It is a delight to be the spouse of a hard working, joy-filled, dedicated man.



Monday, March 2, 2009

Think You're Late, But You're Early, Then You're Late

Ahhh yes, that was me this morning. I was under the impression, from my calendar, that my appointment was at noon and that they wanted me at the office by eleven forty to do paperwork. But really the appointment was for one and they wanted me there by twelve forty. Chalk it up to grabbing the leaky pen to write with.

I called when I got in cell phone range at eleven thirty to tell them I was going to be late. I didn't have the number with me so when I told the four one one non-human operator that I needed Group Health, Specialty Center, neurology department, it fried her little connections so I got sent to a real human. The real human took the information, sent me back to the fake human, who said that she could tell me the number or connect me. I chose the connect-me option.

I was being very careful and made sure that I was using speaker phone so I wouldn't be in violation of the law. So it was no huge surprise that even the real operator heard me say urology instead of neurology. I had slight momentary panic when receptionist number one said I did not have an appointment today. But then she figured out the problem when she put in my magic number.

After all that, my phone rang just before the driveway into Starbucks and my daughter told me that they (the neurologist’s office) had called her to tell me that I had gotten the time wrong and I was in fact aiming to be an hour early.

Well that was all I needed to know, I pulled into the Starbucks which also happens to be where my second oldest daughter works. I had to pull in to see if she was at work and her car was not there. So I called Rebecca instead and asked her a theological question that occurred in my brain on the way into town listening to C. S. Lewis. (We'll get to that in another post. Maybe. Do not hold me to that it was hard enough explaining my brain to Rebecca.)

Eventually, once we got the world's theological problems solved, I needed to use the special room inside Starbucks. Imagine my surprise when I walked into my daughter changing the trash can liner just inside the door! Come to find out she drove her husband's truck to work. New to them, new to me, totally missed it.

Well after I got a cheap drink and chatted with my girl a bit I was now officially cutting it very close! But they know people like me, that whole fill out paperwork is a rouse to get you before you need to be so that you are in fact on time, so really I was not two minutes late but thirteen minutes early. I'm trying not to rationalize but come on, that one is just plainly obvious.

Oh I bet Dear Reader, if you have hung in there this long and haven't snuck out the back door by now, that you want to know what the heck I went to the neurologist for. Remember the electrocution day I had this summer?

I won't make you go all the way back there, this is what I said then about the EMG test that they did to make sure that I indeed had numb toes:

9:00 The electric day really begins now with electromyography, not unlike tripping over the electric fence while wearing the dog's training collar while the dog is standing on the switch and then landing into a pile of thistles. Good news is I'm not crazy, the test shows that I have valid reason to think my toes feel numb because of the bad news that I have peripheral neuropathy. So step one is done, now for step two, hopefully finding out what is causing it, there are a slew of causes, and getting it stopped or better yet, reversed. (July 23, 2008).

Ya, ya, I am just now getting to step two: figure out why the toes are numb.

Even though the test said my toes were numb we still had to have today's doctor poke, tickle and smack me so she could see for herself. I think this is what I get for lying about being sick when I wasn't back when I was a kid. She is a real know it for herself type person because a couple of things she is having my blood tested for have already been done. I always wanted to be on an episode of House!

So we had a lovely long talk about how there are a great many things that cause peripheral neuropathy. And even though my regular doc ruled out diabetes already, this doc wants to make sure. I get to eat more carbs than even I want to for the next three days. Then I go in for a blood draw, sit in their office for an hour, drink something nasty I am sure, get a blood draw, wait another hour and get another blood draw. This is going to be Lanny fun week! Well except for the last part, but it is worth it, cuz there is cake on my list of things to eat at least ten of! Woo Hoo! Prescribed cake. That is just too good to be true!

11 comments:

KathyB. said...

Wow, prescription cake. Who knew. I am a bit concerned for myself because I completely followed and understood your whole post. However, you should be concerned because you seem able to follow me completely during our many enlightening discussions. Maybe this is something your doctor should be made aware of, might help in the diagnosis!

Really though, when is the next test and when will you find out?..and, daughter #2 and her husband have a new truck?

Anonymous said...

Well, I sure am glad I've been cranking out the cake recipes since your Doc has prescribed cake! Seriously, I am sorry you are having problems and hope the testing goes well and you can get answers and more importantly, some relief. Blessings to you dear friend.

Sparky said...

YUM ... presciption cake!? I want to go to your doctor! Make it chocolate and I am so there! :o)

I hope 'they' find what is ailing you soon and it's something easy to fix. I know my neck surgery certainly fixed the numbness on my right side and the neck pain. I feel right as rain now. Hope you will be too. Keep us posted, 'k? We'll be thinking of you. ♥ ∞

Melli said...

Oh, I could DEFINITELY do the prescribed cake thing!

My brother had peripheral neuropathy... you take care of that! And don't waste time about it! In HIS case there was no reversing it... I'm not sure if there ever is -- but IF there is, I'm puttin' you in my prayers for it! If not, at least stop it in it's tracks!

Susie said...

A prescription for cake? Sounds too good to be true! Truthfully I hope your tests reveal the real problem.

deedee said...

prescribed cake? Is it on prescription form you take to the pharmacy? Or do you have to make the cake yourself? Can't wait to see what a prescribed cake looks like - please post us all a picture.

LindaSue said...

Oh Lanny - did she tell you - the cake HAS to have a fruit filling with whipped cream topping? 'cause I'm sure that is what I heard (in my fantasies about what doctors might ever in a zillion years say to me!) You being late, early late is perzactly why DH hates to be even close to late - he deliberately sets clocks ahead a few minutes (often) so I'll be panicky and leave the house partially undressed as in my shoes in my hand. I understand it is rude to be late but I'm almost never rude (now) because I'm married to Mr. Early
OK now -if you followed that - you are not suffering anything hideous - just over 40 and woman - we is woman hear us roar.Yes I'll pray for great solution to the numb toes thing

LindaSue said...

OK just googled and except for the alcohol (a little more is always good) - I think this sounds like decent treatment especially the foot rubs part!
following suggestions can help you manage peripheral neuropathy:

Take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes. Check your feet daily for signs of blisters, cuts or calluses. Tight shoes and socks can worsen pain and tingling and may lead to sores that won't heal. Wear soft, loose cotton socks and padded shoes. You can use a semicircular hoop, which is available in medical supply stores, to keep bedcovers off hot or sensitive feet.
Exercise. Ask your doctor about an exercise routine that's right for you. Regular exercise may reduce neuropathy pain and can help control blood sugar levels.
Quit smoking. Cigarette smoking can affect circulation, increasing the risk of foot problems and possibly amputation.
Eat healthy meals. If you're at high risk of neuropathy or have a chronic medical condition, healthy eating is especially important. Emphasize low-fat meats and dairy products and include lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
Massage your hands and feet, or have someone massage them for you. Massage helps improve circulation, stimulates nerves and may temporarily relieve pain.
Avoid prolonged pressure. Don't keep your knees crossed or lean on your elbows for long periods of time. Doing so may cause new nerve damage.

Tipper said...

What a day! Glad you're not crazy and hope they figure out what's causing the numbness. Enjoy the cake while you can!

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

well i was thinking diabetic neuropathy but apparently that was ruled out already so my do it yourself brain surgery course led me astray yet again... eat cake!

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Ralph said...

Yep,trying to solve those theological questions will get you in trouble every time - especially if think you have the answer.
Ralph