Thursday, November 27, 2014

My favorite day

Thanksgiving. The name alone says it all.

I am thankful for my family. My husband is a saint for putting up with me. My kids are growing up into loving, wonderful people.

I am thankful for my friends. Girlfriends are where it's at.

I am grateful for my job - this hospital is infinitely better than my previous snakepit.

I am thankful for all of my dogs. They give unconditional love when needed.

I am thankful for the food in my tummy and the roof over my head.

I am thankful for my health.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

The joy of coming back to work

I'm winning Press-Ganey over patient by patient.

No, I am NOT going to induce you at 33 weeks. Yes, I understand your back hurts. Yes, I know sleeping can be difficult. But no delivery. Nuh-nuh, no fucking way. Please go ahead and curse out my checkout staff. We love it when you do that.

No, there is no medical reason for me to place you on complete bed rest at 36 weeks. Yes, if your pregnancy is uncomplicated, I do expect you to work. And no, your complaints are typical late pregnancy complaints, there is no objective reason for you to be sitting on your ass. Thank-you for calling the patient advocate at the hospital and wasting 5 hours of my and my office manager and the VP of clinical care's time defending my medical decision making. Fuck you. And yes, if you wish to transfer, go ahead and sign the records release. They will be faxed so fast your head will spin. So sorry the hospital administration agreed with me.

Nope, not gonna prescribe percocet to you for back pain in your first trimester.

There's an old Twilight Zone episode about a guy who can see into the future and give you what you need. At first, it seems weird - a shoe or a pair of scissors. Who wants that? That is a part of my job - I should give you what you need, not necessarily what you want.

Monday, November 3, 2014

1 week out

Saw my foot for the first time...it is literally twice the size it normally is, with a ton of swelling. Still has the orange dye from the hibiclens scrub all over, since it is in a dressing. It was put back into a new dressing without a wash. Reminds me of the Oompa-Loompas from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Ortho was pleased - "It looks great!" Three incisions about my ankle. He said that it was a mess in there.

Tried to go yesterday without the percocet. Will not make that mistake again, as sleep was elusive. I hate using it!

It's a production to get out of bed, shower, and get dressed. Which is why I've only done it twice since surgery. But I have got to go into work today to sign up for my bennies for next year and to talk to administration. Plus see people. I'm not lonely, but I miss talking to people.

Am arguing with our office manager - my schedule on the day I come back is very light. I'm telling her to open it up, that I can see a full load of patients that day. She's refusing, saying that she wants to ensure I'm OK. UGH! What's worse is I told her to look out for me, since I know I'll push myself too much, so I can't even get mad at her! (as if I would, she's one of my dearest friends here) She's also trying to take me off of call the second week I get back, which I'm not letting her do. She is as stubborn as me.

Doctors are horrible patients.