Yesterday I went for my second infusion. It went smoother than the first one but the “hour” appointment took almost three hours. It started the same frustrating way but this time it was more frustrating. When I arrive I sign in. When my name was called I was taken to have my blood tested. Last time, I went back, waited my turn for the test, and was then told that I don’t need a blood test. Most people are there for chemo, I’m not. My infusion is to keep my Crohn’s from flaring. It’s a very different drug and doesn’t need a blood test. So this time I told them, “I was told last time I don’t need a drug test.” She asked, “when was that?” I told her two weeks ago. She said, “You need a blood test.” I go back and the person who does the tests looked at my chart and said, “You don’t need a blood test.”
“That’s what I told her.”
“You said you had a blood test two weeks ago.”
“No, I said I didn’t have a blood test two weeks ago.”
“I was just making sure.”
A simple, “I’m sorry,” Would have made me feel much better. When you make a mistake, own up to it.
Then came the worst part of the entire procedure, waiting for my infusion to be prepared. Why was that bad? I sat under the TV in the waiting room so I couldn’t see what was on. I was trying to read on my phone but sometimes it would force itself on my consciousness. The way democrats were characterized was totally misleading. I couldn’t believe anyone that unprofessional would be on TV. Finally I looked to see what was on. It was Fox News. I saw that on the other side of the waiting room, Who Wants to be a Millionaire was on. I moved. Fox News should not be played in a waiting room in the Bronx; it will raise the blood pressure of most people there.
Once I was called in for the infusion the staff was totally different. They are friendly and wonderful. It’s not, that person, or the woman. It was Alan and Sofia. Alan was my nurse last time and gave me a warm hello and asked about me. Sofia is a ray of sunshine. Most of the people getting infusions are far sicker than me, they have cancer. They need to be treated like human beings with emotional needs.
There was a technical glitch. I have huge veins popping up on the back of my hands. I’m an easy person to start an IV on. Sofia commented on that. She put the needle in and no blood came out. She moved it in and out. No blood. It hurt. It doesn’t usually hurt. She finally gave up and used my other hand which worked fine. She has no idea what went wrong. Sometimes your body just gets a glitch. She felt guilty I told her not to.
Once the IV is in, it’s just a half hour of resting. I read the Times on my phone. I took a nap. I should have meditated but didn’t. I might have to go through this the rest of my life. If it prevents further damage to my small intestine it’s worth it. It’s just a time eater, not unpleasant, and I’ll only need it once every eight weeks after the start up.
My next stop was the drug story to pick up a prescription, it’s not that far a walk and not that far out of my way so it’s convenient. It is also right by the subway which fit in my original plan, to take advantage of being able to see out of my right eye and see Captain Marvel. I even have a discount code from taking surveys with You Gov. I used the Atom App on my phone to find a theater and order the tickets and then noticed; it’s in 3-D. I need two working eyes to appreciate it. On Monday I have my right eye operated on and if it’s anything like the left eye, I’ll see fine on Tuesday. I’m going all the way, my first movie in years will be in 3-D IMAX. Instead of Captain Marvel I got my female superhero fix from Supergirl on TV. The show is a bit too precious but I still enjoy it.
Tonight I’m off to John Platt’s On Your Radar. John’s guests are Plywood Cowboy, Sophie Buskin, and Genevieve. Sophie and Gen are friends so that makes it also a social occasion. That’s wrong, there are always friends in the audience so it’s always a social occasion. It will just be more of one.
Wise Madness 