4/3/08

Hospital Gowns





Before her death, I used to imagine what my Golden Retriever "Wendy" may be thinking when she laid down and smiled; this is what I envisioned we may say to one another one day. You may recognize part of the phrase...

Wendy and I at the park~


Wendy:
"I dream of laying in the clover above the bunny rabbits burrow; a nice place in the sun where it's safe and warm; where a hound dog can rest her weary head."


Me:
and I wish to lay there with you, my friend, with a Bloody Mary in my hand.

My post:

I’m sorry about postponing another Tuesday’s Question. I've been practicing the violin therefore, I haven't had time to do much in the way of writing. I think until I get past whatever I need to do to get well I should rename Tuesday’s Question, The Unpredictable Question or the Question is…

I like both titles so if you read either of them on a Tuesday as a title to a post it’s really Tuesday’s Question in disguise...or something like that,- Actually, this is Thursday isn’t it? I'm apologizing for Tuesday's Question because I thought it was Wednesday, I'm sorry, for some reason I missed a day…

I'm not sure if I’m coming or going lately - golly, being sick is a full time job...it requires effort, like keeping up with the days and time. I feel I need to hurry to get dressed each morning, fix my hair, find my pumps, and pick up my clothes from the dry cleaners, etc… all hard adjustments for a writer, especially a sick one.


But, I guess I’m exaggerating a little, because the most I ever did to get ready for work was put on make-up and scream at my hair on my way out the door while I put the rest of my make up on in the rear view mirror.

And I’ve had trouble wearing pumps (a style of high heels guys) all my life, I fall over and walk on the side of my ankles, and wobble as if I've had too much to drink- it's not a pretty sight. I hate it though, because I really like how the shoes look and I would've liked to have had the patience to manage them at some point, if not anymore-

One time, I wore a pair of pumps for a boyfriend I adored, all the way through the French Quarter in New Orleans. Although by the end of the night, my date had to carry me to the car, and not because I had to much to drink. Consequently, our relationship soured soon after, which was for the best because the young woman I was that evening disappeared long ago, and I have a feeling he would have liked the other one better- Oh the things young woman do for the illusion of love, especially us romantic types.

Anyway, at the risk of switching the subject, guess who knows I’ve been playing my violin? If you are a regular reader you will quickly guess, if not, read these posts about Simon, my cat (he is also a songwriter) when you have a chance, and you will know more about why it’s a problem for him to know I’m vulnerable. (I also have a picture of him posted with the link.)

I don’t know how this cat knows when I feel powerless, frustrated, or scared out of my wits, but he does...

In fact, Simon wasted so much time Tuesday; I hold him partially responsible for the postponement of Tuesday’s Question. Because, while I was on the phone trying to set up appointments on an outpatient basis, and avoid being admitted to the hospital, Simon strolled along the kitchen counter gently tapping random objects on the floor.

Then the cat looked at me and meowed, as if he were playing Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, tell me dear owner which item will go...

Then I resorted to his level, “You evil little monster, I don’t care if you are a songwriter, you are a goner. The next time I have the chance you’re going to the pound –period.”

Anyway, I continued trying to find out about outpatient medical testing because according to my mother, I’m too hardheaded to just go in the hospital, and she's right, as usual.

Although my mother often says I’m “too hard-headed” when we disagree, which we were doing on the phone that afternoon, with my stepfather litigating her case in the background and Simon glaring at me with a “say chicken or else” look on his face and a defiant curl in his tail.



I could hear my stepfather saying as I watched Simon, “Ann, why don't you just go in the hospital and get those tests over with?"


Good question, and if I would just agree this would be over I thought, but I wanted to stay home surrounded by my books in my blue jeans, rather than go in a hospital and lay around in one of those awful gowns.

How am I supposed to feel secure having my spine operated on by a team of surgeons who tolerate such ludicrous hospital sleepwear?

I mean, Gee whiz... is it too much to ask for a decent nightgown? Nowadays you can have your hair, boobs, face, behind, everything virtually changed...you can be stuffed, tucked, plucked- and wrapped as tight as a Christmas present. These are exciting times, medical science has even found a way to defy gravity~ but not one soul can invent a decent hospital gown, not one...come on.

The hospital staff makes you wear those night gowns too, because last time I was in the hospital I brought my own pajamas and they would not let me wear them, although by the second day I was so doped up all I wanted was a giant lollipop.

And another time I was visiting the emergency room, the nurse said, “Put this gown on and the doctor will be right in, (you know the drill) but I didn’t feel well so I put the gown over the top part of my body and clothes, and hid my legs under the covers. That way the nurse couldn’t see my pants under the sheets, especially with my purse and hands on top of my legs.

This was an idea I actually thought was clever at the time, because after all, the gowns in the E.R were just routine anyway, and the doctor wouldn’t care, right?

Well, I was wrong, about the clever part anyway, because the nurse could tell what I did and she wasn’t too happy when she returned. She insisted that I take off my clothes right then and there, and put on the stupid gown with the butt open in the back- (talk about feel like a child)

Which reminds me that if I have to go kicking and screaming into the hospital you might not hear from me for a few days, but when I escape, I’ll have new material, so do come back, and know I always appreciate hearing from you ~



Plus, I thank you all for giving me what I suspect gives us all courage- the knowledge that people care - or in some cases, they're at least willing to stand by you and fight for your right to have decent hospital attire~ or hear you complain about it anyway~

I’ll keep you posted on my hospital stay, if in fact, there is one~

Until my next post~

Love and thanks~

Ann

21 comments:

Sandee said...

I hope all goes well Ann. If you need tests honey then you should have them. Just saying.

I do agree about those awful gowns though. You would think they could come up with something better.

Take care and keep us in the loop. I do worry about you. My regards to Simon. Big hug and lotsa lovies honey. :)

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Thank you Sandee, and I will break down and put on that stupid gown if I have too...I'm only tightening the strings on my violin. (LOL)

Thanks for caring and always leaving the best comments. And I will give my regards to Simon, that is if he comes out of hiding- he's mad at me at the moment- thank goodness, now I'll have some peace for awhile~

You're a really good freind~

Hugs~ Ann

Dawn Drover said...

Ann, those hospital gowns should be outlawed!
It's funny how animals always know when we are not up to par. Miiko behaves much the same way. Letting me know HE KNOWS something is up.
Take good care... you have a lot of friends who care about you and wish only the best. We'll still be here when you are feeling better :)
{{{HUGS}}}

Anonymous said...

I wonder why they call them pumps..???

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Dawn, I'm glad you agree about the hospital gowns, in fact I'm going to change my title to this post for the fifth time, and lets organize a picket line...(LOL)

Can you imagine if we really did that with all the problems in the world? (LOL)

And you know I think you're right about animals. When you said that about Miiko it never occurred to me that Simon was trying to let me know that HE KNEW something was up...no wonder he gets so aggravated with me. (Smile)

And thanks for the last phrase you wrote, you know that everyone will be here Dawn when I return. You have such a way with words, and it made me feel good, especially since it was coming from a genuine person.

Huge hug back to you~

Ann

Oh and tell Miiko hello~ :)

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Robert, (LOL) You know, I never thought of why, hmmm...(laughing)

I was too busy trying to keep them on my feet~ I guess because they pump you up- (LOL) You know, make you taller...

In my opinion they should be called, many other things...

Take care, cowboy,

Ann

Anonymous said...

Ann, I just wanted to say I'm sorry you are having so many health things going on right now. I know you'll come thru all of it with flying colors. You are too special a person not too.

Misty DawnS said...

Ann - I luv ya Hon! Take care of yourself, please! I'm sure you'd look absolutely hot with your booty hanging out of a hospital gown ;-) Now, please, make sure that my friend Ann is in good health and taken care of!

Wendy said...

You got me with the part at the beginning about your golden retriever. I used to do the same thing. She's resting her weary head in her safe, warm place in the sun forever now, under her favorite tree in the backyard.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry you are not feeling well. I am taking care of my mother who feels so much better since receiving treatment! On a side note I don't wear anything with a heel. It just means a trip to the emergency room.

Bud Weiser, WTIT said...

All the best, Ann. Good luck, and I'll say a prayer. The hospital gown might draw more attention if you wear it backwards. ;)

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Misty Dawn, You are so sweet. I'm going to give out my monthly You Cheer Me Up Awards (Sunday)and meet my doctor at the hospital in the morning. I think I will be fine. I just wanted my readers to know what I was up too if I didn't post for a few days.

LOL I appreciate your confidence in my ability to look good in what I call the hospitals torture design wear. It's as if the hospital staff wants you nice and humiliated right at the beginning of your visit- I know that's not true, but I don't understand it, obviously.

Anyway, I will use another gown for a robe, and if I don't end up in jail, I will let you know how everything turns out~ God bless, and take care of my good friend Misty, as well~

Hugs~ Ann

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Paula, Thank you for such a terrific comment. You always say the right thing and I appreciate it~

Your words will help me get through the experience. Now, if I can just get pass the hospital dress code I'll have it made. :))

Hugs~ Ann

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Jennifer Robin, I was touched when I read what you wrote about your dog resting by her tree. We all need a soft places to fall- whether it's our favorite lazy chair, "a cozy fire at home in the woods," a patch of cool clover...a favorite tree in the backyard, or a nice place in the sun.


Thank you for the imagery in your comment- I could see your dog and mine-


When I'm scared I often use humor or the imagery of a memory to help get through it. So, thank you for the terrific comment~


Ann

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

beeker, (LOL) I laughed when I read your side note... You know, I would break my neck into a million pieces if I tried to wear heels now.

Plus, thanks for telling me about your Mom that is encouraging.

Thanks for reading~

Hugs~ Ann

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Bud, Thank you for your prayers. It made me feel good to read that- :))

And as usual you made my sides hurt from laughing with your gown suggestion...it would draw more attention alright. But, I'm afraid I would end up in the loony bin or the (you're not following the rules room.)

And I wouldn't want the job of proving I haven't lost it in a room full of other people who couldn't figure out how to put on those gowns...

I mean think about it, that could be awfully scary-

Have a great week, Bud, and thanks again for your support~

Ann

Dawn Drover said...

Just checkin' in on my favorite blogger :)))
LOL @ Bud!!!

Sandee said...

Hi honey. Haven't seen you around for a bit and just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers too. Hope all is well. Big hug and lotsa lovies. :)

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Dawn, Ditto! You're the best! Isn't Bud hilarious? Can you see me strolling down the hallway in a hospital with my gown open in the front?

Then, I would have a whole new set of problems. (LOL)

I'm going to give out this months You Cheer Me Up Award tonight, and post as soon as possible after that- depending on the way things go...

Regardless, I can't stay away for long, so I will do what I have to do to get better.

So I'll be ready to post again soon~ And I'll stay in touch~

Huge gigantic hug~

Me :)








































































































































































































































































of the supot I have to say once again I re

642-812 said...

I love to play violin and always much excited about it but still have no time to learn some tactics that how I can play it properly but I will do this whenever I will get some free time after my studies.

640-721 said...

Its fairly a good blog to read out. Carry on dude.

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