We started our long doctor appointment day with a blood draw for Chris’ upcoming cancer appointment. At least that’s what we thought. Come to find out, the hospital’s computer had glitched and was only printing out labels about once every 45 minutes or so. Guess it was having a hard time getting going on Monday.
We finally left there and went across the street for my thumb arthritis appointment. No problem checking in and inserting my credit card, but … the printer was lagging, so I couldn’t get a receipt until the end of the appointment. Hmm. Same glitch, same Monday Blues, I guess.
I got to see an actual hand doctor this time instead of the usual physician assistant. Totally different vibe with her. Very professional, and certainly knowledgeable. She explained the three surgical options and gave us a referral to her partner who does the surgeries.
In a nutshell, one surgery fuses the joint so you can’t use it any more. That would cause loss of strength and more wear on the other joint that is having trouble already.
A second surgery cuts out one bone and puts the other one in a sling. That results in a significant loss of grip strength. The second option is an actual joint replacement that works just like a knee replacement. Of the two, I think I’d pick the latter. This doc did give me the injections as well. Lots to consider.
After some lunch we headed back to the clinic for my regular follow-up with the cardiologist.
Older lady (older than me) wheeled in by a caregiver. The aide left her there. Suddenly the lady called out for the aide to stop. Ever the vigilant knucklehead (er … gentleman), I jumped up and raced after the aide. To my consternation, that aide must have been working her power walk. I didn’t catch her until she was outside in the parking lot. She assured me that she would call the patient right away.
I had just started back to the cardiologist office when my phone rang. It was Chris. I just knew that I had been called back to a room, so I started running again. As it turned out, I didn’t need to. The patient had just misplaced her phone, but found it.
And of course not two minutes after I sat down, I WAS called back. And here is the scenario. I was panting from my sprint to the parking lot and back. Of course the very first question from the tech? “Any shortness of breath?” Now how was I supposed to answer that? I just laughed.
Sure enough my blood pressure was way higher than usual. She did give me a chance to catch my breath, and took it again. It was still elevated from my usual, but I guess she was satisfied. I think she wrote down both numbers. I remember wondering what the doc would have to say about that.
It eventually came down quite a bit. Apparently not enough though. He still insisted that I need to have a sleep study. Great can’t wait. Sarcasm here.
We stopped by the lab to have Chris’ blood work drawn for her cancer appointment later in the week. She went right back, only to find that the orders were in the system. Fortunately, they were able to contact the office and get them taken care of.
Isaiah 41:10 says, Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.
Father, thank you for our very long day. Please work out all these medical details. Amen.
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