in for the usual vital checks, height and weight. Funny, I don't hate getting on the scale anymore at the doctor's office. Then I met with his nurse. While meeting with her Dr. S came in and shook my hand as he introduced himself and then told me what beautiful eyes I had. Oh he was smooth...he was about to be all up in my girl parts and he was making sure I was going to be comfortable. It worked, I was.
He did the pap and then asked if I would agree to a uterine biopsy. I hadn't come prepared for that but sure why not, if it helps get the thing out then let's go for it. I should have asked more questions because that freaking hurt! Imagine someone sticking scissors inside and then randomly cutting a piece of an organ off. Yeah, stupid me, but I got to go home for the rest of the day.
After my exam we met in his office and discussed my options. He agreed with the heavy bleeding, iron deficiency anemia and my complete lack of desire to produce anymore offspring that I would be a great candidate for surgery with the robot. It was scheduled for October 11th.
In August, after my iron infusion, I had a follow-up appointment with the hematologist. My numbers were better but still below average (yes, it kills me to say I was below average). I was strongly encouraged to seek a hysterectomy.
So I asked around the hospital and did some research. Dr. Stephen Salmieri came highly recommended and he performs the hysterectomy laprascopically using the robot, which cuts the healing time in half. I made my appointment with him to consult about surgery.
In September I arrived at Dr. Salmieri's office and was a bit nervous as his group practice is for Gynecology Oncology. I was escorted in for the usual vital checks, height and weight. Funny, I don't hate getting on the scale anymore at the doctor's office. Then I met with his nurse. While meeting with her Dr. S came in and shook my hand as he introduced himself and then told me what beautiful eyes I had. Oh he was smooth...he was about to be all up in my girl parts and he was making sure I was going to be comfortable. It worked, I was.
He did the pap and then asked if I would agree to a uterine biopsy. I hadn't come prepared for that but sure why not, if it helps get the thing out then let's go for it. I should have asked more questions because that freaking hurt! Imagine someone sticking scissors inside and then randomly cutting a piece of an organ off. Yeah, stupid me, but I got to go home for the rest of the day.
After my exam we met in his office and discussed my options. He agreed with the heavy bleeding, iron deficiency anemia and my complete lack of desire to produce anymore offspring that I would be a great candidate for surgery with the robot. It was scheduled for October 11th.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Iron Woman
I arrived on time for my iron infusion. This was my first experience with anything at all like this. I was told I could bring my laptop and work, magazines, my iPod with headphones, food, drinks, a blanket, etc. Am I moving in? Basically yes. This was going to be a full day event.
See at first they have to give me a sample of the iron over 30 minutes to ensure there is no reaction to it. Once that is done then I get Benadryl, some steroids, and something I can't pronounce or spell and that goes in over an hour. Then I get the iron and that takes 4 hours to infuse. Wow. Yeah, I took my laptop and worked the whole time.
Now, where they do this procedure is in the same place all the cancer patients get their chemo. Even though I was having a bad hair day, I felt super guilty because I was one of the few people in there with hair. I also felt like a step-child because my IV bag was black and everyone else had a clear IV bag.
Suffice it to say I was appreciative and grateful I was only there for iron and was not facing chemo. Hopefully I will never have to go back.
See at first they have to give me a sample of the iron over 30 minutes to ensure there is no reaction to it. Once that is done then I get Benadryl, some steroids, and something I can't pronounce or spell and that goes in over an hour. Then I get the iron and that takes 4 hours to infuse. Wow. Yeah, I took my laptop and worked the whole time.
Now, where they do this procedure is in the same place all the cancer patients get their chemo. Even though I was having a bad hair day, I felt super guilty because I was one of the few people in there with hair. I also felt like a step-child because my IV bag was black and everyone else had a clear IV bag.
Suffice it to say I was appreciative and grateful I was only there for iron and was not facing chemo. Hopefully I will never have to go back.
So Tired!
So following the gallbladder, 10 more pounds gone, and all that "number 2" business, I'm deep into a new system at work. I have to get it all built, tested and ready by mid-June when we freeze the code before going live on July 6th. I'm working crazy hours and most weekends and just really start dragging. Seems whenever I would sit down for more than a minute without my mind focused on something I would fall asleep. At the one month post-op I mentioned to the doctor how tired I was. He sent me for lab work but I was certain it was just because I was overworked.
Two days later I got a call from the doctor's office on a Thursday advising that they were going to refer me to another doctor for some abnormalities in my blood work. Here's the number, call and make an appointment. So I call and they answered the phone "Center for Cancer Care may I help you?". Uh, what? Cancer Center? No, I'm just tired, I'm not sick. In that brief pause and through a stuttered and stunned speech I asked if this was Dr. Haganstad's office. Well of course it was. Then I guess I need to make an appointment. Of course they were closed Friday and the first available was Wednesday. Now, here's the thing doctors need to understand. You cannot refer a hypochondriac to call a CANCER CENTER and make an appointment and then make them wait 5 days. Do you have any idea how many cancers I imagined I had in those 5 days? Or how many ways I might die? Or when? You must tell the person why they are being referred so they don't freak out. So I had my freak out then decided I just couldn't worry until I had something to worry about.
That Wednesday I was diagnosed with Iron Deficiency Anemia. When looking at my numbers the doctor was surprised I was even able to walk from the car to the office. That I had any color in my skin was apparently impressive. There are several things they measure in red blood cells including size, color, and quantity. Apparently I was well below average, at dangerously low levels, and this was not the first time my iron counts were low. They were also low following my bariatric surgery, but not alarmingly low. Now it was time to take action.
So the following Wednesday I went back to have an iron infusion. I'll cover that in the next post.
Two days later I got a call from the doctor's office on a Thursday advising that they were going to refer me to another doctor for some abnormalities in my blood work. Here's the number, call and make an appointment. So I call and they answered the phone "Center for Cancer Care may I help you?". Uh, what? Cancer Center? No, I'm just tired, I'm not sick. In that brief pause and through a stuttered and stunned speech I asked if this was Dr. Haganstad's office. Well of course it was. Then I guess I need to make an appointment. Of course they were closed Friday and the first available was Wednesday. Now, here's the thing doctors need to understand. You cannot refer a hypochondriac to call a CANCER CENTER and make an appointment and then make them wait 5 days. Do you have any idea how many cancers I imagined I had in those 5 days? Or how many ways I might die? Or when? You must tell the person why they are being referred so they don't freak out. So I had my freak out then decided I just couldn't worry until I had something to worry about.
That Wednesday I was diagnosed with Iron Deficiency Anemia. When looking at my numbers the doctor was surprised I was even able to walk from the car to the office. That I had any color in my skin was apparently impressive. There are several things they measure in red blood cells including size, color, and quantity. Apparently I was well below average, at dangerously low levels, and this was not the first time my iron counts were low. They were also low following my bariatric surgery, but not alarmingly low. Now it was time to take action.
So the following Wednesday I went back to have an iron infusion. I'll cover that in the next post.
10 Pounds in 12 Days
WARNING: This post may contain offensive language.
So, to catch up from April 25th when I had my gallbladder out, the only words that come to mind are shit, shit and more shit. It seems inaccurate to call it poop because it came in droves and shot out like a rocket. Now I realize that sounds crass, but I have to remain true to how it happened. It was just two weeks after my gallbladder came out that I had lost 10 more pounds. Now, ordinarily I would be over the moon with a 10 pound weight loss, but what I had also lost was the ability to eat anything normal or be further than 5 steps from a toilet. So to regain some self-control and dignity I saw the surgeon. Apparently bile induced diarrhea is completely to be expected. Funny, I don't remember reading that in the manual and if it's expected then why didn't I get medicine at the time of surgery? Guess it doesn't happen to everyone, but like everything this year, if it's going to happen to someone, it's going to happen to me.
So I got some medicine...and what was it...yeah some nasty orange powder I had to mix with water and drink in the morning. It took me right back to all those shakes I had to drink and the liquid diet before the surgery and for half a minute I was second guessing my decision to have the surgery. Whenever I start to feel like that, I just step on the scale and start smiling again.
So, to catch up from April 25th when I had my gallbladder out, the only words that come to mind are shit, shit and more shit. It seems inaccurate to call it poop because it came in droves and shot out like a rocket. Now I realize that sounds crass, but I have to remain true to how it happened. It was just two weeks after my gallbladder came out that I had lost 10 more pounds. Now, ordinarily I would be over the moon with a 10 pound weight loss, but what I had also lost was the ability to eat anything normal or be further than 5 steps from a toilet. So to regain some self-control and dignity I saw the surgeon. Apparently bile induced diarrhea is completely to be expected. Funny, I don't remember reading that in the manual and if it's expected then why didn't I get medicine at the time of surgery? Guess it doesn't happen to everyone, but like everything this year, if it's going to happen to someone, it's going to happen to me.
So I got some medicine...and what was it...yeah some nasty orange powder I had to mix with water and drink in the morning. It took me right back to all those shakes I had to drink and the liquid diet before the surgery and for half a minute I was second guessing my decision to have the surgery. Whenever I start to feel like that, I just step on the scale and start smiling again.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Easter/Spring Break
I forgot to post back in April about my Easter and Spring Break experience. Chris, Caitriona and Harry came over from London for Easter. We had a great day down at Becky & Mike's house, the traditional location for Easter. We counted and had over 100 people there that day. The only thing we had more of was eggs.
The Wednesday after Easter, Caitriona, Harry and I set off for a fun filled day of adventure at Six Flags. I was especially excited about fulfilling another item on my list (see previous Post of Setting Goals). That's right, I rode the Dahlonaga Mine Train roller coaster. It was the only coaster we could convince Harry to ride. I nervously approached the machine, secretly praying I would fit and not have to be removed because the safety harness wouldn't snap in to place. I thought humiliation was approaching because I got in and tried to close the bar but it just wouldn't catch. The worker came by to check and told me to cross my legs at the ankle. Once I did that it snapped right into place and off we went. It was exhilarating. I can't remember the last time I giggled so hard. It was cold and windy that day, but the wind blowing through my hair warmed my soul. I was happy. I was riding a roller coaster.
We promised Harry a superhero cape if he rode with us. He picked the Joker. It was appropriate.
The Wednesday after Easter, Caitriona, Harry and I set off for a fun filled day of adventure at Six Flags. I was especially excited about fulfilling another item on my list (see previous Post of Setting Goals). That's right, I rode the Dahlonaga Mine Train roller coaster. It was the only coaster we could convince Harry to ride. I nervously approached the machine, secretly praying I would fit and not have to be removed because the safety harness wouldn't snap in to place. I thought humiliation was approaching because I got in and tried to close the bar but it just wouldn't catch. The worker came by to check and told me to cross my legs at the ankle. Once I did that it snapped right into place and off we went. It was exhilarating. I can't remember the last time I giggled so hard. It was cold and windy that day, but the wind blowing through my hair warmed my soul. I was happy. I was riding a roller coaster.
We promised Harry a superhero cape if he rode with us. He picked the Joker. It was appropriate.
Walking a Mile
My brother Chris, the oldest - who lives in London, called me a few days before to see how I was feeling. He was my top donor so I wanted to assure him I was fine and could do the walk. I told him it wasn't that far so I should be able to handle it. He asked how far, I answered a mile. Expecting support I get this instead, "I paid a hundred dollars for you to walk a mile!?!" Yep. Sucker. Now stop it, the money is for a good cause. And of course it was and he laughed it off.
I made it through the day with all the people I love surrounding me. After the walk, Matt and his girlfriend, my dad and his girlfriend, my friend Anne-Marie, along with her mom and nephew, joined us for lunch at the Yard House. It was a great day, at times emotional for my aunt, especially her finish line experience. They split survivors off from others at the finish line and they get to run through a parade of other survivors high-fiving them all the way. Watching her celebrate her brave fight got me teary-eyed. I am so proud of her.
Now, why am I so tired all the time?
Oh the Pain!
Tuesday, April 23rd, 4:00 a.m. I awake with a sharp pain in my stomach. I'm talking about the kind of pain that I imagine would accompany the birth of the creature from the stomach in the movie Alien. It jolted me upright in the bed. I tried to stand, no better. I tried to sit, no better. I tried to lay back down, no better. I tried pooping, peeing, drinking some water, no better. After about 15 minutes of what can only be described as pain beyond that of childbirth, I go to the bottom of the stairs and call for Andrew. Clearly my shrill awoke him with such a tone that his first response was "Do I need to call 911?" Yes. Although I didn't think I was having a heart attack, I knew if I let Andrew drive me to the ER at 4:00 a.m., I likely would have.
The ambulance probably arrived in 10 minutes, but it felt like 10 hours. I was crying at this point, desperately trying to control my breathing so as not to appear like a panicked, overweight hypochondriac. Thank goodness I had worn a sports bra and clean underwear to bed with my Capri pajamas, because there was no way I was going to be able to change into anything else. My blood sugar was good, even my blood pressure was not alarmingly high. I gave my history through my labored breathing and when they asked if it was possible I was pregnant I laughed hysterically, which hurt. Mustering all the strength I had left, I told them I was only pregnant if God had chosen a wretched sinner to use as a vehicle for Christ's second coming.
I get to the ER and the doctor meets us at the door as the ambulance is offloading me. I quickly tell him I had a gastric bypass 18 months ago. He asked if I had my gallbladder. Yes. Ever had trouble with it. Nope. Well you probably do now. Great. Can you take it out right now? I haven't eaten after midnight so I am ready for surgery. The ultrasound proved him right, I had gallstones, also known as gallbladder disease. But no surgery that day. Have to see the surgeon. So they send me home with drugs. Thank goodness since Andrew had to drive me home.
Two days later and just two days shy of the 18 month mark from bariatric surgery I parted company with my gallbladder, and had the same surgeon, Dr. Richard, remove it. It was kind of like drive through (or dry cleaning) surgery. I was in by 8:00 and out by noon.
So it's only April and I have already meet the out of pocket expense for myself and almost the whole family at this point. I think Gwinnett Medical Center will soon be renamed to Carson Medical Center. At least a wing should be named for me. Or a pew in the chapel.
The ambulance probably arrived in 10 minutes, but it felt like 10 hours. I was crying at this point, desperately trying to control my breathing so as not to appear like a panicked, overweight hypochondriac. Thank goodness I had worn a sports bra and clean underwear to bed with my Capri pajamas, because there was no way I was going to be able to change into anything else. My blood sugar was good, even my blood pressure was not alarmingly high. I gave my history through my labored breathing and when they asked if it was possible I was pregnant I laughed hysterically, which hurt. Mustering all the strength I had left, I told them I was only pregnant if God had chosen a wretched sinner to use as a vehicle for Christ's second coming.
I get to the ER and the doctor meets us at the door as the ambulance is offloading me. I quickly tell him I had a gastric bypass 18 months ago. He asked if I had my gallbladder. Yes. Ever had trouble with it. Nope. Well you probably do now. Great. Can you take it out right now? I haven't eaten after midnight so I am ready for surgery. The ultrasound proved him right, I had gallstones, also known as gallbladder disease. But no surgery that day. Have to see the surgeon. So they send me home with drugs. Thank goodness since Andrew had to drive me home.
Two days later and just two days shy of the 18 month mark from bariatric surgery I parted company with my gallbladder, and had the same surgeon, Dr. Richard, remove it. It was kind of like drive through (or dry cleaning) surgery. I was in by 8:00 and out by noon.
So it's only April and I have already meet the out of pocket expense for myself and almost the whole family at this point. I think Gwinnett Medical Center will soon be renamed to Carson Medical Center. At least a wing should be named for me. Or a pew in the chapel.
Another Crash
Well, we've made it to April now and I get the phone call all parents dread...the oldest, who lives an hour and a half from home, calls and says "Well, I'm pretty sure I just totaled my car." WHAT? Seriously? Are you hurt? No. Are you sure it is totaled? Yes. Take pictures, I am on my way.
I called my cousin, who lives about 15 minutes from Matt, and asked her to go see if he was really okay. Of course by the time I arrived the whole scene would be cleared. Matt was shaken up but not hurt, so thank goodness for that. But here we go again with the battle of insurance. Fortunately, this accident was also not his fault, but that didn't automatically replace the car.
At this point I am done with 2013 and the battle of the brothers. Both wreck their cars, both have tumor scares, and both have torn labrums. Can I please catch a break and can they please stop competing for both my attention and money? I think to myself...gosh, if I could only focus on me for a while...little did I know what was to come.
I called my cousin, who lives about 15 minutes from Matt, and asked her to go see if he was really okay. Of course by the time I arrived the whole scene would be cleared. Matt was shaken up but not hurt, so thank goodness for that. But here we go again with the battle of insurance. Fortunately, this accident was also not his fault, but that didn't automatically replace the car.
At this point I am done with 2013 and the battle of the brothers. Both wreck their cars, both have tumor scares, and both have torn labrums. Can I please catch a break and can they please stop competing for both my attention and money? I think to myself...gosh, if I could only focus on me for a while...little did I know what was to come.
Lumps and Bumps
And the saga continues...
A week after Andrew's crash he took a nasty slash to the forearm. After the game when I saw him, the trainer had wrapped it in ice and told him to leave it on for at least 20 minutes. We grabbed some dinner and as we finished he unwrapped his arm. I was SHOCKED at the size of the "bump" on his arm. It was already black and blue and really swollen. I was certain their was a fracture in there. So back to the ER we went. They mentioned they had seen several lacrosse players in the past week. I was just hoping they weren't going to call DFACS on me. He got the x-ray and it came back no fracture, so just needed rest, ice, compression and elevation - classic RICE treatment. That was on a Friday. On Sunday after we got home from church there was a message on the answering machine from the hospital to please call the ER doctor. So I called thinking they did a further review of the radiology report and sure enough there was a fracture. I was half right, they had done a further review of the films and the radiologist noticed a tumor on the wrist, so they wanted to refer us to an orthopedist. Really? We were looking for a break, not a tumor.
So we go see the orthopedist and they do further x-rays including the shoulder to the wrist. The good news, the tumor is nothing more than a "birthmark on the bone" and nothing at all to worry about. The bad news, the shoulder has a torn labrum - same thing Matt had surgery for in January. Really? I was looking for a break, I get a tumor, looking for a tumor, I get a torn labrum. Can I please just get a nothing is wrong diagnosis?
Meanwhile, Matt calls and tells me that he has a lump in his armpit. My heart skips a beat as I try to maintain composure and assure him it will be fine and ask him when he would like to come see the doctor. Scared, yep...the armpits are where the lymph nodes are and those are where cancer is always found. Waiting for the doctor appointment was really stressful. But we got good news, the lump was the result of his particular brand of deodorant. So easy fix, switch deodorant. Now don't get me wrong, happy that's all it was, but dang, a $55 copy to learn he just needs a different deodorant...I think I should go into medicine.
A week after Andrew's crash he took a nasty slash to the forearm. After the game when I saw him, the trainer had wrapped it in ice and told him to leave it on for at least 20 minutes. We grabbed some dinner and as we finished he unwrapped his arm. I was SHOCKED at the size of the "bump" on his arm. It was already black and blue and really swollen. I was certain their was a fracture in there. So back to the ER we went. They mentioned they had seen several lacrosse players in the past week. I was just hoping they weren't going to call DFACS on me. He got the x-ray and it came back no fracture, so just needed rest, ice, compression and elevation - classic RICE treatment. That was on a Friday. On Sunday after we got home from church there was a message on the answering machine from the hospital to please call the ER doctor. So I called thinking they did a further review of the radiology report and sure enough there was a fracture. I was half right, they had done a further review of the films and the radiologist noticed a tumor on the wrist, so they wanted to refer us to an orthopedist. Really? We were looking for a break, not a tumor.
So we go see the orthopedist and they do further x-rays including the shoulder to the wrist. The good news, the tumor is nothing more than a "birthmark on the bone" and nothing at all to worry about. The bad news, the shoulder has a torn labrum - same thing Matt had surgery for in January. Really? I was looking for a break, I get a tumor, looking for a tumor, I get a torn labrum. Can I please just get a nothing is wrong diagnosis?
Meanwhile, Matt calls and tells me that he has a lump in his armpit. My heart skips a beat as I try to maintain composure and assure him it will be fine and ask him when he would like to come see the doctor. Scared, yep...the armpits are where the lymph nodes are and those are where cancer is always found. Waiting for the doctor appointment was really stressful. But we got good news, the lump was the result of his particular brand of deodorant. So easy fix, switch deodorant. Now don't get me wrong, happy that's all it was, but dang, a $55 copy to learn he just needs a different deodorant...I think I should go into medicine.
Lacrosse, Crash and Burn
Continuing the saga of unfortunate events...
Andrew made the JV Lacrosse Team and I was the first parent in the stands for the first game. I bought the obligatory spirit sweatshirt, seated myself in the stands, updated my status on facebook and prepared myself to be amazed at his prowess, talent and athleticism. Imagine my excitement when I saw he was a captain - for the first game of the season! My excitement continued as he was the "face-off" guy. I cheered for our team and was still hopeful for a great season, even though we lost 13-0. After the game he came to the stands, where his girlfriend had joined me, and asked if he could go back to her house for a couple of hours. Sure, no problem.
I got home and within 5 minutes of walking in the door his girlfriend was calling me frantically screaming that I had to come right away. "A lady pulled out right in front of him and he hit her. He's crying and his car is really messed up." Needless to say, my heart dropped. I told her to calm down, tell me where they were and then to call 911 and that I was on my way.
I arrived within 7 minutes...which felt like 7 hours. I might have made it in 5 minutes if my vulcan mind meld had worked on the driver in front of me when I tried to vaporize their car out of my way. The police had arrived and were directing traffic around the accident, which had blocked both eastbound lanes. Andrew was on the curb sobbing and one look at his car told me it was totaled.
Andrew made the JV Lacrosse Team and I was the first parent in the stands for the first game. I bought the obligatory spirit sweatshirt, seated myself in the stands, updated my status on facebook and prepared myself to be amazed at his prowess, talent and athleticism. Imagine my excitement when I saw he was a captain - for the first game of the season! My excitement continued as he was the "face-off" guy. I cheered for our team and was still hopeful for a great season, even though we lost 13-0. After the game he came to the stands, where his girlfriend had joined me, and asked if he could go back to her house for a couple of hours. Sure, no problem.
I got home and within 5 minutes of walking in the door his girlfriend was calling me frantically screaming that I had to come right away. "A lady pulled out right in front of him and he hit her. He's crying and his car is really messed up." Needless to say, my heart dropped. I told her to calm down, tell me where they were and then to call 911 and that I was on my way.
I arrived within 7 minutes...which felt like 7 hours. I might have made it in 5 minutes if my vulcan mind meld had worked on the driver in front of me when I tried to vaporize their car out of my way. The police had arrived and were directing traffic around the accident, which had blocked both eastbound lanes. Andrew was on the curb sobbing and one look at his car told me it was totaled.
I asked him if he was hurt. He said he had a headache and his hips and arm hurt. So I asked the police to call the paramedics. Why did I even have to ask for that? I mean the airbags went off, the car is totaled and he his complaining of a headache. Didn't they know a medic was needed? We ended up in the ER where he was checked for a concussion which was negative, thank goodness, but he had a burn on his wrist/arm from the airbag deployment. Enough that it burned through his shirt and took the hair off his arm. He also had abrasions on both hips and shoulder - from the seat belt, which thank goodness he was wearing. Nothing broken though, just beaten up. He was released with pain medication and muscle relaxers. Over the next couple days and additional lacrosse beat downs, he was very happy to have the muscle relaxers.
Is 13 Really Unlucky?
Yes. Normally I don't succumb to tales of unlucky numbers, but this year - 2013 - has not been great. I've been away from blogging for a while and I am going to try and catch up this year over the next few posts. Although 2008 was tough having lost my mother and then grandmother, this year is running a close second with a series of unfortunate events.
At the end of 2012 we learned Matt had a torn labrum and would need shoulder surgery to correct. He talked with Target to get his medical leave approved and learned it would be covered under short term disability, so he could continue to pay his bills while he rehabed. So Jan. 4th, into surgery he went. It went well but of course the tear more extensive than originally thought and so recovery was going to be longer than expected. For four weeks he was kept in a brace and not allowed to raise his arm above his shoulder, making it difficult for him to shower, dress, drive, etc. He was miserable. Adding to the misery was learning he would not be getting short term disability from Target. Apparently the store he is at now had enough hours to qualify him, but they go back to your hire date, when he was only part-time, and he was short an average of 2 hours a week to qualify. No worries, we thought, we will use his student loans to pay his rent. So he dropped all but one on-line class so he could use the balance of the loans to pay his bills. Unfortunately it dropped his hours and he didn't qualify for the student loan. So he had to drop that class as well and get no payout at all. Then, thanks to a screw up with the paperwork from the doctor's office in the timing, his medical leave was only 6 weeks instead of 12. So he had to return to work at the end of February, after only four rounds of physical therapy. Needless to say, his shoulder still isn't fully healed.
At the end of 2012 we learned Matt had a torn labrum and would need shoulder surgery to correct. He talked with Target to get his medical leave approved and learned it would be covered under short term disability, so he could continue to pay his bills while he rehabed. So Jan. 4th, into surgery he went. It went well but of course the tear more extensive than originally thought and so recovery was going to be longer than expected. For four weeks he was kept in a brace and not allowed to raise his arm above his shoulder, making it difficult for him to shower, dress, drive, etc. He was miserable. Adding to the misery was learning he would not be getting short term disability from Target. Apparently the store he is at now had enough hours to qualify him, but they go back to your hire date, when he was only part-time, and he was short an average of 2 hours a week to qualify. No worries, we thought, we will use his student loans to pay his rent. So he dropped all but one on-line class so he could use the balance of the loans to pay his bills. Unfortunately it dropped his hours and he didn't qualify for the student loan. So he had to drop that class as well and get no payout at all. Then, thanks to a screw up with the paperwork from the doctor's office in the timing, his medical leave was only 6 weeks instead of 12. So he had to return to work at the end of February, after only four rounds of physical therapy. Needless to say, his shoulder still isn't fully healed.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Resolutions
Since I never keep New Year's Resolutions I decided I would skip it this year. As January has progressed I thought, maybe I should use my never keeping resolutions as a more positive reinforcement. So with the "I'll never keep these in mind" attitude, here are my 2013 Resolutions:
- I will gain weight
- I will spend more money
- I will drink alcohol more frequently
- I will cuss more often
- I will be mean to people
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