My own (little) Medical Saga

[CaroPhoenix]

My problem is that I always "what if" the worse case scenario.

"What if" they find something wrong? What will happen? Stuff like that.

I've been on edge lately at home, with hubs. It seems as if hubs doesn't care. And that makes me mad.

He probably does care (if I die, who will look after Child Rum?).

[jedimaster91]

Well, think of it this way. If your MRI does show a problem, then you doctor can start treating/fixing it right away. My poor Li'l Sis gets terrible abdominal pain everytime she eats anything. She's had just about every test known to man and they all came back normal. So we have no idea what's wrong with her, or how to fix it so she can eat without feeling like she's dying. Sometimes an abnormal result on a test or scan is a good thing and means you can start treatment.

[Shpepper]

Ok Rummy, Hunny

We all do the worst case scenerio. But remember this, Rummy must get healthy. I have spoken. We need someone who can do the Meposian Dance of Joy. Therefore, Rummy's mind must immediately stop with all the worst case scenarios and begin looking at the best case. That this simple little test that all Rummy has to do is show up and lie down for will finally give the answers that are needed to get our SUPER RUMMY to being a SUPER HAPPY HEALTHY RUMMY ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

I've had these before too. It will be ok. You can do this I promise.

[CaroPhoenix]

Thank you Shpepper and everyone else for the positive thoughts!

I'm positive also: I'm positive that I'll be a very nervous wreck on October 23.

I have figured out what I'm wearing to the MRI. Sad, isn't it? But at least it keeps me thinking.

Ah well ... just one more thing to look foreward to before we can fix whatever is wrong with me. YAY!

[Taboo]

="What if" they find something wrong? What will happen? Stuff like that.

Look at it this way - if there's something wrong, it's already there. Better to find it and be able to start doing something about it than not know.

It sucks not knowing, though. *hugs* I'm sure whatever it is will work out okay, and we'll all pulling for you.

[Primer]

I should have responded earlier, but better late than never. The last several times I've had an MRI, they made me change into a hospital gown, and gave me booties if I did not wear my own socks. Just wear something comfy, preferably without metal zippers, wires, or grommets, and leave all jewelry at home. They also had lockers for clothing and purse where they would be secure.

This last time I was chilly going in, and asked for a blanket, but it quickly became too warm once the machine got going. If you cannot lie still for an extended amount of time for whatever reason, see if you can take pain killers about an hour before your appointment. (Last time, my Restless Leg Syndrome kicked in about 10 minutes in, and it was agony trying to keep still!) If you do need to take meds beforehand, be sure to have a driver! Be sure and go to the bathroom as soon as you arrive after checking in.

Hang in there! The first one is a bit nerve wracking, only because you do not know what to expect. It really is a piece of cake, though. Just keep your eyes closed, and try to breathe normally, or even take a nap.

[CaroPhoenix]

The MRI is this up-coming Friday. I filled out the paperwork that I needed to get done wtih before I get there.

They also have a bunch of papers asking if I want to be part of a research project. I haven't filled that out yet 'cos I'm not sure. Should I? It's to improve the MRI system. But then I'd have to be called back at least one or two more times and I don't know if Mr. Rum has any more time off this year (and what with us maybe moving within the next year to year and a half).

My mother is already adding stress to me.

According to Mapquest, Suburban Hospital (the one off Old Georgetown Road) is 49 minutes away as it's 37 miles from our house. I snorted at that. Figuring in morning traffic, we're going to have leave by at least 6 or 7 AM at the latest. This leaves me in a quandry as to what to do with Child Rum. She needs to be in school whilst I'm doing the test (she'll never sit in one spot and wait for Mommy). However, I don't want to wake her up at an "unGodly" hour and then transport her to Nana & Papa Rum's house. So I ask my mom, wouldn't it be more reasonable if she just spent the night at your house? Then my mom goes off to dithering about how can Child Rum spend the night? What would they do with her? How would she get to school? (Either drive her to my house and wait for the bus to arrive OR just get her to school a little late - after 9 AM). She says she'll discuss it with my dad, but they're not going to discuss it until like 9 PM Thursday night. (I know how it is - if it was my sister, my mother would be taking BabyE like last week and having her stay with her for an unspecified amount of time. As for me? I'm at the bottom of everything).

What to do? What to do?

[Shpepper]

Perhaps can mama and papa rum take you to the appointment and let Mr. Rum get Child Rum off to school???

then they wouldn't have to worry about her and could just get her to school. Otherwise, I don't know what to even think of . and I am usually so good and figuring things out.

Is there someone who can come to your house that morning and stay there til Child Rum has to leave for school?

That would be the only other thing I can think of. Or perhaps there's a respite care person who could help out. But I don't know if you have that set up or have time to set it up.

Either that or I could try to figure out how to hop a plane at night and another one in the morning and take her myself? ? ?

[CaroPhoenix]

Thanks pepper!

We've got it figured out, I think.

We're leaving the house around 7 AM and dropping Child Rum off at my parents' house. They don't have to worry about making Child Rum her lunch as I'm having her buy her lunch this week. (I've run out of ideas for her lunch - and lunch is only $2.10 for a full meal).

My dad will then drive back over to the house and wait with her until the school bus comes.

I'm supposed to be getting out of the procedure/hospital at 12:30 PM. But I'll have my father on back-up on picking Child Rum up from the bus in case we're not home yet.

I'm hoping nothing falls apart by Thursday.

[Shpepper]

I'm glad you got it all figured out. I need t learn to twitch my nose ala Samantha Stevens so I can help out.

[CaroPhoenix]

You and me both Shpepper! I could do a million things at once if I could do that!

The only stress I'm going to have is being in the car with Mr. Rum and driving in rush hour traffic - with him driving. Oy. Rush hour traffic makes me want to run away screaming.

[trailerparkmedic]

Rush hour traffic is no fun. Can you bring a book or something with you to distract you?

You might want to consider wearing some warm socks for the MRI, since you may be stuck wearing a flimsy hospital gown and nothing else. Socks really do help keep you warm!

If the research trial is too much of a burden for you, and they're not giving you anything to make up for it, don't feel bad. You've got to take care of yourself and your family first.

Sending calming, soothing thoughts!!

[CaroPhoenix]

Unfortunately, I can't read in the car (except for maps, I'm a great navigator!).

I'll prolly bring my I-Pod with me. I'll listen to my fave tunes and Mr. Rum can listen to his sports radio stuff.

I'm also slipping my little statue of St. Therese of Lisieux into my purse. I know I can't hold it or my purse whilst in the MRI thingee but I'll feel better just knowing it's somewhere near me.

One thing that has really made my life less stressful is that Child Rum loves buying her lunch at school! now I don't have to wear my brain out coming up with things for her to eat. (But I have to decide what I want her to eat that day - I get a menu at the beginning of every month). At least she can get chocolate milk every day if she wants to, so I know she'll get her calcium. LOL

[CaroPhoenix]

Today is the day and really ...

I'm up at a quarter to 5 (and it's a quarter to 6 already).

I know I need more sleep, but I just can't do it.

I hope I fall asleep in the MRI thingee or something.

Wish me luck!

[Shpepper]

LUCKPEACELUCKPEACELUCKPEACELUCKPEACELUCKPEACELUCKPEACE