I am still enjoying what is left of the fall color. Most of the leaves are down or have turned brown, but there is still a tree of two that still hangs on to its red or yellow color. Inside our house it looks like Christmas, but I still love that outside fall color. I wish fall were about three weeks longer!
We had an extremely successful medical appointment yesterday. We saw a new neurologist who will now oversee my husband's care. The clinic where we went is associated with our normal medical group in Palo Alto but it is at least one hour closer to us. It was so much easier to get to, right off the freeway, and so convenient to get in an out of.
If you have ever had to transport a disabled person, transferring from the car to the wheelchair is a time-consuming and possibly hazardous activity that takes place curbside while other cars wait for you to hurry up and move your car out of the way. Well, this new clinic makes the process a breeze.
They actually have free valet parking curbside. You drive up and there is a team of helpful attendants who offer to help you get the wheelchair or other equipment out of your car, offer assistance to help your patient into the chair, and then park your car for you. I was amazed and so pleased and relieved. The process was so simple and stress-free. When you are finished with your appointment, you text them and they bring your car back to the curb for you and help you and your passenger into it. Brilliant.
The new doctor was so thorough and comprehensive in her interview and examination. I feel so confident having Dennis' care in her hands. She does suspect that he may have a chronic rather than acute form of his disease, which could mean that his condition will take longer to recover from and that he may not ever get back to his previous "normal" mobility. That wasn't great news, but he has improved so significantly over the past couple of weeks we are still optimistic and hopeful that he will be walking on his own again.
Best of all this doctor was so concerned with making things easier and more convenient for us. Dennis is going to have to have a series of infusions each month going forward (for an indefinite period of time). Instead of having us travel some lengthy distance to an infusion center every day for a week each month, she is going to arrange to have a nurse come to our home to administer the infusions. This is such a massive help I can hardly articulate how grateful I am.
Assuming you are not here for medical content (lol), I will stop now. However, this is my life lately, and I wanted to share where we are and how we are managing.
We are off again today for another couple of doctor appointments, but they should be quick and easy. Thank goodness for Starbuck's Peppermint Mochas! They are making my life so much more pleasant lately!
Here is something quilty I have to share. I saw this new fabric collection called Chirp by Elena Amo, which I loved at first sight. Elena is a new designer for Moda and I love her color palette and whimsical style. She is an illustrator known for her sweet designs featuring animals and nature. She started out wanting to be a ballerina! I purchased a fat quarter bundle right away and have no idea what I will make with it, but I adore those colors.
18 Responses
I had to close my eyes and hum over the fat quarter bundle, it is lovely, if I were out of fabric . . . but alas projects await.
We have had valet services at our local hospitals for about 15 years. They are at the main doors, available to all. I agree, wonderful option! Ours probably help with transfers too. I had not thought about wheelchair complexities. Very good the doctor is looking at the big picture and your wellbeing too.
One of my daughters had medical care in Rochester Minnesota (we live in Indiana) and Mayo sent local nurses (here) when they could, so we did not have to make the trip. Agree, it makes a huge difference. Such a valuable resource.
Sounds like you are getting very good help and feel supported.
Vickie
I’m so glad that they are making this journey a bit easier for you! My hope and prayers for a full recovery! PS. Great fabric! I do see fall colors in it!
This doctor sounds like a gem, and her clinic perfect! So comforting for both of you. The fabric bundle is delicious!
Medical content is fine with me and I’m happy to get the updates! I guess patience is in order, but things seem overall hopeful. I can do with out the weather reports– lol. We are buried under 19″ of snow already I chuckled when I saw your fall trees. Definite fall vibe on the fabric, too! I guess you’re in the right– winter starts officially on Dec. 21st. God help us.
ha. med content appreciated. we are all there or on our way. any help, sewing or otherwise, is greatly appreciated.
Isn’t it amazing what difference one person can make! So glad you have found your way to her and her clinic. So reassuring when a medical practice looks at the whole person and what came make life easier at these already stressful times. Your hubby has made great progress and I’m sure your care has contributed greatly. So glad you are keeping us informed and that you have new fabric to pet!
I’m so happy to read all of this good news!!! I am sure you are so relieved and I’m glad Dennis has this new doctor.
I’m so happy to read all of this good news!!! I am sure you are so relieved and I’m glad Dennis has this new doctor.
I’m so happy to hear things are starting to ease a bit – having a medical practice a little closer, a doctor who seems really on top of things, the valet help and home nursing care all sound like they will help ease your load a teensy bit. Not to mention, it has to feel great to have Dennis home! New fabric always helps lift my spirits too – what a cute collection. Can’t wait to see what you will make.
I have a note about car transfers…google car handle assist handicapped…or something like that. You’ll find these gizmos that hook into the door latch (an open car door) and provide a sturdy handle to boost from. Very helpful after my husband’s hip replacement. Great that you have so many resources. Wishing continuing progress for your husband.
…from which to boost…if we are true grammarians!
WHERE IS THIS MAGICAL PLACE WHERE THEY ACTUALLY HELP THE PATIENT/FAMILY and then valet the car??!! Seriously, where is this?
home infusion? also a great idea! I didn’t know such things were possible.
I think about you every day. I’m sending lots of virtual hugs and prayers your way.
I am so glad that you and Dennis are getting such good care.
I am so happy that you found this medical facility, it certainly makes your lives easier. I am sure that Dennis would like to be as independent as possible and anything that helps is great. Please do not stop writing about what is happening in your life right now. We (I am) are willing to be your sounding board or just a place where you need to vent. Sometimes we don’t want to burden our children and family as they have their own lives.
Absolutely wonderful news here today! That doctor & the medical facility sound like they prioritize both the patient & the caregiver. Please keep us posted because we’ve all either experienced or will be experiencing similar situations as we age. We appreciate your insights & are happy to be your sounding board. I see how you snuck that fat quarter into your blog today! We needed to see that, too! 😉
So pleased to hear your news. It is such a relief when you know you’re in good hands. Won’t that make for a much merrier Christmas?!
As a retired nurse, I like to hear how health care is delivered in other regions. Our local clinic has the handicap parking a block away and no one to assist. I feel like our health care delivery has become more difficult and less user friendly. You are blessed to have those options in your area. I’m happy for you to be able to access treatment closer to home. Quilting is such a great stress reliever.
Retail therapy is sometimes one of the ways to cope with a stressful situation. Glad things are looking up for you both; hang in there!