The Cascade Divide

My trip to the Seattle hospital reminded me how much the east and west sides of the Cascade range differ socially, morally, and politically. Our respective beliefs would make different states and damned near different planets.

Swedish hospital has staff from many different national and cultural groups. I enjoy talking to folks from different African, Asian, and European cultures. Oops, almost forgot Australia and New Zealand.

My first surgeon over there was a Kiwi and I had at least one Australian tech. No one from Antarctica even though one doctor walked like a penguin!

August 3, 2024

Seattle Visit

Making another trip to Seattle.

Unfortunately to the hospital and possible spine fusion.

I’m going to take the time to reflect on more enjoyable coastal visits. I missed out on the worlds fair as a kid. My older sister went with the adults but I had to stay at my aunts house because Steve was too young. Mom said it wouldn’t be fair for me to go and Steve not.

July 17, 2024

Aging Gracefully or Not

Aging gracefully. What does it mean?

Personally, I don’t think I’ve ever had a graceful moment in my life.

There is one woman at the rehab center (I got lectured for calling it a nursing home) who might qualify. She rides her wheelchair quietly down the hall with a smile like she knows a secret we don’t, or maybe she just crop dusted someone. I don’t know the reason but she looks serene.

July 17, 2024

Questionable People

I am going to continue my observations on the human (sometimes questionable) species. Excuse my terminology but even the very old can be dicks.

My wife will tell you that I constantly watch and notice random acts or objects.

There is one elderly man who parks his wheelchair in the congested corner by the nurses station. There are usually several carts there and when he thinks no one is looking he will move one close enough to his feet to block the hall. He then pretends to be asleep. I accidentally (not) knocked over a tray behind him and he almost wet himself. He gives me dirty looks now but leaves me an open path.

July 17, 2024

Embarassing Moments

Okay guys, awkward moments.

I know we’ve all had our share of these and one this morning brought up the subject.

My veins run deep so can be a challenge to people drawing blood. A woman up here missed twice two days ago. After two misses they have to quit. It took three people that time. I think she was determined not to fail this time. It was band here, band there make a fist, open palm turn arm, whack the search area, and all the tricks. She finally found one and the final position was her breast in my open palm while she poked around. She was finally successful and some might have enjoyed the position I was in but anyone who knows me would realize I was slightly embarrassed and uncomfortable.

July 17, 2024

A Sound in the Night

I was laying in bed looking out the window and listening since sleep was not happening.

Tonight’s episode is on noises. One gets used to noises and which belong or don’t belong. The night time here is usually quieter with some exceptions.

One patient across the hall has a snore fit for a mummy movie. It will be ‘urrahhg’ most of the night. Another one has a snore right out of a cartoon. I think they synchronize because it’s ‘urrahgg wee wee wee wee’ all night.

July 17, 2024

Nurses

I’ve lost track but I think I’ve been in here a little over two and a half weeks.

I’m going to devote this one to medical professionals who deserve all of our praise and thanks but are human just like us.

Each has some angel in them but you know also the devil side they’d love to let put occasionally but mainly keep locked up. They like to prank each other like everyone else. The bed pan seems to be a favorite. A patient will be gotten on a bed pan then told they’ll be given some privacy and to hit the call light when you’re done. This person will fade back and see who wins the pot of gold. Especially if the patient is known for messy and smelly surprises.

July 17, 2024

Cascades Spots

I was looking at the top of Rainier peaking up out my hospital room window these last three days and it reminded me of days gone by.

Tipsoo was always a stop when going over Chinook and when I was younger you could still see the trout placed there by WSU. They say they were winter killed but I heard reports of preppy looking dogs with nets dressed in purple. Just a rumor because those fish could probably kick some doggy butt.