Tuesday, June 2, 2009

The Woman in the mirror

I don't know about the rest of you, but I can remember when I was little that "The Aunts" would gather on the porch a few afternoons each week to discuss their "ailments". There was lumbago, rheumatiz, (I know it's misspelled...that's how they said it) gout, "woman problems" and the all famous "noxious gas". Of course that last one was mostly when they were discussing the Uncles. The Aunts Florence (there were two of them ) Aunt Della, Aunt Edith and of course my grandmother, Nancy Douglas would gather on the porch, bushels of beans at their feet, big aluminum pans in their laps. Funnily enough Nancy, my grandmother, never complained about her "miseries", she just announced in a rather matter of fact way that, now she was a woman of a certain age, nothing worked right anymore. That was it. No long drawn out complaints, just a simple statement of fact. Otherwise, she would sit with the bean pan in her lap, nod solemnly as the Aunts continued their litany of ailments, and shell and snap beans for dinner or the freezer.

I have discovered that as we get older (I hate the word old, so we'll go with older) we have more and more in common with our fore mothers. It will be up to us to decide into whom we actually morph. Do we become one of the Aunts decrying the fact that your body is busy deserting your spirit, or become like my grandmother who just took things in stride. I frankly enjoyed listening to the Aunts as they grumbled and groused, but I'm sure those who had to hear it on a daily basis soon tired of the tirade. I know we all remember my "what a big girl I am" stance when I refused the gently offered suggestion of a colonoscopy from my beloved Doc Moyd. Uh huh, I stood my ground and said "no no no". I was channeling my inner brat. Then a few weeks later...not months mind you, mere weeks, I ran headlong into my own mortality and landed in hospital for two weeks. The dreaded colonoscopy would have saved me that bit of a near death experience.

So, to add to the list of complaints showing just how low we can go...my arthritic foot...that constant source of pain and betrayal, sent me to the ER a couple of weeks ago. While they were taking x-rays, yet again, they did a little blood work. My hemoglobin was 9.9. Normal is between 12 and 14 and mine had been 13.5 in January. So, getting the call from Doc Moyd, in I go to do a double check. His main concern was just where my blood was going. I took a deep breath and sighed loudly when he asked if I had scheduled the colonoscopy with Dr Dameron. "We do that on Tuesday, " I told him. He then explained that Dr. Dameron would most likely want to do an Endoscopy on my sorry self, too. I nodded at him, all the time in my mind saying "no way, no way no way in hell!"

On Tuesday I found out that my Doc Moyd had been a busy little beaver before I actually got into see Doc Dameron. They had been on the phone with each other and the wagons were circled. I surrendered gracefully. BOTH procedures are scheduled for July 8th. Wish me luck.
And call me Nancy.
Publish Post

49 comments:

Lee said...

All the luck in the world, Sandi! You know my prayers are with you for the smoothness and success of this test. I'll call to find out how you're doing. Make sure the doctor knows you want to be "as unconscious as possible for this procedure. "No ifs, ands, or buts!"

I like your grandmothers example. Maybe we shoud follow it but comisseration sure is nice when you're feeling poorly.

Hugs!
Lee

Unknown said...

Prayers are being sent to you Sandi! Like your grandmother's attitude and know just the type scenario you painted of the little old(er) ladies as it was the same with my aunts and grandmothers!

Good luck sweetie!
Jane

Sally said...

My prayers are with you, Sandi. All the time. (((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

We'll be with you Sandi on your "procedure". I guess I am like your Nancy. I don't like to complain (but I have definitely had my problems this past year) and don't but if I fall down I would like some help getting up.:) I don't have time to be sick because someone has to take care of Bobby G. and all his ailments. He definitely has an angel on his shoulder. :) It's funny...I was just about to come visit you when your comment popped up. As always, your post are a delight to read. I can see my Grandmother sitting on her porch shelling beans right now. :0 xo Lynn

Carol Murdock said...

How funny Sandi.........

I do both on July 7th !!!!

Nessa said...

Prayers and good luck heading your way, Nancy; D

♥ Braja said...

A lot to go through, Sandi...but I have a feeling you'll deal with it well. And two old birds on the porch might help....check these two out:

http://joyceanddorothy.blogspot.com/

Susan said...

Yes, you captured the feeling exactly!

Akelamalu said...

My Dad just had both those procedures done one after the other on the same day because his blood count was very low too. He survived and thankfully they found nothing wrong - I hope the same for you m'dear. xx

imbeingheldhostage said...

Well, I for one am glad you have such caring doctors who are going to look out for you... now the evil little J on my shoulder says "Run! July 8th is a perfect time to come back to England (as is the 9th, 12th, 20th... pick any day actually)". :-)

We'll want pictures, you know.

Pat said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Sandi!!!

Maggie May said...

Oh, Blimey! A double probe.
I will keep fingers crossed for you and send up prayers.
Hope they knock you out for that type of thing. They would have to if it was me. Hugs!

jay said...

The best of luck with both, Sandi!

My way is to grumble like mad, in the privacy of my own home, but cheerfully, if you know what I mean.

But woe betide anyone who asks how I am. They're likely to be told. Most of 'em don't really want to know anyway so it serves them right. LOL!

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

Sandi, just look at is as an adventure.

No, look at it as new material for your blog. That's right. You can blog about your experience.

No, don't look at it at all. Just close your eyes and sleep. When you wake up, it'll all be over with! :-)

Here's praying for a great report! And in the meantime, be sure you eat lots of raisins, etc., for iron. My mother, rest her soul, said that when she was a child, she was eating dirt. The doctor told her mother that my mother needed iron and that it was why she was eating dirt.

Don't eat dirt, Sandi....

SandyCarlson said...

I hope you get good news.

I can relate to the whole biz of avoiding doctors at all costs.

Jeni said...

I am so glad you are having these tests done, Sandi. They are often life-saving over the long haul and truth be told, the worst part about the colonoscopy is the prep you have to do the day before. The test itself is really a breeze. The other, I don't really know a dad-blamed thing about so I can't offer anything on that one but colonosocpies -of them I have become very knowledgeable over the past six years and it was via the first one of those that my cancer was detected and set me forward on a long path but a very worthwhile one -chemo, radiation, surgery, more chemo and the like, without which I wouldn't be here tonight telling you all this! Go, git 'er done as Larry the Cable Guy would say and be glad those options are there for you to have done too!
I'll be thinking of you, praying for you that the results are all good ones too!

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

Oh yes, sore back, swollen ankles, mood swings, saggy boobs and belly and bum! The list could go on but I'm glad to be here as the alternative isn't too appealing.

My mum and aunts did pretty much the same thing. Such wisdom was handed down from generation to generation. All the best with the procedures! X

ancient one said...

I haven't ever done either test... but I have been with my husband to have both done... they gave him something to sleep.. and when he woke he didn't think they had even done the test yet... Like someone else said, the prep the night before is the worst part...Hope you get good results... prayers will be with you... my husband had a couple of polyps removed ... nothing else...

Suzi Moon said...

Oh yes.........I avoid the Dr. at all costs myself, but am currently going through lots of tests and holding my breath waiting for results. Just could not avoid any longer and somehow this is better than not knowing now. I too remember the conversations on the porch. We'd be so quiet to hear every word, my cousins and me.

I wish you many blessings and send healing thoughts. You are a special woman, Sandi McBride. You will be fine. Know it....believe it.
Moonie

myonlyphoto said...

Sandi best of luck, and I like your grandmother Nancy. This is the way we all should look at life, positive even if it hearts....Excellent post, and hope will be well with you. Anna :)

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Jeni is right, the prep is the only bad part. I had both done together and they have wonderful drugs that prevent any discomfort at all. I was relieved to find that I had nothing to worry about. Mine was just routine, but I have an aunt who had colon cancer. I will be thinking good thoughts and sending them your way!

Jamie Dawn said...

Okay then, Nancy... July 8th it is. No canceling!!!!
Growing older does indeed bring with it various ailments. I think those porch discussions during bean snapping had to be very entertaining.
Nancy was just blunt and told it like it was without the embellishments. She sounds marvelous.

Sandy Kessler said...

wise move but BLEH!!!!

Shrinky said...

Oh Sandi, poor you, I do hope it all goes by without too much fuss and hassle. It has to be done hon, no way past it, eh? I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed that all comes out well. Keep us posted, eh?

The Dental Maven said...

Good Luck Girl! Everyone says the prep is the bad part, just get through it. Hope all goes well!

Candy said...

Mac can hang out with the fellows while us ladies wonder around blogland...thanks for coming along.

We'll have fun,
Candy

Casdok said...

Wishing you all the best and hoping they dont find anything sinister.

The Muse said...

Sandi,(nancy) I can picture you with your little shovel…over at A Divas Hammer...I dare say that your garden is one of the most lovely.

Now, I want you to know how much I cradle you in my thoughts and prayers for all that awaits. But I am very glad that they have corralled you, so that can check and be sure!~All best wishes for health. And 4 days from now the best of news.

Carver said...

Best of luck and I'll be sending out good thoughts for you.

This was an excellent post. I find myself feeling more and more like a little old lady with my "complaints". I could so relate to this post.

Thanks so much for your visit to my blog.

granny grimble said...

Hi Sandi, I send you lots of love, cyber hugs and of course my constant prayers for your well-being on July 8th. Please keep us up to date with the results when you get them. Just keep thinking that on July 9th it will all be history! XXX

Cheffie-Mom said...

I'm thinking of you and sending hugs your way!

Alison said...

All the best--I liked the image of the "older" ladies sitting on the porch discussing their ailments.

Dr.John said...

If we call you Nancy does that mean we don't get to hear all the details from the July 8 adventure?

Sandy Kessler said...

we live such parallel lives those aunts with the bean buckets shelling are mine too of course..sandy

Deb said...

Well. No more spring blogging breaks for me, I guess. I come back to find out that you have been hospitalized AND you have written a book. I was only gone for two months - you have been one busy lady! So I am sending you tons of well wishes, praying hard and hoping that your health improves on a daily basis and your book sales go through the roof ! I missed you. Take care.

Justabeachkat said...

Cute post about a serious matter. Now sweet Sandi you do what those doctors recommend and behave yourself, okay? We need you here. Healthy and sassy. Can't wait to read all about the procedures. I just hate you have to wait so long. Waiting is the worst.

Hugs!

Lew said...

After the "prep", the procedures are a breeze. Doing both in the same visit saves a lot of agravation. Here's to a clean look on your visit!

tlchang said...

Oh, good luck and best wishes. I've had my fill of hospitals and doctors this past month (and am still missing half of my brain post-anesthesia), so I am very sympathetic. But better safe and early/preventative where ever possible than sorry later, I suppose.

hugs and good thoughts to you!

Anya said...

We wish you many luck,
lovely story (@^.^@)

cheshire wife said...

Thank you for your visit to my blog. I am sorry that I have not got round to visiting you. I am really not sure how I have missed you but I have now caught up with your blog. It sounds as if you are having a rough time. I hope that the doctors can make you as good as new. Good Luck for next month.

Joyce and Dorothy said...

You can talk about aunts sittin' on the porch all ya like, but Joyce and I are waiting for YOU to get your sorry ass to ours, where the alcohol and ammunition are free and the neighbors are WORRIED....

Mrs Mac said...

Oooo good luck! Hope it all turns out ok.

I try to be like my mum, I think. She doesn't let on when stuff goes wrong. I have to draw it out of her. She has always just got on with it. My dad is the opposite. If he calls, I know that the first 20 minutes will be just to tell me all his aches and pains. Most times he won't remember to ask how we are. With mum, asking how everyone else is are the first words out of her mouth.

I've had the arthritizz since my teens, so I've got used to it being there. My hip has hurt all this week and then this morning I discovered that part of it has slipped 'out'- I have hypermobility and this happens to joints sometimes. Once I had discovered it my partner was like, "WHAT the???" I sort of forget that this stuff is kinda freaky to other people. LOL!!!

Merisi said...

The best of luck, dear Sandi!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Hi Sandi...I have a bit of an inner brat when it comes to medical stuff, too. :-) I sure hope you are feeling better! Prayers headed your way!
Susan

Jeanne said...

hehe So true. When I have my monthly get together with one group of friends 'ailments' do seem to dominate the conversation. lol

Anonymous said...

We find ourselves sitting on the porch at the end of the day in a state of "WHEW!" and then wonder out loud how it is that we became our elders! ;)

I'm really glad to hear you have the procedures scheduled. Wasn't my fav (or B's) but at least we don't have to worry for a few more years.

Hilary said...

Sending best thoughts your way for a great outcome to those test. Please keep us posted.

Denise said...

Bless your heart...... I know that when I look in the mirror I see my mother....Never thought I would get old but I wonder what in the world I was thinking..... Of course I would get old but I did not know it would happen so fast..........

Praying for your renewed strength!

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