Yesterday my stitches were removed. My incision feels much better and I'm not constantly reminded of the surgery. However, it is still somewhat swollen and red and was told it may take up to 6 months to heal from the inside out.
I am happy to report my doctor was receptive to listening to my displeasure over the whole procedure, never once rushing me, or getting arrogant or impatient. She was actually sweet and said she wants to get feedback from her patients. (Please see Monday, 9/14 post My No Good Very Bad Day.)
The great thing about getting older is the wisdom we gain. It's not hard to see why old people get obnoxious and out spoken. Some of course revert to children and are self centered. I hope and pray I am not that bad. But lately I can see I am not going to let anyone push me around - a far cry from my personality as an overly nice twenty year old.
The whole reason for writing about this incident is to say we all need to be our own best advocates, especially when it comes to our health. We need to go into a doctor's appointment prepared to ask questions, having everything written down, listening, even taking notes, and remember a doctor works for us. We are allowed to disagree.
Today I was reminded, once again, how blessed I am. A little spot removed and it's over. Unpleasant, but I am healthy. This morning I drove a friend to her chemo appointment in San Francisco. My first thought was to let her go in and I will return when she is almost finished. However, that wasn't going to work for me. I don't like the medicinal smell of a hospital, nor do I like being reminded of the fragility of life. If she has to go through it, then I can go up with her and see exactly where she is, and make sure she is settled in, returning when she is almost finished. None of the procedure - needles, IV, different bags with potent chemotherapy meds, pills, etc, bothered me. But seeing perhaps 15 people (just from my vantage point) receiving chemo, did bother me. Most were in their 40's-50's.
That was my Thursday and Friday. Stitches out for me and finding a better chiropractor on Thursday, and Friday being honored to help a friend with a very personal need. Life is fragile and precious! Love and care for your family and friends, that love comes back!
Thank you, Good night and God Bless! Aleta
"Health is not valued until sickness comes." Thomas Fuller - English Churchman and Historian
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