It seems a silly thing for a 26 year old to be celebrating but yesterday marked another first for me since surgery. I went for a drive! And no I don't mean I rode around in the passenger seat. I was driving. For a couple days now I'd been thinking I was ready and yesterday I decided to finally give it a try.
I'd gone into town with my mom and on the way home I asked if I could drive us the rest of the way. We live on the outskirts of a small town and I had waited until we were off the main roads so there was very little, if any, traffic around. We switched seats and I got myself positioned behind the wheel. I spent more time than usual making sure I was in a comfortable position and more importantly in a functional position. I have nearly all the function of my lower right leg, from the knee down. The problem is with my upper leg between the knee and hip. My body has yet to relearn and find new ways for this area to move properly. For instance, if I'm sitting in a chair I cannot lift my leg/thigh up off the chair. And I would not be able to move my leg, under its own power, to the right or left so I could slide over on a bench or couch. I can however kick my leg out straight when sitting because it's only the bottom half of the leg moving. This was all very important when deciding how to position myself for driving.
Before I would consider taking the truck out of park, I checked several things. I made sure my seat was close enough that my foot could not only reach the petals but that I would be able to press both the gas and break down fully. I checked to make sure my leg was strong enough to press the break down fully. Then I made sure I could move my foot from the gas to the break and back again. Yes, yes and yes! Good to go. I shift into drive.
I don't think I've ever driven more cautiously in my life. Maybe 10 years ago when I was first learning to drive but for the most part this was the exact same situation, learning to drive all over again. I drove off down the road, below the speed limit. I braked way in advance for the coming corner, smoothly, but early. I didn't go for a long drive, maybe 10km, just around a couple blocks lined mostly by farms and forest. I don't plan on driving around town quite yet and I definitely won't be venturing out onto the highway any time soon. Just knowing I CAN drive is enough for me for the time being.
Every time I tell someone I drove, they assume I must have done so with my left foot. Or at the very least, with both feet. When I correct them and explain that I drove just as they would, with their right foot, I'm usually met by a look of shock. It often changes quickly to them being impressed. This is when I remember, it is a big deal and not just another day! But like I said, it seems a silly thing for a 26 year old to be celebrating. I went for my first drive.
Friday 30 September 2011
Wednesday 28 September 2011
Goosebumps
To say I've had some numbness in my right thigh since surgery would only be half the story. While going through chemo I experienced some numbness in my thigh and more noticeably in my finger tips. The numbness in my finger tips became a frequent occurrence that came and went. It was most apparent directly after a round of chemo and would last for a week or so and then slowly fade away; only to return after the next round. The numbness in my thigh was less obvious and I only really noticed it when I would intentionally run my hand along it. (side note: numbness can be a side effect of chemo)
Following surgery the upper half of my right leg, along with the right side of my butt, was all numb to some degree. Part of this was due to the morphine epidural (I had it in for 3 or 4 days), some was from having so many nerves moved around and stretched during surgery, and some of this was from the chemo. The feeling came back to most areas while I was still in the hospital recovering. To all areas but my right thigh. I was hoping that it too just needed time and that eventually the feeling would return there as well. So far, no luck. The numb area has not really effected my day to day, it is more of an annoyance. I can still feel pressure applied to that area of my leg, it seems to be just the skin that has no feeling. It can be a little uncomfortable or just odd feeling to have something sitting on my lap, like my laptop. And when I have an itch, it's impossible to scratch. Somehow I can feel the itch but not my nails scratching it. Also, it can be dangerous for me to use electric heating pads on this area because I wouldn't notice if my skin was over heating or even burning. As a result, I've been using heating bags you warm in the microwave instead because they cool down naturally as you use them.
Now for my discovery.
The other day I had goosebumps as a chill ran through my body. You may be thinking, "So what? We all get goosebumps once in a while." Agreed! Sometimes you'll get them from a chill. Other times they'll be the result of a high level of emotion such as fear or romance. The thing that caught my eye was what happened on my leg. Or rather, what didn't happen. As the goosebumps appeared I had a nearly perfect outline of the numb area on my leg. There wasn't a single goosebump within the area. I understand that this makes perfect sense, I had just never thought about it before seeing it that day. I sat there for a moment and traced the outline of the area, back and forth, just to see if it really was the edge of the numbness. That might seem a bit silly but it was interesting to see that the line was not straight or more clear cut, it was like a wave with some peaks / indents. On one hand it was really neat to see but at the same time, it was somewhat unsettling to have the visual.
I'm still hopeful that the feeling will return to the area but it seems a little less likely as each day goes by.
Following surgery the upper half of my right leg, along with the right side of my butt, was all numb to some degree. Part of this was due to the morphine epidural (I had it in for 3 or 4 days), some was from having so many nerves moved around and stretched during surgery, and some of this was from the chemo. The feeling came back to most areas while I was still in the hospital recovering. To all areas but my right thigh. I was hoping that it too just needed time and that eventually the feeling would return there as well. So far, no luck. The numb area has not really effected my day to day, it is more of an annoyance. I can still feel pressure applied to that area of my leg, it seems to be just the skin that has no feeling. It can be a little uncomfortable or just odd feeling to have something sitting on my lap, like my laptop. And when I have an itch, it's impossible to scratch. Somehow I can feel the itch but not my nails scratching it. Also, it can be dangerous for me to use electric heating pads on this area because I wouldn't notice if my skin was over heating or even burning. As a result, I've been using heating bags you warm in the microwave instead because they cool down naturally as you use them.
Now for my discovery.
The other day I had goosebumps as a chill ran through my body. You may be thinking, "So what? We all get goosebumps once in a while." Agreed! Sometimes you'll get them from a chill. Other times they'll be the result of a high level of emotion such as fear or romance. The thing that caught my eye was what happened on my leg. Or rather, what didn't happen. As the goosebumps appeared I had a nearly perfect outline of the numb area on my leg. There wasn't a single goosebump within the area. I understand that this makes perfect sense, I had just never thought about it before seeing it that day. I sat there for a moment and traced the outline of the area, back and forth, just to see if it really was the edge of the numbness. That might seem a bit silly but it was interesting to see that the line was not straight or more clear cut, it was like a wave with some peaks / indents. On one hand it was really neat to see but at the same time, it was somewhat unsettling to have the visual.
I'm still hopeful that the feeling will return to the area but it seems a little less likely as each day goes by.
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Successful Day, With Minor Adjustments
First off, if you are wondering, I went with the wig for the wedding. I really did struggle to make the decision. In the end I didn't choose to go with the wig because I don't like my short hair or because I think the wig looks better than my natural hair at the moment. Two days before the wedding I but on my dress and was determined to make up my mind. Surprisingly, the answer came to me within seconds. I put on my wig and as soon as I did I noticed it covered my portacath and the scar from where it was put in. Neither are overly obvious but they are visible and somewhat odd looking. So if I could cover them up I was going to take advantage of that. Decision made!
Wedding Day!!! (as maid of honour, not bride... don't get ahead of yourself)
My day started with getting up 2 hours earlier then I normally would. And I was out the door at least 3 hours before I'd typically be ready (or willing) to go anywhere. Off to the hair salon for hair and makeup. I obviously didn't need to get my hair done, I did that on Thursday, but it was nice to see the other girls get theirs done. A part of me was sad not to be getting mine done as well, I miss my long hair, but it did save me money. Just before leaving I thought to ask the girl who did our makeup if she had anything that would cover up the scar from my port. I'm so happy I did. With the application of a couple quick products my scar had all but disappeared, she was able to make it practically invisible.
Time to get dressed. Unfortunately I wasn't much help in this area. Usually the maid of honour is there to assist the bride with her dress, getting it on, tying up the back, etc. Balancing my weight on only one leg and having to use crutches made it too difficult to accomplish any of this, thankfully there were two other bridesmaids to help out. They also had to step in for me when it came to holding the bride's bouquet during the ceremony or straightening out her train.
Pictures. For all "staged" pictures, both before and after the ceremony, I did not have my crutches in them. With a little bit of work we were always able to get me into position and then pass my crutches off to someone else who was watching. Balancing on my left leg proved to be more difficult than usual though because I was wearing heels, at least they weren't too high and were wedges. As long as I had someone to put my arm around, something to hold on to or lean against, I was able to balance.
The ceremony and reception were pretty standard for me other than one terrifying aspect. I really do mean terrifying, to the point were I had trouble falling asleep the night before. You may be thinking, oh your maid of honour speech. While that made me nervous through dinner, waiting for the moment I had to get up, it wasn't terrifying. The wedding took place in a park and so the isle we were walking down was grass. Add to this, it was down a fairly steep hill. Now add to this, it poured rain all night the evening before the wedding. The forecast kept changing and we'd all been hoping the rain would stop for the wedding day. It was the night before the wedding, all of a sudden I realised that even if the rain stopped the grass may very well still be wet and therefore slippery. All night I kept picturing myself slipping on the grass and sliding down the hill on my butt. Even if the grass was dry, there was still a 50/50 chance I was going to fall getting down that hill. I even told the photographer ahead of time that I may look terrified the entire time I was walking down the hill but I'd smile once I reached the bottom. Thankfully I did not fall!
Overall it was a very successful day and I'd do it again if I was asked. But I am happy to check such a long day off my list of things to do. After 13 hours of being out and about, around 10pm, I HAD to go home. I'd have liked to stay until the end of the night but I was exhausted and starting to feel unwell. Turns out it was good that I left when I did. No more than half an hour after being home I actually threw up. I'm pretty sure it was just from sheer exhaustion.
So even though it's good for me to get out and about and build up my strength and endurance, that may have been a bit of an overkill. I think I'll go back to taking it one step at a time with smaller outings and tests of endurance.
Wedding Day!!! (as maid of honour, not bride... don't get ahead of yourself)
My day started with getting up 2 hours earlier then I normally would. And I was out the door at least 3 hours before I'd typically be ready (or willing) to go anywhere. Off to the hair salon for hair and makeup. I obviously didn't need to get my hair done, I did that on Thursday, but it was nice to see the other girls get theirs done. A part of me was sad not to be getting mine done as well, I miss my long hair, but it did save me money. Just before leaving I thought to ask the girl who did our makeup if she had anything that would cover up the scar from my port. I'm so happy I did. With the application of a couple quick products my scar had all but disappeared, she was able to make it practically invisible.
Time to get dressed. Unfortunately I wasn't much help in this area. Usually the maid of honour is there to assist the bride with her dress, getting it on, tying up the back, etc. Balancing my weight on only one leg and having to use crutches made it too difficult to accomplish any of this, thankfully there were two other bridesmaids to help out. They also had to step in for me when it came to holding the bride's bouquet during the ceremony or straightening out her train.
Pictures. For all "staged" pictures, both before and after the ceremony, I did not have my crutches in them. With a little bit of work we were always able to get me into position and then pass my crutches off to someone else who was watching. Balancing on my left leg proved to be more difficult than usual though because I was wearing heels, at least they weren't too high and were wedges. As long as I had someone to put my arm around, something to hold on to or lean against, I was able to balance.
The ceremony and reception were pretty standard for me other than one terrifying aspect. I really do mean terrifying, to the point were I had trouble falling asleep the night before. You may be thinking, oh your maid of honour speech. While that made me nervous through dinner, waiting for the moment I had to get up, it wasn't terrifying. The wedding took place in a park and so the isle we were walking down was grass. Add to this, it was down a fairly steep hill. Now add to this, it poured rain all night the evening before the wedding. The forecast kept changing and we'd all been hoping the rain would stop for the wedding day. It was the night before the wedding, all of a sudden I realised that even if the rain stopped the grass may very well still be wet and therefore slippery. All night I kept picturing myself slipping on the grass and sliding down the hill on my butt. Even if the grass was dry, there was still a 50/50 chance I was going to fall getting down that hill. I even told the photographer ahead of time that I may look terrified the entire time I was walking down the hill but I'd smile once I reached the bottom. Thankfully I did not fall!
Overall it was a very successful day and I'd do it again if I was asked. But I am happy to check such a long day off my list of things to do. After 13 hours of being out and about, around 10pm, I HAD to go home. I'd have liked to stay until the end of the night but I was exhausted and starting to feel unwell. Turns out it was good that I left when I did. No more than half an hour after being home I actually threw up. I'm pretty sure it was just from sheer exhaustion.
So even though it's good for me to get out and about and build up my strength and endurance, that may have been a bit of an overkill. I think I'll go back to taking it one step at a time with smaller outings and tests of endurance.
Sunday 18 September 2011
Hairdo
It was about 4 weeks ago, while in a Subway restaurant, that I received a compliment on my hair from a complete stranger. It came from this bubbly young girl working behind the counter. She was quite talkative and had been socializing with each and every customer as they went through the line. She said she really liked my hair and how it was very "in" right now. The short cut is becoming a very popular choice and so I did believe that part of what she said. I had trouble believing that my hair look as good as she said though. I have always had long hair and so it's taking some getting used to seeing myself with an extremely short 'cut'. Even if she was being sincere, she was a little too enthusiastic for me to take her word.
Slowly but surely my hair is growing. That's kind of how it works. My hair is now at a length where if you didn't know me you could easily be undecided as to whether I cut it this short or it was growing back. Weeks before now I would have disagreed with this statement. At this point in time I am by no means embarrassed to go out in public without a hat, head scarf or wig. Come to think of it, other than the occasional hat, I don't believe I've worn any of these out since my surgery which is around the time my hair began to grow back. And the hat was usually for sun protection rather than shame. Confidence to go out in public without covering my hair does not however mean I think my current style looks good. Therefore, reassurance from others never hurts.
Just days ago I was at a hair salon, going along with my friend for her wedding hair trial. I am the maid of honour in her wedding next weekend. Before leaving we wanted to make sure we had all the details of our appointment straightened out for the big day. When the girls working at the salon realised I would not be getting my hair done they cautiously asked why. Not bothered by the question in the least, I let them know I actually had a wig to wear.
- Side Note - I bought a wig back in May for two main reasons. (1) To wear to a very close friend's wedding in June. I really didn't want to get all dressed up and have to wear a head scarf. I was completely bald at that time. (2) To wear in the wedding next weekend. At the time I had absolutely no idea whether I would have hair come September and if I did how much I would have. Most of all, being in the wedding party and all of the wedding pictures, I wanted to look my best for my friend the bride. Not that she would care if I came completely bald or wearing a scarf but I wanted her to have pictures she loved. So yes, overall the wig was for weddings but I had coverage for it so I thought, why not.
Ok, back to the story.
Not bothered by the question in the least, I let them know I actually had a wig to wear. All of the girls at once were like, "no no no you can't wear a wig" "don't wear a wig" "no". Then they paused for a moment before saying in their own words, "sorry, I don't mean to say you can't or shouldn't wear a wig. I just think you really don't need to". This led to quite a lengthy discussion on how much they all loved my hair and how it really suited me. By the end of it I was somewhat uncomfortable, flattered but uncomfortable. I'm really not used to getting compliments like that. Don't get me wrong, I left there feeling very good about myself. Like I told the stylists, if I was going to trust anyone's opinion on my hair, it was going to be theirs. They know what they're talking about.
The big question now, "What to do for the wedding?" Wig or no wig??? I've been back and forth a hundred times and am no closer to making a decision. The bride says she would be happy either way and my family have not been much help making the choice. I may have to flip a coin. I'm a little attached to the wig because I have always had long hair and so it seems natural. On the other hand, each day I get more and more used to this length being me. I have 5 days left to make this decision, hopefully I'll be inspired one way or the other between now and Saturday.
Slowly but surely my hair is growing. That's kind of how it works. My hair is now at a length where if you didn't know me you could easily be undecided as to whether I cut it this short or it was growing back. Weeks before now I would have disagreed with this statement. At this point in time I am by no means embarrassed to go out in public without a hat, head scarf or wig. Come to think of it, other than the occasional hat, I don't believe I've worn any of these out since my surgery which is around the time my hair began to grow back. And the hat was usually for sun protection rather than shame. Confidence to go out in public without covering my hair does not however mean I think my current style looks good. Therefore, reassurance from others never hurts.
Just days ago I was at a hair salon, going along with my friend for her wedding hair trial. I am the maid of honour in her wedding next weekend. Before leaving we wanted to make sure we had all the details of our appointment straightened out for the big day. When the girls working at the salon realised I would not be getting my hair done they cautiously asked why. Not bothered by the question in the least, I let them know I actually had a wig to wear.
- Side Note - I bought a wig back in May for two main reasons. (1) To wear to a very close friend's wedding in June. I really didn't want to get all dressed up and have to wear a head scarf. I was completely bald at that time. (2) To wear in the wedding next weekend. At the time I had absolutely no idea whether I would have hair come September and if I did how much I would have. Most of all, being in the wedding party and all of the wedding pictures, I wanted to look my best for my friend the bride. Not that she would care if I came completely bald or wearing a scarf but I wanted her to have pictures she loved. So yes, overall the wig was for weddings but I had coverage for it so I thought, why not.
Ok, back to the story.
Not bothered by the question in the least, I let them know I actually had a wig to wear. All of the girls at once were like, "no no no you can't wear a wig" "don't wear a wig" "no". Then they paused for a moment before saying in their own words, "sorry, I don't mean to say you can't or shouldn't wear a wig. I just think you really don't need to". This led to quite a lengthy discussion on how much they all loved my hair and how it really suited me. By the end of it I was somewhat uncomfortable, flattered but uncomfortable. I'm really not used to getting compliments like that. Don't get me wrong, I left there feeling very good about myself. Like I told the stylists, if I was going to trust anyone's opinion on my hair, it was going to be theirs. They know what they're talking about.
The big question now, "What to do for the wedding?" Wig or no wig??? I've been back and forth a hundred times and am no closer to making a decision. The bride says she would be happy either way and my family have not been much help making the choice. I may have to flip a coin. I'm a little attached to the wig because I have always had long hair and so it seems natural. On the other hand, each day I get more and more used to this length being me. I have 5 days left to make this decision, hopefully I'll be inspired one way or the other between now and Saturday.
Thursday 15 September 2011
Ice Pack Free (A Foot Update)
It has been nearly two weeks now that I've gone without needing an ice pack on my foot to combat the pain. I can't begin to explain what a relief it was when I started to notice a significant improvement in my right foot. Although I was still aware of my foot (you don't usually think about them) it no longer occupied my every waking conscious thought. So things were good. It has only continued to get better each day. Not only am I ice pack free (yay!) but my foot is no longer swollen or extremely sensitive to touch any more. An added bonus to all of this is not waking up as often throughout the night. I'm far from sleeping through the entire night but I'm making progress.
*This is a follow up post to Pins and Needles
*This is a follow up post to Pins and Needles
Monday 12 September 2011
Reason to Get Out of Bed
At 26 I am far from the target audience for day time television. I'm not a fan of soap operas and there are few talk shows I'll watch. This does not leave much. I do however have a day time television weakness. I love the Ellen Degeneres Show.
The one great thing about being on sick leave is being home to watch Ellen. If I have to be sick, at least there are some upsides to the situation. Ellen comes on at 10am on the channel I watch on. I know this must not sound very early for those of you getting up and going to work every morning but for me it is. Considering I rarely sleep for longer than 2 hours without waking up, at least briefly, 10am doesn't really feel like sleeping in. This being said, it's helpful to have a reason and some motivation to get myself out of bed each morning. This is where Ellen comes in. Whether it was during the months of chemo treatments, through what seemed like endless hospital stays or now recovering at home from surgery, I always had Ellen to look forward to.
Her positive attitude, kind heart, love of dance, and general desire to help those around her is always refreshing. Her interviews are typically positive and upbeat. You can't watch an entire show without smiling. I dare you. In addition, Ellen often features others on her show who are making a difference in their own community. I can't help but think all of the positivity on her show is contagious. I usually feel a little better after watching her, even if it doesn't last me the entire day.
Today was an exciting day, Season 9 Premier. I've been watching reruns of the show throughout the summer and some mornings it just wasn't enticing enough to lure me out of bed. With new episodes I have that extra push I need to get going in the morning again. It may seem a little silly but I think having a guaranteed way to start my morning on a positive note makes finding the good in my day just a little bit easier.
Welcome back Ellen and thank you for giving me a reason to get out of bed!
The one great thing about being on sick leave is being home to watch Ellen. If I have to be sick, at least there are some upsides to the situation. Ellen comes on at 10am on the channel I watch on. I know this must not sound very early for those of you getting up and going to work every morning but for me it is. Considering I rarely sleep for longer than 2 hours without waking up, at least briefly, 10am doesn't really feel like sleeping in. This being said, it's helpful to have a reason and some motivation to get myself out of bed each morning. This is where Ellen comes in. Whether it was during the months of chemo treatments, through what seemed like endless hospital stays or now recovering at home from surgery, I always had Ellen to look forward to.
Her positive attitude, kind heart, love of dance, and general desire to help those around her is always refreshing. Her interviews are typically positive and upbeat. You can't watch an entire show without smiling. I dare you. In addition, Ellen often features others on her show who are making a difference in their own community. I can't help but think all of the positivity on her show is contagious. I usually feel a little better after watching her, even if it doesn't last me the entire day.
Today was an exciting day, Season 9 Premier. I've been watching reruns of the show throughout the summer and some mornings it just wasn't enticing enough to lure me out of bed. With new episodes I have that extra push I need to get going in the morning again. It may seem a little silly but I think having a guaranteed way to start my morning on a positive note makes finding the good in my day just a little bit easier.
Welcome back Ellen and thank you for giving me a reason to get out of bed!
Friday 9 September 2011
Anticipated X-Ray (follow up)
Good News:
After reviewing the x-rays, my doctors and surgeon had nothing but good things to say. There were no surprises and everything is healing as it should be.
Disappointing News:
The x-ray technicians were not in the least bit shocked when they took my x-rays. I'm guessing that somewhere on the requisition it made mention of why I was having the x-ray / what surgical procedure I had undergone. It's really too bad. I was looking forward to their shocked reactions. Guess I'll just have to wait until I need an x-ray for another unrelated reason (when they won't have the heads up) to shock anyone.
Bonus News:
I was given the go ahead to start physiotherapy. Nothing major but it's a start. Due to this next step, I was given a print out of my pelvic x-ray. This way I can provide the physiotherapist with a visual, along with a verbal explanation, of what was done to me. We all agreed that the name of the procedure alone would likely not be enough information for them to understand my situation. I've shown the print out of my x-ray to a couple people now and I've enjoy watching each and every reaction. Everyone who has seen it thus far already had a detailed understanding of what had been done. Even with this knowledge they tend to stare at the image in bewilderment. I even find myself looking at it thinking, "How is that possible?"
After reviewing the x-rays, my doctors and surgeon had nothing but good things to say. There were no surprises and everything is healing as it should be.
Disappointing News:
The x-ray technicians were not in the least bit shocked when they took my x-rays. I'm guessing that somewhere on the requisition it made mention of why I was having the x-ray / what surgical procedure I had undergone. It's really too bad. I was looking forward to their shocked reactions. Guess I'll just have to wait until I need an x-ray for another unrelated reason (when they won't have the heads up) to shock anyone.
Bonus News:
I was given the go ahead to start physiotherapy. Nothing major but it's a start. Due to this next step, I was given a print out of my pelvic x-ray. This way I can provide the physiotherapist with a visual, along with a verbal explanation, of what was done to me. We all agreed that the name of the procedure alone would likely not be enough information for them to understand my situation. I've shown the print out of my x-ray to a couple people now and I've enjoy watching each and every reaction. Everyone who has seen it thus far already had a detailed understanding of what had been done. Even with this knowledge they tend to stare at the image in bewilderment. I even find myself looking at it thinking, "How is that possible?"
Monday 5 September 2011
Anticipated X-Ray
Tomorrow is the day I've been waiting for! Or at least a day I've been waiting for.
I have been looking forward to this day for some time now. The anticipation started back before my surgery. After finding out what was going to be done during my operation, the complete removal of the right side of my pelvic bone, I started thinking about this day. Obviously it wasn't immediately after or on the same day but after getting the news I began to look for the 'positives' in the situation, some humorous, some more serious. This was one of them.
Tomorrow I will be having an x-ray done as part of a checkup. Of course it won't be my surgeon or any of my doctors administering the x-ray but an x-ray technician. This being said, when you have an x-ray done they do not have your entire medical file. The only thing available to them is the requisition for the x-ray being done. In my case, chest and right pelvic x-ray. Now this is the best part. Without my medical chart or any background information, the technician has no idea what has been done to me or what my medical condition is. His/her only clue would be my crutches and I may have them for any number of reasons.
Perhaps it's a little cruel but I have to get my laughs somehow. My ideal scenario goes a little something like this. Tomorrow I go in for an x-ray. I change into the required gown. The technician calls me in, gets me into position and then leaves the room to "snap" the x-ray. He/she comes back into the room, noticeably confused but trying to keep a neutral expression. I'm then asked some vague question regarding any previous surgeries or something like that. I'd love to respond (with a lie) that I've had nothing done or at the very least pause long enough like I'm having a hard time coming up with anything. I'm not sure that I'll have the guts to go through with this though. Lets say I do. Following my reply, I can only anticipate a worried look creeping across the technician's face. They would try to maintain the same calm facial expression but I'd see the change. At that point I'd fill them in on my surgery. Don't want them freaking out inside or panicking for too long.
As with all things, I'm sure this won't go exactly as I imagine it. In all likely hood, most of this won't come true. It would be really great if it did though. At the very least I'm sure the technician is going to be quite shocked/surprised. I can only imagine their face(s) in the other room as my x-ray comes up on the screen. Absolutely nothing appearing where a fairly large and very important bone should be.
Guess we'll see how it plays out tomorrow.
I have been looking forward to this day for some time now. The anticipation started back before my surgery. After finding out what was going to be done during my operation, the complete removal of the right side of my pelvic bone, I started thinking about this day. Obviously it wasn't immediately after or on the same day but after getting the news I began to look for the 'positives' in the situation, some humorous, some more serious. This was one of them.
Tomorrow I will be having an x-ray done as part of a checkup. Of course it won't be my surgeon or any of my doctors administering the x-ray but an x-ray technician. This being said, when you have an x-ray done they do not have your entire medical file. The only thing available to them is the requisition for the x-ray being done. In my case, chest and right pelvic x-ray. Now this is the best part. Without my medical chart or any background information, the technician has no idea what has been done to me or what my medical condition is. His/her only clue would be my crutches and I may have them for any number of reasons.
Perhaps it's a little cruel but I have to get my laughs somehow. My ideal scenario goes a little something like this. Tomorrow I go in for an x-ray. I change into the required gown. The technician calls me in, gets me into position and then leaves the room to "snap" the x-ray. He/she comes back into the room, noticeably confused but trying to keep a neutral expression. I'm then asked some vague question regarding any previous surgeries or something like that. I'd love to respond (with a lie) that I've had nothing done or at the very least pause long enough like I'm having a hard time coming up with anything. I'm not sure that I'll have the guts to go through with this though. Lets say I do. Following my reply, I can only anticipate a worried look creeping across the technician's face. They would try to maintain the same calm facial expression but I'd see the change. At that point I'd fill them in on my surgery. Don't want them freaking out inside or panicking for too long.
As with all things, I'm sure this won't go exactly as I imagine it. In all likely hood, most of this won't come true. It would be really great if it did though. At the very least I'm sure the technician is going to be quite shocked/surprised. I can only imagine their face(s) in the other room as my x-ray comes up on the screen. Absolutely nothing appearing where a fairly large and very important bone should be.
Guess we'll see how it plays out tomorrow.
Friday 2 September 2011
Electric Shopping Cart, Take Three
As I'm sure you have put together from my title, I had another electric shopping cart experience. It was with the better of the two carts I'd used before and so I was happy to be on the more maneuverable, power level showing, cart.
I had been driving around the store problem free for quite some time already. It was later in the evening and I was getting kind of tired and I started to pay less and less attention to my driving. It's not like the carts go all that fast or are complicated to drive so I didn't think much of it. Just a couple isles left to go. I'm excited that we're almost done. Now I'm heading down the baking isle. All of a sudden I remember that I wanted to make cupcakes for my friend's birthday. I'm cruising along at a steady crawl and show off a little by swiping a can of frosting off the shelf as I scoot by. This was so successful that I figure, why not go for the cupcake box as well.
I never said I was going to make cupcakes from scratch. Betty Crocker is my specialty!
So anyway, back to grabbing the box. I'm continuing on past the rest of the icing, now I'm scanning the boxes for the mix I'm looking to buy. I see it! Just as I grab it, another part of me becomes aware that I am very close to the end of the isle. I look up in that moment and ... there's an end display that is sticking out making the end of the isle about 8 inches narrower than the rest of the isle. Needing to grab the items from a seated position, you can imagine my proximity to the shelf / side of the isle. As soon as I see the display I release my grip on the handle. This cuts the power to the cart but I still have a little momentum. I smack right into the display. Lucky for me I'd slowed to a roll before I hit so nothing fell over or off the shelf. However, metal on metal, I made quite a bit of noise. I was sure someone must have seen something or at the very least heard something; especially seeing this was an isle directly in front of the cashier check outs. I look up and no one seems to have noticed. Well, no one other than my mother who is beside me literally laughing out loud.
At least it made our grocery trip a little more interesting.
I had been driving around the store problem free for quite some time already. It was later in the evening and I was getting kind of tired and I started to pay less and less attention to my driving. It's not like the carts go all that fast or are complicated to drive so I didn't think much of it. Just a couple isles left to go. I'm excited that we're almost done. Now I'm heading down the baking isle. All of a sudden I remember that I wanted to make cupcakes for my friend's birthday. I'm cruising along at a steady crawl and show off a little by swiping a can of frosting off the shelf as I scoot by. This was so successful that I figure, why not go for the cupcake box as well.
I never said I was going to make cupcakes from scratch. Betty Crocker is my specialty!
So anyway, back to grabbing the box. I'm continuing on past the rest of the icing, now I'm scanning the boxes for the mix I'm looking to buy. I see it! Just as I grab it, another part of me becomes aware that I am very close to the end of the isle. I look up in that moment and ... there's an end display that is sticking out making the end of the isle about 8 inches narrower than the rest of the isle. Needing to grab the items from a seated position, you can imagine my proximity to the shelf / side of the isle. As soon as I see the display I release my grip on the handle. This cuts the power to the cart but I still have a little momentum. I smack right into the display. Lucky for me I'd slowed to a roll before I hit so nothing fell over or off the shelf. However, metal on metal, I made quite a bit of noise. I was sure someone must have seen something or at the very least heard something; especially seeing this was an isle directly in front of the cashier check outs. I look up and no one seems to have noticed. Well, no one other than my mother who is beside me literally laughing out loud.
At least it made our grocery trip a little more interesting.
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