Sunday, October 24, 2021

Nurse, Roses, Great Pumpkin,

Sunday was a very gray day. However, the clouds were not low-hanging or oppressive. I had trouble going back to sleep after waking two hours after I went to sleep, so a midday nap was necessary. We went for a drive. I also keep my eye out for lumber left over from construction. The hunt for Halloween decorations was the main reason for our drive today. 

I called my new primary doctor to try to get a phone appointment. His nurse called back and left a message. Back and forth we went until we finally connected. I was despairing. Finally, I talked to her. She is so nice. Most of these nurses do not listen to the whole story, just relay what they first hear. This results in a response that does not address the problem. 

She heard all about my problems, past and present, getting blood drawn, along with diarrhea, diuretic, electrolyte drinks, heat on site, slinging arms, slapping elbow bend, nurses raking around with needle, nurses sort of blaming me, pain shot for back of hand if necessary, vein finder machine, everything. No, I was not long-winded. She said she was writing it all down. She promised me she would get everything taken care of Monday morning. Doctors' nurses talking to patients on the phone need to learn from her. 

There was something about an infusion person in a hospital who could get a vein, people who would do their job without making me feel guilty. She had watched one find a vein she could not see. She momentarily worried that hospitals don't take orders from outside. Then, she said that he had privileges at some hospital, so he could get me in the hospital lab list.

I am greatly relieved since my endocrinologist wants these labs before my appointment on Friday.  Plus, I need labs done before booster shot for Covid. And, the primary doctor wants labs. So, three doctors are waiting. 

When I went into Publix this last week, a dozen roses was BOGO. I suppose that is what it was since they were two for $10.99. So, Tommy bought a dozen for me...lol. I had his card and thanked him for them when I brought them to the car.  He looked as pleased as I did. They are a two-tone dark and light pink. Beautiful. 

We watched The Great Pumpkin! FYI, it was on PBS, APT here in Alabama. I was so thrilled and remembered how my oldest, only son,  loved Snoopy and the dog fight from the doghouse. We always watched the Charlie Brown specials. I have the Thanksgiving and Christmas Specials marked on my calendar. Did you watch it Sunday night? Your children or grandchildren? 



9 comments:

  1. If the facility has a vein finder, that's the best. I have horrible veins and have to have blood drawn plus IV for medical tests. I feel your pain! I've got 3 bruises on my arms from tests lately

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    Replies
    1. Angie,
      Thanks for that information. I hope she makes an appointment for me at a place with a vein finder. It is about time someone invented a machine to find a vein after all the technology used in areas other than medicine. I mentioned to these two nurses that I did not want trauma to my arm and no vein be found. That is usually what happens to me.

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  2. Wow, what a lovely nurse/doctor assistant to deal with. Typically I find they are the worst so it's nice to hear a different story and you really need a good outcome right now. The roses sound beautiful.

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    1. Joyful,
      She was wonderful, attentive, and friendly. I really need a good outcome. You are right about the nurses on the phone! Tommy thinks they are pretty, too. I have thought he would be indifferent to flowers, not so. He gets close and smells them.

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  3. I'm glad you found someone to listen. We don't have any problems getting the doctors in the city to order labs to be done at the hospital here in our small town and the hospitals aren't connected in any way

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    Replies
    1. One,
      I feel a great relief and the labs are not done yet.

      Delete
  4. She sounds like a terrific nurse. I’m happy for you that she listened so well and wrote it all down for the doctor.

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    1. Belinda,
      Getting it all for the doctor is so important since I only get one chance to say it for him. So many times, the nurse does not inform the doctor of all aspects and I have gotten prescriptions and advice that just does not apply to what I said. I am happy, too. Thanks.

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  5. Nice to know that you had a good, productive consultation with the nurse! You were overdue!

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