One of those Wednesday mornings: 2/24/10

Choo Choooo!

I thought I was headed for "one of those days" as a comedy of errors unveiled itself to me this morning.

1. I arrived at the Metropark train station just in time to miss the train.
2. All trains after that were running behind.
3. I got on the next train which was running 7 minutes late.
4. The NJ Transit employee said to me "Ma'am, this train doesn't go to Hamilton." Awesome.
5. I got off at New Brunswick to take the next train (running 6 minutes late).
6. Got on that train and my phone went off to remind me of my doctor's appointment. I was due in the office 15 minutes later. Somehow, I thought the appointment was tomorrow. I booked this appointment 6 weeks ago, and have been waiting to get back to find out the next steps toward righting my continual stomach discomfort.
7. I called the doctor's office, and was told to come in anyway. I made it there 40 minutes late.
8. I got taken back to the exam room after sitting in the waiting room for 2 hours.

(At least it waited to rain until after I got home from class...at 11.)

Fortunately, the day ended well. My weekend plans worked out. ella got a bath so she wasn't so stinky anymore. I feel good about class and all that I'm accomplishing. I had a pleasant dinner of pancakes and a cup of tea at the diner while studying. It helped to round out the day. It didn't end as "one of those days" as it had begun.

I'm off to snuggle my sweet-smelling, sweet girl and wake up to a new day. Goodnight moon. And snowfall...again.

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010: Barium Blues

My Barium Iced Tea

My stomach has been funky for about two months now, so my doctor ordered a CT scan of my stomach. Little did I know what he (& the good people at South Jersey Radiology) had in store for me. The night before my appointment, I filled a water bottle like the one shown above, and mixed in 2 packets of powder (Barium). This turned the water white like milk, and gave it the consistency of a runny yogurt. Yum.

At 8:00 last night, I was to drink the first 8 ounces, followed by 3 more doses this morning. The first dose didn't go so well. I had a really hard time with it. I tried pinching my nose and closing my eyes, but it didn't help.

So, this morning I called SJRA and asked for an alternative. They had me come in right away and they made me Barium Iced Tea. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't good, but anything was better than that milky, chalky stuff sitting in my refrigerator. The tea got harder to finish as I neared the end (the aftertaste was not so great) but I did it!

I went for the test about an hour after I'd finished it. I was kept company in the waiting room by Regis & Kelly, then Rachael Rae, and the women of The View.

Then, finally, they called me back. The test took about 4 minutes. All that prep for 4 minutes. I couldn't believe it.

Best news? I lived to tell the tale.

An apple a day...1/14/10

Dr. Schwartz (aka "The man")

This is my doctor, Dr. Andrew R. Schwartz. He is one of the most gentle, caring, knowlegeable, kind men I know.

As you can probably guess, I paid him a visit today. I always enjoy my time with him, as he is so pleasant while being helpful at the same time. I am very fortunate to have him in my life.