There is something about medical series and British ones at that. I have been watching The Royal which is a spin off of Heartbeat (a very long lived series.) A lot of emotion in the last episode where the female doctor with recent health issues of her own is found crying. She said - is not that one does after a crisis like this? Her very unemotional husband is seen comforting her.
Another very real image of healing as a Canadian medical disaster relief team flies out of Vancouver airport (where I am headed in a few weeks time) to go to Japan and the hardest hit area of the country where this dreadful earthquake and tsunami hit. Helping as one can.
A priest who works full time for the government has been attending our parish for some time now. In the last while she has preached, been with Dana after presenting her difficult report to the parish, leading the healing Eucharist last evening. I know her from many years ago. She is a gentle caring presence in our midst at this time of healing and transition. I told her this and she said it was time for her to be more available.
So the church moves along in its calendar from Ash Wednesday into Lent and looks forward to Easter. St. John’s has many components to all the services and music and everything else. Instead of saying - what is going to happen - I can and I will offer my time and energy to be part of the solution. I need to tell those in charge that I am available to help in any way possible.
Showing posts with label health care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health care. Show all posts
Monday, March 14, 2011
Friday, April 16, 2010
Emergency visits
My car started to make a clunking noise. I took it in to the dealer and they said - some pieces need replacing. I could drive it in the meantime. I took it back shortly and had it fixed. It was much quieter after this.
I was chewing on a hard candy and I thought - that is not a candy piece I am biting into. It was a piece of my tooth. It was a rather pricy repair but my dental insurance covered a large portion.
I was trying to adjust my sun clips and the middle piece broke. When I took it to the opticians they said I could get a new pair for ½ price but I would have to leave my glasses too to get a new pair made. I had to go home and get my old glasses. They should be ready in a week or so.
My old glasses feel so heavy now. The frames and the sun clips were much more solid. As my mom would say - they do not make things they way they used to.
I was chewing on a hard candy and I thought - that is not a candy piece I am biting into. It was a piece of my tooth. It was a rather pricy repair but my dental insurance covered a large portion.
I was trying to adjust my sun clips and the middle piece broke. When I took it to the opticians they said I could get a new pair for ½ price but I would have to leave my glasses too to get a new pair made. I had to go home and get my old glasses. They should be ready in a week or so.
My old glasses feel so heavy now. The frames and the sun clips were much more solid. As my mom would say - they do not make things they way they used to.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Looking backward: 30 years ago
A young man that very few people knew anything about started a run across Canada to raise money for cancer research - his name was Terry Fox.
Since then so much has been raised by the Foundation bearing his name.
I can think of so many people who have had cancer and have survived and some for a very long time.
My sister has finished her chemotherapy. I will be going out West in May to visit her and my brother in law.
Since then so much has been raised by the Foundation bearing his name.
I can think of so many people who have had cancer and have survived and some for a very long time.
My sister has finished her chemotherapy. I will be going out West in May to visit her and my brother in law.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Cancer survivors
I know many - I am sure that you do too.
My dad’s sister survived for many years after having breast cancer.
My older friend is doing well. She is cutting back on some of her activities but that is to be expected at her age anyway.
Another church friend - someone mentioned to me recently that the whole diocese of Ottawa had prayed for her quite a few years ago. I see her often and she is doing well.
Another long term friend has survived cancer for a number of years. He is also doing well and enjoying life.
*****
My sister who had surgery and then chemotherapy for ovarian cancer in January 2007 now needs to have some more chemotherapy.
She is doing well and feeling well and tells me not to worry. The last time I heard from her she was going outside to put up the Christmas lights. She and her husband have Christmas plans to travel. Last year there was too much snow. They ended up at a neighbour’s who lives up the street.
My dad’s sister survived for many years after having breast cancer.
My older friend is doing well. She is cutting back on some of her activities but that is to be expected at her age anyway.
Another church friend - someone mentioned to me recently that the whole diocese of Ottawa had prayed for her quite a few years ago. I see her often and she is doing well.
Another long term friend has survived cancer for a number of years. He is also doing well and enjoying life.
*****
My sister who had surgery and then chemotherapy for ovarian cancer in January 2007 now needs to have some more chemotherapy.
She is doing well and feeling well and tells me not to worry. The last time I heard from her she was going outside to put up the Christmas lights. She and her husband have Christmas plans to travel. Last year there was too much snow. They ended up at a neighbour’s who lives up the street.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Visit to the doctor
You know it will be short when she looks at my file and never sits down.
Actually she told me that my test results were somewhere on her desk along with other important pieces of paper. She said she would call me.
She gave me the seasonal flu shot. I have all that I need for now. My arm was just recovering from the first one two weeks ago.
She looked to be very comfortable in a red sweater. It went well with her white hair.
So when did family doctors stop wearing the white gowns?
So when did my family doctor start to go white? Probably quite a few years ago.
Actually she told me that my test results were somewhere on her desk along with other important pieces of paper. She said she would call me.
She gave me the seasonal flu shot. I have all that I need for now. My arm was just recovering from the first one two weeks ago.
She looked to be very comfortable in a red sweater. It went well with her white hair.
So when did family doctors stop wearing the white gowns?
So when did my family doctor start to go white? Probably quite a few years ago.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
I got the shot…
So yesterday I got myself organized and went to get my H1N1 flu shot. Quite an experience.
I filled out my forms from the City of Ottawa website. In the morning I found the place and got a wristband. I was told to come back between 2:30 and 3 p.m.
When I went back at that time there was not a parking space close by. I parked on a side street.
When I had walked back to the clinic location the number on my wristband was written down.
I sat in a room until my number was called.
I went into another room. My forms were checked. The information was entered into a computer.
I went into another room. There was someone directing people. I waited until a nurse was available and raised her arm.
The nurse was very young and pleasant to talk with. She did everything very efficiently. She gave me the shot.
I sat down and waited for 15 minutes. I was given a form - printed from the computer of course - that I had received the flu shot.
I walked back to where my car was parked and I drove home.
*****
My arm was somewhat sore and red. I put an ice pack on it.
I was somewhat tired. I had an extra long nap.
So that is that.
*****
As I was sitting around after my flu shot I thought about the whole process. A year ago H1N1 was not an issue. Since last winter it has taken up a lot of time and energy from so many people.
People have got sick and got better. Two friends have done just that. There has been a worldwide effort to get out the vaccine to everyone. In Canada the federal and provincial and municipal governments have all done their part.
So I ended up having the flu shot as part of a very large operation. They were quite well organized at the clinic that I went to. They have had a month or so of experience.
I filled out my forms from the City of Ottawa website. In the morning I found the place and got a wristband. I was told to come back between 2:30 and 3 p.m.
When I went back at that time there was not a parking space close by. I parked on a side street.
When I had walked back to the clinic location the number on my wristband was written down.
I sat in a room until my number was called.
I went into another room. My forms were checked. The information was entered into a computer.
I went into another room. There was someone directing people. I waited until a nurse was available and raised her arm.
The nurse was very young and pleasant to talk with. She did everything very efficiently. She gave me the shot.
I sat down and waited for 15 minutes. I was given a form - printed from the computer of course - that I had received the flu shot.
I walked back to where my car was parked and I drove home.
*****
My arm was somewhat sore and red. I put an ice pack on it.
I was somewhat tired. I had an extra long nap.
So that is that.
*****
As I was sitting around after my flu shot I thought about the whole process. A year ago H1N1 was not an issue. Since last winter it has taken up a lot of time and energy from so many people.
People have got sick and got better. Two friends have done just that. There has been a worldwide effort to get out the vaccine to everyone. In Canada the federal and provincial and municipal governments have all done their part.
So I ended up having the flu shot as part of a very large operation. They were quite well organized at the clinic that I went to. They have had a month or so of experience.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Civilians during the war - Civilian Protection Committee
"The threat of a German bombing raid on Montreal was taken very seriously in those days, and the city was organized in case one occurred."
http://hughdoherty.tripod.com/memory.htm
"In the early stages of the war Mother became a Civilian Protection Committee (CPC) officer. This meant she was issued an armband, a gas mask and flashlight. She patrolled the neighbourhood during practice blackouts to look for light leaks around windows that might tip off any lurking German bombers."
http://www.chamblycounty.com/Lorne5.html
Poking around in the family archives I found a card belonging to my mom - Civilian Protection Committee Montreal - no. 1158; 24 October 1942; Montreal General Hospital.
My mom worked at the Montreal General. Again when I was winding up the Lachute house I had to deal with the mail that my mom received. I did not bother to contact organizations that were asking for charitable donations - except for the Montreal General Hospital. She had been involved in some way with the hospital for over 60 years. I thought they deserved a little note which is what I sent them.
http://hughdoherty.tripod.com/memory.htm
"In the early stages of the war Mother became a Civilian Protection Committee (CPC) officer. This meant she was issued an armband, a gas mask and flashlight. She patrolled the neighbourhood during practice blackouts to look for light leaks around windows that might tip off any lurking German bombers."
http://www.chamblycounty.com/Lorne5.html
Poking around in the family archives I found a card belonging to my mom - Civilian Protection Committee Montreal - no. 1158; 24 October 1942; Montreal General Hospital.
My mom worked at the Montreal General. Again when I was winding up the Lachute house I had to deal with the mail that my mom received. I did not bother to contact organizations that were asking for charitable donations - except for the Montreal General Hospital. She had been involved in some way with the hospital for over 60 years. I thought they deserved a little note which is what I sent them.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Get the shot - protect the herd
“Get the shot - protect the herd” is one of the articles in the Ottawa Citizen today. It is related to getting the H1N1 flu shot.
*****
Going to the hospital can be quite an experience.
I spent a lot of time with my mom in the Hopital d’Argenteuil in Lachute. The last time I went there for myself was a long time ago at Christmas. I had gastro and I felt miserable and I could not enjoy the Christmas eating events and activities. The doctor told me to eat gently and soon I would recover. I did just that and I was fine.
I want to avoid going to the emergency department of any hospital in Ottawa. It is just too crazy an experience.
I have been quite careful about going for a flu shot in the past few years - because I was close to my mom and my doctor recommended it even though I was healthy and I still am.
I will be going for the H1N1 flu shot later on when there is not such a rush.
*****
As for Abracadabra she has various injections and is a very healthy horse. She does not complain at all as Bishop did at one time.
*****
Taking care of oneself and those who are close by - either people or animals is important.
*****
Going to the hospital can be quite an experience.
I spent a lot of time with my mom in the Hopital d’Argenteuil in Lachute. The last time I went there for myself was a long time ago at Christmas. I had gastro and I felt miserable and I could not enjoy the Christmas eating events and activities. The doctor told me to eat gently and soon I would recover. I did just that and I was fine.
I want to avoid going to the emergency department of any hospital in Ottawa. It is just too crazy an experience.
I have been quite careful about going for a flu shot in the past few years - because I was close to my mom and my doctor recommended it even though I was healthy and I still am.
I will be going for the H1N1 flu shot later on when there is not such a rush.
*****
As for Abracadabra she has various injections and is a very healthy horse. She does not complain at all as Bishop did at one time.
*****
Taking care of oneself and those who are close by - either people or animals is important.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Therapeutic riding
I went yesterday to visit a friend whom I had not seen in several years. She has a very nice facility close to the Ottawa River. I had driven there before and it was not too difficult to find again.
She has a therapeutic riding facility. I watched one of the horses and riders being instructed. Both did very well. The rider did what he could. The horse was very calm and not excitable at all.
Many years ago a similar riding program started at Greenbelt. When I was talking with a good friend about the program she told me that her son was to be one of the first riders.
The program stayed at Greenbelt for a few years. I helped with walking beside the horse and helping the rider. The arena was built because of this program. It has been very well used over the years after the program left.
The program is now not too far away from Greenbelt. In the winter of 2007/2008 they had a disaster with their arena - with all the snow and ice build up it collapsed. So they were asking for donations to help rebuild and I made a small contribution. I went to visit the stables and see what was going on. Everything looked to be quite impressive.
She has a therapeutic riding facility. I watched one of the horses and riders being instructed. Both did very well. The rider did what he could. The horse was very calm and not excitable at all.
Many years ago a similar riding program started at Greenbelt. When I was talking with a good friend about the program she told me that her son was to be one of the first riders.
The program stayed at Greenbelt for a few years. I helped with walking beside the horse and helping the rider. The arena was built because of this program. It has been very well used over the years after the program left.
The program is now not too far away from Greenbelt. In the winter of 2007/2008 they had a disaster with their arena - with all the snow and ice build up it collapsed. So they were asking for donations to help rebuild and I made a small contribution. I went to visit the stables and see what was going on. Everything looked to be quite impressive.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Hospitals then and now
In one of my blogs there was a posting about a new book about hospitals that sounded interesting. I borrowed it on interlibrary loan from my local public library. It was about the history of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal from the point of view of the patients, the nurses and the doctors.
Then I became more interested in learning more about my local hospitals. I read a couple of short histories. Hospitals are always changing and growing - just walk by any hospital in Ottawa these days.
The Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal cannot be updated to modern standards. I wonder what will happen with the buildings - they are so distinctive on the Montreal skyline.
“Resources within the hospital continue to be strained.” This is a quote from the 1970s but it could have been written yesterday.
There was a small hospital next door to us in Lachute. My first and only visit there for medical attention was when I fell off the neighbour’s slide and cut my nose. I took my doll - Joey - with me and he got a Band-Aid on his nose. I had to have a couple of stitches. The mark stayed on my nose for many years later.
My more recent visits to the hospital with injuries have been because of falls, bumps, etc. from horses. The worst injury I had was a hairline fracture. I got too close to another horse when I was riding and the other horse kicked mine. I needed a cast as a result of this misadventure.
I had this accident in the winter and many times I had to tell folks that I had the injury with a horse rather than skiing. This was the worst winter for snow in Montreal - 1971 - and the civic workers were on strike. It was quite tricky getting around with crutches and a cast in all that snow.
I did recover easily and I went back to riding as soon as I could. A few years later I was in England and the ankle did not feel right. That was because of the damp English weather.
Then I became more interested in learning more about my local hospitals. I read a couple of short histories. Hospitals are always changing and growing - just walk by any hospital in Ottawa these days.
The Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal cannot be updated to modern standards. I wonder what will happen with the buildings - they are so distinctive on the Montreal skyline.
“Resources within the hospital continue to be strained.” This is a quote from the 1970s but it could have been written yesterday.
There was a small hospital next door to us in Lachute. My first and only visit there for medical attention was when I fell off the neighbour’s slide and cut my nose. I took my doll - Joey - with me and he got a Band-Aid on his nose. I had to have a couple of stitches. The mark stayed on my nose for many years later.
My more recent visits to the hospital with injuries have been because of falls, bumps, etc. from horses. The worst injury I had was a hairline fracture. I got too close to another horse when I was riding and the other horse kicked mine. I needed a cast as a result of this misadventure.
I had this accident in the winter and many times I had to tell folks that I had the injury with a horse rather than skiing. This was the worst winter for snow in Montreal - 1971 - and the civic workers were on strike. It was quite tricky getting around with crutches and a cast in all that snow.
I did recover easily and I went back to riding as soon as I could. A few years later I was in England and the ankle did not feel right. That was because of the damp English weather.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
New glasses
I finally went for a new prescription and some new frames after a very long time. My doctor warned me that it would be a challenge with the new glasses. My distance vision is slightly better but the reading part is quite different. I am going to have to give it time.
I did not feel quite ready for bifocals but that event is definitely in my future.
I have to recover from paying for these new ones. UGGHHH.
I am finding that life on the computer is a challenge as well. Some sites are definitely more friendly for us folks who cannot see as they used to.
My doctor said - I may want to slide the glasses down my nose a bit. That seems to work for reading and being on the computer too.
As a point of interest, the lenses were made by Nikon - the camera company. That makes sense. The frames and the lenses together are very lightweight. That is nice.
In the past I originally had glass lens and then they got to be very thick and heavy. Then I went to plastic. Then I went back to glass because that technology had improved. Now I am back to plastic.
I did not feel quite ready for bifocals but that event is definitely in my future.
I have to recover from paying for these new ones. UGGHHH.
I am finding that life on the computer is a challenge as well. Some sites are definitely more friendly for us folks who cannot see as they used to.
My doctor said - I may want to slide the glasses down my nose a bit. That seems to work for reading and being on the computer too.
As a point of interest, the lenses were made by Nikon - the camera company. That makes sense. The frames and the lenses together are very lightweight. That is nice.
In the past I originally had glass lens and then they got to be very thick and heavy. Then I went to plastic. Then I went back to glass because that technology had improved. Now I am back to plastic.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Health care
I have now worn glasses for so long that they are a part of me. I will never be saying - where are my glasses?
I remember going to the Shriners’ Circus in Montreal and not being able to see all the 3 rings. I also had trouble in school seeing what was going on.
I got contact lens over 20 years ago and I wore them consistently for a long time. Unfortunately now I have to wear reading glasses as well. I find this to be somewhat of a nuisance so I gave up the lens except when I am riding. With a riding helmet and all the dust the contact lens are more comfortable.
*****
Recently my left eye needed some extra attention. I went to my own ophthalmologist and he sent to a retinal specialist. I got a message that I was to be at the Riverside Hospital before 10:30 a.m. It was about 9:30 a.m. and I was in downtown Ottawa. It was a snowy day.
I got to the hospital in plenty of time. When I went into the parking lot I was getting concerned because there were cars driving around looking for a space to park. I joined the queue. In time I gave up and went and parked on a side street.
My adventures at the Eye Care Centre - Riverside Campus took almost 3 hours. When I eventually saw the specialist he found a small tear and used a laser to repair the tear. This medical technology is quite amazing.
When I was all done I was very satisfied with my treatment. It had been less than 48 hours since the problem had started. I was glad to find my car again and be on my way home.
*****
One of my earliest health care adventures I do not remember except that my parents told me about it. I was very little. My dad was left in charge of me. He was changing my diaper and I got curious and swallowed a safety pin. Fortunately it was closed. I was rushed to the doctor. My dad was in a panic. An X-ray was taken and the pin was clearly seen. It time it passed. I do not know how long it took my dad to recover from this adventure.
*****
I do not remember trips to the doctor when I was growing up. I think I must have been healthy. In those days you did not get all the vaccinations for the childhood diseases. I had 2 kinds of measles, chickenpox and mumps.
When I had the chickenpox I was kept out of school for 3 weeks but I had no holiday. My mom had arranged with my teacher to have my schoolwork sent home. I passed the chickenpox on to Kathi who was then attending kindergarten. Then all her class had chickenpox as well.
*****
Now my trips to my GP involve a lot of tests and followup for the test results. The results have always been satisfactory and those minor health issues I have are being taken care of. She apologized one time for sending me all over the city to different clinics and hospitals.
I remember going to the Shriners’ Circus in Montreal and not being able to see all the 3 rings. I also had trouble in school seeing what was going on.
I got contact lens over 20 years ago and I wore them consistently for a long time. Unfortunately now I have to wear reading glasses as well. I find this to be somewhat of a nuisance so I gave up the lens except when I am riding. With a riding helmet and all the dust the contact lens are more comfortable.
*****
Recently my left eye needed some extra attention. I went to my own ophthalmologist and he sent to a retinal specialist. I got a message that I was to be at the Riverside Hospital before 10:30 a.m. It was about 9:30 a.m. and I was in downtown Ottawa. It was a snowy day.
I got to the hospital in plenty of time. When I went into the parking lot I was getting concerned because there were cars driving around looking for a space to park. I joined the queue. In time I gave up and went and parked on a side street.
My adventures at the Eye Care Centre - Riverside Campus took almost 3 hours. When I eventually saw the specialist he found a small tear and used a laser to repair the tear. This medical technology is quite amazing.
When I was all done I was very satisfied with my treatment. It had been less than 48 hours since the problem had started. I was glad to find my car again and be on my way home.
*****
One of my earliest health care adventures I do not remember except that my parents told me about it. I was very little. My dad was left in charge of me. He was changing my diaper and I got curious and swallowed a safety pin. Fortunately it was closed. I was rushed to the doctor. My dad was in a panic. An X-ray was taken and the pin was clearly seen. It time it passed. I do not know how long it took my dad to recover from this adventure.
*****
I do not remember trips to the doctor when I was growing up. I think I must have been healthy. In those days you did not get all the vaccinations for the childhood diseases. I had 2 kinds of measles, chickenpox and mumps.
When I had the chickenpox I was kept out of school for 3 weeks but I had no holiday. My mom had arranged with my teacher to have my schoolwork sent home. I passed the chickenpox on to Kathi who was then attending kindergarten. Then all her class had chickenpox as well.
*****
Now my trips to my GP involve a lot of tests and followup for the test results. The results have always been satisfactory and those minor health issues I have are being taken care of. She apologized one time for sending me all over the city to different clinics and hospitals.
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