My dad's mother, Granny, suffered a small stroke on the evening/morning of July 25th/26th. She and a group of her friends call each other every morning to make sure that things are ok. Well, that Wednesday morning when they called, Granny wasn't speaking correctly. They took her to her doctor who sent her straight to the ER in Tyler. There it was discoved that she had suffered an ischemic stroke on the left side of her brain between the speech and memory centers of the brain. Her speech returned later that day, not 100%, but it came back and she was able to communicate. To my knowledge, there were no physical effects from the stroke. She was in the hospital for 4 days and then released to go home. She still has some trouble getting her mouth to say what her brain is thinking, and she doesn't remember everything, but in all, it was a mild stroke and given her quick recovery, I believe that her speech and memory will return to normal, or near normal in time.
I was able to go and see her this past Tuesday and stay a few days. It was good to be there. I got to spend time with my dad and his wife. And I got to be with Granny. We didn't run a marathon, or even play endless games of Skip-bo...mainly we just sat. I read, we both fell alseep in our chairs, occaisionally we would talk about someone or something. But I got to be there; to spend time with her.
What I realized through my time there is that I'm not ready to say good-bye. Now you may be saying, "Duh!" as you read this, but hear me out. Granny has always been young. Even though she's older than 75 (I might get in even more trouble if I told you her actual age--don't be mad Granny), she's always on the go. She should have moved to Tyler years ago!! She could have bought Trump Towers with the amount of gas money she's spent on trips to Tyler. Anyway, she's emailing on the computer, baking for weddings or other church functions, or any number of things. She's always been young.
Needless to say, this stroke has slowed her down a little. I don't think it will keep her down for long, and I believe that she is going to be just fine...but I'm a doctor. I've seen strokes and the way they can affect people. It was a stroke that took my granddad's life 6.5 years ago. And when I got that call from my dad, it scared me. I didn't know how bad it was a first and naturally your mind assumes the worst. Granny was lucky. This stroke was minor and long-term I don't think will affect her too much. But in the last 2 weeks, I have thought alot about her. And I realized that I'm not ready to say good-bye.
I haven't had the chance to give her a great-grandchild. Sure she has 6 or 7 others and another on the way, but I personally haven't introduced her to one of my children. She hasn't been to Houston to see my house. She hasn't been to church to worship with me and Beth. She's never seen where I work. There are still stories about family that I want to hear. And Lord knows I can't keep up with all the outlaws and in-laws the way she can. There were 7 kids in Granny's family and my granddad had 2 brothers and a sister (I think) so you can imagine how many different families we're talking about. Not to mention her 7 grandchildren and their families (which I did above...see the great-grandchildren comment).
Again, this is all to say that I'm not ready to say good-bye. I absolutely hate the feeling I got that Wednesday when my dad called. I saw his number on the caller ID and remember thinking, "Oh good. Dad. I'm glad he's calling. It will be nice to talk to him." Then, in a heartbeat...the world changed, forever.
Unfortunately, I've had those phone calls before, and I'm sure they will come again.
Call your family. Tell them that you love them. Ask your grandparents how their day was. Call you little brother and find out how his life is. Call your spouse and tell them that your lucky to be married and can't wait to see them again. Life can change in a heartbeat.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Good news and a few RANTS!
No, we're NOT pregnant. But almost 3 years after leaving, Beth has accepted the job as our church secretary and will give her 2 weeks notice at the state tomorrow. It's an exciting time for her and I am very proud of her and this decision to return to ministry. Her title may be secretary, but she's the front line minister, the one that people first talk to when calling in need of help. Her talents will be better utilized and she will be among Christian people who care about her very much.
Future rant (i.e not enough time to rant now, but this will keep you wanting more...): "Why I think the Texas Right to Life Organization" should NOT be allowed to exist.
You heard me. This Uber-conservative just said a not-so-conservative thing.
Current Rant. Up unitl 10 months ago, my mornings began with listening to Roula and Ryan on a local radio station. Then one day, poof, they're gone. And they were replaced by a COMPLETE dork and an IDIOT sidekick. I was mad, sad, and felt compelled to find a new radio station. I did that and Maria Todd and Atom Smasher became my NEW morning. I was just getting settled into their routine when, yup, POOF, Friday they were pulled from the air. No good-byes allowed. Just gone. Well my sadness turned to bitter-sweet joy when it was announced today that Roula and Ryan (and producer Eric) would be returning to radio. To the station that Atom and Maria were just fired from! It's ironic, and it SUCKS...that in order to get my morning show back, Atom and Maria suffered the same fate that took them away in the first place. Thank you Atom and Maria. I'm sorry that the radio business sucks. But then, I suspect you already knew that.
Final quick rant: Why did you go into Medicine if all you want to do is REFUSE to take care of patients? Huh? Quit argueing (or is it arguing?...to lazy to spell check) with me and trying to convince me...just come to the ER and admit the patient. It's your job. You agreed to do it. You chose a PRIMARY CARE RESIDENCY. If you don't want direct patient contact, be a radiology or a pathologist (I know these people see patients...sometimes...so don't leave me nasty comments, I've been yelled at enough today)
Future rant (i.e not enough time to rant now, but this will keep you wanting more...): "Why I think the Texas Right to Life Organization" should NOT be allowed to exist.
You heard me. This Uber-conservative just said a not-so-conservative thing.
Current Rant. Up unitl 10 months ago, my mornings began with listening to Roula and Ryan on a local radio station. Then one day, poof, they're gone. And they were replaced by a COMPLETE dork and an IDIOT sidekick. I was mad, sad, and felt compelled to find a new radio station. I did that and Maria Todd and Atom Smasher became my NEW morning. I was just getting settled into their routine when, yup, POOF, Friday they were pulled from the air. No good-byes allowed. Just gone. Well my sadness turned to bitter-sweet joy when it was announced today that Roula and Ryan (and producer Eric) would be returning to radio. To the station that Atom and Maria were just fired from! It's ironic, and it SUCKS...that in order to get my morning show back, Atom and Maria suffered the same fate that took them away in the first place. Thank you Atom and Maria. I'm sorry that the radio business sucks. But then, I suspect you already knew that.
Final quick rant: Why did you go into Medicine if all you want to do is REFUSE to take care of patients? Huh? Quit argueing (or is it arguing?...to lazy to spell check) with me and trying to convince me...just come to the ER and admit the patient. It's your job. You agreed to do it. You chose a PRIMARY CARE RESIDENCY. If you don't want direct patient contact, be a radiology or a pathologist (I know these people see patients...sometimes...so don't leave me nasty comments, I've been yelled at enough today)
Friday, July 07, 2006
My crazy Aunt-in-Law
This is for you Becky (not the one in Florida...but I love you, too).
So my wife's Aunt Becky is in town for the Astros-cardinal's series. Last night was game 1 which WE (the Astros) won. Now Becky has been a cardinal's fan since Moses was a small child. I'm quite sure that if you took the money she has spent on baseball games and the things associated with baseball games, as well as her vast collection of paraphernalia (that is drooled over by her nieces and nephews who not-so-secretly wonder what's theirs when she's gone) she has that she would be richer than Bill Gates. But let me tell you why I admire Becky.
She's a true sports fan. She loves her cardinals. She has had weekend season passes forever. She and her sisters (a.k.a a close group of girlfriends) make the 90 mile trek to St. Louis every chance they get. The make at least one out of town game every year. Or at least they try. The last few years they have come to Houston.
They know the players, their strengths and weaknesses, they know who their wives are and what they do in the community. We joked that when the cards finished playing in the old Busch Stadium that the would have to untie Becky chained to the ballpark before they could knock it down. Last year during the cards' race for the pennant, Becky turned up on all sorts of media. She and her girlfriends could be seen on the cards' website wearing these sparkly red wigs. I even saw her on TV (wearing that same wig) while I was in the ICU watching one of the games of the NLCS. Patient care did NOT suffer that night by the way. A nice man let us watch the game on his TV. He was intubated, but we're sure he was an Astros fan.
OK, I'm kidding, the room was empty.
Anyway, I feel honored to be the only male allowed to come to all 3 games of a series with the girls when they've traveled. I am in awe of their love for their team. They have different jerseys for each game. They've made friends with the owner of the bar across the street from MY ballpark (Minute Maid). They are happy to talk to any cardinals fan they meet. And they enjoy good healthy banter between themselves and Astros fans. Just don't get personal. That's rude.
I have to go work on my chicken impersonation, which I will use when the cards decide to pitch around Berkman again because they're scared, even though I'm sure it will never be as good as Aunt Becky's.
Happy Birthday (it was yesterday) Becky, and thank you for allowing me into your family. I love your niece more than words can express.
P.S. When the Astros sweep the cards, I'll buy dinner Saturday night. It will be my pleasure!
So my wife's Aunt Becky is in town for the Astros-cardinal's series. Last night was game 1 which WE (the Astros) won. Now Becky has been a cardinal's fan since Moses was a small child. I'm quite sure that if you took the money she has spent on baseball games and the things associated with baseball games, as well as her vast collection of paraphernalia (that is drooled over by her nieces and nephews who not-so-secretly wonder what's theirs when she's gone) she has that she would be richer than Bill Gates. But let me tell you why I admire Becky.
She's a true sports fan. She loves her cardinals. She has had weekend season passes forever. She and her sisters (a.k.a a close group of girlfriends) make the 90 mile trek to St. Louis every chance they get. The make at least one out of town game every year. Or at least they try. The last few years they have come to Houston.
They know the players, their strengths and weaknesses, they know who their wives are and what they do in the community. We joked that when the cards finished playing in the old Busch Stadium that the would have to untie Becky chained to the ballpark before they could knock it down. Last year during the cards' race for the pennant, Becky turned up on all sorts of media. She and her girlfriends could be seen on the cards' website wearing these sparkly red wigs. I even saw her on TV (wearing that same wig) while I was in the ICU watching one of the games of the NLCS. Patient care did NOT suffer that night by the way. A nice man let us watch the game on his TV. He was intubated, but we're sure he was an Astros fan.
OK, I'm kidding, the room was empty.
Anyway, I feel honored to be the only male allowed to come to all 3 games of a series with the girls when they've traveled. I am in awe of their love for their team. They have different jerseys for each game. They've made friends with the owner of the bar across the street from MY ballpark (Minute Maid). They are happy to talk to any cardinals fan they meet. And they enjoy good healthy banter between themselves and Astros fans. Just don't get personal. That's rude.
I have to go work on my chicken impersonation, which I will use when the cards decide to pitch around Berkman again because they're scared, even though I'm sure it will never be as good as Aunt Becky's.
Happy Birthday (it was yesterday) Becky, and thank you for allowing me into your family. I love your niece more than words can express.
P.S. When the Astros sweep the cards, I'll buy dinner Saturday night. It will be my pleasure!
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Different Name--Same Me
Yesterday, July 1, 2006, marked the beginning of my second year as residency. I am no longer an intern. Now, I am a Resident. A friend asked me if I was excited. I told him I was, mainly because now I could just say that I'm a resident and not an intern and not have to explain to people the difference between the two. Although, I am still troubled that people don't understand what I do.
A man at church today asked me if I was about ready to trade in my short white coat for a long one. ?huh? This man sent me a graduation gift A YEAR AGO when I GRADUATED from Medical School!
So my quest continues: To educate people about who I am and what I do.
In case you are new to my blog (because you just happen to stumble upon it) or perhaps you've forgotten, I will tell you again who I am and what I do.
I am a doctor, an M.D. I have been since May 28, 2005 and I have the diploma on my wall that says so (that sounds bad...but I'm saying it anyway). For my specialty, I have chosen a primary care residency. I am training in a combined program. I will be Board Certified in two specialties when I'm done three years from now and take the two tests required to be so.
First specialty is Internal Medicine. It is defined as "a primary care physician who specializes in adult internal medicine, specifically the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases."
Second Specialty is Pediatrics. It is defined as the "care and treatment of infants, children and adolescents."
Ergo I am training in Internal Medicine/Pediatrics or Med/Peds...hence the title of the this blog, "Ramblings of a Med/Peds Resident (the word Resident has replaced Intern).
When I finish my residency on June 30, 2009, I will look for a job that will allow me to see anyone from birth to death with a non-surgical, non-obstetrical medical problem.
I promise that I will try to Ramble with a little more consistency that in the previous year. I am in the ER at the county hospital this month and will work 18 shifts, so perhaps I will have a little more time to blog.
Thanks for reading.
A man at church today asked me if I was about ready to trade in my short white coat for a long one. ?huh? This man sent me a graduation gift A YEAR AGO when I GRADUATED from Medical School!
So my quest continues: To educate people about who I am and what I do.
In case you are new to my blog (because you just happen to stumble upon it) or perhaps you've forgotten, I will tell you again who I am and what I do.
I am a doctor, an M.D. I have been since May 28, 2005 and I have the diploma on my wall that says so (that sounds bad...but I'm saying it anyway). For my specialty, I have chosen a primary care residency. I am training in a combined program. I will be Board Certified in two specialties when I'm done three years from now and take the two tests required to be so.
First specialty is Internal Medicine. It is defined as "a primary care physician who specializes in adult internal medicine, specifically the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases."
Second Specialty is Pediatrics. It is defined as the "care and treatment of infants, children and adolescents."
Ergo I am training in Internal Medicine/Pediatrics or Med/Peds...hence the title of the this blog, "Ramblings of a Med/Peds Resident (the word Resident has replaced Intern).
When I finish my residency on June 30, 2009, I will look for a job that will allow me to see anyone from birth to death with a non-surgical, non-obstetrical medical problem.
I promise that I will try to Ramble with a little more consistency that in the previous year. I am in the ER at the county hospital this month and will work 18 shifts, so perhaps I will have a little more time to blog.
Thanks for reading.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
One Day More
On June 24, 2005 I began a journey called internship, residency, or graduate medical education. Take your pick. Tomorrow, a leg of that journey ends. Tomorrow is my last day as an intern. Tuesday was my last night of call as an intern. My next night of call, I will be responsible for some new intern (who starts this Saturday, June 24, 2006).
As with the passing of any year, the past 354 days have brought changes. I started to list them off, but have suddenly lost the motivation. Well, here are a few.
1. I legally wrote an order in the hospital for a patient to get OxyContin (which would have been enough to kill me, but he had built up a tolerance).
2. I crashed a 10 yr. high school reunion--moved after soph yr, but went anyway. I had a great time. Reconnected with some dear friends. Even the ones who bailed and didn't show, but will remain nameless to protect the guilty.
3. Good friends moved away.
4. Friends hace divorced.
5. My niece has grown--AND IS TOO CUTE!!!
6. I still don't have children (ok this is the same, but there are some out there that wish this would change...keep wishing for now)
7. The Astros made it to the World Series.
8. Beth went to Game 5 of the 2005 NLCS where Pujols hit s game winning 3-run HR in the top of the 9th with the Astros 1 out away from their first World Series.
9. She left early. She didn't see the home run. That's the night we met Stella.
9a. I survived 11 call nights in the Medical ICU with an idiot for an upper level.
10. Jeremy and Vanessa got married.
11. We had family to our house for Christmas for the first time. It may be the last.
12. I started my first rotation on the Pediatric side in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) and I pray daily that I never have to go back. My first Pedi rotation in 2 1/2 years. What a nightmare.
13. I learned the day BEFORE the NICU rotation that my attending "was disappointed and expected more of me." HELLO!?!?! You waited 28 days to tell me this because...?
14. I saw the Lion King for the first time in San Antonio, in a theater that I performed in while in college.
15. I've seen hundreds of patients and went through a dozen pens. As in, ran out of ink and had to get a new one.
16. I've written my name so many times in the last year that there's no way I will EVER forget it.
17. Pharmicist are annoying.
18. Patients lie.
19. I can't say that the parents of my pediatric patients annoy me, because they are my patients, too. At least they can be.
20. I met Roger Clemens this week and got him to sign a t-shirt for me.
21. I will be tired for the rest of my life.
Ok, I will stop now. I'm not sure exactly what the above really is...but then again, the title of my blog is "Ramblings of a Med/Peds Intern". And thus, I have rambled.
Look for a title change in a few days. First, "Vacationing Med/Peds Intern". Then July 1, either, "New Med/Peds Resident" or "Scared out of his mind Med/Peds PGY-2"
Finally, the last thing new this year, MySpace.com, which makes me wonder if I'm some sort of online predator. Just kidding FBI and Mr. Homeland Security. No need to come to my house and confiscate my computer. I'm a pediatrician and I protect kids. You can refer to the 12 or so physician statements I've filled out in the last 3 months for CPS stating whether or not I thought a child's injury was the result of abuse or just some freak accident.
My pledge for the PGY-2 year of my residency (it's 4 total in case you've forgotten)
1. To continue to educate people as to what the heck it is that I'm doing. No one knows what Med/Peds is.
2. To blog more. Especially for my adoring fans who read everyday.
3. To read more.
4. To sleep...SOME.
5. To watch the 20 or so movies that I missed in the last year.
6. To be a better husband. This one should actually be first. There's always room for improvement.
7. To consider having children. Even considering it at this point is HUGE. But that does NOT give you the ok to ask. When it's time, I'll tell you, PROMISE.
8. To continue to strive to be the best doctor that I can.
9. To get more sleep.
It's time for me to go.
More soon. See number 2 above.
As with the passing of any year, the past 354 days have brought changes. I started to list them off, but have suddenly lost the motivation. Well, here are a few.
1. I legally wrote an order in the hospital for a patient to get OxyContin (which would have been enough to kill me, but he had built up a tolerance).
2. I crashed a 10 yr. high school reunion--moved after soph yr, but went anyway. I had a great time. Reconnected with some dear friends. Even the ones who bailed and didn't show, but will remain nameless to protect the guilty.
3. Good friends moved away.
4. Friends hace divorced.
5. My niece has grown--AND IS TOO CUTE!!!
6. I still don't have children (ok this is the same, but there are some out there that wish this would change...keep wishing for now)
7. The Astros made it to the World Series.
8. Beth went to Game 5 of the 2005 NLCS where Pujols hit s game winning 3-run HR in the top of the 9th with the Astros 1 out away from their first World Series.
9. She left early. She didn't see the home run. That's the night we met Stella.
9a. I survived 11 call nights in the Medical ICU with an idiot for an upper level.
10. Jeremy and Vanessa got married.
11. We had family to our house for Christmas for the first time. It may be the last.
12. I started my first rotation on the Pediatric side in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) and I pray daily that I never have to go back. My first Pedi rotation in 2 1/2 years. What a nightmare.
13. I learned the day BEFORE the NICU rotation that my attending "was disappointed and expected more of me." HELLO!?!?! You waited 28 days to tell me this because...?
14. I saw the Lion King for the first time in San Antonio, in a theater that I performed in while in college.
15. I've seen hundreds of patients and went through a dozen pens. As in, ran out of ink and had to get a new one.
16. I've written my name so many times in the last year that there's no way I will EVER forget it.
17. Pharmicist are annoying.
18. Patients lie.
19. I can't say that the parents of my pediatric patients annoy me, because they are my patients, too. At least they can be.
20. I met Roger Clemens this week and got him to sign a t-shirt for me.
21. I will be tired for the rest of my life.
Ok, I will stop now. I'm not sure exactly what the above really is...but then again, the title of my blog is "Ramblings of a Med/Peds Intern". And thus, I have rambled.
Look for a title change in a few days. First, "Vacationing Med/Peds Intern". Then July 1, either, "New Med/Peds Resident" or "Scared out of his mind Med/Peds PGY-2"
Finally, the last thing new this year, MySpace.com, which makes me wonder if I'm some sort of online predator. Just kidding FBI and Mr. Homeland Security. No need to come to my house and confiscate my computer. I'm a pediatrician and I protect kids. You can refer to the 12 or so physician statements I've filled out in the last 3 months for CPS stating whether or not I thought a child's injury was the result of abuse or just some freak accident.
My pledge for the PGY-2 year of my residency (it's 4 total in case you've forgotten)
1. To continue to educate people as to what the heck it is that I'm doing. No one knows what Med/Peds is.
2. To blog more. Especially for my adoring fans who read everyday.
3. To read more.
4. To sleep...SOME.
5. To watch the 20 or so movies that I missed in the last year.
6. To be a better husband. This one should actually be first. There's always room for improvement.
7. To consider having children. Even considering it at this point is HUGE. But that does NOT give you the ok to ask. When it's time, I'll tell you, PROMISE.
8. To continue to strive to be the best doctor that I can.
9. To get more sleep.
It's time for me to go.
More soon. See number 2 above.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Blogger burnout...me?
Is this me of whom you are speaking? (our English teachers would be proud)
Well, in 3 short days (5:00 p.m. CST, June 23rd), I will no longer be an intern. Does that mean that I have to rename the blog? I have been contemplating this thought for several days now. Your input would be greatly appreciated. Changing the title would be easy enough, and I guess the web address could stay.
3 days. My, my my...has it really be 52 weeks ago that I began the journey called internship? Much is left to reflect upon, and being an "upper level" will certainly bring many new challenges.
I will leave this for now, but I PROMISE that in a few short days I will satisfy your curiosity with the brilliance that is this blog.
Now stop laughing, get up off the floor, and get back to work.
3 days.
Well, in 3 short days (5:00 p.m. CST, June 23rd), I will no longer be an intern. Does that mean that I have to rename the blog? I have been contemplating this thought for several days now. Your input would be greatly appreciated. Changing the title would be easy enough, and I guess the web address could stay.
3 days. My, my my...has it really be 52 weeks ago that I began the journey called internship? Much is left to reflect upon, and being an "upper level" will certainly bring many new challenges.
I will leave this for now, but I PROMISE that in a few short days I will satisfy your curiosity with the brilliance that is this blog.
Now stop laughing, get up off the floor, and get back to work.
3 days.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Decide NOW!
If you are put in a position and given the authority AND expectation to make a decision...then MAKE IT!!!!!!
Grow a spine and make a decision that might save someone's life!!
And if you're not capable or comfortable enough to do this, then please, PLEASE!!!! get out of my way and let me do it. And do NOT question me when I do!!
Thank you. I am done venting and will now try to get some sleep on what otherwise has been a pleasant call night.
Grow a spine and make a decision that might save someone's life!!
And if you're not capable or comfortable enough to do this, then please, PLEASE!!!! get out of my way and let me do it. And do NOT question me when I do!!
Thank you. I am done venting and will now try to get some sleep on what otherwise has been a pleasant call night.
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