go to the doctor

I went in to the gyn for what was hopefully just a minor tune up. These visits help to open my eyes professionally as to things that cause patient discomfort and stress. Strangely, that seems to make doctor visits worthwhile.

This doctor seems medically competent to me. As I get older, I become more discriminating of the quality of medical attention I am receiving. Her demeanor is a bit casual. That is not really in her favor. Yet, she calls me by my preferred name, knows where I work, what hours, and generally how I feel about it. I like that personal touch.

So next week I get my test results. It is a situation I am not worried about.

Feeling blue. I went to the doctor yesterday. It was the neurologist because I have some numbness in my hands and the pulmonologist wants further investigation into my paralyzed diaphragm. Of course it led to more blood tests, more scheduled doctors appointments.

I did not tell my husband about my appointment yesterday until this morning. The only response I got was a hurrumph about doctors being a credit drain.

My pulmonologist and my Nurse Practitioner are my heroes. It really is amazing how much their calm and receptive bedside manner can be healing. They are my role models on a rough night.

There is still no conclusion for the reason for my paralyzed diaphragm. My pulmonologist has ordered an open MRI with Xanax. He did not pass judgement on my difficulties with the regular MRI. He wants to do a sleep apnea test. That’s fine with me. He has given me some medication for what is called Shift Worker Sleep Disorder. It is to help me stay awake.

He also gave me information about what happens if the right side of my diaphragm should become paralyzed. That was reassuring.

So, all in all, I’m feeling pretty good physically and emotionally. I’m off to Kansas City tomorrow, and I couldn’t be happier about that!

The CT went well, the MRI procedure did not. I am not a happy camper.

Well, I’ve been poked, prodded, and Papped.. That was just a routine thing. Next comes the MRI and CT at 7:00am on Saturday. I see the pulmonologist after work on Wednesday. I’ve noticed a pattern, I do my appointments early in the day, or on a work day because my days off are too precious to be spoiled by doctor visits!

But here’s the wonderful part…after all is done, I’m going to Kansas City! I had been planning on going to KC previously, but now I’m viewing it as a reward. And I love Kansas City.

First, Hubby and I are going on the train. This saves gas money, driving frustration, and wear & tear on my old Sienna. Plus we can play my portable Scrabble, read books, visit the dining car, and just enjoy the scenery. This is a treat in and of itself!

We are going to KC for my daughter’s college art show. Whenever I enter the gates of my daughter’s school, I feel the presence of quality, creativity, hard work, and pride. This really gives my efforts at working overtime meaning. Also, she gets the keys to her first apartment on Saturday morning and she is excited to show us. She has grown so much as an artist and a person over the last year. I feel incredibly fortunate.

Then, my husband and I are staying at a four star hotel in Crown Plaza. This is a central location and will afford us easy access to fun activities. The trip is only about 36 hours long. It will be a nice little respite, and now a reward for accomplishing my go to the doctor goal.

_{I’ll be so glad to mark this one done!}

Well, the unsettling problem is paralysis of the left side of my diaphragm. This is causing my lungs to not inflate normally on the left side.

The pulmonologist is ruling out a myriad of causes. So far, my labwork is back. I don’t have diabetes, lupus, thyroid problems, or B12 deficiency. And I am happy, happy, happy!! I really appreciate the health that I do have.

My mindset, after the passage of my daughter’s friend’s mother in March, is to truly look at each day as a gift. And here I am on another glorious day!

Went to the doctor. Got x-rays. Got Pulmonary Function Test. Bad result from Pulmonary Function Test. Worry a lot. Heard from doctor. Lungs clear (Thank God). Left lung lobe is not expanding. Fluoroscopy Sniff to see what is happening, scheduled tomorrow. See new pulmonologist on Monday. Gyn on Thursday. Mammogram the next week. Then hopefully -done.

_{Oh yeh, did I mention that I’m cranky?}

Feeling a little like a very good car at 100,000 miles. I’m just needing a few little tweeks to stay in good shape.

I went to see my Nurse Practioner today. Yeh, I have to have this and that x-rayed and go for a few tests, but all in all I’m doing okay. Oh, yeh, got to make that gyn appointment….

scheduled to be grammed on May 8th.

I just don’t want to do this. I need todo this..one by one, or try to get the bother over in a couple of days. But I really need to do this.