Medical Experience Reflection
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Hospital Part Two Medical Experience Reflection
*NOTE*
I am practicing creating various types of newsletters. Here’s my latest.
Medical Experience Reflection
Emotional Aftermath
As many who follow me regularly are aware, I have been dealing with pain and swelling in my legs as well as a pain in my lower abdomen. Finally, the doctors decided the symptoms are bad enough to warrant further investigation.
The following is a brief account of what’s taken place thus far.
tests behind me, I don’t know if it’s delayed stress or that I’m overtired, but the strangest things are bringing me to tears this evening. I’m also starting to feel the soreness they warned me might happen from the equipment used during the vascular scan.
To be honest, the information I received from the scheduling department at Bristol Radiology had almost no relation to the actual test I underwent. Some of their incorrect instructions contributed to the stress I was already under.
Incorrect Instructions
“Wear comfortable walking shoes. You will have to do a lot of walking.”
WRONG.
The test required me to lie on a table while blood pressure monitors were attached to my arms, thighs, calves, and—to my surprise—my toes. Squeezing tight to the point of prolonged periods of discomfort.
I lay there while the tech ran a wand over the arteries, and I could hear my blood pulsing through my body—much like hearing a baby’s heartbeat. Blue stayed resting by the chair where my clothes and belongings were and watched with intense interest. He behaved beautifully, and the tech was very impressed.
Overnight Bag Misinformation
“Pack an overnight bag. If they find a blood clot you will be required to stay.”
WRONG—EXCEPT IN truly dangerous circumstances.
My results won’t be available until Thursday unless something life-threatening appears, and since I didn’t get a call telling me I’m dying, I think that fear has passed. Still, the possibility of being admitted terrified me. Blue handled everything far better than I handled the stress.
Bladder-Filling Test
The only advice they got right was that I had to drink an enormous amount of water to fill my bladder nearly to the point of recreating Noah’s flood so they could scan the area like they were mining for silver.
Internal Pelvic scan
Once that test was over, I prepared for the final one—an internal pelvic scan. I’ll spare you the details, but before it began, when I stepped into the bathroom to get ready for the procedure, I took a moment to pet Blue and assure him I was okay. He stayed calm and steady and behaved perfectly throughout.
Aftermath and Support
I know I was overly reactive, but with the misinformation, the pain, and the swelling I’d already been dealing with, I was scared. I’m not ashamed to admit it.
I needed something to calm me afterward, and when I got home, I slept for a while. Now awake, yet continuing to feel exhausted I’m focusing on planning our GDUI Holiday Tales/Tails event.
Thank you to my fellow membership committee members, the board of directors, and everyone who has supported me. I’m so unused to steady support that it made me emotional several times tonight. I misted up texting with my Friends of Bristol VIP group, cried when a character died in my book, and cried again when something in my manuscript reminded me of someone I love.
Moving Forward
Writing all this helps. Maybe it’s delayed stress, but even with everything I feel better knowing the tests are done.
I go back to the hearing center on the 17th to learn what can be done about hearing aids. I’m worried about the cost, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
For now, I’m enjoying a few chocolate candies, a glass of wine and getting back into my writing. I followed Stephen King’s advice from On Writing and stepped away for a few days. I was mad at my characters for going off script, but now I’m amused again.
I’m not sure what to do with Derrick. Someone needs to kick his tail, and Marcus—my newest heartthrob—may be just the one to do it. He’s already swept Laya off her feet. Or was it the other way around?
What fun it is to create. I’m glad to be back at it. That, too, is a release.
Closing
Okay, I’m out of here. Now I’ve enjoyed a small glass of wine and am enjoying a couple of chocolate candies and feel a little goofy.
See ya
Saturday December 13 5 PM eastern Guide Dog Users Sixth Annual Holiday Tales/Tails by the Fireside
Join us for our sixth annual Holiday Tales/Tails, where we share favorite holiday stories about current and past guide dogs. It’s a relaxed, cozy space to swap stories and enjoy time together. All animals and humans welcome!
Sponsored by Guide Dog Users Incorporated
Subscribe to the GDUI Chat List
Join us on our Friends of Guide Dog Users Incorporated on Facebook
Join the call:
Phone: 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 885 4584 3302
Passcode: 143610
In closing, I’d like to say thank you to those who send feedback. We will make every effort to improve your experience.
Happy Holidays.
May Harmony find Us All. Blessid Be.
Patty L. Fletcher.
Your Friend and Membership Committee Chair.