NiteRider's On- Line Blog

So often it is the manipulators who point the finger and accuse others of manipulation. Why? It is because that is how they do things and they believe that it is the norm. After all, if they do it, everybody does. Right? Seems that those who hunt for examples of manipulations need to hunt only as far as their own mirrors.

Ducks still quack. . . or is it that the quacks still quack?

Jim

Times are difficult for us at Black Hawk College. The college is under severe economic strain. As co-chair of my department, I was elected by my colleagues to represent the interests of the department to the administration. This, at times, places me in opposition to the administration. I am trying to preserve and protect the interest of my department and faculty, the administration is attempting to find ways to balance the budget.

In times of stability these goals are often aligned. In these times the goals can be diametrically opposed. It strains relationships and makes for tension in the workplace. Incomplete or constricted communication often exacerbates this tension. 'What's going on? Have you heard anything? Do you know something we don't know? I cannot comment on that at this time. We will let you know as soon as possible.'

What was it that Gandalf said? Something about nobody wants these times. Our only choice is to do the best we can with the times we are given.

Jim

It was great to have family with me for Easter. Youngest daughter Tanya and her two boys spent the holiday with me. Its been a long time since I have watched an Easter egg hunt.

The time flew by and before I knew it, it was time for the family to return to their home. I am glad they came and wished they could have stayed longer.

Jim

Pedicure day! Sounds a bit crazy doesn't it, to look forward to surgery. But it has been about a month since the surgery was postponed. I am sick of the wound, sick of the puss and blood, sick of feeling run-down and tired all of the time. Am I happy to go under the knife? I am. How do you spell relief? Well, in this case it ain't Alka Selzer. I have confidence in my surgeon. I will be so happy to be healing. I will be happy to be back to work. I will be happy to have some energy back.

Should I smuggle some potato chips into the hospital? Naw, I suppose not.

Jim

When medical protocol interferes with communication necessary for the well-being of the patient shouldn’t it be labeled medical malfeasance?

In my profession the term we used is gate keeper. This is a person who controls the flow of communication. Not all gatekeepers are negative. Some gate keepers insure that the necessary information is correctly distributed to those who need the information while filtering out that which is a waste of time. Unfortunately there are negative gatekeepers. Communication is power. Controlling communication is a exercise in the use of power.

I received an echo cardiogram and a stress test. The results were positive. Although I requested that the information be sent to my surgeon and my surgeon’s office requested the information, my surgeon did not receive that information until after I called yesterday and asked why and insisted that the information be faxed to my surgeon’s office. The reason that the information was not provided: medical protocol. Had I not insisted that the information be sent, had I not called to make sure it had been, I don’t know when my surgeon would have had the results. The hospital called me this morning to tell me they hadn’t received the information or release.

I feel sorry for people that still feel like the doctors are gods and are above question. I feel sorry for a system that supports a protocol that can prevent communication to the parties necessary for making a decision regarding the well-being of a patient.

My foot is now infected. Surgery is not a option – it is required. Thankfully, I enter the hospital in the morning and it will be taken care of.

Jim

Ah, its spring break. . .

On Monday, I have medical tests for my heart. I get to fast starting Sunday night.
On Tuesday, I have lab work. I get to fast starting Monday night.
On Thursday, I have surgery if all the prior tests are OK. I get to fast starting Wednesday night.

Ah shit, its spring break.

On Friday, I get out of the hospital. Watch out refrigerator.

Jim

On Friday I lose more of myself. I tried to talk the surgeon into attacking the jowls, the bags under the eyes, or the fat around the belly, but no, he was VERY uncooperative. He is going to cut off the little toe on the right foot. No one ever sees the little toe on the right foot. They do see the bags under my eyes or the jowls. Try as I might, I could not convince him. I think I might be losing my touch.

Anyway, I will be in the hospital for 23 hours, Since Monday is President's Day, I won't return to work until Tuesday wearing some sort of a device to prevent me from moving my foot the wrong way and on crutches. Crutches on this ice! I'll probably have to visit the surgeon after the surgery for problems created by the crutches and falling on the ice.

Anyway, if they keep whittling away on my feet, I most assuredly will become shorter in stature if not in temperarment.

Jim

Tonight I am going to take my wife out to dinner and a movie. You see, it is our 37th anniversary. At least I will be taking my wife out in my dreams. Happy Anniversary, Dear.

Love,

Jim