Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Another new day

Going to the lung doctor today was an all-day affair - almost. We left at 9:15 and didn't get home til after 1:20 p.m. Only a few minutes of that time was spent at Wendy's getting lunch 'to go'.

I asked the nice nurse why it seemed like ALL doctors make appointments for a certain time, but it is one hour or more after that time before the patient is even called into the exam room. Then there's another lengthy wait to see the doctor himself (or herself). Of course each doctor has his own priorities, and I like having one sit down and spend time talking with me about my particular concerns, but really - does it take THAT long to see each patient and then to record what happened during that visit?

I have another appointment next week, this one is with my heart doctor. I know from experience that I won't see him within the hour of the appointment time. We'll most likely have a two-hour wait in the waiting room, plus another period of time in the exam room after his nurse gets her info.

There's not much I can do about it, except not keep appointments -- and that won't work at this stage of my recuperation. Just have to be sure to have reading material with me, and maybe a bit of chocolate to tide me over. Hubby manages the waiting time better than I do, for which I am thankful. I would hate to have to do these appointments by myself.

My checkup today was good - in spite of all the waiting - and my next appointment will be in April. The lung doctor wants to keep a close check on me to stay on top of things. I'm glad.

Speaking of reading material, I'm reading Stuart Woods' new "Kisser", another Stone Barrington novel. I have enjoyed everything Woods has written and this one is no exception. I also have the latest Robert B. Parker novel waiting for me after I finish "Kisser".

It's good to get back to reading! For several weeks I have not had any interest in any of the books I brought home from the Book Store to have while I recovered. I don't know if it was because my eyes were as weak as the rest of my body, but for some reason I just couldn't get into books for that time. It was easier to turn on the TV - and watch the Food Channel. I enjoyed the reruns of some of the good old sitcoms, too, on WGN while I was doing daytime TV.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Revising the calendar

Before my surgery (I'm calling it B.S.), my calendar would have something listed almost every day. Some place to go, or something to do, or at least something to look forward to.

Now, since I got home from my 2-week hospital stay, the calendar 'events' have been limited to visits from those wonderful home health care people - Shelly, Samantha and Julie (OT, RN and PT). I look forward to seeing them and was sorry when Shelly's 'tour of duty' was completed on my case. All three ladies are pleasant, fun to be with and always smiling...very important!

I am beginning to resume a few of my B.S. activities, however. Going to Sunday School has been a real spirit-lifter and vital to my overall health.

While I'm still missing some meetings, I did get to go to the Contemporary Club this past Wednesday. Alan chauffeured me and Charlotte to the Library, where the Club meets in the big meeting room. It was good to see all the ladies again, and they made me feel like Royalty with their ''welcome back" greetings.

Recoving my strength is a slow process, but everyone says I'm doing well, looking good, and coming along nicely. I guess I will have to agree, even if I don't. What I see in the mirror must differ greatly from what others see. So be it.

Friday, January 15, 2010

My name is ANNE

My name is Anne. NOT Ann, not Annie, or any other variation of those letters.

I wonder why I am so often called Annie when a person (specially someone new) sees A N N E written, and pronounces it with the extra vowell ... there is no I in ANNE.

During my recent adventure in the world of medicine, every time someone came in to my hospital room to administer therapy, medicines, or anything else, I was asked my 'name and date of birth'..... which I obediently gave every time, "Anne Babin, 10-16-30".

I sure did not say ANNIE.... But the next fellow who came in with my chart looked at the written word, and then at me, and said ANNIE? I finally had to tell them NO! I AM NOT ANNIE.!

It's always been difficult enough to get people in general to allow me to keep the E at the end my my given name... ANNE. It's amazing how many people only know how to spell ANN without the E. The sound is the same, so I guess that's expediency... just drop the E and go with ANN.

When I was younger, I served as recording secretary for a state-wide women's organization. The leaders of this group were all good friends, and I enjoyed my term as secretary. BUT at the beginning I had to convince everyone that I am ANNE not Ann or Annie. I cut out 100 copies of the letter E from newsprint, magazines, etc., and pasted them onto one big sheet of paper.

I sent this to our president of the organization, explaining that she would never have to leave off the E from my name again, since I had provided enough for the 2-year term.

She got a good laugh out of my shenanigan, but I did notice that it worked. I never had to beg for an E again.

So the moral to this story is probably non-existent, except to say that a person's name should be respected, no matter what it is or how difficult it is to spell or pronounce.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

New day, new year, new everything

Hello friends and family.....
I am finally back on my blogspot after the long absence for the hospital jaunt and all that entailed.

It is SO good to be at home again, and though every person I encountered at Baptist East was a caring, gentle and efficient nurse, doctor, attendant, physical therapist or food service person ... they can't hold a candle to my ever-lovin' husband. I can't brag on him enough for his dedication to my welfare at home and also while 'incarcerated' in the hospital. He's learning his way around our kitchen very nicely, too, I might add.

Today was my first time back to Sunday School. I was excited about going, and even tho the Home Health nurse had to come attempt to draw blood first, we got there in plenty of time for the goodies, well-wishes, and the fine lesson our son Philip brought to the class. I would have made a speech (of sorts) to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, CaringBridge messages, etc., the words choked me so I just managed to say Thank You.

I felt sorry for John, the Home Health nurse who came to draw blood. My poor veins have been so poked, prodded, pinched, and otherwise 'used' that they simply do not cooperate willingly now. Nurse John finally ended up with a small sample and I hope that was sufficient for a reading by the lab (or whoever gets it next).

Again, thanks to everyone who has been praying and contacting us via CaringBridge. It is a wonderful feeling to be so loved.