I suppose I should write something today, but I am just not up to it.
In addition to my stupid teeth, I now have a huge sore throat which is making my ears hurt. And to top that off, my throat is swollen up, like an enormous golf ball stuck in my esophagus and it hurts like hell. It hurts to swallow, to speak, to chew, to basically do anything.
I broke down and visited a 'doc in the box' since I don't have a personal doctor any more and since I also have no health insurance. (Holy cow this was expensive!) He told me my ears looked fine and my throat was just a little red, but yes, I did have some swelling in my glands, but not where everyone usually gets swelling. Gee, thanks- now not only do I have swelling, but I have unusual swelling. I told him I was worried because it was such a huge knot and he said he would give me an antibiotic. In 3-4 days I should see some difference in the swelling but to give it 10 days and if it doesn't go away to come back because then it might be more than swollen glands. And since my ears and throat look fine, other than the huge swollen gullet, then I probably have a virus or a bacterial infection and should feel better in ten days regardless.
So for $133 I have no idea what's wrong with me or if the swollen knot thingy will go away or even what it is.
Oh oh oh and this part I loved. He told me if the swelling got so bad it impaired my breathing I should go to the nearest hospital immediately. I'm SO thankful he gave me that advice since I would never have figure out to get medical care on my own if I couldn't breathe.
Health care is not something I feel the love for. Gawd, I probably have some rare weird thing that would make me a patient on House, MD if he were real.
He did rule out mumps. Gee, thank goodness for small favors..............
Maggie
Showing posts with label doctor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label doctor. Show all posts
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Nothing worse than a toothache
I broke a tooth awhile ago and then the whole side of my mouth started hurting AND then this week it swelled up. And have been dragging my feet about having it all fixed. I hate to go to the dentist. It scares me to death. Seriously, scares me more than just about anything I can think of. That's why it's been years since I've gone. I had a bad experience as a child, and I just hate going.
I'm not going into my horror stories because 1) if you hate to go to the dentist I don't want to feed your fears either; and, 2) I don't want to hear your horror dental stories to make my fears worse.
Of course, it hurts like hell so I had an emergency dentist appointment. Mac said he would take me since, he said, "I was his responsibility." He was brave and strong for me, even though his mother was a wuss and was on the verge of tears and my hands shook like I was going through withdrawals. At age 38 I still cry when I go. Even when my rational intelligent brain works I still cannot over come the fear. But he did use his own money to take me to breakfast afterward since I was brave and didn't cry.
So I went to the dentist on Friday. (What a crappy way to spend the snow day, BTW. )
Well, I survived. But, I will be going back many times in the future. But my dentist today, a new one since I haven't gone since I moved back here, is super nice and she was so kind and gentle. Her nurse was also amazing and she knows I had dentalphobia (Curley made my appointment for me since I was so upset I couldn't even talk on the phone and she warned them I was almost hysterical). The nurse held my hand and explained everything that was going to happen today, took my x-rays and did the pre-exams. Then she gave me a hug. i met with the dentist who read the x-ray, explained everything and looked at my mouth too.
I have an infection due to a tooth with "issues" inside the tooth and it's not even the broken one! That tooth is going to have a root canal next Thursday and I have to see a specialist to do that who is going to sedate me for the procedure. Then I have to go back to my dentist (Dr Nice Person) and she'll put a crown on it. The broken tooth is a wisdom tooth and in 2 weeks I'll be seeing a dental surgeon who will be doing an extraction while I am also under sedation. I have a prescription to clear up the infection and she gave me Vicodin. It's going to be a long two weeks- prepare for whining.
It is also going to be expensive. I have no dental insurance so after all the stuff that's going to happen it'll cost me about $2500. That so sucks. I know I'll feel better and I have been freaked out about this for a long time so I know mentally I'll feel better as well as physically and mouth-wise, too. But my wallet is going to take a smack, for sure. My own fault, I know, but it still hurts in so many ways. This is going to just kill my tax return plus some; so much for going back to Europe this summer, damn it.
So there you have it. My dental experience, part 1. I probably won't blog on Thursday unless I do it before hand. And I won't be sharing my horror stories because it will be gross, and because I don't want to hear anyone else's. Send good thoughts to me, please. Even if I don't deserve them.
Chicken little,
Maggie
I'm not going into my horror stories because 1) if you hate to go to the dentist I don't want to feed your fears either; and, 2) I don't want to hear your horror dental stories to make my fears worse.
Of course, it hurts like hell so I had an emergency dentist appointment. Mac said he would take me since, he said, "I was his responsibility." He was brave and strong for me, even though his mother was a wuss and was on the verge of tears and my hands shook like I was going through withdrawals. At age 38 I still cry when I go. Even when my rational intelligent brain works I still cannot over come the fear. But he did use his own money to take me to breakfast afterward since I was brave and didn't cry.
So I went to the dentist on Friday. (What a crappy way to spend the snow day, BTW. )
Well, I survived. But, I will be going back many times in the future. But my dentist today, a new one since I haven't gone since I moved back here, is super nice and she was so kind and gentle. Her nurse was also amazing and she knows I had dentalphobia (Curley made my appointment for me since I was so upset I couldn't even talk on the phone and she warned them I was almost hysterical). The nurse held my hand and explained everything that was going to happen today, took my x-rays and did the pre-exams. Then she gave me a hug. i met with the dentist who read the x-ray, explained everything and looked at my mouth too.
I have an infection due to a tooth with "issues" inside the tooth and it's not even the broken one! That tooth is going to have a root canal next Thursday and I have to see a specialist to do that who is going to sedate me for the procedure. Then I have to go back to my dentist (Dr Nice Person) and she'll put a crown on it. The broken tooth is a wisdom tooth and in 2 weeks I'll be seeing a dental surgeon who will be doing an extraction while I am also under sedation. I have a prescription to clear up the infection and she gave me Vicodin. It's going to be a long two weeks- prepare for whining.
It is also going to be expensive. I have no dental insurance so after all the stuff that's going to happen it'll cost me about $2500. That so sucks. I know I'll feel better and I have been freaked out about this for a long time so I know mentally I'll feel better as well as physically and mouth-wise, too. But my wallet is going to take a smack, for sure. My own fault, I know, but it still hurts in so many ways. This is going to just kill my tax return plus some; so much for going back to Europe this summer, damn it.
So there you have it. My dental experience, part 1. I probably won't blog on Thursday unless I do it before hand. And I won't be sharing my horror stories because it will be gross, and because I don't want to hear anyone else's. Send good thoughts to me, please. Even if I don't deserve them.
Chicken little,
Maggie
Friday, May 1, 2009
Okay, it doesn't mean you WILL die, it just means you COULD die...sheesh!
One of the school systems where I sub here in Civilization had a "swine flu" issue. Apparently a student on the shared middle and high school campus was out sick and is being tested for the Swine flu. Because of many things (the scare, the politics, needing to disinfect the school buildings, health precautions, pissed off parents, paranoia, the health department, the CDC, the WHO, et al) students were dismissed early and school was canceled for the next day, pending the results of the test performed on the student who might have it. This seems to be happening all over the USA, but mostly in Texas, New York, and California.
First, letting all things here at "shoes/ purses" be all about me, I was so pissed because I was scheduled to sub all day BOTH days, one of them being in my favourite classroom with my favourite group of kids- and because of the POSSIBILITY of the Swine Flu, I'm missing out on $$$$$$$!!! That sucks!!!!! Can I have a loan?
Second, letting it all be about humor here at "shoes/purse", I have to say this. I was working in the two buildings on the first day, and when the announcement was made about the early dismissal I was between buildings so I missed it. I walked into the middle school and was immediately accosted by what is starting to be my own "fan club" (the aforementions favourite group of kids)- a ragtag group of struggling kids who have a hard knocked life who think I'm cool and "make learning easy to ... ya know, like, learn" <-- that, my dear readers, is a direct quote from Kevin and Curtis. Okay, so, these kids- boys and girls- corner me in the hallway with hugs, high 5s, hip bumps, jive handshakes (GAWD, is the word "jive" even used any more?), air kisses, and requests to "pound it"- which means tapping closed fists. We go through this whole entire physical ritual when the kids then tell me they are going home because there's an outbreak of the pig disease at their school. I used this as a teachable moment and corrected the vernacular that is was "swine flu" not pig disease, and that we didn't have an outbreak, and explained what an outbreak was. And I was thrilled it was the day they decided to have a hands on approach to saying hello to me... GRE-at! Especially since they had all just been told to avoid having physical contact with each other!!!!!!!! Grrrr!!!!!
Another funny thing was just heard in the hallway. I was walking to a classroom and I hear a teacher from another room saying to his class: "Um, no, wait a minute, you guys. Swine flu is totally different than mad cow disease- calm down!" *I giggled* I just LURVE middle school age kids.
And instead of kids- high school AND middle school age kids, take note- running around hollering about cooties- they would touch each other, run away, and "Oink." Ah yes, public education in action, my friends.
Finally (thirdly for those of you who're countin'), letting all things be about education here at "shoes/purses" I have compiled a list of information about the Swine Flu and some useful links.
Now the WHO had confirmed that what we have is the potential for a pandemic- which is a world wide epidemic, rather than just a plain old epidemic (which is a spread of sickness in a general location to a large number of people), and is urging states to get their pandemic plans into action.
I'll let you all know if our student has it. Guess if that kid does, ya'll will know it because it'll be splashed all over the news since only 109 confirmed cases are in the US, and one death- we might be pretty well known 'round these parts for spreading the "pig disease." So, stay healthy!
In the words of Sergeant Phil Esterhaus of Hill Street Blues: "Be careful out there." Otherwise, 'nuff said.
And this is a public service message is brought to you by your bacon loving,
Dr. Maggie
(okay I'm not really a doctor, I just play one on the Internet)
First, letting all things here at "shoes/ purses" be all about me, I was so pissed because I was scheduled to sub all day BOTH days, one of them being in my favourite classroom with my favourite group of kids- and because of the POSSIBILITY of the Swine Flu, I'm missing out on $$$$$$$!!! That sucks!!!!! Can I have a loan?
Second, letting it all be about humor here at "shoes/purse", I have to say this. I was working in the two buildings on the first day, and when the announcement was made about the early dismissal I was between buildings so I missed it. I walked into the middle school and was immediately accosted by what is starting to be my own "fan club" (the aforementions favourite group of kids)- a ragtag group of struggling kids who have a hard knocked life who think I'm cool and "make learning easy to ... ya know, like, learn" <-- that, my dear readers, is a direct quote from Kevin and Curtis. Okay, so, these kids- boys and girls- corner me in the hallway with hugs, high 5s, hip bumps, jive handshakes (GAWD, is the word "jive" even used any more?), air kisses, and requests to "pound it"- which means tapping closed fists. We go through this whole entire physical ritual when the kids then tell me they are going home because there's an outbreak of the pig disease at their school. I used this as a teachable moment and corrected the vernacular that is was "swine flu" not pig disease, and that we didn't have an outbreak, and explained what an outbreak was. And I was thrilled it was the day they decided to have a hands on approach to saying hello to me... GRE-at! Especially since they had all just been told to avoid having physical contact with each other!!!!!!!! Grrrr!!!!!
Another funny thing was just heard in the hallway. I was walking to a classroom and I hear a teacher from another room saying to his class: "Um, no, wait a minute, you guys. Swine flu is totally different than mad cow disease- calm down!" *I giggled* I just LURVE middle school age kids.
And instead of kids- high school AND middle school age kids, take note- running around hollering about cooties- they would touch each other, run away, and "Oink." Ah yes, public education in action, my friends.
Finally (thirdly for those of you who're countin'), letting all things be about education here at "shoes/purses" I have compiled a list of information about the Swine Flu and some useful links.
- Swine Influenza aka swine flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by influenza viruses. Usually people do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen- obviously.
- Swine IS contagious and is spreading among people. It can be spread like any other flu viruses: through coughing or sneezing of people who have the flu. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. And you CANNOT get the Swine Flu by eating pork products!
- Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches the eyes, nose, or mouth. Drops from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are airborne so germs can be spread when a person touches the drops from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own face before washing their hands.
- There are ways to avoid getting the Swine Flu- or at least, they could be considered safety precautions. Most importantly: wash your hands. Get lots of sleep, be active, manage stress in a healthy way, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Because the H1N1 Swine flu Virus is new to the US, it is treatable if detected in time, usually within 2-3 days of the presence of symptoms and is treated with medication known as Tamiflu, which is aplenty in the USA, as of now.
Now the WHO had confirmed that what we have is the potential for a pandemic- which is a world wide epidemic, rather than just a plain old epidemic (which is a spread of sickness in a general location to a large number of people), and is urging states to get their pandemic plans into action.
I'll let you all know if our student has it. Guess if that kid does, ya'll will know it because it'll be splashed all over the news since only 109 confirmed cases are in the US, and one death- we might be pretty well known 'round these parts for spreading the "pig disease." So, stay healthy!
In the words of Sergeant Phil Esterhaus of Hill Street Blues: "Be careful out there." Otherwise, 'nuff said.
And this is a public service message is brought to you by your bacon loving,
Dr. Maggie
(okay I'm not really a doctor, I just play one on the Internet)
Friday, February 13, 2009
Birth control drama and other bits and pieces
When I lived in the Wild West I had a great doc, but because of an illness in her family she closed up shop and moved to Kansas- this happened right after my annual physical.
So now it's a year later and I need to get my BC pill script renewed but to do that, like all women know, I need to go for my physical. But I just moved back to Civilization and I don't have an OBGYN. I called around and the soonest I can get in with anyone is about 10-12 weeks. 10 weeks?!? But I need that script NOW.
So, I call my Wild West doc's office and chat with her old nurse who is still there but with the new doc. I tell her about the move and the lad in appointments. She gets the new doc to agree to write me a script. Then they have to call it in to a Wal-Mart Pharmacy in the Wild West. I have to call the Wal-Mart pharmacy here and the pharmacist here will call there and then I can go get my pills. I have never experienced such a mess before. I still don't have the pills in my hot little hands yet. I'm supposed to call on Saturday and make sure it all happened. We also have the 2 hour time difference to contend with and did I mention today is Friday the 13th so I'm sure this will not work out as smoothly as I hoped?
In other news... Sam and I have a phone date tonight. I know that sounds silly but we're just gonna set aside time for us to blab for as long as we want- and we're each breaking out a bottle of wine and will settle in for a good talk. He likes me. I kinda think he's swell too.
No passport yet and that is making me cranky. I am now officially NOT a fan of the US State Department. According to their web site on the day my was posted in the mail, I should've received it by now! I made a phone call or two and it looks like I'm going to have a better chance of seeing Sam in April in San Fran, CA than I will getting to Ireland at the end of this month.
My sub schedule was changed today and I subbed for- of all things- a calculus class and other advanced maths. Obviously they were on their own. I have no idea what a logarithm even is. It was a lovely way to fell stupid all day. BUT it was a huge step up for me since I had been subbing in special ed. all week.
And did I mention I read 4 novels this week? Gee, I love subbing.
It's Friday the 13th- upheaval is par the course, right?
Fate tempter,
Maggie
So now it's a year later and I need to get my BC pill script renewed but to do that, like all women know, I need to go for my physical. But I just moved back to Civilization and I don't have an OBGYN. I called around and the soonest I can get in with anyone is about 10-12 weeks. 10 weeks?!? But I need that script NOW.
So, I call my Wild West doc's office and chat with her old nurse who is still there but with the new doc. I tell her about the move and the lad in appointments. She gets the new doc to agree to write me a script. Then they have to call it in to a Wal-Mart Pharmacy in the Wild West. I have to call the Wal-Mart pharmacy here and the pharmacist here will call there and then I can go get my pills. I have never experienced such a mess before. I still don't have the pills in my hot little hands yet. I'm supposed to call on Saturday and make sure it all happened. We also have the 2 hour time difference to contend with and did I mention today is Friday the 13th so I'm sure this will not work out as smoothly as I hoped?
In other news... Sam and I have a phone date tonight. I know that sounds silly but we're just gonna set aside time for us to blab for as long as we want- and we're each breaking out a bottle of wine and will settle in for a good talk. He likes me. I kinda think he's swell too.
No passport yet and that is making me cranky. I am now officially NOT a fan of the US State Department. According to their web site on the day my was posted in the mail, I should've received it by now! I made a phone call or two and it looks like I'm going to have a better chance of seeing Sam in April in San Fran, CA than I will getting to Ireland at the end of this month.
My sub schedule was changed today and I subbed for- of all things- a calculus class and other advanced maths. Obviously they were on their own. I have no idea what a logarithm even is. It was a lovely way to fell stupid all day. BUT it was a huge step up for me since I had been subbing in special ed. all week.
And did I mention I read 4 novels this week? Gee, I love subbing.
It's Friday the 13th- upheaval is par the course, right?
Fate tempter,
Maggie
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