Dear friends,
What can I say except that you lift me with your comments and that I feel protected and armed to face the world on those days that I don't feel so great... thank you all for the continued encouragement and the sharing of yourselves.
With that said, I wanted to address yesterday's post just a tad. I DO NOT want any of you to think that Kevin and I had a negative experience with the medical professionals at all at any point in time. YES, the entire experience was devastating and sad and continues to be a yin/yang experience for us, and YES it will continue to be that way for who knows how long, but the purpose of yesterday's post was to describe how I believe "real life" is like for us ordinary folks and I mean ordinary. I sincerely doubt that Michael Douglas or any huge celebrity or person of "importance" goes through the "ordinary" experience that many of us do. I am not all of belittling any emotional trials and tribulations since we all know that deep down we are all people.
I can whole heartedly say that every single nurse, doctor, phlebotomist, CNA, etc. that I have met through my experience so far have been kind, courteous, sympathetic, understanding, and most importantly good at their job.
Kevin nor I have any negative feelings towards any of these professionals. We were met with compassion, sympathy, and understanding at every test and appointment, but the facts are facts and in all honesty it wouldn't have mattered where we were told; the back alley or the finest office around - the facts are facts. In fact, the surgeon who we met with in Seattle specifically came to talk with me in the recovery room after my endoscopy because they asked if I wanted to speak to him about the diagnosis. In my delusional state, I said yes!
Clearly, I was drugged to the gills because it was right afterwards and I felt gnarly (I do remember that), but other than that I remember a big fat zilch. Clearly, he knew that I was going to be practically comatose but he came and spent that time with me anyway, to "discuss" the particulars of my case. I remember that he was there, that he talked with me kindly, but other than that nothing.
Having never experienced any of these types of tests and Dr.'s visits with anybody previously in our family, they were unfamiliar to us and just so different than my little "picture" screen that I had in my head. I don't know about all of you that have had your own personal medical experiences, but I have been turned off to many of what used to be my favorite medical dramas on television. When it comes to story lines that may be similar to mine, I feel that they are unrealistic and I don't enjoy watching. It makes me wonder how these shows affect other "real life" stories that I can't possibly understand since they aren't my story.
It all just makes you think, wonder, and contemplate which I think is a good thing.
Until next time.
-Katie
31 comments:
Hiya...just popping in to say a quick 'Hello!'...and brought with me a bucket full of hugs, love and thoughts x
Mustn't stop as I have a card to do, and Jak will be sending me back to the naughty corner if I don't get a shifty on! Lol
Take care...and wishing you all a good weekend xxx
I'm glad you are getting good care from kind folks. This whole thing is so overwhelming and I bet overwhelming at times to the doctors and nurses as well. I totally agree about the medical shows.
I could say the same about many of the legal shows as well! I hope you have a good weekend.
Katie, I've hardly been at a hospital (just for giving birth to our son), so I don't know how the 'real' hospital life is... And I hope I'll never discover how it is! :)
My sweet greetings for you and your family! Take care!!!
Saskia :)
You make wonderful points here. The other reality is that the folks who take care of us are also "real" people. Some are good at the bedside, some aren't. They all have good days and bad days. I've never taken much stock in medical shows (especially ones like "House"). There are really good "reality" shows on Discovery and others that show real life trauma in the ERs etc. But the only realities in situations like yours is just that. . .your own reality and expectations. You seem to have a great grasp on that and you take it for what it is. Again, very wise of you. Hope you are feeling well today. Give that sweet family of yours a giant hug from me. Best, Curt
Hi Katie and a huge cyber hug alot can be said for the medical profession both good and bad and as you have found they are real people and there are gems amongst the rough Having a little Dance for today to be up beat
smiles Toni x
Having been in the medical field for over twenty years, I know what you mean about the reality of the medical shows that we see on television...they should at least, consult real medical professionals when writing their story lines...hoping you have a wonderful weekend! Sending hugs and prayers!
I actually thought about those doctors, specialists, nurses spend significant amount of time delievering less than pleasant news to patients and families...I am sure daily. I know I come home from my job (not even comparable to the doctors) drained by human emotions and sad conditions after calling CPS, the police, DSHS etc... My guess is that the real doctors and nurses hate those shows more that we do...although I am entertained by the unrealisticness of the shows, like science fiction :)
Sending you love on this Saturday.
Dropping in to say hello to you my dear. I can certainly understand how you feel about TV medical dramas, however, they are purely purely entertainment and really shouldn't be viewed as "reality" programming. They do, however, make you associate your circumstances so it's best you don't watch them!
I hope you're having a good day, and I'll be back soon!
God bless you Katie for your candor, for your amazing spirit, for your time in sharing when you are so tired. You are an inspiration - and nobody really wants to be an inspiration, because it usually means that are suffering greatly or have suffered greatly. But, nonetheless, you are somehow able to rise above your devastating situation and share with all of us. You will never know the full impact of your sharing on the lives of those who read your blog. "Keep on swimming Dory!"
Hi Katie,
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I am so glad you have had competent, compassionate care as you are going through your treatments.
As a writing teacher, I find myself wondering if you have always been a writer? You are bringing clarity and insight to all us fortunate to know you.
Thanks for the sharing you do--you are expanding my own compassion and humanity. Jay
God bless you Katie. I think it takes amazing strength to be able to share such private and personal thoughts and experiences. I have had more than a few people in my family go through cancer; some are still here, some not, but no one ever thinks it a good idea to ask questions about what they are experiencing and feeling, although I would like to know. Thank you for sharing your experience with all of us. I continue to pray for you and your family.
It is us who should thank you for giving us an insight how fragile life is and how quick it can all change. I never watch the medical drama's on TV as they are nothing like reality and there are much more pleasant things to do in life.
Your writing about this is a revelation to me and makes me look at life different.
Hang in there, the love and support you get here is given freely and wholeheartedly.
Lots of love Claire xxx
Don't worry about what you say or how you say it. We all know that you are just telling your story through your own eyes. I never once got the feeling that anyone did anything wrong. Just that you did envision it in that way before you had to live it!!! Don't sweat the details and accept our prayers, love and friendship! We're happy to have yours!!!
*didn't envision* senior moment!! LOL
The most important thing is that you are getting the care and treatment that you need by people who care you about what they do. And as for the tv shows -- get over it because I need my Thursday night buddy to discuss Grey's and PP -- just kidding! We can always revert back to discussing reruns of LOST! Love you girl.
Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and sending hugs and prayers your way. I'm with you on turning off the medical shows during our trying times! Take care Katie!
HUGS TO YOU~~ That is all!! Enjoy your Sunday with your family!!!
Iremember when I got my diagnosis it was not in the best way at all but it was what it was and no matter where I heard the news, it would not have changed things so I do understand where you are coming from. Remind me to tell you about how I got it. Big healing hugs to you today and every day
I can relate to your boob tube experience. My very sweet family doctor came into my room right after my open lung biopsy and gave me a many-worded-many-syllabled diagnosis that fell on almost deaf ears. I knew he had come and wanted to be there for me, and I appreciated that. I did not, could not, watch any medical dramas for about two years. They either frustrated me because "life isn't like that" or scared me because they hit too close to home. Five years into my lung disease, I'm still taking trial meds, having lots of tests, seeing too many doctors and undergoing uncomfortable procedures. I'm not getting worse. I can't count my blessings because they are too numerous, and I can again watch the boob tube just for entertainment. It takes a while to get to that point. You'll get there. Hugz!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Katie. I admire the way you express yourself. In addition to your tremendous emotional intelligence you have a great ability to write. I have been very sad reading your posts but I have also been able to smile. You are an exceptional girl. I think of you every day and I always wish that this day will be better for you. Keep fighting! There are many people who, in one way or another, is with you at this time. Every day I send you love and good wishes from afar:)
Hugs, Edith
Hugs coming your way Katie. You, Kevin and the boys are still in my prayers.
I think the reality of it is that it made you, family and friends stop and think... something that we often forget to do in a busy life style. I appload your honesty and your strength in your journeling, I know that Kevin is part of your strength and although he isn't the one having symptoms he is feeling it every step of the way. You both have a magnificant sense of humour which is holding your hands along this journey.
Love you loads and if I can carry you any step of this path then I will.
Hugs to you and your fantastic family xxx
Thinking of you and your family, and praying for you all. Keep fighting. Hugs, Linda S. in NE
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Think of you often... hugs. Glenda
Hi Katie, I think you write what is in your head and heart, and we all understand that. Your courageous spirit is something most of us can only hope we have if ever faced with your situation.
I just spent a week in the hospital after having a hsyterectomy and a slight complication. Absolute peanuts compared to what you are going through. But while lying there in pain at night, I would think of you, and be even more amazed by you.
Keep up the fight, I do believe it helps. And in the meantime, so many of us are praying for you!
Hi Katie.I thank god for my good health.I have not had much experience of hospitals.I think about you and your beautiful family every day.Your blog is amazing to read.Makes me feel so humble,i do not take anything for granted.Take care hunni.Loads of love n hugs.Lee in the UK.xxxxx
Although we've never met, you are like a sister to me and I think of you every day. Hug your boys every day because they are better than any pill you can take for the strength you need. And you can hug as much as you want ;)
Love you,
Nora
Hugs to you!
You guys deserve the best.
Love - Em
Oh how right you are...real life is so different than the tv shows. They glamorize even the worst and give people false impressions. Trials are trials but realistically it is different for celebs than we ordinary people. You are a real trooper Katie!
Katie, just here to send you big cyber hugs! I am sending tons of positive thoughts to you!!! Percy
As a telemedicine specialist our work is typically confined to the medical conditions easily treated, where life can get back on track after the telehealth diagnosis. Life is not always made up of easily diagnosed and treated medical conditions, meaning that we need to step-up our service and provide information which deviates from our traditional telemedicine practice and share some hope as well as potential nontraditional uses of telemedicine.
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