Saturday, December 12, 2009

IRONY STRIKES AGAIN


I'm not sure if you are familiar with the O. Henry story of the Gift of the Magi. It is an interesting, heart stirring, and sad irony about a two people who want to express their love. All the man had was a special gold watch. All the woman had was her beautifiul long hair. They searched for a way to get a gift to show their love for each other but they had nothing with which to buy a gift. The man decided he would sell his only possession, his watch, and buy the woman a comb for her hair. The woman, not knowing his decision, decided to have her hair cut off to sell so she could buy him a very nice chain for his watch.

You can read the entire story here:

http://www.auburn.edu/~vestmon/Gift_of_the_Magi.html









There was another couple, a husband and a wife. They had come to a place in their lives where they both made personal decisions about how they wanted their life to be, but did not know the other was making a decision. After a period of time, the couple had been making an effort to live out their decision and there was a significant amount of tension in the air. One day, the husband said to the wife, "I have decided that I am going to say exactly what is on my mind and I don't care who likes it or not. I am bitter and I hate the world." The wife said, "I, too, have made a decision, that is to simplify my life and have as much peace as I can find."


That's what you call a irony!!!!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

CERVICAL SPINE EPIDURAL UPDATE


There was no injection done today as scheduled. I reluctantly crawled out of bed at 4:30 am to get myself organized enough to be at the Pain Center in St. John's Hospital by 6:30 am. The morning started off on a bad note. Larry and I had a "tiff" because I moved a Silver Dollar City coffee mug with lid and he couldn't find it. I'll just describe the "tiff" by saying Indi was scared and she ran to me and wouldn't leave my side. We got in the car and made our way down the already busy streets. I suppose the heavy traffic at that time of morning is due to the stores being opened early so we can all spend more money. Any way, Larry and I made apologies about the "tiff" and we talked about the Christmas decorations that were still on since it was yet dark out.



We arrived at the hospital about 6:25. I went in and pushed the button for the elevator but it would not open. The door to the stairway was close by so I though I'd just walk down the stairs. Well that door was locked. Larry had parked the car and came hobbling in with his cane. I told him the elevator was not responding. He looked at his watch and said nothing will work here until 6:30 so we have to wait 5 minutes. Sure enough at exactly 6:30 the elevator door opened. Aren't they precisely efficient?



I did my usual check in and took a seat. They took me back right away. I changed into the darling hospital gown and got the IV port put in, BP and temp. They wheeled me down to the "procedure" room. The staff were all so cheerful and gracious. I appreciated that. Within 5 minutes Dr. Ellis came in and told me he was not comfortable giving me a 3rd shot since the first 2 had not made any significant difference. He wants to talk with me about the next step in his office on the 18th.



So I was wheeled back to the holding room where I disrobed from the little confusing gown and donned my own clothing. The kind nurse came and removed the IV port. I waited at the nurses' station for the appointment print out for the office consult. When it came through I found my way out to the pick up area where Larry was waiting in the car. I had to explain to him why I was not being wheeled out in a wheelchair.



We decided to go to Ziggies for breakfast before going home. That was a fairly pleasant experience. We chatted and I drank a lot of coffee. I drove home. Indi was eagerly waiting at the door. We got ourselves organized. Larry laid down on the couch and is now sleeping. I got some banking done and got a crochet project ready to start.



I'm a bit disappointed that the epidurals did not work. I really don't want to talk about surgery at this point, so I hope Dr. Ellis isn't going that route either. We'll see.



That was my exciting morning, I mean my morning. Now I feel a bit guilty about not being at work. But, I will use my time productively here at home. I have added 18 hours during the month of December at work anyway.