Journal - Physical

Yesterday, I had my physical with Dr. Jensen. Like I mentioned before, I haven’t had a physical for a long time, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I kind of figured it would be a complete check-up: blood work, urine sample, prostate exam, hernia, the whole nine yards. That wasn’t quite how it went though.
My appointment was at 2:40, and I think we got there maybe 10 minutes early. There was a little bit of paperwork to fill out as usual, and a little bit of confusion over whether it was okay for Joni to sign my name or not, (I ended up signing it myself). Then we sat down and about one minute later, the nurse came out and led us back to an exam room.
She took my height and weight. I was pleased with my weight, she said I was around 180. I think it’s been about 10 years since I weighed 180; last year I was around 190 or 195. That exercise bike is really paying off. Then she checked my pulse, temperature, and blood pressure, all of which were normal. Then she sat down at the computer and went through the questionnaire about my medical history. She asked me if Dr. Feilmeier’s office wanted any particular tests done, and I said I didn’t know. When I made the appointment, I told them Dr. Feilmeier would be faxing them some information, but I got the impression that the fax hadn’t come, or it had been lost. She then asked about where Dr. Feilmeier was located and everything which made it sound like they were going to get in touch with him to make sure we did everything that was necessary, so I felt okay about that.
That was it for the nurse, so she left, and it was only a few minutes before the doctor came in. He asked a few questions about my upcoming surgery and my history and all that. He checked my ears, nose, and throat, listened to my lungs, and felt both sides of my abdomen. And that was it. That’s all he did. All together, we were probably not even there for half an hour. I wasn’t complaining, though, I was glad it was over with.
So we drove home. Just as we pulled up in front of the house, my phone began to ring from my back pocket. It was Dr. Jensen’s office calling to say they needed to do some blood work and when could I come back? Hmmph! So we made an appointment for next Monday at 9:00 am.
I can’t really say that I was surprised when the nurse called back. Also, I don’t feel like I’m in a big rush to get all this done and get my surgery as quickly as possible. Some things are worth waiting for, and this is definitely one of those. Still, I was perturbed at having to make another trip to Kearney, gas prices being what they are.
Oh, I also asked the doctor for a prescription for Nasonex. That’s an allergy/sinus nasal spray that I used for a few years before I lost my insurance. Ever since I got my Medicare, I’ve been wanting to get that again so this was the perfect opportunity. He sent the prescription right up to the Walmart pharmacy, and I was just going to have Joni pick it up when she goes to do the shopping next week, but I guess we can get it on Monday now.
So there we are. I’m only half a step closer to surgery instead of a full step, but half a step is better than none.

Psalms 150:3-5 "Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!"

Journal - Moving Right Along

Well, things are continuing to move very quickly. I said earlier that I would probably give Elinore a call later this week to check on things, but I didn’t have to. She called me today to let me know that they had received the measurements from my visit on Monday, and that they now have everything they need to go on with the surgery. That Elinore is really on the ball.
As I said before, the only thing left to do is to get my physical, and Elinore let me know that it was time for that. She said that since they have all the information they need now, that my name would go to the top of the list, “so don’t drag your feet too long on this.” She kind of made it sound like this could happen any time now.
Well, I didn’t drag my feet at all. As soon as I got off the phone with Elinore, I looked up the phone number for my old doctor in Kearney, Dr. Rude. Dr. Rude became our family doctor when I was about maybe 8 or 9 years old, and I had already decided I would go to him for my physical, even though it’s been about twenty years since I last saw him.
Anyway, I called Dr. Rude’s office, but found out that he is booked solid until the end of July. The receptionist asked if one of the other doctors would be okay, and I said that would be fine. So I have an appointment with Dr. Jensen next Wednesday at 2:40pm. I haven’t had a physical for about twenty years I guess, and don’t really know what to expect on this visit. I asked how long they typically take, and she said about half an hour. Not bad, I can tolerate just about anything for half an hour. Well, anything except rap music maybe.
As soon as I had my appointment, I called Elinore back to let her know. She said she would need the phone and fax number so she could fax over some information. Elinore was on the other line, so I left the information with someone else in the office.
So that’s that. I have to admit that I’m finally feeling a little anxious. I thought we were still several weeks out from surgery, but Elinore made it sound like it could happen any time. Now all these thoughts are starting to crowd in on me, getting a hotel room, driving to Omaha, getting someone to look after Sassie while we’re gone, etcetera, etcetera. Well, I guess nothing can happen until I get my physical next week, so I can calm down until then. After that, it will just be a matter of waiting for the phone to ring.

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ESV

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. ESV