Polly the Parrot didn't look well and the vet confirmed it. "I'm sorry." he told the owner, "I'm afraid your bird doesn't have long to live."
"Oh no," wailed the owner. "Are you sure?"
The vet left the room and returned with a big black Labrador who sniffed the bird from top to bottom, then shook his head. Next the vet brought in a cat. He too sniffed the parrot and sadly shook his head.
"Your bird is definitely terminal," said the vet, handing the owner a bill.
"Wait!...$500.00?! Just to tell me my bird is dying?"
The vet shrugged. "If you'd taken my word for it, the bill would have been about $40.00, but, with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan....."
I've had an extreme amount of pain in my right arm for about a month, so I went in for an x-ray of my shoulder a week ago last Thursday. The Dr's office called me first thing Friday morning and informed me that the Dr would like another x-ray that would give her a better view and requested that I go to the hospital that afternoon to have it taken. Well, I forgot as I was anxious to head up to my daughter's house for the week-end. So she called me Monday about 7:30 AM and asked that I go to the hospital that morning to have the requested x-rays taken. I complied.
Just over two hours and 14 x-rays later, I was told that the radiologist wanted to take a cat scan and was calling for clearance from my physician. Okay. Clearance given. We took it, twice.
That evening, Dr. Jackson called to tell me the good news was that there was no malignant tumor on the bone. Wha?? She thought I may have a bone spur that she could possibly treat with a cortisone shot, and if that wasn't successful, we could schedule surgery with an orthopedic surgeon, and there is a chance that if they scrape the bone, the pain might stop.
Now, I'm thinking 2 x-rays in the office, 14 x-rays in the hospital, two cat scans...and she THINKS that she MAY see a bone spur that she can POSSIBLY treat?
Which of the two stories is the biggest joke?
I can only laugh. I just have no other reaction.
Spring Clean Up in the Garden
15 years ago
7 comments:
Oh, my God. What an amazing post. First, I'm relieved that the worst possibilities were eliminated. But then I wonder how a person is supposed to make a decision like that after they have scared the hell out of you and then sort of leave you hanging.
I am finally getting over the fear I had from my first tests and talk of heart murmurs, hospitalization, electrcardiograms, possible pneumonia, then sent me home with nothing. When I finally got antibiotics, I was better in five days.
Oh I am sorry about that Caryn. With all the medical technology (and expense), you'd think there would be better and more precise answers.
Every 6 months I see my neurologist and every time she tells me that she really would like another spinal tap. (I've had two of them and they are hellish). I ask why and she says so that she can see if there is are changes in the spinal fluid. I ask if it would change the treatment or the prognosis. She says that no it won't and I tell her that I will have another one when pigs fly...
Get all the information on treatments and prognosis and then make a decision on what you want to do. Pain management and function are the most important things...
Caryn, you didn't tell me about your health issues. Allen's plan is not to ever go to a doctor for any kind of tests. I think he has a plan there. I keep going until they find something wrong, just so I can treat? it...maybe. Life is interesting. What we don't know shouldn't worry us.
What a tedious time you've had with no real answers.
I have come to believe that as soon as a family doctor wants "one more test" it is time for a specialist. I had some shoulder pain and mobility problems and I went straight to an orthopedic surgeon. He explained the problem and gave me a couple of options. I took the one that was not his first choice, but it was my choice. I'm all better. I had a small probem with the other shoulder but I knew what it was and what to do.
I'm with Michelle, as we get older and wiser we can be more assertive about what we are willing and able to do.
jokes are a good way to get over the shock. cortisone shots can be painful butif you remember it will slow up the reason for the shot you can get through it.
Sounds about right! It seems that's what we went through with Ryson.
Still, as your daughter I am glad you got checked out. I can't have anything happen to my mummy!
My friend,
Doctors drive me nuts. They know everything, commit to nothing....I hope whatever is wrong is simple and easily resolved. God bless.
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