Day 11 10/26/08
October 27th, 2008
I think I’ve hit the doldrums. The middle of the voyage when you’ve been gone long enough that the novelty is gone, and yet too much time remains to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Last week’s unfortunate incident didn’t help. Nor does the fact that life seems to be going on at home without me. My wife is in the middle of an extremely demanding academic schedule, my children are in the middle of their school year with sports and play dates, and I’m here, at the end of a weekend doing absolutely nothing.
There’s a big hubbub going on around here, some bigwigs are coming in for an inspection. This morning, a whole team of cleaners, nurses and interpreters swept through here, changing sheets two days after previously doing so, cleaning the place within an inch of its life, asking us to straighten up shelves and closets, refrigerators and laundry. This is not going over really well with the animals in the zoo. Excepting myself (being here alone) everyone is in cramped quarters, most with small children in tow. The last thing anyone wants is to be told to tote that barge or lift that bale. Although one does get the feeling that if there’s a failing grade, someone will be going to jail.
Tomorrow, therapy schedules are being changed. mine for the worse. My next spinal is scheduled for Wednesday, and I’m getting resistance regarding communicating with the head doctor. I’m not really thrilled about that. I do not want a repeat of Friday’s fiasco. I can feel the ugly American peeping out from under the rock whence he came.
I think getting busy with therapy tomorrow is just what the doctor ordered, no pun intended. A little honest sweat could be just what I need to kick this poor me garbage right in the teeth.
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4 Comments Add your own
1. Deb | October 27th, 2008 at 3:35 am
Mike…I’m amazed by, and so proud of you, for the positive attitude you continue to exhibit through this journey. That U of M spirit prevails ! I went down to the Lake on Thursday morning for a long Scrapbooking weekend and soon as I got home on Sunday, logged onto your blog to get caught up on your weekend. I hope you’re planning on writing a book. I’m sorry Friday was so miserable. Definately sending good karma vibes for Wednesday. XOXO…HUGS…PS: Happy Anniversary !!
2. sylvia | October 27th, 2008 at 5:45 am
Mike, I love the way you tell your story. Reading your journal feels like I’m right there with you. It’s the way you write. I swear I can smell the Lysol! I am kinda glad to hear that they are scrutinizing the place. I hope it’s not just about the cleanliness?
Time is dragging I see…weekends must be the worst. I guess you haven’t organized a card game there yet? If you were an online gamer, I would challenge you to a scrabble game! As I recall, you used to kick my ass…grrr. (I been practicing ya know…thx to the internet….heehee)
Now the Nurse Ratchet in me says, you go gorilla ugly on that head doctor if he lets them make a pin cushion out of you next Wednesday!
Speaking of life going on over here….I am volunteering for the local Democratic party. My days of door-to-door canvassing are over, but I can still make food for the canvassers, so that’s what I am doing. Ten years ago we barely had an organization here in Redland! Now the workers have an office and food!
Also, there is a proposition on the ballot to allow embryonic stem cell research to go on in Michigan. I am hoping it will pass, but no doubt many people would rather see that they are discarded instead of put to good use….so senseless. In case anyone is interested to read it:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/sos/ED-20_11-08_Props_Poster2_251561_7.pdf
The first part of this document is legalizing medical marijuana, and is very long! Scroll down to the end to see the stem cell proposal, which is very short…just a few inches long, so easy to miss.
xoxox from your aunt sylvia
3. Jeff Crowe | October 27th, 2008 at 8:09 am
I hat e to hear that things have been tough for you. I can relate to hitting the wall in the middle of the trip. The 3 of us began to fight and argue and talk about being ready to be home. Leslie started to prepare to pack a week early. We watched movies….this helped speed the time. Every night we watched a movie it gave us something to look forward to.
It is kinda sad that life does not stop back home… our girls went on and missed us sure, but really did ok without us.
All too soon though, I was looking for the peace and quiet of my hospital room—life started back full force when we returned.
Hang in there…it will get better.
BTW… Leslie had to BEG every time to get them to give me Valium before the treatment. They called me a baby, but I did not care. I did not want to hurt. Tell them every time you go for the spinal—right before–get the translators if needed.
4. Christine Gray | October 27th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Hi again Mike,
Yeah, I know what you mean about the doldrums. The vice-president of Nanshan came to visit our O.T. room one day. I didn’t know who he was but saw that he was wearing a funny, paper hat-kind of like a chef. I almost blurted out, “who’s the chef” Good thing I didn’t-because the “hat” was for sanitary reasons- I could have caused some weird sort of international incident! I tried for days to get a message to my doctor-she finally appeared…smiling & wanting to answer my questions. There’s
definetely a cultural component going on behind what , at first, appears to be miscommunication or even dismissal. I know the Chinese “chain of command” is a bit different than ours. I ended up asking everyone who wouold listen to get a message to my doctor-nurses, technicians, therapists, stem cell doctors and, especially, the Beike staff ( they are your front line liason)-often several times/day…always with a smile. Don’t give up….you deserve answers and you’ll get them./ Even if your already wheeled into the room to get your spinal, tell them, assertively, they’ve GOT to change your med amount.
On the positive side, you’ve passed the half way point ,it’s all a slide toward “home plate ” now.! Keep up the good work, keep healing, resting , and try & have some fun too…
Cheers,
Christine
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