It has been very interesting to process how wonderful my life has become ! My mind approach has changed so much in the past year and a half that I feel like a totally different person . Living in the moment with thankfulness and openness to pleasurable new experiences, gifts (non-material) and mindful acceptance without expectation is so very different from how I have lived my long life . I know that in the past the majority of my subconscious and conscience thoughts were focused on "survival" . Sometimes, that meant fear and that manifested with physical and of course mental anguish ! And, I don't even think that I knew what it felt like "to relax" - I mean REALLY relax . I feel a very overpowering sense of Wholeness, Comfort and Gratefulness .
May I share a very recent course of events that has truly overwhelmed me with initial response of marvel versus disbelief ! As you may recall, for about three years I have been very displeased with the lack of proper medical care . And, recently I have started to formulate a plan to remedy the situation . With the guidance of my Psychologist I was able to get scheduled to see a Nurse Practitioner who has had a very good reputation . Of course there was a long waiting period . And, at my request I was given the name of a Psychiatrist who would be able to evaluate my antidepressant medications with a focus of assisting me with the increased symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Even though we are having beautiful summer weather and no symptoms of SAD I would like to think that I will not have the increasing symptoms during the winters to come .
Now then. When I contacted the Psychiatrist office (which is an hour and a half drive from here) I was told that he was no longer working at that office .
And then. I received a call from the office of the Nurse Practitioner office that she was going out on a medical leave for surgery and would not be able to see me .
If you recall, I mentioned that when I started this journey I was going to approach this with strong determination to obtain the proper medical care . So - - - the next thing I did was to go to the Internet and research Psychiatrists in my area . In full disclosure, I really did not think I would find anything that would be helpful . But, as I persisted I came upon a name of a Psychiatrist with fifteen years experience and her private office in on Main Street of the little town that I live . I could hardly believe it ! ! ! Additionally, I could walk to her office - it is that close . OK, that sounded promising ! More on this to come - - - .
When the scheduling office called about the cancellation of the appointment with the NP, they said that there was a new MD on staff that was taking new patients . It just so happened that I very recently noticed that information in the local newspaper . Furthermore, many years ago I had been a patient of his when he worked at the same hospital . My experience as a patient at that time was unremarkable with no recollection of dissatisfaction . His schedule had a new patient opening in a few days and I was scheduled ! I was so happy to feel great satisfaction and optimism.
In preparation for my appointment I went through some of my medical records of the most recent and pertinent diagnostic results and I made copies for the doctor . Without going into lengthy detail I will say that I felt prepared to demand appropriate medical care ! For some reason, the old saying of "Loaded For Bear" came to my mind! In case you are younger than me 👵 the informal saying dates back to mid 1800's meaning "fully prepared and eager to initiate or deal with a fight, confrontation or trouble".
When I arrived at my appointment everything moved along very smoothly and to my surprise the doctor was very cordial, interactive and spent more than an hour addressing all the issues that I had . Additionally, he did a complete systems review that would in the "good ol' days" be considered an annual exam . I even was able to finally get my tetanus vaccine shot that I have been asking for and never getting . It is important especially since I work in my garden a lot .
I am scheduled for the CAT Scan of my abdomen for July 1 and he will do comparison studies with the previous Gastroenterology reports . He has requested the Pathology report from 2012 when two polyps were removed during a routine colonoscopy even though I was verbally told the report was normal .
A referral to the local Psychiatrist for my medication review is being made . He is familiar and pleased with the Psychiatrist that I told him about !
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT ? It looks like I finally have a competent Physician and his speciality is Internal Medicine . And, that is all the better . I AM SO THANKFUL !
The garden is flourishing like I have never seen the likes of . All the rains and some soil conditioner have certainly influenced the lovely visuals I enjoy each day .
Do you see what I see ? I had forgotten all about the White Amaryllis . The blooms are huge !!
Such a stunning Rose .
And, some cheerful Nastertions and Carnations starting to bloom along the driveway .
Next time I will have more photos of the garden with all the latest plants that have started to bloom .
Happy Summer Solstice tomorrow .
Mary
