I have nothing but praise for everyone I encountered yesterday at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Marcos. My doctor, along with the nursing staff, were at the top of the leaderboard. On a one-out-of-ten rating scale, I'd give it a 10-plus. Even check-in at the hospital for surgery was an easy process.
I received a call from a nurse at the hospital after mid-day on Monday to talk about my medical history, medications I am taking, arrival time and expectations. When it comes to surgery, I feel like I've become a seasoned veteran. I already knew I couldn't eat or drink anything after midnight. What else could I possibly need to know?
Much to my surprise, the nurse asked that I shower both on Monday night and Tuesday morning using antibacterial soap. If I didn't already have the soap, it could be picked up at a pharmacy. In addition, I needed to sleep on freshly laundered sheets. I also needed to wear clean clothing.
I've watched enough episodes of "House Hunters" on HGTV to know that some people live in a pigsty. Incidentally, that condition has nothing to do with neighborhood or the income level of a family. Adhering to the nurse's request wouldn't be a problem, although I don't normally shower at night. I need a shower with hot water to become full awake in the morning.
When I was a kid growing up, my mother often reminded my brothers and me that there is no excuse to ever be dirty because soap is cheap. Perhaps my mother had never heard of antibacterial soap from the pharmacy?
During the year that the General was dealing with medical issues, it was my responsibilty to go to the grocery store. I followed a list she provided. Every trip to the grocery store was like going on a scavenger hunt. There was always one or two things on the list that I'd never heard of before.
It seems like the prices of groceries and supplies doubled in less than a year, while the size of items shrunk significantly. I couldn't tell you want any of it cost. I felt lucky to find what I was looking to find. I didn't need to look at the prices because the General made the list.
Thanks to all of you who sent well wishes and prayers in my behalf yesterday. I am doing fine, but finding that keeping all weight off of my right foot is a game changer.
One of the nurses in the surgical suite at a workstation computer asked as I was leaving, if I was a professional comedian. She said she had laughed most of the afternoon. Her comment made me feel good. Truthfully, I've always used humor to negotiate life. I told her nonsense is my spiritual gift. I prefer laughter over tears.
Of course, when I awakened after surgery, the gift of laughter didn't immediately come to mind. I didn't expect to discover the GIFT OF PAIN. Okay, so I'm not delusional. The ability to sense pain is a gift. The inability to do so could be a catalyst of great harm. Pain is a warning signal that something is wrong.
Repairing a ruptured Achilles tendon is reportedly a slow and painful process. Keeping all weight off one foot is easier said than done. Knowing that there is no margin for error, I am carefully following instructions.
The General is now, by default, the designated driver. That means that we go when she wants to go. If she thinks a trip is unnecessary, you can scratch it off the list. Of course, I could be wrong. At this point, I don't want to go anywhere, so all is well.
I'm not suggesting that the General is controlling, but look how far out of reach both of my means for getting anywhere are? She told me to call her if I need to move from the couch.
All My Best,
Don
No comments:
Post a Comment