Post #9

I need to start by back-tracking for just a bit, I was going so fast I missed an important date...Earlier the week of my Cardio Cath (August 28th), I had to go over to Oahu for my first visit to Nuclear Medicine!

August 25th, NUCLEAR MEDICINE - LUNG SCAN   This was at Moanaloa and for once I didn't need a companion.  So, I put on my big boy pants and went it alone. Welcome to the High Tec Folk of Medicine...  I've been quite impressed with how NICE everyone I've encountered through all this testing process has been.  They're pleasant, personable and prepared. Today's tech was very apologetic that I'd have to wait an additional 5 minutes while they "warmed" the barium solution they were injecting so I wouldn't be uncomfortable.  When I thought he was just getting the IV ready for the procedure and commented, "Well, that wasn't so bad, so far..."  He replied, "Yep, all done."  I
didn't even realize I'd been injected.  Then it was onto/into the big scanner.

In between here (on August 28th) I had the Cardio Cath - see the prior post if you missed it.

September 2nd, NUCLEAR MEDICINE - BONE SCAN  Moanaloa again, this time I first had to have a different type of dye injection, and had to wait 3 hours for it to circulate through my system.  The Nurse (ironically Blonde and named Amanda), encouraged me to walk around, drink lots of liquid and do "whatever I wanted"... she actually said, "GO HAVE A BEER!"  Now THAT my Friends, is health care at it's finest.  No... I didn't have the beer, but I did go have a grand meal in the Cafeteria and a Gatorade.

September 3rd, ULTRASOUND - Carotid Artery.  This was done at the Wailuku Clinic on Maui.  Seemed to take quite a while, but was painless.

September 3rd, FOLLOW-UP Dr. Gordon  Right after the Ultrasound I had my follow-up for the Cardio Cath.  Good news, my heart, main artery and veins are all just swell.  Good pressures, no blockage and all in all, in fine shape.  She said that was probably the last time I'd see her, and with a smile, she said, and that's a good thing.

September 11th,   FOLLOW-UP Dr. Kahn  Confirmed that Cardio Cath went fine, all testing was done for now, and just to be sure... she was going to order another Chest X-Ray for today.  Presuming that didn't show anything new, she'd see me in 3 months. 

So, this would seem to be a good place to leave us for now... Until next time, ALOHA!

"It is possible to experience an awakening in this life through realizing just how precious each moment, each mental process, and each breath truly is." - Christy Turlington