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Friday, July 28, 2017

A note from your doctor


I am at the hub of a good medical system, from admission past discharge. Way back when I had the stroke I went to rehab for a period of time at Akron General’s Health and Wellness Center. Like many hospitals, Akron General absorbed the competition by outperforming them (Akron City), and/or buying them up (Edwin Shaw). All around, new Health and Wellness Centers.

My doctor was the first to move into the Akron General Medical Building near me. I’ve made a bit of a medical mess of myself over the years, and have passed through the emergency room as well as their CAT scan, EMG and more. I took physical therapy there after the stroke, and when I’d frustrated Dana and Rhonda past endurance, I walked a little further down the carpet and joined the gym.

I stuck with the gym program for a fair number of years, and even convinced my sister to join. Eventually I quit going—my first name really should be “Slacker”—but after I broke my arm, I knew I needed to get my core back, and not let a flannel night gown get the best of me again. I engaged a personal trainer, Kristen, and for a year and a half she made me work out one day a week. In fact, I planned to come back from the DC spring break on a Thursday, to make my Friday session with Kristen. 

There is a tiny loophole at the gym. For good cause you can go on “leave” and have monthly dues suspended. I remembered to do that last month. I did need a note from my doctor, who is notoriously non-cooperative on this subject. I got a note from Dana.

A while back Dana mentioned I should work one day a week with Rhonda or her, and a day with Kristen.; I called Kristen. I even got back my old day and time. Only thing left to do was reinstating my membership and paying the gym for Kristen.“But you’re on medical leave!” “I know; take me off.” “We’ll need a note from your doctor.”

Now I understand “face palm.”

I called the doctor. (I needed amused.) “You know Dr. J won’t do that,” Diane, the nurse, said. “I know,” I replied, “but I want to be as ridiculous as the gym, so ask and tell me.”

The next day Diane called. “She said to ask your neurologist.”

Today I explained my Catch 22 or 24 to Dana, who sighed and said she’d talk to the Life Styles lady. When I go for my appointment Monday, I’ll be reinstated and I’ll pay for Kristen, or I don’t know Dana.



Working with Kristen last winter. 


I just had a revelation. Back when I had the stroke, I was frustrated with rehab and left it early. Rehab simply was not happening fast enough. I’m frustrated with rehab with the TBI, too. It isn’t happening fast enough. I do the routines over and over and over, until they show me the door; that’s enough for today.

24 comments:

  1. Medical care the world over seems to involve far too many face palms.
    I do admire your determination and would never, ever describe you as a slacker. And strongly suspect most/all of your readers are with me on that front.

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  2. Going around in circles is so frustrating and gives rise to countless face palms :-(

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  3. I'm amazed at you preference. I end up angry and mean.

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  4. I looked up "Slacker" in the dictionary and it said "Not Joanne."

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  5. You will never be satisfied with not be able to perform the way you wish. Your personality won't allow it.

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  6. I loved what Joeh said. I totally agree!

    betty

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  7. I can certainly understand your frustration with things not happening fast enough. It's like losing weight. One day of dieting and we expect ten pounds to magically fall off.
    But you will get there in the end Joanne, it will just have to be one of those one-day-at-a-time things, which I know is the hardest for you.

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  8. With your determination you will win at the end.

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  9. You missed out the frustration and turmoil from all this.

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  10. Hari OM
    think of it in the same vein as antibiotics; you must finish the course or any effectiveness is nullified! Go Dana... YAM xx

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  11. Slacker is not the Joanne I see. You'll achieve your goals with the spirit and determination you have.

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  12. With your sheer will, Joanne, you are going to live to 100 and beyond.

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  13. I admire your determination. It serves you well.

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  14. recovery is never as fast as we want it to be. don't get frustrated, just keep going. you are making progress. and what's with the note from your doctor thing. the first to make sure you're not being a cheat, the second to cover their asses.

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  15. One day a week? I could go for that. I went to a wellness center and did the machines, yoga and swimming for a year and a half and didn't lose a pound. Dr. said, but don't you feel better? I said no. So I quit. I think I might try again at the city, and see what they have to offer. My son works out all of the time and just loves it. I can't stand it. So maybe...

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    Replies
    1. I hate it, too. I need a buddy or a prodder, or someone to walk beside me and get it done.

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  16. I looked up "Slacker" in the dictionary and it said "Not Joanne."


    ทางบ้าน

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  17. I cannot imagine the frustration of having to deal with doctors who just wont write a note and let it go at that! They just like to be in control!! (Is that spoken like an old nurse?)

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  18. Well, you are better than me. I don't exercise at all.

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  19. Here ya' go:

    To Whom it May Concern:
    Let Joanne do as she pleases. As needed per day.

    Refill as needed.

    DEA number, if needed, upon request.

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  20. Slacker? Doesn't sound like slacking to me! I admire your determination so much. You are a fighter, while I'm a lie-down-and-die-r. And you squeeze the last drop of fun from everything - in a good way, mind you!

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  21. Being stubborn is one of your best friends! I love Sin Soleng's comment: not Joanne.

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  22. Unlike the sick note, the Statement of Fitness for Work does not include the option for doctors to advise someone that they are fully fit for work. ... If you feel you need a medical opinion stating that your employee is fit for work you can enter into a private arrangement with a GP or occupational health specialist.
    ตารางคะแนนบุนเดสลีกา

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