I got to do something really cool today. Multisensory stimulation for disordered consciousness, also known as coma stimulation. We have a man on our unit who is in a "coma" after an organ transplant mishap. There are different levels of consciousness, which is why coma is in quotations. This man is actually not in a coma, he is in a vegetative state. Surprisingly, a vegetative state is a better level of consciousness than coma. It is not, however, the greatest state to be in.
I've never done multisensory stimulation before, but went to a presentation on it at our national convention. The presentation was very informative and had demonstration videos. The unit that I work on is not a brain injury unit by any means, so I felt sad that this man was getting no kind of arousal therapy. Hence, my eagerness to try multisensory stimulation.
Though my man didn't magically wake up, which is what all the nurses thought would happen, he did show some promising signs of arousal. Multisensory stimulation doesn't have much research behind it yet, so the techniques can seem a bit strange. Have you ever scrubbed a patient with a ScotchBrite pad or pricked their toes with a seam ripper? Yeah, me either until today. But, it was pretty cool to see the responses those techniques elicited. I'll keep you posted on his progress.
If any of you speechies would like a copy of the presentation, just let me know!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Goodbye Baby
Our beloved Toby went to dogie heaven on Saturday. He was exactly 6 months old. Who knew you could fall in love with a dog so much so fast. My heart is in a million little pieces just thinking about how much I miss him.
Toby was sick ever since we got him. He got a tape worm 2 weeks after he came home with us and things just went downhill from there. He got giardia after that and was never able to shake it. Over the past 6 weeks or so, he started losing weight and not acting like his happy self. We initially thought it was just another bout of giardia, but it was much worse.
He was supposed to have "little boy" surgery on Tuesday. We took him to the vet early in the morning and had a feeling that he wouldn't be able to have the surgery, since he obviously wasn't feeling well. The vet called us later that morning to tell us that he was in pretty bad shape and was septic. His white cell count was 600 (normal is 7,000 to 10,000) and he had zero infection fighting cells.We spent the next 5 days trying everything we could to nurse him back to health. He spent a few days with the vet but came home with us at night. We had to give him subcutaneous IV fluids, antibiotic shots, and try to get him to eat. He was just skin and bones. I took off work on Thursday to take care of him so Jon could get some work done and I'm so glad I did.
On Friday, I knew he still wasn't feeling better. Jon took him to the vet and he stayed all day getting IV antibiotics. His white cell count had improved to a measly 900. I met Jon at the vet with my mom and we told the vet we just wanted to take him home.
We spent his last night letting him eat peanut butter toast and sleep with us under the covers. It was a very sleepless night and we thought he would pass several times. In the morning, my family came over to take him to the vet with us. He rallied a bit and at a whole piece of peanut butter toast and walked around before we left. His increase in energy and eating gave us a bit of hope, so we had his blood drawn again. His white cell count was only 1,300, even after strong antibiotics. His leukocytes were also misshapen and immature.
It was then that we knew it was time to let him go. With my family surrounding us and Jon and I holding him, he went to sleep and was finally not suffering.
Jon and I are taking it pretty hard. We cry a lot. It just baffles me how much we love and miss him. Though he was just a dog, he was our family member. We love him so much and miss him terribly. Please pray for us for healing, especially for Jon.Friday, December 4, 2009
Funny Patient Quotes
Patient sitting in an ancient wheelchair in my office, looking very uncomfortable.
(Me) Are you in pain?(Pt) Yes.
(Me) Does your bottom hurt?
(Pt) Yes.
(Me) Is there anything I can to do make you more comfortable?
(Pt) You could rub it.
Patient just admitted to our unit. Another patient, down the hall, is screaming.
(Me) Mrs. H, You're in the hospital. Remember, you had surgery.
--Blank stare from the patient, who looks very scared.
(Pt) Am I on the maternity ward?
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Warning...Depressing and Morbid Post Ahead
Well, the last few weeks have been very rough at work. We rotated positions, which happens every six months, and I am now a floater again. My main responsibilities are to my cancer patients, the LTAC, and then to the hospital, if I have extra time. In these first two weeks, most of my time has been spent on the LTAC, where EVERYONE IS DYING!
Working with old people who have dysphagia, we know that death is a very real possibility. However, it is very rarely staring at us at the end of the hall. In the last two weeks on the LTAC, two of my patients have died, one has coded and gone back on the ventilator, and one has aspirated and gone back on the ventilator. Ick...
I was on the unit when one of my patients died. Though she was 85, her family had still not decided to make her a DNR - Do Not Resuscitate. Friends, I highly encourage you to discuss "code status" with your parents and loved ones. When an older person codes and is resuscitated, the physical trauma their body endures is horrific and they usually don't survive anyway.
So, when my patient coded, they attempted to resuscitate her; they gave her CPR and shocked her heart. She had a trach, and from my position in the nurses station, I could hear the air rushing out of it every time they compressed her chest. It was the most awful sound. They had to continue resuscitating her until her family could be reached. The case manager makes those calls..."Mrs. XXX, your mother's heart stopped and we are trying to revive her. But you need to come now because she is not going to survive."
When they finally stopped, everyone in the nurses station just sat there. My patient was the second person to die on the unit during that week. It was just too much. Though I never really had any meaningful interaction with my patient (she'd had a stroke and was quite unarousable), hearing the air rushing out and knowing the physical trauma her body went through really shook me up.
I went to the chapel in our building and prayed and cried. She wasn't my family, I didn't really know her, but she was my patient. Being a Catholic, I know she is in a better place. Unfortunately, that only makes it a little easier to deal with.
Working with old people who have dysphagia, we know that death is a very real possibility. However, it is very rarely staring at us at the end of the hall. In the last two weeks on the LTAC, two of my patients have died, one has coded and gone back on the ventilator, and one has aspirated and gone back on the ventilator. Ick...
I was on the unit when one of my patients died. Though she was 85, her family had still not decided to make her a DNR - Do Not Resuscitate. Friends, I highly encourage you to discuss "code status" with your parents and loved ones. When an older person codes and is resuscitated, the physical trauma their body endures is horrific and they usually don't survive anyway.
So, when my patient coded, they attempted to resuscitate her; they gave her CPR and shocked her heart. She had a trach, and from my position in the nurses station, I could hear the air rushing out of it every time they compressed her chest. It was the most awful sound. They had to continue resuscitating her until her family could be reached. The case manager makes those calls..."Mrs. XXX, your mother's heart stopped and we are trying to revive her. But you need to come now because she is not going to survive."
When they finally stopped, everyone in the nurses station just sat there. My patient was the second person to die on the unit during that week. It was just too much. Though I never really had any meaningful interaction with my patient (she'd had a stroke and was quite unarousable), hearing the air rushing out and knowing the physical trauma her body went through really shook me up.
I went to the chapel in our building and prayed and cried. She wasn't my family, I didn't really know her, but she was my patient. Being a Catholic, I know she is in a better place. Unfortunately, that only makes it a little easier to deal with.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A Big Scare!
Well, Monday turned out to be the strangest day ever! I called the retinal specialists office on Monday and they couldn't see me until 3:00 pm. Until then, they told me I couldn't eat because I might be having surgery. I was super pissed that they couldn't see me earlier, so I was crabby all day.
When we went it, they dilated my eyes again and we waited for the doctor. He came in, took a good look at my eyes, and plainly said "You're fine. You don't have a detached retina." Of course, I was in shock, since I had been told I was for sure having eye surgery on Monday. The retinal specialist told me that what my eye doctor had seen was something I've probably had since I was a baby. It's called old peripheral retinal neovascularization and it happens when scar tissue forms from blood vessels breaking through the eye and then retracting. Since I wasn't a preemie, he said it probably happened spontaneously.
Though I am quite appreciative of my eye doctor's thoroughness, I think next time she should take a breath before jumping to such drastic conclusions. Nevertheless, I'm just thankful that everything is fine!
When we went it, they dilated my eyes again and we waited for the doctor. He came in, took a good look at my eyes, and plainly said "You're fine. You don't have a detached retina." Of course, I was in shock, since I had been told I was for sure having eye surgery on Monday. The retinal specialist told me that what my eye doctor had seen was something I've probably had since I was a baby. It's called old peripheral retinal neovascularization and it happens when scar tissue forms from blood vessels breaking through the eye and then retracting. Since I wasn't a preemie, he said it probably happened spontaneously.
Though I am quite appreciative of my eye doctor's thoroughness, I think next time she should take a breath before jumping to such drastic conclusions. Nevertheless, I'm just thankful that everything is fine!
Head and Neck Cancer
So I know I’ve been missing in action for a bit, but it’s time for a work update. I recently had the privilege to dive into a new area of speech pathology that I never thought I’d have the chance to experience, much less enjoy. …Head and Neck Cancer.
Our hospital has its own cancer center and through a series of events, we learned that their head and neck cancer patients were not receiving routine dysphagia/speech intervention. I ended up being asked to give a presentation to three oncologists and two radiation oncologists about speech pathology services for head and neck cancer patients. And, long story short, I know see all of our head and neck cancer referrals.
At first, I thought it would be a depressing group of patients to serve, but I’ve actually come to like it…a lot! I think the most thrilling part is problem solving for these people. They’ve been told they have cancer and that they’ll need very invasive treatment to cure it. What they haven’t been told is that the side effects of that treatment may be worse than the actual treatment itself.
Could you imagine living a life where you have no saliva, where everything tastes like drywall dust, where you’re not hungry, where your food gets stuck in your throat and won’t go down, and where you neck is literally as hard as a rock?!? But, you’re alive!
My very first head and neck cancer patient (nasopharyngeal cancer) has been very challenging. At first, I had no clue what I was doing. I read some books, did a lot of research, and then just had to go for it. Surprisingly, my patient has made some pretty significant progress and I couldn’t be more thrilled. She went to being totally dependent of her feeding tube to tolerating liquids to eating soft solids and swallowing whole pills! My speech pathology friends out there will know what a big deal this is!
I can’t wait to see where this new venture takes me. If you work with head and neck cancer patients and have any good resources to share, please pass them my way!
Our hospital has its own cancer center and through a series of events, we learned that their head and neck cancer patients were not receiving routine dysphagia/speech intervention. I ended up being asked to give a presentation to three oncologists and two radiation oncologists about speech pathology services for head and neck cancer patients. And, long story short, I know see all of our head and neck cancer referrals.
At first, I thought it would be a depressing group of patients to serve, but I’ve actually come to like it…a lot! I think the most thrilling part is problem solving for these people. They’ve been told they have cancer and that they’ll need very invasive treatment to cure it. What they haven’t been told is that the side effects of that treatment may be worse than the actual treatment itself.
Could you imagine living a life where you have no saliva, where everything tastes like drywall dust, where you’re not hungry, where your food gets stuck in your throat and won’t go down, and where you neck is literally as hard as a rock?!? But, you’re alive!
My very first head and neck cancer patient (nasopharyngeal cancer) has been very challenging. At first, I had no clue what I was doing. I read some books, did a lot of research, and then just had to go for it. Surprisingly, my patient has made some pretty significant progress and I couldn’t be more thrilled. She went to being totally dependent of her feeding tube to tolerating liquids to eating soft solids and swallowing whole pills! My speech pathology friends out there will know what a big deal this is!
I can’t wait to see where this new venture takes me. If you work with head and neck cancer patients and have any good resources to share, please pass them my way!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Nervous!!
So, I thought this weekend was going to be a relaxing weekend at home, but alas, that never happens. Jon’s friends came in from Austin to go to the Renisance Festival with Jon while I planned to get some things taken care of at home. One appointment I had was with the eye doctor. I know, an eye doctor who makes Saturday appointments is awesome!
At 11:00 am I went for my appointment. My new doctor was very through and quite nice. They had this fancy new machine that can take a picture of your retina instead of having your eyes dilated. Of course the fancy eye camera is not covered by insurance and is an extra $40 bucks. So, I opted to have my eyes dilated. After she dilated my eyes, I had to wait about 20 minutes and then have her re-exam my dilated retinas.
As she tested my right eye, I could tell something was wrong. She would have me look to the right several times, check another direction, and then have me look right again. When she was finished, she let me know that I had two holes in my retina and that it was detaching from my eye. SCARY! Being in healthcare, I know what retinal detachment means. My doctor wasted no time in conveying how serious my condition was (retinal detachment = blindness) and quickly explained how I would be visiting the retinal specialist on Monday.
Needless to say, I’m a little freaked out. My eye doctor told me that retinal detachment is common in people who are very nearsighted (me!) and in people with diabetes. So, in addition to visiting the retinal specialist, I also have to be tested for diabetes. UGH!!! I’m not quite sure what Monday holds, but my eye doctor said I’d probably have laser surgery tomorrow, if not very early next week.
So, please pray everything goes well. Oh, and go make an eye appointment!
At 11:00 am I went for my appointment. My new doctor was very through and quite nice. They had this fancy new machine that can take a picture of your retina instead of having your eyes dilated. Of course the fancy eye camera is not covered by insurance and is an extra $40 bucks. So, I opted to have my eyes dilated. After she dilated my eyes, I had to wait about 20 minutes and then have her re-exam my dilated retinas.
As she tested my right eye, I could tell something was wrong. She would have me look to the right several times, check another direction, and then have me look right again. When she was finished, she let me know that I had two holes in my retina and that it was detaching from my eye. SCARY! Being in healthcare, I know what retinal detachment means. My doctor wasted no time in conveying how serious my condition was (retinal detachment = blindness) and quickly explained how I would be visiting the retinal specialist on Monday.
Needless to say, I’m a little freaked out. My eye doctor told me that retinal detachment is common in people who are very nearsighted (me!) and in people with diabetes. So, in addition to visiting the retinal specialist, I also have to be tested for diabetes. UGH!!! I’m not quite sure what Monday holds, but my eye doctor said I’d probably have laser surgery tomorrow, if not very early next week.
So, please pray everything goes well. Oh, and go make an eye appointment!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Toby
So, our first order of married business was getting a dog. We didn't think we would get one so soon, but Toby found his way into our life and is here to stay. Toby is a French Boston (half French Bulldog, Half Boston Terrier) and is the cutest thing you've ever seen! 
Cuteness, however, does not make up for extreme sickness. We are praying that Toby will one day be healthy. We'll let you know when that day comes because we are waiting for it with baited breath. About 2 weeks after Toby came home with us, he got a case of Tape Worms. How did we know it was Tape Worms? Use your imagination. Then, he got a nasty case of Giardia, which we are still fighting. At the tail end of his Giardia sickness, we had to go to a wedding in PA and had to board him. And of course, when we picked him up from the kennel, he had a sinus infection. So now we're dealing with green doggy snot.Who says dogs aren't good practice for kids?!?! (Not that we need practice anytime soon!!!)
So, for your viewing pleasure, I give you Toby Jarvis!
Monday, August 17, 2009
SEX....and "until death do us part."
So, I haven't blogged about work in a while and it is high time I reported another funny story. This happened a few months ago, but it is definitely worth telling.
We'll call my patient Mr. Yellow. Mr. Yellow is a pretty unlucky man. He's had diabetes since age 10 and now, at age 59, his body is giving up on him. Mr. Yellow has a wonderful, wonderful wife. I have never met a woman so devoted to her husband. When I first met Mr. Yellow, he was in the hospital for aspiration pneumonia and had developed dysphagia (swallowing problems resulting in food going down into his lungs) with no known cause. I had explained to Mrs. Yellow that we had a therapy (VitalStim) that retrained the swallowing muscles. We've had great success with this therapy on people who've had strokes, but I couldn't promise her it would work on her husband.
Now, Mr. Yellow has been too sick for many years for Mrs. Yellow, who still works, to take care of him. So, he lives in a nursing home. Mrs. Yellow comes and visits him everyday. When I told her about VitalStim, I informed her that it would be quite difficult to get Mr. Yellow's nursing home to bring him to therapy. Mrs. Yellow told me she would do everything in her power to get Mr. Yellow in for VitalStim therapy.
So, a little time passed and Mr. Yellow finally came in for VitalStim swallowing therapy. Now, if you could see Mr. Yellow, you might at first think he was dead. Mr. Yellow's diabetes has blinded him, so he always keeps his eyes close. His diabetes has also caused him to loose feeling in his legs and back, so he is wheelchair bound. When you live in a nursing home, you get stuck using their crummy wheelchairs. Mr. Yellow's chair was quite old and usually jimmy-rigged in someway to make it work.
Mr. Yellow's diabetes had also decreased his auditory processing time. When ever he was asked a question, he took forever to answer and usually had to be reminded by his loving wife that someone had asked him a question. Mr. Yellow's responses were always very short, rapid, and to the point.
So, one day during therapy, Mr. Yellow was being especially quite. I asked him, "Mr. Yellow, what are you thinking about?" He didn't respond. Usually when he didn't respond, I'd move the conversation in a different direction and brush off his non-response. This time, however, Mrs. Yellow said to her husband, "Mr. Yellow, Emily asked you what you are thinking about?" Very loudly, and quite to the point, Mr. Yellow responded, "SEX."
I just had to snicker and ask Mr. Yellow if he might want another bite of pudding, which he did. Afterwards, I commented to Mrs. Yellow that her husbands response was a good thing and that at least he still had a passion for living. I'm sure my comments made her feel only slightly less awkward.
I'll never forget Mr. Yellow and his declaration. I'll also never forget Mrs. Yellow. She showed me what real love is and taught me the real meaning of "until death do us part."
We'll call my patient Mr. Yellow. Mr. Yellow is a pretty unlucky man. He's had diabetes since age 10 and now, at age 59, his body is giving up on him. Mr. Yellow has a wonderful, wonderful wife. I have never met a woman so devoted to her husband. When I first met Mr. Yellow, he was in the hospital for aspiration pneumonia and had developed dysphagia (swallowing problems resulting in food going down into his lungs) with no known cause. I had explained to Mrs. Yellow that we had a therapy (VitalStim) that retrained the swallowing muscles. We've had great success with this therapy on people who've had strokes, but I couldn't promise her it would work on her husband.
Now, Mr. Yellow has been too sick for many years for Mrs. Yellow, who still works, to take care of him. So, he lives in a nursing home. Mrs. Yellow comes and visits him everyday. When I told her about VitalStim, I informed her that it would be quite difficult to get Mr. Yellow's nursing home to bring him to therapy. Mrs. Yellow told me she would do everything in her power to get Mr. Yellow in for VitalStim therapy.
So, a little time passed and Mr. Yellow finally came in for VitalStim swallowing therapy. Now, if you could see Mr. Yellow, you might at first think he was dead. Mr. Yellow's diabetes has blinded him, so he always keeps his eyes close. His diabetes has also caused him to loose feeling in his legs and back, so he is wheelchair bound. When you live in a nursing home, you get stuck using their crummy wheelchairs. Mr. Yellow's chair was quite old and usually jimmy-rigged in someway to make it work.
Mr. Yellow's diabetes had also decreased his auditory processing time. When ever he was asked a question, he took forever to answer and usually had to be reminded by his loving wife that someone had asked him a question. Mr. Yellow's responses were always very short, rapid, and to the point.
So, one day during therapy, Mr. Yellow was being especially quite. I asked him, "Mr. Yellow, what are you thinking about?" He didn't respond. Usually when he didn't respond, I'd move the conversation in a different direction and brush off his non-response. This time, however, Mrs. Yellow said to her husband, "Mr. Yellow, Emily asked you what you are thinking about?" Very loudly, and quite to the point, Mr. Yellow responded, "SEX."
I just had to snicker and ask Mr. Yellow if he might want another bite of pudding, which he did. Afterwards, I commented to Mrs. Yellow that her husbands response was a good thing and that at least he still had a passion for living. I'm sure my comments made her feel only slightly less awkward.
I'll never forget Mr. Yellow and his declaration. I'll also never forget Mrs. Yellow. She showed me what real love is and taught me the real meaning of "until death do us part."
Monday, August 10, 2009
Personal reminder...
This is a reminder to myself to blog about sex. No, it's not what you're thinking. Stay tuned to hear the story!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
I got married!
Jon and I got married on Saturday, July 11th! I can't believe the day has already come and gone. I just barely held it together walking down the asile and after that, the whole day was smooth sailing. Well, except for the heat! Here are a selected few photos. Enjoy!
Two of my beautiful bridesmaids.
Dancing with my dad.
My co-worker Marie, Jon, and I.
More updates and pictures to come soon!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
I'm Married!!!
So, I'm married!!! Lots of changes going on, so lots of updates coming soon!
Here's a preview:
1) Got married
2) Moved into a new rent house
3) Getting a puppy
So, stay tuned!!!
Here's a preview:
1) Got married
2) Moved into a new rent house
3) Getting a puppy
So, stay tuned!!!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Wedding Worries
I have really been slacking in the Blog department lately. I guess that's what a crazy work schedule and wedding planning will do to you. As of today, we are T-minus 32 days until the wedding. And, if you ask Jon, I am a freaking basket case.
I am in no way worried about getting married. I am worried about the following (in no particular order):
a) all the people who haven't RSVPed yet,
b) contracting a sickness during our honeymoon,
c) my newly debuted icky skin,
d) moving the weekend after the wedding,
e) being cash-strapped, as Jon calls it,
f) my future mother-in-law liking her gift,
g) my mother going overboard with the centerpieces,
h) my photographer possibly not showing up on the big day,
i) renting a U-Haul the day we get back from our honeymoon and transporting Jon's non-matching washer and dryer down the stairs by our selves,
j) my stupid leg and the fact that it is still swollen like a softball,
k) screwing up our first dance over which we have almost killed ourselves learning,
l) my mom's rule that we can't open wedding gifts until after the wedding,
m) Jon's only brother actually showing up for the wedding (I doubt he will, which makes me very sad for Jon),
n) how to make my mom understand that I don't care how the centerpieces are arranged,
o) Jon's family showing up 2 hours before the actual wedding rehearsal,
p) my Dad accidentally tore a hole in my veil,
q) getting my legs waxed,
r) somehow missing something we were supposed to do for marriage preparation,
s) not getting to eat all our yummy food or cake on the big day,
t) relatives getting drunk and making racist comments,
u) my sister's bridesmaids dress not fitting,
v) my mom demanding the florist make me a new wedding bouquet because my mom doesn't like it (but I do....),
w) not being able to kneel during the ceremony (see worry about stupid leg),
x) our luggage getting lost
y) my Dad's health and work stress level,
z) having my family pack boxes while I'm in another country in an attempt to "help" the moving process.
Ok, so, maybe a full alphabetical list is a little much, but it's the truth. My biggest worry is that I can't sleep. I have so many wedding and work thoughts running through my head that I lay awake and wake up having had very strange dreams. I just pray that I don't crash and burn.
Throughout this whole process, Jon has been my level foundation. I baffles me the way he can anticipate my worries and already have a plan in place to calm me down and take some of the burden upon himself. He truly is the person God made just for me. And that is the one thing I never worry about.
I am in no way worried about getting married. I am worried about the following (in no particular order):
a) all the people who haven't RSVPed yet,
b) contracting a sickness during our honeymoon,
c) my newly debuted icky skin,
d) moving the weekend after the wedding,
e) being cash-strapped, as Jon calls it,
f) my future mother-in-law liking her gift,
g) my mother going overboard with the centerpieces,
h) my photographer possibly not showing up on the big day,
i) renting a U-Haul the day we get back from our honeymoon and transporting Jon's non-matching washer and dryer down the stairs by our selves,
j) my stupid leg and the fact that it is still swollen like a softball,
k) screwing up our first dance over which we have almost killed ourselves learning,
l) my mom's rule that we can't open wedding gifts until after the wedding,
m) Jon's only brother actually showing up for the wedding (I doubt he will, which makes me very sad for Jon),
n) how to make my mom understand that I don't care how the centerpieces are arranged,
o) Jon's family showing up 2 hours before the actual wedding rehearsal,
p) my Dad accidentally tore a hole in my veil,
q) getting my legs waxed,
r) somehow missing something we were supposed to do for marriage preparation,
s) not getting to eat all our yummy food or cake on the big day,
t) relatives getting drunk and making racist comments,
u) my sister's bridesmaids dress not fitting,
v) my mom demanding the florist make me a new wedding bouquet because my mom doesn't like it (but I do....),
w) not being able to kneel during the ceremony (see worry about stupid leg),
x) our luggage getting lost
y) my Dad's health and work stress level,
z) having my family pack boxes while I'm in another country in an attempt to "help" the moving process.
Ok, so, maybe a full alphabetical list is a little much, but it's the truth. My biggest worry is that I can't sleep. I have so many wedding and work thoughts running through my head that I lay awake and wake up having had very strange dreams. I just pray that I don't crash and burn.
Throughout this whole process, Jon has been my level foundation. I baffles me the way he can anticipate my worries and already have a plan in place to calm me down and take some of the burden upon himself. He truly is the person God made just for me. And that is the one thing I never worry about.
Monday, May 18, 2009
How to Help Someone Fall
Sorry I've been MIA lately. Wedding planning and working out has consumed my life. On the plus side, my knee is getting better every day! I even ran down the hall this week!!! Anyway...
So, you may be expecting a philosophical post, given the title of this entry, but, unfortunately, that is not the case.
Last Monday, I was unexpectedly scheduled to see a patient first thing in the morning. This was unexpected because I was supposed to be in physical therapy. But, that's a whole other story.
Anyway, I went to see my patient, who was new to me. The patient was sitting in the dining room finishing her breakfast. I asked her if she knew her therapy schedule and she just gave me a blank stare. Ok, I thought, this is going to be interesting. The patient had a gait belt on and had her rolling walker, so we got up and walked to the schedule board. My patient had quite a hard time reading the board and I had to give her lots of directions in order for her to figure out her schedule. Again, I thought, this is going to be an interesting (and long) session.
So, I'm holding on to my patient's gait belt and we walking back to her room. She isn't paying attention very well and completely walks past her room. I cue her to look up and she turns around. We enter the door way, and out of the blue, she starts sitting backwards....ON ME!
I start yelling for her to stand up, but all she does is "OOOoooowww" and keeps going down. I don't know how I did it, but I used my How to Help a Patient Fall training and braced her against the wall as she kept sinking down. Mind you....THE PATIENT WEIGHTS 300 LBS!! So, I end up on one knee (the good one, thankfully) with the patient resting against me when the patient falls asleep! And not just dozing....snoring!!!
So, here I am, with my sleeping patient resting against me on the floor, thinking "Great! This is going to be a mountain of paperwork!", when I realize that I have to get her off of me. So, I starting yelling down the hall and the nurse and doctor come running. I ensure them that my patient has not hit her head (mind you, she is still asleep on me) and that I am ok. The doctor and nurse go back and forth about why my patient is so out of it and finally decide that she received too many sedatives. Geeze, you think 4 Xanax and 2 sleeping pills in 10 hours is too much?!?! It is decided that the patient doesn't have to do therapy and that she should go back to bed and sleep it off. Definitely a good decision, considering she's still asleep ON ME!
The doctor and nurse disperse and I am left still sitting under the patient. Thankfully, a physical therapist showed up and got the patient off of me. After I filled out all the redundant paperwork, the director of nursing asked me to demonstrate the technique I used to lower the patient to the floor without injuring myself or the patient. I compliantly demonstrated to which the DON responded "Wow, I guess that junk we teach you really works!" Thanks...just the reaction I was looking for!
So, you may be expecting a philosophical post, given the title of this entry, but, unfortunately, that is not the case.
Last Monday, I was unexpectedly scheduled to see a patient first thing in the morning. This was unexpected because I was supposed to be in physical therapy. But, that's a whole other story.
Anyway, I went to see my patient, who was new to me. The patient was sitting in the dining room finishing her breakfast. I asked her if she knew her therapy schedule and she just gave me a blank stare. Ok, I thought, this is going to be interesting. The patient had a gait belt on and had her rolling walker, so we got up and walked to the schedule board. My patient had quite a hard time reading the board and I had to give her lots of directions in order for her to figure out her schedule. Again, I thought, this is going to be an interesting (and long) session.
So, I'm holding on to my patient's gait belt and we walking back to her room. She isn't paying attention very well and completely walks past her room. I cue her to look up and she turns around. We enter the door way, and out of the blue, she starts sitting backwards....ON ME!
I start yelling for her to stand up, but all she does is "OOOoooowww" and keeps going down. I don't know how I did it, but I used my How to Help a Patient Fall training and braced her against the wall as she kept sinking down. Mind you....THE PATIENT WEIGHTS 300 LBS!! So, I end up on one knee (the good one, thankfully) with the patient resting against me when the patient falls asleep! And not just dozing....snoring!!!
So, here I am, with my sleeping patient resting against me on the floor, thinking "Great! This is going to be a mountain of paperwork!", when I realize that I have to get her off of me. So, I starting yelling down the hall and the nurse and doctor come running. I ensure them that my patient has not hit her head (mind you, she is still asleep on me) and that I am ok. The doctor and nurse go back and forth about why my patient is so out of it and finally decide that she received too many sedatives. Geeze, you think 4 Xanax and 2 sleeping pills in 10 hours is too much?!?! It is decided that the patient doesn't have to do therapy and that she should go back to bed and sleep it off. Definitely a good decision, considering she's still asleep ON ME!
The doctor and nurse disperse and I am left still sitting under the patient. Thankfully, a physical therapist showed up and got the patient off of me. After I filled out all the redundant paperwork, the director of nursing asked me to demonstrate the technique I used to lower the patient to the floor without injuring myself or the patient. I compliantly demonstrated to which the DON responded "Wow, I guess that junk we teach you really works!" Thanks...just the reaction I was looking for!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Called To Serve
I've had the title of this blog on my to-do list for a long time. When I had a free minute, I would look at it and just not be ready to write about it. I'm ready now.
When you are able to do something you love, actually change the outcome of a person's life, and serve the Lord at the same time, you have found your calling. I know I've blogged about this before, but it must be restated. I can honestly come home from a grueling day at work, of which I have surely complained, and still feel like I have served the Lord.
Like I said, I've been wanting to write this for a while, but today I had to. Today was one of those days where I felt the Lord working inside me. We have been so busy at work lately. With the economy in the toilet, more and more people are skipping out on preventative health care and are ending up in worse shape at our hospitals. That means we've been swamped. The volume of our adult caseload has increased at least 50% in the last two months alone. But, I digress...
I work for a non-profit Catholic hospital that serves patients from the minute they roll into the emergency room until they go home or die. Unfortunately, because I deal with swallowing, a lot of my patients die. At 25 years old, I check the obituaries every day looking for my patients; sometimes I cry when I find them. And it's hard.
Part of my job is explaining to families that their mom or dad will never eat safely again. "I'm sorry Mr. H, the swallowing study did not go well and your dad isn't safe to eat anything. If your dad does eat, it will go into his lungs and he will get pneumonia and die." I hate having to say those words to a family. Not only do I have to tell a family that their loved one can't eat safely anymore, I also have to tell them that they have a decision to make: let your family member continue eating with the understanding that it will kill them, or take away their only pleasure in life and keep them alive.
I think having to make the decision on whether or not to let a family member continue eating is even harder than making the decision to pull the plug. When a family decides to pull the plug, the disease process is final, their loved one's body is gone, and the grieving process can begin. When a family has to decide whether or not to let mom or dad continue eating, the consequences can result in a slow, yet dignified death or in a prolonged state of limbo. I tell my patients and families: "There is no wrong decision in this situation and I understand the consequences of both choices you are faced with."
I hate having to say these words, but I know God is working through me when I speak them because I am able to communicate this message well. Today, such a situation happened. I had to tell my patient's only son that his father would never eat safely again. I had to tell him that he had to decide what to do when his father asked to eat. I had to tell the son in the gentlest way possible, that his dad wanted to eat and it was time to let his father go.
I don't do my job for compliments, but people tell me, after witnessing the above conversations, that I do a very good job at presenting this information in a comforting, Christian way. That's how I know the Lord is working through me.
As I type these words, I can't help but cry. I cry for my patient, knowing that he will leave this earth soon. I cry for my patient's son, knowing that he will be without his only living relative and that in the process he may have to make the hardest decisions of his life. I want to cry happy tears too, because soon my patient will suffer no longer and he will be with our Lord; but I don't think I'm there yet.
I'm sure having to say these words to patients and families will never get any easier. But that's ok. I know the Lord put me here to deliver this information with the utmost compassion and respect for life. I know I can do that; I know that's why I love what I do; and I know that's how I'm called to serve.
When you are able to do something you love, actually change the outcome of a person's life, and serve the Lord at the same time, you have found your calling. I know I've blogged about this before, but it must be restated. I can honestly come home from a grueling day at work, of which I have surely complained, and still feel like I have served the Lord.
Like I said, I've been wanting to write this for a while, but today I had to. Today was one of those days where I felt the Lord working inside me. We have been so busy at work lately. With the economy in the toilet, more and more people are skipping out on preventative health care and are ending up in worse shape at our hospitals. That means we've been swamped. The volume of our adult caseload has increased at least 50% in the last two months alone. But, I digress...
I work for a non-profit Catholic hospital that serves patients from the minute they roll into the emergency room until they go home or die. Unfortunately, because I deal with swallowing, a lot of my patients die. At 25 years old, I check the obituaries every day looking for my patients; sometimes I cry when I find them. And it's hard.
Part of my job is explaining to families that their mom or dad will never eat safely again. "I'm sorry Mr. H, the swallowing study did not go well and your dad isn't safe to eat anything. If your dad does eat, it will go into his lungs and he will get pneumonia and die." I hate having to say those words to a family. Not only do I have to tell a family that their loved one can't eat safely anymore, I also have to tell them that they have a decision to make: let your family member continue eating with the understanding that it will kill them, or take away their only pleasure in life and keep them alive.
I think having to make the decision on whether or not to let a family member continue eating is even harder than making the decision to pull the plug. When a family decides to pull the plug, the disease process is final, their loved one's body is gone, and the grieving process can begin. When a family has to decide whether or not to let mom or dad continue eating, the consequences can result in a slow, yet dignified death or in a prolonged state of limbo. I tell my patients and families: "There is no wrong decision in this situation and I understand the consequences of both choices you are faced with."
I hate having to say these words, but I know God is working through me when I speak them because I am able to communicate this message well. Today, such a situation happened. I had to tell my patient's only son that his father would never eat safely again. I had to tell him that he had to decide what to do when his father asked to eat. I had to tell the son in the gentlest way possible, that his dad wanted to eat and it was time to let his father go.
I don't do my job for compliments, but people tell me, after witnessing the above conversations, that I do a very good job at presenting this information in a comforting, Christian way. That's how I know the Lord is working through me.
As I type these words, I can't help but cry. I cry for my patient, knowing that he will leave this earth soon. I cry for my patient's son, knowing that he will be without his only living relative and that in the process he may have to make the hardest decisions of his life. I want to cry happy tears too, because soon my patient will suffer no longer and he will be with our Lord; but I don't think I'm there yet.
I'm sure having to say these words to patients and families will never get any easier. But that's ok. I know the Lord put me here to deliver this information with the utmost compassion and respect for life. I know I can do that; I know that's why I love what I do; and I know that's how I'm called to serve.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
I'm Pathetic
Ugh, I feel so pathetic....I cried in physical therapy today. And I don't just mean a sniffle and a few tears, I mean full out hyperventilating water works. And, the best part....I work with all these people. Going into this surgery, I knew the recovery would be rough, but I didn't know it would be this rough. Case in point: I now use a crutch!
So, I went back to work on Monday and didn't use any type of assistive device; I just limped around. After work I went home and ended up falling in my house. Monday night was murder and I could barely get out of bed. So, I busted out the Pimp Cane.
So, in physical therapy this afternoon, my physical therapist basically told me I really needed to be at home. Well, that's not happening. So, as a compromise, she issued me a forearm crutch. And boy, using it takes a lot of brain power!
So, I went back to work on Monday and didn't use any type of assistive device; I just limped around. After work I went home and ended up falling in my house. Monday night was murder and I could barely get out of bed. So, I busted out the Pimp Cane.
So, in physical therapy this afternoon, my physical therapist basically told me I really needed to be at home. Well, that's not happening. So, as a compromise, she issued me a forearm crutch. And boy, using it takes a lot of brain power!
Unfortunately, mine is not lime green. It is yellow and teal. We'll see what the consensus is at work tomorrow. Strangely, I've been getting called House lately....
Ok, enough venting for now. Thanks for all the support!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Addicted to Blog Reading
I must confess that I am officially addicted to Blog reading. Every day after work, I come home and check every Blog I read for updates. Sometimes, when there are lots of new posts to sift through, I'll spend 2+ hours reading my Blogs. I love reading about people's every day lives, funny antics, and crazy cakes (see my Blog reviews below). If I read something particularly notable, I have even been known to talk about it at work. I know, I'm ridiculous!
I felt compelled to write this post because I read an especially awesome Blog post this morning. Kristen in California wrote about the Do's and Don'ts for Sending Racially Insensitive E-Mail Forwards. I loved this post because we've all been hit with these e-mails: You check your Inbox and your jaw drops. Why do people propagate this garbage! Anyway, her post is very insightful and worth the read. Check her out at: http://thehowertons.blogspot.com/
For those of you who would like to dedicate more of your time to Blog reading (like you really need to spend more time doing this!!), here are a few of my favorites that are definitely worth checking out!
Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Horribly, Hilariously Wrong
I LOVE reading this Blog. If you need a good laugh, bookmark this page! The author, Jen, is an active poster who augments the reader-submitted photos with hilarious captions and stories. Check out the archives for posts such as Naked Mohawk-Baby Carrot Jockeys, Sexual Harassment Cake, Inspiration vs Perspiration, and When Bride's Have No Budget. Do be warned: once you start reading, you'll never stop! Now, go check it out: http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/
And Your Little Do Too...
This is a great Blog if your looking for some fun, new recipes. The author, Kelly, is a girl I met in college. Her Blog is a well-written snapshot of her professional adventures, upcoming wedding, and two dogs. She also posts some really great recipes....like Black Bean Brownies. Check her out at: http://kellyandherlittledogtoo.blogspot.com/
The Paro Post
This is my friend Becca's Blog. She does an amazing job of sharing the daily joys and struggles of being a new wife and mom. She just had beautiful baby boy and I couldn't be happier for her! Check her out at: http://www.theparopost.blogspot.com/
Sarahenity NOW!
My friend from graduate school, Sarah, authors a very creative Blog full of awesome photography and inquisitive posts. Check her out at: http://www.sarahtopia.blogspot.com/
Traveling With The Thompsons
This is a Blog, written by my friends from high school, that chronicles their family's missionary preparation in Costa Rica. Once they have completed their preparation, Alison, Justin, and their daughter Cailyn will serve as missionaries in Peru. I love reading about their cultural and spiritual experiences in a country far from home; it is truly inspirational. Check them out at: http://thethompsonfamily.wordpress.com/
Mama Manifesto
This is a GREAT professional Blog co-authored by Kristen (of The Howerton's reviewed above) and Ali that offers practical advice and tips for busy, eco-friendly moms. These Mamas review products, share recipes, offer sanity-saving tips, share their own mothering mishaps, and nurture an on-line community of passionate woman. A fabulous read for mothers and future moms. Check out Mama Manifesto at: http://mamamanifesto.blogspot.com/
With this post, I hope you've found a few more places to spend your Blog time. If I've featured your Blog in my review and you're not cool with that, leave me a comment and I'll remove my review. Happy Reading!!!
I felt compelled to write this post because I read an especially awesome Blog post this morning. Kristen in California wrote about the Do's and Don'ts for Sending Racially Insensitive E-Mail Forwards. I loved this post because we've all been hit with these e-mails: You check your Inbox and your jaw drops. Why do people propagate this garbage! Anyway, her post is very insightful and worth the read. Check her out at: http://thehowertons.blogspot.com/
For those of you who would like to dedicate more of your time to Blog reading (like you really need to spend more time doing this!!), here are a few of my favorites that are definitely worth checking out!
Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Horribly, Hilariously Wrong
I LOVE reading this Blog. If you need a good laugh, bookmark this page! The author, Jen, is an active poster who augments the reader-submitted photos with hilarious captions and stories. Check out the archives for posts such as Naked Mohawk-Baby Carrot Jockeys, Sexual Harassment Cake, Inspiration vs Perspiration, and When Bride's Have No Budget. Do be warned: once you start reading, you'll never stop! Now, go check it out: http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/
And Your Little Do Too...
This is a great Blog if your looking for some fun, new recipes. The author, Kelly, is a girl I met in college. Her Blog is a well-written snapshot of her professional adventures, upcoming wedding, and two dogs. She also posts some really great recipes....like Black Bean Brownies. Check her out at: http://kellyandherlittledogtoo.blogspot.com/
The Paro Post
This is my friend Becca's Blog. She does an amazing job of sharing the daily joys and struggles of being a new wife and mom. She just had beautiful baby boy and I couldn't be happier for her! Check her out at: http://www.theparopost.blogspot.com/
Sarahenity NOW!
My friend from graduate school, Sarah, authors a very creative Blog full of awesome photography and inquisitive posts. Check her out at: http://www.sarahtopia.blogspot.com/
Traveling With The Thompsons
This is a Blog, written by my friends from high school, that chronicles their family's missionary preparation in Costa Rica. Once they have completed their preparation, Alison, Justin, and their daughter Cailyn will serve as missionaries in Peru. I love reading about their cultural and spiritual experiences in a country far from home; it is truly inspirational. Check them out at: http://thethompsonfamily.wordpress.com/
Mama Manifesto
This is a GREAT professional Blog co-authored by Kristen (of The Howerton's reviewed above) and Ali that offers practical advice and tips for busy, eco-friendly moms. These Mamas review products, share recipes, offer sanity-saving tips, share their own mothering mishaps, and nurture an on-line community of passionate woman. A fabulous read for mothers and future moms. Check out Mama Manifesto at: http://mamamanifesto.blogspot.com/
With this post, I hope you've found a few more places to spend your Blog time. If I've featured your Blog in my review and you're not cool with that, leave me a comment and I'll remove my review. Happy Reading!!!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Bored
So, this whole stuck in bed thing is getting pretty old. I am feeling a lot better, but my leg definitely still hurts. I was really looking forward to taking a shower today (yes, do the math...I feel disgusting), but I have to wait until my mom can come and supervise...lovely!
Anyway, I've been working on wedding stuff and and reading a new book (The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke by Suze Orman - highly recommended, even if your not broke), but my attention span only lasts so long. So, for your reading pleasure (and my sanity), a distraction, compliments of Morgan.....
Welcome to the 2009 edition of getting to know your family and friends (better late than never)!
1. What is your occupation right now?
Speech-Language Pathologist.
2. What color are your socks right now?
Light blue lotion socks, compliments of Jon.
3. What are you listening to right now?
Dogs barking outside me window.
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
Potato soup from Blue Baker for lunch.
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yes, though Jon says I ride the clutch.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Jon; he called to check on me and give me good news!
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
One of my best and oldest friends :)
8. How old are you today?
25 years, 2 months, and 25 days.
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
College football.
10. What is your favorite drink?
Non-Alcoholic: Cranberry Juice; Alcoholic: Margarita!
11. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yes; went a little overboard with the SunIn in middle school!! Never again, though!
12. Favorite food?
Queso from Matt's El Rancho...Thank You Morgan!!!
13. What is the last movie you watched?
Monty Python and the Holy Grail...in preparation for Spamalot.
14. Favorite day of the year? D
efinitely Christmas Day.
15. How do you vent anger?
Unfortunately, I stew. And sometimes cry.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child?
Baby dolls.
17. What is your favorite season?
Winter.
18. Cherries or Blueberries?
Not in love with either, really. How about Raspberries!!
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
Blog back, maybe....
20. Who is the most likely to respond?
I would say Morgan, but she already did this thing!
21. Who is least likely to respond?
Well, considering I'm not tagging anyone....who knows!
22. Living arrangements?
By myself!!! But, not for much longer. :)
23. When was the last time you cried?
On Monday, when they told me they had to do the more extensive surgery on my knee.
24. What is on the floor of your closet?
Neatly organized shoes, luggage, and storage bins.
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are this sending to?
Morgan
26. What did you do last night?
Talked to Stephanie, watched TV, and stayed up until 3am playing solitaire on my iPodTouch
27. What are you most afraid of?
Roaches....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Cheese....everything is better with cheese!
29. Favorite dog breed?
Boston Terriers, but French and English Bulldogs come in a close second and third.
30. Favorite day of the week?
Thursday...best TV night.
31. How many states have you lived in?
Two...Kansas and Texas.
32. Diamonds or pearls?
Definitely diamonds!!! Sorry Jon...
33. What is your favorite flower?
Gerber Daisies, Tulips, and Roses.
There, that was a nice break!
Anyway, I've been working on wedding stuff and and reading a new book (The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke by Suze Orman - highly recommended, even if your not broke), but my attention span only lasts so long. So, for your reading pleasure (and my sanity), a distraction, compliments of Morgan.....
Welcome to the 2009 edition of getting to know your family and friends (better late than never)!
1. What is your occupation right now?
Speech-Language Pathologist.
2. What color are your socks right now?
Light blue lotion socks, compliments of Jon.
3. What are you listening to right now?
Dogs barking outside me window.
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
Potato soup from Blue Baker for lunch.
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yes, though Jon says I ride the clutch.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Jon; he called to check on me and give me good news!
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
One of my best and oldest friends :)
8. How old are you today?
25 years, 2 months, and 25 days.
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
College football.
10. What is your favorite drink?
Non-Alcoholic: Cranberry Juice; Alcoholic: Margarita!
11. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yes; went a little overboard with the SunIn in middle school!! Never again, though!
12. Favorite food?
Queso from Matt's El Rancho...Thank You Morgan!!!
13. What is the last movie you watched?
Monty Python and the Holy Grail...in preparation for Spamalot.
14. Favorite day of the year? D
efinitely Christmas Day.
15. How do you vent anger?
Unfortunately, I stew. And sometimes cry.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child?
Baby dolls.
17. What is your favorite season?
Winter.
18. Cherries or Blueberries?
Not in love with either, really. How about Raspberries!!
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
Blog back, maybe....
20. Who is the most likely to respond?
I would say Morgan, but she already did this thing!
21. Who is least likely to respond?
Well, considering I'm not tagging anyone....who knows!
22. Living arrangements?
By myself!!! But, not for much longer. :)
23. When was the last time you cried?
On Monday, when they told me they had to do the more extensive surgery on my knee.
24. What is on the floor of your closet?
Neatly organized shoes, luggage, and storage bins.
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are this sending to?
Morgan
26. What did you do last night?
Talked to Stephanie, watched TV, and stayed up until 3am playing solitaire on my iPodTouch
27. What are you most afraid of?
Roaches....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Cheese....everything is better with cheese!
29. Favorite dog breed?
Boston Terriers, but French and English Bulldogs come in a close second and third.
30. Favorite day of the week?
Thursday...best TV night.
31. How many states have you lived in?
Two...Kansas and Texas.
32. Diamonds or pearls?
Definitely diamonds!!! Sorry Jon...
33. What is your favorite flower?
Gerber Daisies, Tulips, and Roses.
There, that was a nice break!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Digital Scrap Booking
I'm sure like many of you out there, I love to scrapbook. I've been scrap booking since I was a senior in high school, when we were given a year-long assignment to compile a scrapbook of all the significant things we experienced during our last year in grade school. Though it was my fist scrapbook, I can honestly say it is the best one I've ever made and I still have it. In that book are 9/11 newspaper clippings, my college acceptance letters, concert ticket stubs, and a whole slew of other mementos.
Though I love scrap booking and could spend days at a time doing it, the one huge downside is that it is SO expensive. When you're in the midst of creating a book, you never realize how much every little trip to Hobby Lobby for paper, and special scissors, and adornments, and stamps, and stickers, and pens costs. And don't forget the price of printing your pictures. By the time I'm finished, I could have easily spent $150 to $200 dollars.
So, given that I was in school and money was tight, I took a hiatus from scrap booking. That was the case, until I found.....Shutterfly!
The digital scrap booking feature is awesome! It allows you to choose your photos, choose your layouts, choose your backgrounds, choose your fonts, and add all sorts of embellishments. The best thing is that once you create your book on-line, you can have it printed and delivered. A typical 8x8 book (the ones I always make) will run you anywhere from $25 to $80 bucks, depending on the number of pages you have. Now, that may seem kind of expensive, but considering that includes all of your photo processing, professional printing and binding, and delivery, it's a deal you can't beat. Plus, Shutterfly sends out TONS of coupons!
I've made four books so far from trips Jon and I have taken. I'm working on my 5th book, which is a favorite family recipe book. Surprisingly, Jon likes to help design the books too, so we've resolved to create a book after every trip we take.
Though I love scrap booking and could spend days at a time doing it, the one huge downside is that it is SO expensive. When you're in the midst of creating a book, you never realize how much every little trip to Hobby Lobby for paper, and special scissors, and adornments, and stamps, and stickers, and pens costs. And don't forget the price of printing your pictures. By the time I'm finished, I could have easily spent $150 to $200 dollars.
So, given that I was in school and money was tight, I took a hiatus from scrap booking. That was the case, until I found.....Shutterfly!
The digital scrap booking feature is awesome! It allows you to choose your photos, choose your layouts, choose your backgrounds, choose your fonts, and add all sorts of embellishments. The best thing is that once you create your book on-line, you can have it printed and delivered. A typical 8x8 book (the ones I always make) will run you anywhere from $25 to $80 bucks, depending on the number of pages you have. Now, that may seem kind of expensive, but considering that includes all of your photo processing, professional printing and binding, and delivery, it's a deal you can't beat. Plus, Shutterfly sends out TONS of coupons!
I've made four books so far from trips Jon and I have taken. I'm working on my 5th book, which is a favorite family recipe book. Surprisingly, Jon likes to help design the books too, so we've resolved to create a book after every trip we take.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Recovering!
So, my surgery today went well. However, we will definitely be postponing our wedding dance lessons until May. Rats...
I've been having knee pain and intermittent swelling since the day after Thanksgiving. Though no obvious, pinpoint, injury occurred, I am hypothesizing that I hut my knee either hula hooping on the Wii or in my step aerobics class. I think for my pride's sake, I'll go with the later explanation.
Anyway, I went in today so the surgeon could perform and arthroscopic debridement of my knee. Though I had no explicit tears, my MRI did show some plica (or junk as my physical therapist likes to call it) irritating my knee cap, which my surgeon would remove. The surgeon said that I might also have a ligament pulling my knee cap off center, and if that was the case he would have to perform a lateral release. I prayed and prayed that this would not be the case, but unfortunately, it was.
The recovery from a lateral release is much longer than a basic debridement. I'll be swollen and hobbling around (possibly on crutches) for 3-4 weeks and won't be completely healed for 3 months! And, it is apparently much more painful (though I'm sure the pain pills are skewing my perception of that at the moment!).
But, the silver lining on all of this is...
a) that the problem is fixed.
b) that the problem wasn't too serious.
c) that I'll be all healed for the wedding and the honeymoon!
d) that I got to spend more time with Jon and test drive his husband skills! (And don't worry, they're good!)
I'll be stuck in bed through Wednesday and will hopefully be back to work on Thursday!
The Length of Lent...
As the liturgical season of Lent is quickly approaching, I am reminded of a funny story.
But first, a little background. Growing up, I was blessed with a strong (not radical) religious education. I went to Catholic school for three years and had parents who taught our religious education classes in addition to educating us in our faith at home. Attending religious education classes all throughout primary school was never really a chore and I feel very blessed to have parents who made faith education a priority. I believe it was my strong religious education base that made keeping my faith throughout college much easier, and for this I am very grateful.
So, when my mom asked me to teach religious education with her at our church last year, I agreed. Now, last year we had a very smart and outgoing group of 4th grade girls and all of our lessons were relatively easy to teach and explain. This year, however, it's taking a lot more effort and repetition for the information to sink in, which makes for some pretty funny stories.
Case in point:
A few weeks ago, we were studying the liturgical seasons of the church. We have a very active group of girls this year, one of which loves to answer every question, even though she rarely has the answer. I'll call this little girl Holly.
Me: Alright, who knows what the next liturgical season is?
Holly (jumping out of her chair): I do I do!!!
Me: Ok, Holly, what is the next liturgical season?
Holly (obviously reading from the book): LENT!
Me: Good! Ok, now, tell me about lent.
Holly: Um, I don't know....
Me: Ok, how long is lent?
Holly: 6 days!!!
Me: No. Lent is 40 days long. Can you tell me why lent is 40 days long?
Holly: Um, I don't know....
Me: Ok, Lent is 40 days long because that's how long Jesus was in the.....
Holly: WAR!
Now, I know I shouldn't laugh when they get a question wrong, but this one was just too funny and both my mom and I busted out laughing! At least Holly's enthusiastic!
But first, a little background. Growing up, I was blessed with a strong (not radical) religious education. I went to Catholic school for three years and had parents who taught our religious education classes in addition to educating us in our faith at home. Attending religious education classes all throughout primary school was never really a chore and I feel very blessed to have parents who made faith education a priority. I believe it was my strong religious education base that made keeping my faith throughout college much easier, and for this I am very grateful.
So, when my mom asked me to teach religious education with her at our church last year, I agreed. Now, last year we had a very smart and outgoing group of 4th grade girls and all of our lessons were relatively easy to teach and explain. This year, however, it's taking a lot more effort and repetition for the information to sink in, which makes for some pretty funny stories.
Case in point:
A few weeks ago, we were studying the liturgical seasons of the church. We have a very active group of girls this year, one of which loves to answer every question, even though she rarely has the answer. I'll call this little girl Holly.
Me: Alright, who knows what the next liturgical season is?
Holly (jumping out of her chair): I do I do!!!
Me: Ok, Holly, what is the next liturgical season?
Holly (obviously reading from the book): LENT!
Me: Good! Ok, now, tell me about lent.
Holly: Um, I don't know....
Me: Ok, how long is lent?
Holly: 6 days!!!
Me: No. Lent is 40 days long. Can you tell me why lent is 40 days long?
Holly: Um, I don't know....
Me: Ok, Lent is 40 days long because that's how long Jesus was in the.....
Holly: WAR!
Now, I know I shouldn't laugh when they get a question wrong, but this one was just too funny and both my mom and I busted out laughing! At least Holly's enthusiastic!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Under the Knife
So, tomorrow I go under the knife for knee surgery. It's an outpatient procedure, so it shouldn't be too bad. I'll be stuck in bed for three days, so look forward to many blog updates!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Wedding Update
Here's the wedding update as of today, February 4th, 2009.....156 days and counting!
Because I like making lists, and the list would be far too long of the things I have already accomplished in wedding land, here is the list of what's left to do, wedding wise....
Because I like making lists, and the list would be far too long of the things I have already accomplished in wedding land, here is the list of what's left to do, wedding wise....
- Confirm types of cake with our cute cake lady.
- Solidify music selections for the ceremony.
- Book hair and make up appointments for Bridal Portraits and Wedding Day.
- Pick out specific reception songs.
- Confirm floral order.
- Give list of desired foods to country club.
- Determine transportation arrangements for wedding weekend.
- Officially sign up for dancing lessons.
- Have wedding dress altered.
- Complete Catholic marriage preparation requirements.
- Order custom color M&M's.
- Find a place to live!
Ok, I think that completes the list of things I need to do in a semi-soon fashion.
In other news, our honeymoon is completely booked and I am super excited!!! Besides all the romantic junk, we are going ziplining in the rainforest!!! Very excited, if you couldn't tell.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
My Version Of A Not So Great Day
Let me preface this post by saying that I know I have it easy. Every day at work I am reminded that I am healthy, I have clothes on my back, I have a job that provides me with a comfortable lifestyle, I have a family that loves me and cares about me, and that I typically never go without. This is usually in stark contrast to quite a few of my patients, who are obviously sick, may be out of work, might not have a family that cares about them, and may have needed many of the basic things in life.
I'm not complaining; just venting on the disappointment of today.
Today I got the e-mail I've been dreading. The e-mail was from the Journal of School Health and it informed me that my research manuscript had not been chosen for inclusion in the journal. For those of you who don't know, I spent a huge amount of time and energy in graduate school and 17 months after graduate school completing and preparing for submission my master's thesis on What High School Student's Know About Traumatic Brain Injury and Implications for Brain Injury Awareness Education.
I'm not complaining; just venting on the disappointment of today.
Today I got the e-mail I've been dreading. The e-mail was from the Journal of School Health and it informed me that my research manuscript had not been chosen for inclusion in the journal. For those of you who don't know, I spent a huge amount of time and energy in graduate school and 17 months after graduate school completing and preparing for submission my master's thesis on What High School Student's Know About Traumatic Brain Injury and Implications for Brain Injury Awareness Education.
I am disappointed my manuscript was not accepted for several reasons: 1) I devoted a solid 6 months of my life to surveying 336 students for my research project; all of it now for nothing. 2) I spent 17 months staring at my computer trying to figure out how to convey information about my study in print; all of it now for nothing. And 3) I am now no longer as passionate about brain injury as I once was, which is by far the most disappointing fact of them all.
Like I said, I'm not complaining; I could be far worse off. Even more than the disappointment, I think I am finally coming to terms with the fact that we all become jaded at some point in our lives. I'm disappointed that I spent all of that time working on my research, not that people won't get to see the research I did or understand why brain injury education is so important. That is jaded.
But, the good news is that now I'm passionate about other things...Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Magical Nose Pot
Jon has been sick lately...last weekend he had the terrible stomach bug that is going around and this weekend he has a head cold. Ever since we've been together, I have told him about the wonderfulness of the "nose pot", as he calls it. The "nose pot" is a Neti Pot.
A neti pot is used to clean out your sinuses. As you can tell from the picture above, it's not a fancy device, just a little tea pot you stick up your nose. Well, Jon has always thought it was disgusting (and in some ways I agree with him) and had refused to ever try it. But last night, he was so stopped up that he caved and tried the neti pot.
And you know what he said....."That is the best thing ever! If I would have known it did this, I would have tried it years ago!" But isn't that what I've been saying all along!!! It's a good thing I love him!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Best Seat in Town
So, I was at the hospital the other day and had to do a modified barium swallow study on a cute little old lady who had dementia. Now, people with dementia do say some pretty funny things, but this story takes the cake!
The cute little old lady is sitting in the modified barium swallow study chair, which is a tall chair that slides in between the radiology tower and the table (like being in a closet so small the walls touch your arms), waiting for the radiologist to come. Usually it takes the radiologist several minutes to show up, so I'm left entertaining my patients.
So, I'm making small talk with this cute little old lady when she says "I am so excited to be at this football game! I have never had such good seats for a football game! And, you decorate so nicely for these football games! I love sports; I played volleyball in high school. Oh, I am just so excited; I have never had such good seats for a football game!!!"
So what did I say? I did what any good speech pathologist does when encountering a patient with dementia....I went along with her story. Now, her nurse, who was there supervising, attempted to re-orient the cute little old lady several times, but with no luck. The cute little old lady just kept repeating her story! "I have never had such good seats for a football game!"
I don't think I'll be forgetting that little old lady anytime soon!
News From The Wedding Front
So, as you may or may not know, I am supposedly way ahead of the wedding planning game. I have all of my vendors booked, I have my flowers picked out, I have a dress and all the things that go along with it, and many other things I don't care to think about now. But, if you know me, that hasn't stopped me from trying to finish up wedding planning now. I want to have it all done and I want to have it all done now. What's the point in procrastinating? Anyway, I don't want to get started on my rant.
This weekend was a designated wedding extravaganza weekend. We (meaning I) designate a weekend every so often to focus on wedding stuff. Since I refuse to plan this wedding alone, my wonderful fiance, Jon, graciously puts up with me during these weekends and does a very good job helping me out.
Now, wedding extravaganza weekends rarely go well, and it usually takes every ounce of strength I have to make it through tear-free (didn't make it this time). Those of you who know me know I am a self-proclaimed organizational freak. But, despite that quality, I hate wedding planning. I want a beautiful wedding and a nice party afterwards, but all I really want is to be married to Jon. And wedding planning stresses me out! So, I'll just throw it out there that this weekend was a rough one. But, again, the point of this update is not to complain; it is to show you one of the good things that came out of this weekend!
The one last thing I needed to complete my wedding ensemble was a comb to wear at the junction of my head and my veil. I had searched all over for a comb that I like, but hadn't found one. And, I just couldn't stomach the $60 to $80 dollar price tags that came along with the ones I found. So, on a whim (I know....who knew I did whims), I dragged Jon to Hobby Lobby and blindly bought supplies to make a comb myself. Now, I don't want to toot my own horn, but I am super impressed with myself. See...
The cute little old lady is sitting in the modified barium swallow study chair, which is a tall chair that slides in between the radiology tower and the table (like being in a closet so small the walls touch your arms), waiting for the radiologist to come. Usually it takes the radiologist several minutes to show up, so I'm left entertaining my patients.
So, I'm making small talk with this cute little old lady when she says "I am so excited to be at this football game! I have never had such good seats for a football game! And, you decorate so nicely for these football games! I love sports; I played volleyball in high school. Oh, I am just so excited; I have never had such good seats for a football game!!!"
So what did I say? I did what any good speech pathologist does when encountering a patient with dementia....I went along with her story. Now, her nurse, who was there supervising, attempted to re-orient the cute little old lady several times, but with no luck. The cute little old lady just kept repeating her story! "I have never had such good seats for a football game!"
I don't think I'll be forgetting that little old lady anytime soon!
News From The Wedding Front
So, as you may or may not know, I am supposedly way ahead of the wedding planning game. I have all of my vendors booked, I have my flowers picked out, I have a dress and all the things that go along with it, and many other things I don't care to think about now. But, if you know me, that hasn't stopped me from trying to finish up wedding planning now. I want to have it all done and I want to have it all done now. What's the point in procrastinating? Anyway, I don't want to get started on my rant.
This weekend was a designated wedding extravaganza weekend. We (meaning I) designate a weekend every so often to focus on wedding stuff. Since I refuse to plan this wedding alone, my wonderful fiance, Jon, graciously puts up with me during these weekends and does a very good job helping me out.
Now, wedding extravaganza weekends rarely go well, and it usually takes every ounce of strength I have to make it through tear-free (didn't make it this time). Those of you who know me know I am a self-proclaimed organizational freak. But, despite that quality, I hate wedding planning. I want a beautiful wedding and a nice party afterwards, but all I really want is to be married to Jon. And wedding planning stresses me out! So, I'll just throw it out there that this weekend was a rough one. But, again, the point of this update is not to complain; it is to show you one of the good things that came out of this weekend!
The one last thing I needed to complete my wedding ensemble was a comb to wear at the junction of my head and my veil. I had searched all over for a comb that I like, but hadn't found one. And, I just couldn't stomach the $60 to $80 dollar price tags that came along with the ones I found. So, on a whim (I know....who knew I did whims), I dragged Jon to Hobby Lobby and blindly bought supplies to make a comb myself. Now, I don't want to toot my own horn, but I am super impressed with myself. See...
Tada!! And, the best thing....it cost less than $22 bucks and 2 hours of time!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Haven't had any work stories lately, have we?
As I pulled up my blog today, I realized that I haven't posted any work stories lately, which is the true purpose of this blog. Honestly, I don't have any recent funny ones, so I'll tell a sappy one today.
There are patients you treat who will always stay with you, even if they have passed on. For example, my denture man (see archived post). I was reminded of one of those patients today when I ran into his wife (CS is a small town...). Ok, here I go trying to be all sappy and this turns into a funny one, but I'll tell the sappy part first...
My patient, Mr. H, had Parkinson's Disease. Now, even if you're familiar with Parkinson's Disease, you may not realize what implications it has on your speech and swallowing (most importantly). In patients with Parkinson's Disease, the swallowing muscles, just like the other muscles of the body, become weak. Weakened swallowing muscles result in unsafe swallowing, in which food or liquid goes into the lungs, resulting in aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is deadly. Most people with Parkinson's Disease don't die from Parkinson's; they die of pneumonia. Anyway, Parkinson's Disease also weakens the respiratory muscles and impairs a person's perception of speech volume. Thus, a person with Parkinson's Disease speaks with very poor breath support and a very soft voice.
So, I was working with my patient, and his wife of nearly 60 years, trying to make him more aware of his very soft speech. The following conversation ensued:
There are patients you treat who will always stay with you, even if they have passed on. For example, my denture man (see archived post). I was reminded of one of those patients today when I ran into his wife (CS is a small town...). Ok, here I go trying to be all sappy and this turns into a funny one, but I'll tell the sappy part first...
My patient, Mr. H, had Parkinson's Disease. Now, even if you're familiar with Parkinson's Disease, you may not realize what implications it has on your speech and swallowing (most importantly). In patients with Parkinson's Disease, the swallowing muscles, just like the other muscles of the body, become weak. Weakened swallowing muscles result in unsafe swallowing, in which food or liquid goes into the lungs, resulting in aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is deadly. Most people with Parkinson's Disease don't die from Parkinson's; they die of pneumonia. Anyway, Parkinson's Disease also weakens the respiratory muscles and impairs a person's perception of speech volume. Thus, a person with Parkinson's Disease speaks with very poor breath support and a very soft voice.
So, I was working with my patient, and his wife of nearly 60 years, trying to make him more aware of his very soft speech. The following conversation ensued:
- Me: Mr. H, has there ever been a time where you needed to use your voice to get something and didn't get it because your voice was too soft?
- Mr. H: Well, yes.
- Me: Ok, can you tell me what happened?
- Mr. H: Well, we were getting ready for a trip and I was in the bathroom reaching for something in the tub when I accidentally fell in.
- Me: You fell into the bathtub?
- Mr. H: Yes
- Me: Were you hurt?
- Mr. H: No, but I couldn't get out of the tub.
- Me: So what did you do?
- Mr. H: I tried to yell for my wife, but she couldn't hear me.
- Me: So then what did you do?
- (Side note: Mr. H was a brilliant aeronautical engineer for the Air Force)
- Mr. H: I couldn't get out and my wife couldn't hear me, so I wedged my foot under the toilet seat (which was apparently next to the tub), lifted the toilet seat with my foot, let it go, and let the lid slam down. I did that about 10-12 times before my wife came to see what all the noise was about.
- Me: (Trying so hard not to laugh) So, you slammed to toilet seat with your foot so your wife could hear you?
- Mr. H: Yes
- Me: Well, I'm glad that worked, but don't you think that since your voice is so soft you and your wife may need a personal alarm button you could wear and push in just a situation like that?
- Mr. H: Well, I suppose that beats sticking your foot in the toilet!
Mr. H was the sweetest patient and had the most loving and caring family. He passed away a while ago, but I often see his wife working out in our gym. Whenever I run into her, I am in awe at the love she had for her husband for over sixty years and I can't help but remember that story!
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