I'm Ready For My Close-Up, Mr. Demille

I had a call on Tuesday requesting that I have some blood work done in anticipation of my CT Scan/Urogram scheduled for Thursday.  While discussing the timing, I had mentioned that we were supposed to have a 'weather event' that day.  The medical staffer suggested that I move the scan and blood work to Friday, the 24th. Works for me.  Hind sight, I'm so glad that this was rescheduled since Thursday was quite stormy, icy and treacherous.

I got up early today to ensure that I could arrive at the Hospital for my two appointments.  Although I had cleared my driveway the previous day, over night we had freezing rain so there was a coating of ice on everything.  The sun was out and had started to melt the ice, but anything not in direct sunlight was still encrusted.

I bundled up and crossed my fingers that I would be able to open the car door and start the engine to begin the defrost.  I was pleased that I was able to open the door, start the engine and turn on the defroster.  I started chipping away at the ice that had started to melt from the sun.  By the time I was able to clear the partially melted ice, the defroster had begun to work, so I finished off the rest of the car.  By this time it was time to leave.

I arrived at the hospital at 8:45.  The front doors were wide open (frozen open).  I entered through the secondary set of doors and was greeted by the screener who had just set up shop.  She asked my name and began thumbing through some printed sheets.  I guess my name wasn't there.  She powered up her laptop and asked for more identification info, still I wasn't there.  I mentioned that I was originally scheduled for the 23rd, but because of the storm, I was rescheduled to today.  She still couldn't find me.  She had me sit while she looked for someone to help. Not long after, she returned and said that she couldn't find me because I was supposed to be there yesterday.  [Insert ground hog day reference here].

I was referred to a registration clerk and she quickly printed out paperwork.  I was told to wait for the lab to open.  My name was called.  The phlebotomist greeted me and asked for my paper work. I was instructed to sit and roll up my sleeve.  I had mentioned that most have a hard time getting blood and they resort to my hand.  She frowned and said, "They aren't me."  Well she was successful at hitting the mother lode in one try.  I thanked her for not torturing me.  She chuckled.

I walked down to the imaging department and checked in.  I waited for about 15 minutes when someone came and asked who I was and what I was there for.  [So much for the paper work.]  I was then instructed to proceed to the CT Scan waiting area.  I waited there for about 10 minutes and was called in.

After removing my coat and dropping my pants, I lay on the slab.  The attendant said that I was going to have an IV with contrast, but she was going to take some pictures before and after. I had the first round of pictures.  Seemed quick.  She returned and turned the spigot to let in the contrast. She said, "You'll feel a warm sensation.  I'll give you half a dose, then wait 10 minutes and give the rest.  Then we'll take more pictures." It was exactly the way she described it.  And the whole thing was done. 

I got home in time to receive a call scheduling my biopsy for April 13th at Holy Family Methuen.  I would have to drop off a urine sample on April 4th. Many balls in the air for this juggling act.

More to come!

If It Isn't One Thing It's Two

Today, for my post-op follow-up with Dr Song,  I had an eight o'clock appointment in Waltham.  

For joy, I got to join the ranks of people rushing for work on the busiest of highways; 495 S, 3 S, and 128 S.  Because you never know what to expect for traffic or an accident, you need to allow for more time.   Without traffic the ride is about 35 mins.  So I gave myself an hour and 15 minutes.

I had set the alarm for 6 AM, but of course I woke up at 5:30.  I lay in bed trying to get back to sleep and of course I did just as the alarm went off.  Par for the course.  It's still dark out at 6AM.  I stumbled into the kitchen and turned on my dimmest lamp, which seemed to be too bright. Started coffee, answered a call to nature and then took my meds. Caffeine eventually kicked in and I got ready to leave.  It's still on the dark side at 6:45, but getting lighter.

Highway traffic seemed to be on the light side.  I figured it was early, a Friday and this coming Monday is a holiday.  So maybe folks were working from home or taking a long weekend off.  No complaints from me.

Made it to Route 3 and around Chelmsford, it began getting a bit congested, but that cleared up and I was soon on 128.  Not too bad.  You cannot plan these things but I arrived in Waltham at 7:30.  I parked the car and was on my way.  At the office, there were only two people in the waiting room and I checked in and was told to wait.  Not 5 minutes went by and Kelly called my name and asked that I follow her.

I had a few eye tests, then was told to follow her to an examination room.  I had more extensive eye tests then eventually had my left eye dilated.  I recall her saying that my left eye (the one that was just operated on) had a high pressure level.  But she thought it might be because I just got off a regimen of prednisone.  She then asked me to follow her to another examination room where Dr Song would see me.

It wasn't long before Dr Song came in and upon reviewing the various test results, he said that I had 20/15 vision now.  He asked if I had experienced any vision issues since the surgery.  I mentioned that I'm still in the 'break in period'.  [Since I have mono vision: two types of in ocular lenses- one, distance, the other for reading, The brain needs to adjust.]  So I mentioned that from time to time I had some blurriness, but it passed and didn't interfere with my reading or looking at TV.  He agreed that the breaking in period is pretty normal.  He used some machines to look at my eyes and took my pressure.  He indicated that my left eye had a pressure of 25 and my left 17.  I currently take timolol for my right eye, so he told me to start taking it for my left also. He also indicated that next refill will prescribe that it's for both eyes.  He asked to see me again in four weeks. 

So, I get to have drops in both eyes now.  I have a follow up booked for 3/22.

More to come!

Another Graduation?

Today was my sixth and final dose of BCG.  This being the end of round two, there was less celebration for my graduation.  It was even quite quiet in the office waiting room.  

Upon entering, I had to really think if I had my appointment day correct since there's usually a boat-load of people.  But, I was right, it was my day to be here.  Still, it was strange.  I began to think that maybe my 'tacked on' appointments (due to my being ineligible last December because of bleeding and my skipped appointment in January) brought me out of sync with everyone getting the BCG on the 6 week schedule.

I had received an itemized bill in the mail on Monday (first one from this place).  It showed that I owed $40.  I recall last time they said I had a balance of $40 and a new co-pay of $50, so I thought that it was possible the bill crossed in the mail.  I called the number listed and received a call back indicating that I did in fact, pay the balance due.  In addition, she said I had a $35 credit. So I was not asked to pay the co pay today. I was asked to provide a specimen, which did and then waited to be called in.

Not too long before I heard my name.  Seeing I was the only person there, no confusion this time with two Richards standing when the name was called. I followed the attendant to an examination room I had been previously, was grilled for my identification data and told to 'strip from the waist down'.  Done.

Michael arrived, and after indicating that this is my 6th dose, he said my next visit will be with Dr Previte.  I indicated that I was already provided with an appointment.  He acknowledge it and began his preparation.  He was quick, and there was very little discomfort and no leaking.  I mentioned that he did it the best, to which he chuckled and said, "That's good to know".

I got home and did my 2 hour marination.  Those last 10 minutes seem to last an eternity. So at this point, I feel kind of blah and meh, and feel chilly (not the chills).  I do have the urge to go, often but produce very little.  This is normal.  I'm hoping to NOT have any blood (like I did two times ago), but if there is, it is expected.  So, just taking it easy today.

More to come!

And It's So Nice Out

Wednesday again.  I had an early appointment for my 5th dose of BCG in this second round. We did have some ice last night and when I got up, I noticed that everything was coated.  I figured I'd have to let the car warm up so I could chisel away the ice.  The streets had been treated so it was just sidewalks, driveways and tertiary roads that could be treacherous.  The sun was shining bright and the weather man said today was going to be the 'pick of the week'. So I grabbed the local newspaper from the perch and had my one cup of coffee.

I gave myself extra time to clear the ice off the car, but to my enjoyment, the sun had melted away most of it.  The front windshield, being in the shade, still had ice, but by this time it had softened significantly rendering it to slush. I guess the weather man might be right, for a change.

At this earlier hour, many were clogging the highways as they rushed to work.  Although heavy, traffic was moving.  I arrived at Northeast Urological at the planned time.  Lots of cars and lots of people in the waiting room.  I checked in and was hit with a $50 co-pay and had to pay a balance due of $40.  Whatever!

While at the window I had inquired on the referral to get my CT Urogram (as requested by Dr Mossanen).  There was nothing in the paper file, but she did see some notes.  She excused herself and returned with Dr Torri Rogers (whom I spoke with last time).  From what I heard everything was all set and it just needed to be scheduled.  The attendant said, "You are generally free everyday."  I replied, yes generally, when I'm not at a doctor.  She then said, "The scheduler will be calling you today to schedule the CT scan at Holy Family in Haverhill.  Great!

I was given my specimen cup and directed to fill it and return to the waiting room.  Easy enough.  Task complete.

Not too long after my returning to the waiting area, I heard: Richard.  I stood up as another guy stood up.  Apparently he is a Richard too, but he didn't have my SAT answers so he did not pass go nor collect $200.  I was drilled for more info and visited yet another examination room.  It was set up this time.  I was asked if my meds were changed and if I had any surgery since last week.  Yes, I had eye surgery Monday (laser) and I was on predisolone acetate 1%.  She noted it in the file, but it had no affect on my getting the BCG.  So she instructed me to drop trow, sit on the diaper and gave me a very large napkin to 'cover up'.

Dr Torri Rogers arrived, asked a few questions then went right to work.  Torri is very personable and has a bubbly personality.  With all the chatter going on, the procedure was done in a flash.  (No wet bottom this time either.)  I did mention that this was my 5th dose, but I had two more appointments scheduled.  I wondered if the last was a follow up consult.  Torri indicated that the extra appointment must be a mistake and she'll report it to the front desk.  Her records showed this as being the 4th dose.  But I corrected her with the dates and who administered the previous treatments. [Wondered to myself if I should have just kept the extra appointment, but also though that someone might be waiting for the BCG.  So I think I did the right thing.]

I got home and marinaded for the 2 full hours.  Made blueberry muffins and banana nut bread and tried to get out of the brain fog.  As the day progressed, I began to feel blah and meh; cold but not the chills and pretty much low energy.  Still waiting for the call for the CT scan appointment and anxious to see if I bleed.  So I'm gonna take it easy and go with the flow.

Post Script: Received a call scheduling my CT Scan (Urogram) at Holy Family Hospital for 2/23/23 and a follow-up visit with Dr Previte, April 6th.

More to come!

Aye Aye, Doctor

A balmy 45 degrees today when my sister picked me up for my laser surgery in Waltham.  I was scheduled for a YAG Capsulectomy (in English: Had the layer of tissue separating my vitreous humour from my in-ocular lens removed with a laser).  This was a corrective procedure to eliminate the condensation on the underside of the lens which caused my vision to be less than perfect.

Traffic was free flowing and we arrived at the Surgiste location 45 mins early.  Upon check in the attendant said, "You are early.  Have a seat and I'll call you soon to check you in."  My sister had just returned from the rest room and I joking said that I was yelled at for being early.  The attendant interjected, "I didn't yell at you." I responded that I was joking, but thought that this might get weird.

We sat down and waited.  She called, "Mr Page", but it didn't register, but my sister heard it.  I walked to the counter and said, "That's my father's name."  She chuckled.  So I knew she did have a sense of humor.  I was asked for my insurance cards and my covid vaccination card.  She scanned them into her system, then had me electronically sign some paperwork.  She was interrupted as she was asking if I had a health proxy.  Since my sister is my proxy I pointed out the attendant's name on the screen so she could use it to answer her.  She did, but blamed me for having her do it.  We all laughed.  We finished up and was allowed to go to the 'other-side'.  I bid my sister adieu, and said, " I'll see you on the other side."

Well the other side, unlike biblical/religious lore was just another waiting room.  So I did my time in purgatory then was called for some procedural preparation.  I had my vitals recorded and many eye drops.  I was sent back to purgatory (they must have found another sin I needed to atone for).  Then I was called for some dilation drops.  Then returned to purgatory for twenty minutes of atonement.

Finally, the pearly gates called me in.  More drops, then waited for the doctor to arrive. Upon his arrival he prepared the 'machine' then I received some numbing drops.  I guess it's a good thing because he had a guide lens sit right on my eye.  I just felt pressure, no pain.  Drops were working.

Dr Song had me rest my chin and forehead on the rails of the machine, then had me look at a light.  He then proceeded to play space invaders and I could hear multiple clicks of the trigger and saw a very colorful battle with flashing lights and many explosions.  All scary looking but no pain.  It was over before I knew it.  I received more drops and was returned to purgatory to atone for a really old sin they discovered. About 20 minutes later, I was called.

I entered another examination room and a nurse (Ralph) checked my eye pressure.  It looked like he was training someone because he was describing his every move and what each instrument was for/and doing.  After a few minutes, they both exclaimed in unison: 12.  I know that's a good number from past visits.  I was dismissed and provided with some post op instructions.

I walked back to the main waiting room and found my sister and said we are good to go.  She recommended that I use the facilities prior to leaving (good plan).  We left and she had made me a sandwich and some cookies that I chowed down as we drove home.

Uneventful ride home, and was thankful that the weather and traffic cooperated.  Thank you Leslie for the ride, laughs and the lunch!

I have a post op follow up with Dr Song next week.

More to come!

It Depends

For my fourth dose in this round of BCG, things were pretty much routine.  Much like that TV series: Cheers, the place were everyone knows your name, familiarity is taking hold and I'm learning most of the medical professional's names and they know me.  Kind of weird when you think of it.  I'm such a regular, but the offerings go straight to the bladder. Just food for thought.

It was a bit chilly, but sunny today.  Check in was very routine.  I'm still waiting for a referral for my CT Urogram (requested by Dr Mossanen).  I'm most certain that it's in the pile of faxes...somewhere.  I provided my required specimen sample and didn't wait too long before being called in.  This is a good sign since they wouldn't call me in if there was blood found in the sample.

Was given the required identification questions that I apparently answered correctly then visited yet another examination room.  While entering, the attendant uttered, "There's no set up." Then she quickly set the 'table' with 'things' needed for the treatment.  It was interesting to see how the sausage was made nonetheless.  After completing the task she said, "Strip from the waist down.  Torri will be right with you."

I got ready.  Dropped trow, sat on the 'diaper' and covered the uglies with the very large napkin and waited.

Torri arrived and after asking a few questions (verifying who I am and any allergies) she asked, "Do you have any questions for me?"  I thought it might be a good time to talk about the CT Urogram referral/paperwork.  She was aware of the reasons why, but said she would look into the paperwork.  She even asked where I was going to have this done.  I took it as a good sign.

As procedures go, the bladder has to be emptied before BCG can be instilled.  So the uncomfortable catheter is inserted and any urine present is drained into a plastic urinal.  This is normal, but I felt a warm sensation 'down there'.  Torri said, "Looks like someone had some coffee today.  I thought I got it all, but there was more."  I did say that I had one cup of coffee (not that I shouldn't, but coffee is a diuretic and my normal intake makes my 2 hour marination difficult in the last 15 minutes.  So Michael suggested that I only have one cup.)

Torri blotted what she could and gave me the BCG.  I could feel that my 'bottom' was wet.  After she was done, I used my napkin to 'towel off' and noticed that the diaper I was sitting on, did its purpose.  So I'm sure that has happened before.  

Got home and marinated the full two hours and waited for the side effects.

Most of the day I felt meh and blah.  Brain was foggy and I didn't really feel like doing too much.  It was too cold (and I felt too chilly) to take my daily walk.  Late in the afternoon I went grocery shopping joining all those that needed bread and milk for the up coming polar vortex.  

I basically chillaxed until going to bed.  No blood was passed.  

More to come!