Dearest Family & Friends,
Thank you so much for praying and walking me through my journey of surgery. It has been a bit bumpy, but what a blessing to be surrounded by the faith, prayers, encouragement, and support of each of you. We had such peace about things.
Today I drove for the first time in nearly two weeks. It felt strange, but gave me such freedom. I know I still need to take it slow and allow myself to rest and heal and EASE myself back into life. But what a blessing to now be able to get out of the house as I had a touch of "cabin fever." I still can't lift anything over 10 lbs for the next three or so weeks (and I'm not really sure I want to, ouch!) , but it's good to be getting back to my "old self." Last night after Jay got off work we stocked up on some much needed groceries, as well as enjoy a delicious Mexican dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Now that the pain has decreased so much, I do notice a change within my heart. I don't feel "strange" anymore. I continue to have some back pain, and also soreness, tenderness, and itching at the incision sight, but it's all part of the healing process. I received good news today that my lab work and chest x-ray have come back all normal. YEAH! I'm much more mobile then I was before, which has made me cough more, so if there was any fluid in my lungs, it's working it's way out. Also since I've stopped the narcotic pain killers and antibiotics the stomach issues have resolved, guess they were the cause.
Our deepest thanks again for all the cards, notes, texts, phone calls, blog comments, gifts, flowers, house cleaning, and meals!!!!! Thank you for "rallying" around us; we are so blessed to have you in our lives!
jTe
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
follow up
So today mom & I headed up to UCLA for my post-op follow up appointment. We were reunited with nurse Julia (although I don't quite remember her, maybe with scrubs and a surgery hair net I would). She removed the rest of my bandages, easily thanks to more of that Detachol, and said that my incision site is looking well. It appears there are no external stitches, just internal ones. My incision is held together with steri strips which need to stay on another week, but may come off as I shower. My incision is about 4" long. No signs of infection just scabbing. We discussed the list of questions I had. I can't start putting things on my incision to help it heal for about 6 weeks. We also discussed some of the stomach issues as well as my persistent back pain, and pain management. Upon listening to my lungs and heart she noticed decreased breath sounds on the right (which is a bit odd considering my pacemaker was put in on the left). There's a chance that I might have some fluid in my lungs (pleural effusion). This has been a common occurrence for me after my heart surgeries. I then went to the clinic next door and saw my nurse practitioner with the cardiology department. Based on my symptoms and history, blood tests along with a chest x-ray were ordered. Surprisingly, with the two visits with the nurses and the two tests, we still managed to get out of there in an hour. Hopefully, we'll know the results of the tests by early next week. I've also graduated from narcotics to Advil, no more antibiotics, and I'm sleeping in bed instead of on the couch!
Since my mom was my chauffeur for the day (thanks mom!) we picked up my brother and went to lunch, then to the bank, and then to a friends for a quick visit to pick up a tomato plant she had waiting for me (thanks Gina!). Once mom returned me home I was blessed to have dinner delivered shortly thereafter by a friend from bible study and her daughter (who coincidentally knows Jay), thanks Donna & Amy!. I'm a bit tired, but enjoyed being out of the house! This weekend will be full of more relaxing, healing, and hopefully more back massages.
Since my mom was my chauffeur for the day (thanks mom!) we picked up my brother and went to lunch, then to the bank, and then to a friends for a quick visit to pick up a tomato plant she had waiting for me (thanks Gina!). Once mom returned me home I was blessed to have dinner delivered shortly thereafter by a friend from bible study and her daughter (who coincidentally knows Jay), thanks Donna & Amy!. I'm a bit tired, but enjoyed being out of the house! This weekend will be full of more relaxing, healing, and hopefully more back massages.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
day five post-op
I'm feeling better each day, but it's obvious that recovery will be a slow process. My low grade fevers aren't as frequent. I spoke with a nurse with the surgery department today to discuss my follow up appointment. Nurse Julia was so excited to talk with me. Apparently, she has known me since I was a child and has been very involved in my care over the years. Since she has transferred from pediatrics to adults she is able to continue to follow some longtime patients; she just didn't recognize my married name. She urged me to give a "hello" to my parents, and when I told my mom today, she said both her and dad had just been talking about her last night. It's a small world. I explained all the obstacles that we've faced both pre and post op. Although she informed me my stitches can't come out for another week, I've scheduled a follow up appointment for this Friday May 15th at 11am. It is there she will take off the additional bandaging and take a look at the incision site. At that time we can re-access my fevers (if I'm still having them) and monitor my pain.
Since I don't have many pain pills left I've decided to save those for the night to help me stay comfortable enough to sleep. Today was my first day with just Tylenol and I felt it. I continue to have deep back, neck, and shoulder pain. I slept in bed last night, but not sure I will again tonight. The couch just seems to be the most comfortable place for now. Since recovery is going at a slow pace, I was able to postpone jury duty until early November.
On Sunday for Mother's Day my family came over to bbq lunch. The meal was delicious and everyone seemed to enjoy watching mom read the post and open her "winning package."
Mom and her new fashion accessory.
After I cleaned up Jay took me over to his parents house to be with the family for Mother's Day. My mother in law JoAnne was so surprised to see me. I stayed for just about two hours and then Jay took me home. He went back to enjoy the special dinner with the family.
Now that Jay is back to work, we've appreciated the meals even more. Thank you everyone for the meals, phone calls, cards, emails, texts, etc. They have meant so much to us. Continue to pray for healing and good sleep.
Since I don't have many pain pills left I've decided to save those for the night to help me stay comfortable enough to sleep. Today was my first day with just Tylenol and I felt it. I continue to have deep back, neck, and shoulder pain. I slept in bed last night, but not sure I will again tonight. The couch just seems to be the most comfortable place for now. Since recovery is going at a slow pace, I was able to postpone jury duty until early November.
On Sunday for Mother's Day my family came over to bbq lunch. The meal was delicious and everyone seemed to enjoy watching mom read the post and open her "winning package."
Mom and her new fashion accessory.
After I cleaned up Jay took me over to his parents house to be with the family for Mother's Day. My mother in law JoAnne was so surprised to see me. I stayed for just about two hours and then Jay took me home. He went back to enjoy the special dinner with the family.
Now that Jay is back to work, we've appreciated the meals even more. Thank you everyone for the meals, phone calls, cards, emails, texts, etc. They have meant so much to us. Continue to pray for healing and good sleep.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Your MAMA
Some of you might know that my brother's girlfriend Christina interns at Harvey's Seatbelt Bag Company. Recently Christina sent me an email to let me know of their an upcoming Mother's Day contest. Below is the e-flyer. I thought I'd give it a try.
Here's my Mother's Day Contest entry.
When you think of a hero you might think of a fairytale like character or a real life fireman. But did you ever think to consider your mother? I do, everyday, although she doesn't know that. The dictionary defines a hero or heroine as "someone who is of distinguished courage or ability, admired for brave deeds and noble qualities who has a will for self sacrifice." I believe that's what my mother is. Between the year of 1994 and 1995 my mother pushed through the pain and heartache and found courage. The courage to face an ill 14 year old daughter with major heart problems, a husband just diagnosed with a fast growing cancer, all while trying to raise a 2nd grader. Talk about self sacrifice! Full of motivation, love, a prayerful heart, and compassion she set aside her desires to be there for her family and devoted her life to caring us back to health. Even now as I face yet another surgery, she has put herself in a position of availability. It was just the other day that I called her a dozen times to seek advice about dealing with medical insurance. Now as an adult she still teaches me new things, and helps me to become more self sufficient with the courage and tools to survive the adult world. I can't imagine my life without my mother. I'm not sure of who or where I would be without her devoted heart. I'm sure there were times when she felt like giving up or when she was certain she would lose her daughter or her husband or both. But she put those feelings and fears aside and dealt with them in her own way so that she could "be" mother and wife. "Be" mentally, physically, and emotionally present. I'm so thankful that I have been blessed with such wonderful parents. It saddens me to see the poor women role models of today and the selfishness of parents who think soley of themselves, often at the expense of their kids. When I think of mothers, I see them as selfless, wise, nurturing teachers, who are or should be the true heroines of today.
References
Dictionary.com (2009). Hero. Retrieved 04/29/2009, from http://dictionary.reference.com/dic?q=hero&search=search
Re: mother's day contest Hi Erica!
Congrats! You are one of our lucky Your Mama is so... Contest winners!!! Your Treecycle Mini Messenger will ship out today... Just in time for Mother’s Day!
Thank you so much for your contribution. Your Mama is so LUCKY to HAVE YOU!!
Xoxo,
Harveys
So... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!! I LOVE YOU!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US! And to all you other mom's out there reading this, a Happy Mother's Day to you too!
Proverbs 22:6 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." NIV
"Point your kids in the right direction-when they're old they won't be lost." The Message
Although mom has received her package, she doesn't know the details of her mother's day present. When she comes over this afternoon for a bbq, I'll be sure to post a picture of her opening her gift.
Here's my Mother's Day Contest entry.
When you think of a hero you might think of a fairytale like character or a real life fireman. But did you ever think to consider your mother? I do, everyday, although she doesn't know that. The dictionary defines a hero or heroine as "someone who is of distinguished courage or ability, admired for brave deeds and noble qualities who has a will for self sacrifice." I believe that's what my mother is. Between the year of 1994 and 1995 my mother pushed through the pain and heartache and found courage. The courage to face an ill 14 year old daughter with major heart problems, a husband just diagnosed with a fast growing cancer, all while trying to raise a 2nd grader. Talk about self sacrifice! Full of motivation, love, a prayerful heart, and compassion she set aside her desires to be there for her family and devoted her life to caring us back to health. Even now as I face yet another surgery, she has put herself in a position of availability. It was just the other day that I called her a dozen times to seek advice about dealing with medical insurance. Now as an adult she still teaches me new things, and helps me to become more self sufficient with the courage and tools to survive the adult world. I can't imagine my life without my mother. I'm not sure of who or where I would be without her devoted heart. I'm sure there were times when she felt like giving up or when she was certain she would lose her daughter or her husband or both. But she put those feelings and fears aside and dealt with them in her own way so that she could "be" mother and wife. "Be" mentally, physically, and emotionally present. I'm so thankful that I have been blessed with such wonderful parents. It saddens me to see the poor women role models of today and the selfishness of parents who think soley of themselves, often at the expense of their kids. When I think of mothers, I see them as selfless, wise, nurturing teachers, who are or should be the true heroines of today.
References
Dictionary.com (2009). Hero. Retrieved 04/29/2009, from http://dictionary.reference.com/dic?q=hero&search=search
Dictionary.com (2009). Heroine. Retrieved 04/29/2009, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/heroine
OK, so you may be laughing that I put in references, it's a graduate thing. Actually, I wanted to not have copyright issues if the entries were published. Most of you know, I'm a winner, especially when it comes to my mother. I have the greatest, most compassionate and loving mom. I should have added to the entry she gives me baths even as an adult and can remove sticky gunk! Then on May 4th, I received this email:
Congrats! You are one of our lucky Your Mama is so... Contest winners!!! Your Treecycle Mini Messenger will ship out today... Just in time for Mother’s Day!
Thank you so much for your contribution. Your Mama is so LUCKY to HAVE YOU!!
Xoxo,
Harveys
I was shocked! I was one of five winners and there were over 150 entries. Christina wondered if I won because the day she had internship last week she saw them taking the purse my mom wanted to package for shipping. I found this later on the Harvey's website.
So... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!! I LOVE YOU!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US! And to all you other mom's out there reading this, a Happy Mother's Day to you too!
Proverbs 22:6 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." NIV
"Point your kids in the right direction-when they're old they won't be lost." The Message
Although mom has received her package, she doesn't know the details of her mother's day present. When she comes over this afternoon for a bbq, I'll be sure to post a picture of her opening her gift.
just breathe
Today I battled my bandage today by removing all the tape. Thank God for Detachol the magic potion. My wound feels better, not itchy. I had to leave the steri strips on so I can't tell how many stitches I have, but things look good. Since I've been home I've been running low grade fevers. Today we called the hospital after a 100.4 temperature. Basically fevers after a pacemaker replacement are due to infection or lack of breathing caused by pain issues. So since my wound looks good, no sign of redness or drainage he said it's because I'm not breathing deeply enough. Which I'm sure is true. I breath shallow because of the pain if I take in a deep breath. The doctor called in a refill on my antibiotics giving me another five days. If I continue to have fevers then I'll need to go to the ER. So my plan is to "just breathe."
Friday, May 8, 2009
surgery and recovery
Dearest Family & Friends,
Thank you so much for all your thoughts, prayers, and get well wishes. Yesterday turned out to be a lot longer day then we anticipated. We arrived at 11am with surgery scheduled for 1pm. However, I wasn't wheeled into the OR until 4:30pm. Yes, we waited most of the day. It appeared there was an emergency with the patient before me. And while we were waiting I felt the peace of all your prayers. We talked, joked around, and read until my name was called. Once my name was called I was taken to the PTU (procedure treatment unit). I waited in the PTU for about an 1.5 hours until I was taken to the OR.
The surgery itself was about 1.5 hour. Once it was over, my surgeon, Dr. Laks came to tell the family that the surgery went well and that it's expected I'd be quite sore; sore like I got hit by a car. While in recovery I had an allergic reaction to something and turned real red and broke out with hives. I was drugged up on pain killers and then they gave me loads of Benadryl. This made me even more out of it and I wasn't allowed to return to the PTU until I was coherent. I ended up being in recovery for about 2 hours.
Once I returned to the PTU I was able to see my family. I had some swelling of my neck and face. My throat is quite sore from the respirator. I had a fat lip from when the respirator was removed. My IV was literally ripped out by the nurse so I have a big bump on my hand from that. My neck is score probably from how I was positioned during surgery and I have a large bandage that can't be removed until Saturday. I walk like an old lady hunched over. My back also is killing me, likely from the OR bed. It was in PTU that I had some ice water, chocolate ice cream, and got up walking around and going to the bathroom. Just before I was released, I was given another pain killer to help me on the ride home. I was discharged 10:30pm and we arrived home at 11:30pm.
We were welcomed home by a squeeky clean house. Thanks Neil & Katherine for spending the entire day (8hours) scrubbing down our place. It smelled and looked so good. And the chocolate on the pillow was the cherry on top. Coming home to such an act of love brought me to tears. We are SO blessed to have you as our friends.
It was a rough night. I was up every 2 hours. I'm a lot more sore then I expected to be. I need help getting in and out of bed or a chair. I feel like I've done a million crunches and been hit by a truck. Today I ate just a little more. My mom and Jay helped to bathe me and wash my hair. I feel a bit better now that I'm cleaned up. I had sticky gunk and Betadine all over me. We've received a call from a nurse as well as an email from my nurse practioner with my cardiology office. Hopefully tonight we can sleep better and removing my bandage won't be too challenging tomorrow. I also will have a follow up appointment with Dr. Laks to check the wound and stitches in about a week. My grandma asked if I can tell by my heart that I have a new pacemaker, but I don't. At least not yet because of all the pain I'm experiencing.
Thank you again for all the prayers. We're sorry to get this post up so late, but know you understand with the long day we had.
Thank you so much for all your thoughts, prayers, and get well wishes. Yesterday turned out to be a lot longer day then we anticipated. We arrived at 11am with surgery scheduled for 1pm. However, I wasn't wheeled into the OR until 4:30pm. Yes, we waited most of the day. It appeared there was an emergency with the patient before me. And while we were waiting I felt the peace of all your prayers. We talked, joked around, and read until my name was called. Once my name was called I was taken to the PTU (procedure treatment unit). I waited in the PTU for about an 1.5 hours until I was taken to the OR.
The surgery itself was about 1.5 hour. Once it was over, my surgeon, Dr. Laks came to tell the family that the surgery went well and that it's expected I'd be quite sore; sore like I got hit by a car. While in recovery I had an allergic reaction to something and turned real red and broke out with hives. I was drugged up on pain killers and then they gave me loads of Benadryl. This made me even more out of it and I wasn't allowed to return to the PTU until I was coherent. I ended up being in recovery for about 2 hours.
Once I returned to the PTU I was able to see my family. I had some swelling of my neck and face. My throat is quite sore from the respirator. I had a fat lip from when the respirator was removed. My IV was literally ripped out by the nurse so I have a big bump on my hand from that. My neck is score probably from how I was positioned during surgery and I have a large bandage that can't be removed until Saturday. I walk like an old lady hunched over. My back also is killing me, likely from the OR bed. It was in PTU that I had some ice water, chocolate ice cream, and got up walking around and going to the bathroom. Just before I was released, I was given another pain killer to help me on the ride home. I was discharged 10:30pm and we arrived home at 11:30pm.
We were welcomed home by a squeeky clean house. Thanks Neil & Katherine for spending the entire day (8hours) scrubbing down our place. It smelled and looked so good. And the chocolate on the pillow was the cherry on top. Coming home to such an act of love brought me to tears. We are SO blessed to have you as our friends.
It was a rough night. I was up every 2 hours. I'm a lot more sore then I expected to be. I need help getting in and out of bed or a chair. I feel like I've done a million crunches and been hit by a truck. Today I ate just a little more. My mom and Jay helped to bathe me and wash my hair. I feel a bit better now that I'm cleaned up. I had sticky gunk and Betadine all over me. We've received a call from a nurse as well as an email from my nurse practioner with my cardiology office. Hopefully tonight we can sleep better and removing my bandage won't be too challenging tomorrow. I also will have a follow up appointment with Dr. Laks to check the wound and stitches in about a week. My grandma asked if I can tell by my heart that I have a new pacemaker, but I don't. At least not yet because of all the pain I'm experiencing.
Thank you again for all the prayers. We're sorry to get this post up so late, but know you understand with the long day we had.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
comforter
Thank you everyone for all the best wishes, thoughts, prayers, and encouraging words as I prepare for tomorrow. After tiding up the house, I appreciated the wonderful lunch today with my friends Debra & Becca along with their prayers. It was a great time of fellowship, something I realized I needed. I wanted to spend the day at home, but recognize that leaving myself alone to my thoughts wasn't the smartest thing to do the day before surgery. So "THANKS" for helping foster an environment where I can have fun and be at peace.
At bible study yesterday my friend Judith asked me if I had a comforter on my bed. I thought it was a strange thing to ask, but when she explained herself I saw God in a new light. Judith said think of God as your "comforter" while you're in bed. I thought this would be a helpful visualization technique while I'm being wheeled into the OR, but it wasn't until I went in for my massage later that day, did it become real to me and I fully understood what she meant . As I laid there on my stomach, looking at the carpeted floor, vulnerable, on the semi narrow massage table I realized how large the blanket and sheets where that covered me. Have you ever noticed that? They're like a queen size on a twin size bed, they envelope you. It was then I understood what Judith was sharing with me. Understanding that God is BIGGER then we are, bigger then everything, and you can just snuggle up allowing His arms to wrap around you and be at peace. I will think of my "comforter" (thanks Judith) and Kauai (thanks Matt & Julie) as I try to calm those butterflies.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
I also wanted to let you know that my surgery time has been moved from 7am to 1pm. I have to be at UCLA at 11:30am. We're a little relieved about the surgery time change. We don't have to get up so uncharacteristically early anymore. The surgery is estimated to take between 2-4 hours long. It's still uncertain if I will have to stay overnight, but we're packing an overnight bag just in case. We'll have our laptop with us so I'll have Jay send out an email update or post something on the blog. I also have meals covered through Monday night (thanks guys). Thanks again for all the support. It has been amazing and we feel SO loved!
At bible study yesterday my friend Judith asked me if I had a comforter on my bed. I thought it was a strange thing to ask, but when she explained herself I saw God in a new light. Judith said think of God as your "comforter" while you're in bed. I thought this would be a helpful visualization technique while I'm being wheeled into the OR, but it wasn't until I went in for my massage later that day, did it become real to me and I fully understood what she meant . As I laid there on my stomach, looking at the carpeted floor, vulnerable, on the semi narrow massage table I realized how large the blanket and sheets where that covered me. Have you ever noticed that? They're like a queen size on a twin size bed, they envelope you. It was then I understood what Judith was sharing with me. Understanding that God is BIGGER then we are, bigger then everything, and you can just snuggle up allowing His arms to wrap around you and be at peace. I will think of my "comforter" (thanks Judith) and Kauai (thanks Matt & Julie) as I try to calm those butterflies.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
I also wanted to let you know that my surgery time has been moved from 7am to 1pm. I have to be at UCLA at 11:30am. We're a little relieved about the surgery time change. We don't have to get up so uncharacteristically early anymore. The surgery is estimated to take between 2-4 hours long. It's still uncertain if I will have to stay overnight, but we're packing an overnight bag just in case. We'll have our laptop with us so I'll have Jay send out an email update or post something on the blog. I also have meals covered through Monday night (thanks guys). Thanks again for all the support. It has been amazing and we feel SO loved!
Monday, May 4, 2009
finding the blessings
I can't say that I'm completely over being miffed about all that happened on Friday, but I'm trying to accept the circumstances (since I can't do anything to change them) and to have a better attitude. I'm trying to find the blessings in these extra days to relax before surgery. Yesterday I enjoyed such a wonderful bbq with Jay's family. I was especially blessed with the girl talks out at the back patio both in the sun and also at night. Today I spent time going through my old toys, dolls, and such at my parents house. It was fun to reminisce over all the things that surrounds you while you're growing up. It was quite exciting being in my parents neighborhood as news broke of a possible swine flew outbreak at the school next door to them: Fred Moiola Elementary School; the first school in Orange County to be shut down. It's expected the doors will be closed for at least a week, possibly two. News vans were a frequent sight today and we've been watching the school on the news since we've been home. Perhaps you'll see clips tonight from CBS Ch 2, NBC Ch 4, ABC Ch 7, KCAL Ch 9. I can't believe that today would have been my surgery. Because of the change it has allowed us to be able to attend a funeral to support our dear friend Neil who just lost a family member. I look forward to bible study and the further support and encouragement I'll receive from my dear friends there. I'm also eager for my relaxing massage. I did receive clarity that I am to stop taking my aspirin which I began today.
I've been trying to get further along in the book Walking with God by John Eldredge before my upcoming surgery. He makes a good point in the book "It's not what God is not giving, but what he is giving." He also goes on to say "When it comes to crisis or events that really upset us, this I have learned: you can have God or you can have understanding. Sometimes you can have both. But if you insist on understanding, it often doesn't come. And that can create distance between you and God, because you're upset and demanding an explanation in order to move on, but the explanation isn't coming, and so you withdraw a bit from God and lose the grace that God is giving. He doesn't explain everything. But he always offers us himself." I've also been drawn to these verses these past two weeks. Psalms 112:7 "He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."It's so true how when we are perplexed and can't move beyond the fact God might not be giving us understanding we find it pushes us away from Him. My advice to you is this: try to accept and adapt to what God IS giving you and not focus on what He is NOT.
I've been trying to get further along in the book Walking with God by John Eldredge before my upcoming surgery. He makes a good point in the book "It's not what God is not giving, but what he is giving." He also goes on to say "When it comes to crisis or events that really upset us, this I have learned: you can have God or you can have understanding. Sometimes you can have both. But if you insist on understanding, it often doesn't come. And that can create distance between you and God, because you're upset and demanding an explanation in order to move on, but the explanation isn't coming, and so you withdraw a bit from God and lose the grace that God is giving. He doesn't explain everything. But he always offers us himself." I've also been drawn to these verses these past two weeks. Psalms 112:7 "He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."It's so true how when we are perplexed and can't move beyond the fact God might not be giving us understanding we find it pushes us away from Him. My advice to you is this: try to accept and adapt to what God IS giving you and not focus on what He is NOT.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Will the real ET please stand up?
What started out to be a quick drab trip for my "type and cross" blood test up at UCLA, turned out to be a very eventful one. I got to the laboratory only to find that the surgery department hadn't faxed over the orders. I showed them the paperwork I had which were copies, but they would not accept them because they were under the wrong person, which I thought had been changed by phone earlier this week. Wrong meaning, a different ET with a different birth date, name spelling, and UCLA patient id number. We had trouble getting through to the surgery department, and they wouldn't just take my blood sample, so they sent me off the hospital's admitting office in hopes that they could help me. This mix up reminds me of the song The Real Slim Shady by Eminem (not one I recommend) but know of:
"May I have your attention please?
May I have your attention please?
Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?
I repeat, will the real Slim Shady please stand up?
We're gonna have a problem here..."
I walked on over to the hospital miffed. They were helpful in changing my info and then pre-admitting me while I was there. They also informed me that not only did the lab orders need to be redone, but my surgery orders as well with the correct et. The lady from the admitting office was kind, but shared that this was a "big mistake!" Knowing how urgent this was to take care of in order to proceed with Monday's surgery I called the surgery department continuously until redial finally paid off all while I was being helped in admitting. I had them re-fax everything to the lab and the admitting office. I also wanted to know if I had to be off any of my medications as no one told me as of yet.
I then went back to the lab who accepted the old paperwork with a new correct patient id label and were kind to let me pass through the long wait of patients. After this whole ordeal all for a measly one vile of blood, I decided to walk over to have lunch. I got another call from the surgery office to tell me that they hadn't received all the pre-op test results from Hoag yet. I immediately called my primary care physician's office who just got the last test results and planned to fax it on over. Phew I thought, now I can have my lunch.
After eating lunch I headed back over to the parking structure so I could begin my journey back home. It was then I got another call from the surgery office. "Erica, I've got bad news." Oh this can't be good."NOW WHAT? "I asked. "There has been a major emergency with a patient and all of Dr. Laks's patients for next week have to have their surgeries rescheduled. Yours will now be on Thursday. And it seems you should have been told to be off of your aspirin (a blood thinning agent)".
To say that I'm angry and frustrated is a major understatement! The correct words would be more like fuming or livid. Anyone got a punching bag I could borrow? So I'm scheduled for surgery on Thursday May 7th at 7:30am. We might need to be there as early as 5:30am so we're thinking about staying up there the night before. I'm debating whether or not to file a complaint, especially since I haven't received so much as an apology. I mean first they have me as the wrong person, and THEN God knows what could have happened by not reviewing my medications before surgery.
In the mean time I took my friends advise "have a stiff drink and get some r&r." So I treated myself to a drink (not too stiff don't worry), called and scheduled a massage, and then settled on the couch to watch tv. I needed to cool off and let the steam evaporate. I guess the plan now is to relax for Thursday since I have a whole week to wait now that all the pre-op work is done. I suppose I spoke too soon about how smooth and organized things were going. It seems it all unraveled apart so quickly. I understand that this could all be for the best, or that emergencies happen, etc., but we (esp I) worked so hard to coordinate everything in time for Monday and, now it's just utter disappointment. It was encouraging to get a few "get well" notes today, ironic as it seems with the current news. Perhaps it's more for my mental well being than for my recovery.
"May I have your attention please?
May I have your attention please?
Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?
I repeat, will the real Slim Shady please stand up?
We're gonna have a problem here..."
I walked on over to the hospital miffed. They were helpful in changing my info and then pre-admitting me while I was there. They also informed me that not only did the lab orders need to be redone, but my surgery orders as well with the correct et. The lady from the admitting office was kind, but shared that this was a "big mistake!" Knowing how urgent this was to take care of in order to proceed with Monday's surgery I called the surgery department continuously until redial finally paid off all while I was being helped in admitting. I had them re-fax everything to the lab and the admitting office. I also wanted to know if I had to be off any of my medications as no one told me as of yet.
I then went back to the lab who accepted the old paperwork with a new correct patient id label and were kind to let me pass through the long wait of patients. After this whole ordeal all for a measly one vile of blood, I decided to walk over to have lunch. I got another call from the surgery office to tell me that they hadn't received all the pre-op test results from Hoag yet. I immediately called my primary care physician's office who just got the last test results and planned to fax it on over. Phew I thought, now I can have my lunch.
After eating lunch I headed back over to the parking structure so I could begin my journey back home. It was then I got another call from the surgery office. "Erica, I've got bad news." Oh this can't be good."NOW WHAT? "I asked. "There has been a major emergency with a patient and all of Dr. Laks's patients for next week have to have their surgeries rescheduled. Yours will now be on Thursday. And it seems you should have been told to be off of your aspirin (a blood thinning agent)".
To say that I'm angry and frustrated is a major understatement! The correct words would be more like fuming or livid. Anyone got a punching bag I could borrow? So I'm scheduled for surgery on Thursday May 7th at 7:30am. We might need to be there as early as 5:30am so we're thinking about staying up there the night before. I'm debating whether or not to file a complaint, especially since I haven't received so much as an apology. I mean first they have me as the wrong person, and THEN God knows what could have happened by not reviewing my medications before surgery.
In the mean time I took my friends advise "have a stiff drink and get some r&r." So I treated myself to a drink (not too stiff don't worry), called and scheduled a massage, and then settled on the couch to watch tv. I needed to cool off and let the steam evaporate. I guess the plan now is to relax for Thursday since I have a whole week to wait now that all the pre-op work is done. I suppose I spoke too soon about how smooth and organized things were going. It seems it all unraveled apart so quickly. I understand that this could all be for the best, or that emergencies happen, etc., but we (esp I) worked so hard to coordinate everything in time for Monday and, now it's just utter disappointment. It was encouraging to get a few "get well" notes today, ironic as it seems with the current news. Perhaps it's more for my mental well being than for my recovery.
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