In other news we planted this English rose yesterday that came from my sister as an anniversary gift. It should be ideal for our climate so we’re hoping we can encourage it to grow and thrive here
Showing posts with label doctor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label doctor. Show all posts
Monday, September 30, 2024
Day 17.264: Rose
We spent the day today driving Exile #3 to an appointment in Boston, which was generally good without being revolutionary.
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Day 17.055: Back to the grind
I'm actually feeling pretty good about life today. I woke up sick on Friday and after powering through a morning at work; I managed to get a last minute medical appointment and a diagnosis and some antibiotics by the end of the day. Saturday was pretty miserable, Sunday a little better.
By Monday morning I was feeling better still, but decided not to attempt a day of work. I’m now sure that was the right call because, despite feeling almost back to normal today, I still ran out of steam as the work-day drew to a close.
Not the weekend or start to the week I’d anticipated, but I suppose it’s all gone pretty well given the starting point.
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Day 16.047: Exile #2's Sunday Column #429
Exile #2 writes...
It’s been a topsy turvy kind of week. Exile #1 spent the first part of it in Georgia, which would usually be the cue for the skies to unload a bounteous fall of snow, and true to form it did, but for once kindly waited until he had returned.
E5N1 spent most of what was a school vacation week with a grotty cough and cold. The rest of us picked up a version of it but mostly only enough to feel tired and achy.
Exile #3 continued the work of figuring out what on earth is going on with her head by going to the optician. He declared that there was nothing wrong with her vision but that she seems to have trouble focusing. “You don’t know the half of it, mister” was her later comment to us.
While she was busy being examined, I went and picked a few things up at the supermarket, where to my delight I found this:
I wonder if they also make dysfunctional granola. I think that might be more our kind of product.
It’s been a topsy turvy kind of week. Exile #1 spent the first part of it in Georgia, which would usually be the cue for the skies to unload a bounteous fall of snow, and true to form it did, but for once kindly waited until he had returned.
E5N1 spent most of what was a school vacation week with a grotty cough and cold. The rest of us picked up a version of it but mostly only enough to feel tired and achy.
Exile #3 continued the work of figuring out what on earth is going on with her head by going to the optician. He declared that there was nothing wrong with her vision but that she seems to have trouble focusing. “You don’t know the half of it, mister” was her later comment to us.
While she was busy being examined, I went and picked a few things up at the supermarket, where to my delight I found this:
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| Functional Granola |
I wonder if they also make dysfunctional granola. I think that might be more our kind of product.
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Day 16.005: Exile #2's Sunday Column #424
Exile #2 writes...
After our trip to the museum on Friday and decidedly chilly walk yesterday, we opted for some indoor entertainments this afternoon. I tackled my second Christmas jigsaw and made Rosie the Riveter look a little more like herself. Meanwhile, Exile #1 did some construction of his own but I’ll leave that for him to show off another day.
We heard yesterday that the head of the Maine Center for Disease Control is moving on to a national position. It’s hard to imagine us even having heard of Dr Shah in other times, let alone anything about his career progression but he has been a constant and reassuring presence over the last few years, providing regular public updates and frequently answering questions on local radio and TV. Maine has had one of the highest vaccination rates, no doubt due to his efforts (and those of his colleagues, who he would be quick to praise). Somehow he’s also managed to encourage Mainers to be kind, considerate and hopeful, without it seeming cheesy or preachy. We wish him every success in his future role. Thanks for looking after us, Dr Shah!
After our trip to the museum on Friday and decidedly chilly walk yesterday, we opted for some indoor entertainments this afternoon. I tackled my second Christmas jigsaw and made Rosie the Riveter look a little more like herself. Meanwhile, Exile #1 did some construction of his own but I’ll leave that for him to show off another day.
We heard yesterday that the head of the Maine Center for Disease Control is moving on to a national position. It’s hard to imagine us even having heard of Dr Shah in other times, let alone anything about his career progression but he has been a constant and reassuring presence over the last few years, providing regular public updates and frequently answering questions on local radio and TV. Maine has had one of the highest vaccination rates, no doubt due to his efforts (and those of his colleagues, who he would be quick to praise). Somehow he’s also managed to encourage Mainers to be kind, considerate and hopeful, without it seeming cheesy or preachy. We wish him every success in his future role. Thanks for looking after us, Dr Shah!
Friday, November 4, 2022
Day 15.298: Voicemail transcription received
Yesterday, Exile #2 took Exile #3 to her physiotherapy appointment. On the way back, while Exile #3 was describing the session, she accidentally pocket-dialed (well except there was no pocket involved - lap-dialed perhaps?) and left a voicemail. Thanks to the joy of modern technology, an attempt was made to interpret the poor quality audio message as text - so here you have it:
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Day 15.080: A direct and compelling headline
I was notified that I'm now eligible for a second booster dose of COVID vaccine, but I get the impression the email notification might have been rushed out - unless the new tag-line for my doctor's office is literally, "A direct and compelling headline", perhaps repeated for emphasis.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Day 13.067: Quarantine notification
With the kids home from school and all their groups and classes on hold or moved on-line, it was beginning to feel like we were on lock down. My regular messages in my work email about "quarantined messages" began to take on a different meaning:
However, thanks to two of us having developed a mild fever today, we are actually under doctor's orders to quarantine ourselves in case it is a case of the current pandemic. No strong indication that it is at the moment, but better safe than sharing.
However, thanks to two of us having developed a mild fever today, we are actually under doctor's orders to quarantine ourselves in case it is a case of the current pandemic. No strong indication that it is at the moment, but better safe than sharing.
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Day 13.034: Throwback Thursday - when Exile #2 had more teeth
E5N1 has stopped doing the minimum (60 mins per week) of trumpet practice and is instead aiming to play every day. This gives him even more flexibility in what he plays some days. One fun thing has been downloading music with piano accompaniment and enrolling Exile #2 to play with him. It's amazing what you can find on the internet these days:
It's not a major throwback but I took this at the weekend when Exile #2 had her two top wisdom teeth. Her lower ones were taken out in Oxford around the time we got engaged I think. The top two were removed yesterday and she is recovering pretty well.
It's not a major throwback but I took this at the weekend when Exile #2 had her two top wisdom teeth. Her lower ones were taken out in Oxford around the time we got engaged I think. The top two were removed yesterday and she is recovering pretty well.
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Day 13.023: Big game night
We watched some of the football game, some of the half-time show, some of the commercials. We also watched all of the new episode of Doctor Who - it's like we're some kind of British/American hybrid.
Monday, February 18, 2019
Day 12.039: Older and wiser?
Exile #3 and Exile #4 both had all four of their wisdom teeth removed today. All went well - here is Exile #3 looking a bit swollen and making use of an ice-pack sock-thing:
Due to the no recording policy that was presented to us at check-in and posted prominently around the recovery room, I am unable to bring you footage of the ramblings of the girls as they came round from their anaesthesia. Both went through a teary phase - Exile #3's was definitely more dramatic, then both started to find things amusing. They both wondered how they had arrived in the recovery room and discussed the numbness of their mouths of course but also made the following observations:
Exile #4
Why do the curtains have stripes like that? [repeatedly - she was seriously put out by the curtain design] and why are some of the feathers yellow and some white? [the curtains had a leaf pattern]
Exile #3
[in response to Exile #2 observing that it was like having two teenagers on a bad trip] She doesn't mean like in a car [giggling uncontrollably] - she means a different kind!
Exile #3 continued to be very funny - telling the nurse that I won't let her drive on the highway and that salt-water rinses were OK, because at least salt-water is better than apple cider vinegar, all while giggling like it was the funniest thing she'd ever heard.
They are experiencing some pain, but they are coping pretty well and they have the rest of the week to get over the worst before having to go to school or any other activities.
Due to the no recording policy that was presented to us at check-in and posted prominently around the recovery room, I am unable to bring you footage of the ramblings of the girls as they came round from their anaesthesia. Both went through a teary phase - Exile #3's was definitely more dramatic, then both started to find things amusing. They both wondered how they had arrived in the recovery room and discussed the numbness of their mouths of course but also made the following observations:
Exile #4
Why do the curtains have stripes like that? [repeatedly - she was seriously put out by the curtain design] and why are some of the feathers yellow and some white? [the curtains had a leaf pattern]
Exile #3
[in response to Exile #2 observing that it was like having two teenagers on a bad trip] She doesn't mean like in a car [giggling uncontrollably] - she means a different kind!
Exile #3 continued to be very funny - telling the nurse that I won't let her drive on the highway and that salt-water rinses were OK, because at least salt-water is better than apple cider vinegar, all while giggling like it was the funniest thing she'd ever heard.
They are experiencing some pain, but they are coping pretty well and they have the rest of the week to get over the worst before having to go to school or any other activities.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Day 12.038: Exile #2's Sunday Column #238
Exile #2 writes...
Exiles #3 and #4 are kicking the school vacation off in style tomorrow by having their wisdom teeth out. This evening was an exercise in distraction, not so much from the operation itself but from the fact that they are not allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight. We are anticipating two hangry girls tomorrow morning. To ensure they do not accidentally ingest something we have confiscated all drinking vessels and have covered the kitchen with stern-looking sticky notes. Exile #3 also encouraged us to put one up in the bathroom. Presumably she thinks she might be desperate enough to contemplate snacking on the toothpaste. Perhaps we just need to create an attachment for the “cone of shame” that she had to wear this evening during our game of Exploding Kittens.
Exiles #3 and #4 are kicking the school vacation off in style tomorrow by having their wisdom teeth out. This evening was an exercise in distraction, not so much from the operation itself but from the fact that they are not allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight. We are anticipating two hangry girls tomorrow morning. To ensure they do not accidentally ingest something we have confiscated all drinking vessels and have covered the kitchen with stern-looking sticky notes. Exile #3 also encouraged us to put one up in the bathroom. Presumably she thinks she might be desperate enough to contemplate snacking on the toothpaste. Perhaps we just need to create an attachment for the “cone of shame” that she had to wear this evening during our game of Exploding Kittens.
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Day 11.179: Exile #2's Sunday Column #212
Exile #2 writes...
Thanks for all the birthday wishes! I had a lovely day yesterday looking at art,
eating at one of our favorite restaurants, and enjoying the birthday cake that the kids did a great job of baking. I was sent away so that they could do it without me seeing, although I did have to answer the odd question, such as, “Is this baking soda the stuff we’re supposed to use? The packet is covered in pictures of laundry and cleaning.” (fair point, it was). My favorite moment, however, was when one young Exile asked if I knew where the baking flour was. I thought it best to double check, “Do you actually mean baking powder?” The young Exile disappeared to check, only to return and confirm what I had suspected that it was actually baking powder that they needed. That hiccup averted, the cake turned out beautifully.
Today has brought us back down to earth with a bump, as a rash Exile #3 had had for a few days, and which we assumed was a heat rash brought on by our 90+ degree days, turned out to be a case of hand, foot and mouth. She seems to be doing a bit better at this end of the day but now we are hoping everyone else doesn’t succumb. There are quite a few plans that could be derailed.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes! I had a lovely day yesterday looking at art,
eating at one of our favorite restaurants, and enjoying the birthday cake that the kids did a great job of baking. I was sent away so that they could do it without me seeing, although I did have to answer the odd question, such as, “Is this baking soda the stuff we’re supposed to use? The packet is covered in pictures of laundry and cleaning.” (fair point, it was). My favorite moment, however, was when one young Exile asked if I knew where the baking flour was. I thought it best to double check, “Do you actually mean baking powder?” The young Exile disappeared to check, only to return and confirm what I had suspected that it was actually baking powder that they needed. That hiccup averted, the cake turned out beautifully.
Today has brought us back down to earth with a bump, as a rash Exile #3 had had for a few days, and which we assumed was a heat rash brought on by our 90+ degree days, turned out to be a case of hand, foot and mouth. She seems to be doing a bit better at this end of the day but now we are hoping everyone else doesn’t succumb. There are quite a few plans that could be derailed.
Monday, January 29, 2018
Day 11.019: Detroit deice
Today, I deserted the rest of the family in various states of disrepair. Exile #3 was off school, E5N1 was at school (marginally), Exile #2 is under doctor's orders and only Exile #4 is (so far at least) well.
Meanwhile, I have arrived (eventually) in Madison, Wisconsin after a journey that was delayed by approximately three hours by a snow storm in Michigan. Here is a photo of them deicing the plane before we took off from Detroit this evening:
Meanwhile, I have arrived (eventually) in Madison, Wisconsin after a journey that was delayed by approximately three hours by a snow storm in Michigan. Here is a photo of them deicing the plane before we took off from Detroit this evening:
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Day 11.018: Exile #2's Sunday Column #189
Exile #2 writes:
So, it all started a few days ago, when I felt like I had trapped a nerve in my shoulder. It was a little uncomfortable, not least because it made it difficult to take a full breath but after a day or so, it started to feel a little better. Not long after, however, my rib cage began to feel sore, again restricting my breathing. I could still do most of the things I needed to do, though, so I thought I would wait it out. Yesterday, however, Exile #1 and I decided to go for a walk on the beach. We didn’t get far before I realized I couldn’t continue. Even just shuffling along made my chest ache and made me feel quite breathless.
The urgent care center was on the way home, so we called in, and although they seemed fairly happy with my vitals, they suggested I go to the ER, and do so in an ambulance - slightly alarming!
Fortunately, the hospital wasn’t too busy and after a chest X-ray and a Cat Scan they decided I had some heart inflammation, probably caused by a virus. Although it was, and still is quite uncomfortable, I was very happy to be discharged with instructions to take ibuprofen for a few days and take it easy. All in all, not the afternoon we’d planned but it could have been a whole lot worse!
So, it all started a few days ago, when I felt like I had trapped a nerve in my shoulder. It was a little uncomfortable, not least because it made it difficult to take a full breath but after a day or so, it started to feel a little better. Not long after, however, my rib cage began to feel sore, again restricting my breathing. I could still do most of the things I needed to do, though, so I thought I would wait it out. Yesterday, however, Exile #1 and I decided to go for a walk on the beach. We didn’t get far before I realized I couldn’t continue. Even just shuffling along made my chest ache and made me feel quite breathless.
The urgent care center was on the way home, so we called in, and although they seemed fairly happy with my vitals, they suggested I go to the ER, and do so in an ambulance - slightly alarming!
Fortunately, the hospital wasn’t too busy and after a chest X-ray and a Cat Scan they decided I had some heart inflammation, probably caused by a virus. Although it was, and still is quite uncomfortable, I was very happy to be discharged with instructions to take ibuprofen for a few days and take it easy. All in all, not the afternoon we’d planned but it could have been a whole lot worse!
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Day 9.304: Just what the doctor ordered
Exile #2 and I had decided to have a movie night tonight before last night's events. It turned out to be good medicine for the end of a strange and difficult day.
This is what we saw:
I'm sure the kids will not be pleased that we saw it without them, but we thoroughly enjoyed it!
This is what we saw:
I'm sure the kids will not be pleased that we saw it without them, but we thoroughly enjoyed it!
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Day 9.198: Not her favourite season
Exile #4: I like summer, I don't mind the heat... I also like winter though. If there's one season I could do without it would be fall.
She said it completely straight - but "fall" really? While your knee was being stitched up? You can't fool me young lady - that was a mic-drop moment.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Day 9.196: Exile #2's Sunday Column #115
Exile #2 writes...
I will let Exile #1 have the pleasure of talking about today tomorrow, and instead tell you the rest of the story about yesterday. Hope that's clear.
We successfully dropped Exile #3 off at the Portland Ballet Theater in time for her technical rehearsal yesterday. That left us with a couple of hours to kill before the show, so we headed to Deering Oaks park. It's a classic city park. Lots of old shady trees, a busy wading pool, a pond with ducks and a playground. We headed for the playground and Exile #4 and E5N1 set off to explore. 15 minutes or so later, E5N1 ran back with the ominous message, "[Exile #4] fell down on the concrete, she's bleeding."
Of course, attentive parents that we are, weimmediately ran over sat right where we were and told E5N1 to help her up. He returned with a forlorn looking Exile #4 with an even more forlorn looking knee. We decided we needed a second opinion on this one, so headed to the nearby urgent care center. It was fairly quiet, so she was soon assessed and numbed up by the lovely staff, ready to see the doctor. At this point, however, we had to make a decision about the show. As I had missed a previous show, E5N1 and I made a dash to the theater on foot (literally, after we took a wrong turn), arriving with moments to spare.
The show was great, although I did see a slightly quizzical expression flit across Exile #3's face when she only saw two of us. Ever the professional, though, she didn't let it phase her and we were all able to catch up with each other at half time, when Exile #1 and Exile #4, newly stitched, arrived.
They decided not to join the show at this point but returned for the later show after dropping us home. Exile #1 even summoned up the energy to take part in the half time parental dance-off. The day definitely did not go as planned, but all turned out well in the end.
I will let Exile #1 have the pleasure of talking about today tomorrow, and instead tell you the rest of the story about yesterday. Hope that's clear.
We successfully dropped Exile #3 off at the Portland Ballet Theater in time for her technical rehearsal yesterday. That left us with a couple of hours to kill before the show, so we headed to Deering Oaks park. It's a classic city park. Lots of old shady trees, a busy wading pool, a pond with ducks and a playground. We headed for the playground and Exile #4 and E5N1 set off to explore. 15 minutes or so later, E5N1 ran back with the ominous message, "[Exile #4] fell down on the concrete, she's bleeding."
Of course, attentive parents that we are, we
The show was great, although I did see a slightly quizzical expression flit across Exile #3's face when she only saw two of us. Ever the professional, though, she didn't let it phase her and we were all able to catch up with each other at half time, when Exile #1 and Exile #4, newly stitched, arrived.
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| The wound - very newly stitched |
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Day 9.133: Exile #2's Sunday Column #108
Exile #2 writes...
Today, Exile #3 and I played hooky from HopeGateWay to endure our least favorite place - the mall. She was hunting for a semi-formal dress for promotion (Middle School graduation). We had an encouraging experience at the first store, finding a dress that was acceptable, if not thrilling, so we asked for it to be put on hold. We spent the next hour or so traipsing up and down with increasing bewilderment at the odd confections on offer - sequins and ruffles and bling, oh my!
In the end, of course, we found one in the very last shop we tried (on a whim) and it wasn't even the dress that caught our eye and persuaded us to stick around long enough to make it to the fitting rooms. It's simple, black and white and looks very nice on - phew!
On Friday, it was Exile #4 and I that were out and about for the slightly less fun reason of going to the doctor to follow up on her ER visit. It was a little more exciting than expected, however, as soon after we checked in, the power went out. It caused a flurry of activity as the staff worked out what was still functional. My favorite moment, however, was when the supervisor came by to check on everyone and in all seriousness asked, 'Do you remember how to use paper?'
Today, Exile #3 and I played hooky from HopeGateWay to endure our least favorite place - the mall. She was hunting for a semi-formal dress for promotion (Middle School graduation). We had an encouraging experience at the first store, finding a dress that was acceptable, if not thrilling, so we asked for it to be put on hold. We spent the next hour or so traipsing up and down with increasing bewilderment at the odd confections on offer - sequins and ruffles and bling, oh my!
 |
| One of the early results that a Google Image Search for "eighth grade promotion dress" generates. This is not what she will be wearing. |
On Friday, it was Exile #4 and I that were out and about for the slightly less fun reason of going to the doctor to follow up on her ER visit. It was a little more exciting than expected, however, as soon after we checked in, the power went out. It caused a flurry of activity as the staff worked out what was still functional. My favorite moment, however, was when the supervisor came by to check on everyone and in all seriousness asked, 'Do you remember how to use paper?'
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Day 9.122: Not how I planned to spend my evening
I was nearly home when my phone rang - Exile #2 telling me that Exile #4 was reporting some weird and disturbing neurological symptoms.
Nearly three hours later we were leaving the ER with these:
It is fair to say that Exile #4 has a family history of migraine, although neither Exile #2 nor I have had symptoms quite as disturbing as Exile #4's today. Suffice it to say that we are happy and relieved to have our daughter back home and quite her normal self this evening.
Nearly three hours later we were leaving the ER with these:
It is fair to say that Exile #4 has a family history of migraine, although neither Exile #2 nor I have had symptoms quite as disturbing as Exile #4's today. Suffice it to say that we are happy and relieved to have our daughter back home and quite her normal self this evening.
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