tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18778922430350142742024-03-04T23:17:09.828-05:00Patients Say the Darndest ThingsDr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.comBlogger728125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-50255419862172191042015-08-21T22:11:00.004-04:002021-07-10T08:39:03.590-04:00Life without TI started this blog a few years ago and it's been a great way to continue to record patient, family/personal stories and life observations.<div>I tried to do the same in Patients Say the Darndest Things volumes #1, #2, and #3 that were published in 2003, 2006 and 2009, respectively.<br />
For the most part, I've led an incredibly charmed life up until June 18th, 2015.<br />
That's the day my amazing wife, Tori, who was sitting on the couch next to me suddenly slumped over and became unresponsive.<br />
It was about 20 minutes after I had written the most recent blog entry.<br />
I was post-op day #9 from a left total hip revision and she was taking care of me.<br />
She suffered a heart attack and had prolonged cerebral hypoxia.<br />
After 4 days of attempted interventions in which no significant brain stem function was observed she was allowed to die naturally as per her previously known wishes.<br />
Our (mine and my childrens) world has been rocked.<br />
Today is day 60 of Life without T (Tori) and I am therefore starting a new blog with the same title.<br />
I suspect some might end up there initially due to thinking it’s a blog with information regarding how to live without Tea or Testosterone.<br />
I don't know if they will come back when they determine it's not.<br />
If not, hopefully they might pass the title on to someone they know who may be in the midst of a life changing event.<br />
Patients Say The Darndest Things has ended as of today.<br />
I have more important things to write about at this time.</div>Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-76592960285120448382015-06-18T20:31:00.001-04:002015-08-21T21:41:29.429-04:00An upstanding manOne of the major complications from hip replacement surgery is the risk for dislocations with certain movements.<br />
<br />
The risk is greater in revisions than it is for initial total hip replacements. A usual statistic quoted is 10%, but some other studies have shown a risk up to 25%.<br />
<br />
One of the main discharge instructions after the surgery sounds easy enough: Do not bend at the waist greater then 90 degrees for the next 6 weeks.<br />
<br />
It's just that you forget how much of what you do on a day to day basis depends on doing just that.<br />
<br />
For the time being, a "reacher (a tool purchased at a medical supply store)" has become another close friend.<br />
<br />
I'm getting pretty good with it. My wife laughed today when I let her know I was able to pick up a single Q-tip from a bottom drawer in a cabinet and that it only took me about 8 minutes to put on my underwear this morning.<br />
<br />
Progress!Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-73851518862563595742015-06-18T17:31:00.001-04:002015-06-18T17:31:29.579-04:00My friend JackI've had a fair amount of "down" time.<br />
<br />
I'm post-op day #9 from a left total hip arthroplasty revision.<br />
<br />
My current home rehab routine takes about 12-14 minutes to perform and I've been doing it at least 2-3 times a day.<br />
<br />
That still leaves a considerable amount of free time remaining over the course of the day.<br />
<br />
We borrowed season #1 of the series "24" from our local library a few days ago.<br />
<br />
I've been watching a few segments each day and it's helped to compress the day.<br />
<br />
The main character is Jack Bauer.<br />
<br />
He's become a friend of mine!Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-31154403514492445052015-06-17T15:23:00.002-04:002021-07-09T19:49:53.225-04:00To tell the truth"The medication that I just gave you will help you relax but it's truth serum so be careful what you say," noted the anesthesiologist with a grin. "I'll be back in a few minutes when it takes effect."<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My wife was with me in the pre-op room.</div><div><br /></div><div>The medication was most certainly starting to take effect.</div><div><br /></div><div>“I want you to know that I have never been unfaithful to you."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Thanks for letting me know, “ my wife replied, “I was was really worried about that!" </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After the surgery and back up in my room I remembered the conversation. I laughed when rehashing the details with my wife.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Is that all you remember?" she asked.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Yes, was there more?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Before you went off to sleep you also told me that you didn't think our marriage could last if your mother moved in with us and that you sometimes pretend not to hear Dwight (our toy poodle) ringing the bell (yes...he’s trained to ring a bell on the back door with his nose whenever he wants to go outside)."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We both laughed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm glad it wasn't any worse than that!</div>
Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-75043591909181475562015-06-16T14:49:00.005-04:002021-07-09T19:50:57.402-04:00The last lecture re-visitedRandy Pausch recorded these most excellent thoughts about life on earth, in 2007, just before his death:<br />
<br />
"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."<br />
<br />
"You have to decide whether you are Tigger or an Eeyore. You have to be clear where you stand on the Tigger/Eeyore debate."<br />
<br />
Witnessing a resilient and positive person, who may be in the midst of a life threatening health condition, is truly a life inspiring event. It changes you and it's a blessing!Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-59948436016537218212015-06-16T14:13:00.001-04:002021-07-09T19:52:24.714-04:00Epidural babyEpidural anesthesia has been used frequently in labor and delivery since at least the 1970's. Over the last number of years it has been increasingly offered to many undergoing a variety of other operations as well.<br />
<br />
I had a total hip replacement under general anesthesia in 1997 and had severe post operative pain.<br />
<br />
I had a total hip replacement revision last week with epidural anesthesia (that was kept in place for 48 hours post operatively) and had virtually no pain during the post operative period.<br />
<br />
The only draw back was the need to have a urinary catheter inserted-also a first for me. This was discontinued just prior to stopping the epidural.<br />
<br />
But in terms of a decision tree it relatively simple: Severe pain is not good. No pain is good.<br />
<br />
There are also many reports that the elderly, in particular, do much better from a cognitive standpoint with an epidural versus general anesthesia.<br />
<br />
If it's an option, take the epidural!Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-58375340721828455352015-06-15T19:13:00.002-04:002021-07-09T19:53:54.456-04:00Back at itIt's been about 15 months since my last post. I had written an entry about 3-5 days a week for almost three years when I decided it was time for a break. Some things are the same and some are different.<br />
<br />
My wife and I remain happily married and marrying her 22 years ago was truly the best decision of my life. I continue to see primary care patients in their homes and it is truly a privilege and a blessing to do just that. Both children are now in college and doing great. My son just finished his sophomore year and wants to pursue graduate school to become a doctor of physical therapy. My daughter just finished her 1st year and wants to attend graduate school in the future to be a veterinarian. Both are getting observation hours this summer.<br />
<br />
We have a new dog, a 9 month toy poodle, named Dwight. He's a hoot.<br />
<br />
I have some spare time on my hands as I recover from having had a hip revision 6 days ago. I had a total hip replacement done 18 years ago at age 37 due to developmental dysplasia of the hip and X-rays done almost a year ago noted to significant wear and the need to have an elective repair before irreversible damage to the joint had occurred. The plastic liner was changed to a newer generation more wear resistant liner and the metal head was changed to a more wear resistant ceramic head. The joint capsule also needed to be re-constructed.<br />
<br />
It's good to be back!Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-7555095999001045172014-03-15T09:14:00.000-04:002014-03-15T09:14:45.607-04:00Still validA staff member let me know one of our patients had "expired."<br />
<br />
I thanked him for letting me know our patient had died.<br />
<br />
Memberships and warranties expire (to end or no longer be valid).<br />
<br />
People die (to pass from physical life).Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-56991790236679042212014-03-15T08:42:00.003-04:002014-03-15T08:42:57.972-04:00Exercising my mouthI came across a note, by a Recreational Therapist, in a medical record on a patient.<br />
<br />
The patient was a 93 year-old male.<br />
<br />
"Talking and reminiscing" were noted in the section entitled "Recreational activities performed today."<br />
<br />
My wife thinks I talk too much sometimes and I don't disagree with her.<br />
<br />
Starting now, however, I'll just gently remind her that I'm not just talking; I'm recreating!Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-75590126314527998352014-02-09T08:45:00.003-05:002021-07-10T08:37:15.913-04:00Prader ballsI've been trying to put together a case report on the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).<br />
<br />
Many references note the well known side effect of TRT-testicular atrophy.<br />
<br />
Sources note that treatment should be stopped if/when testicles decrease to a size of 5 ml's or less.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure how to measure or even estimate this. I was more accustomed to thinking in terms of testicular size in regards to cm's.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, a Swiss pediatric endocrinologist, Andrea Prader, came up with an orchidometer, or Prader's balls, in 1966 to help clinicians.<br />
<br />
It's a string of wooden or plastic balls that vary from 1 ml to 25 ml's used to help estimate testicular size.<br />
<br />
It's also been called the "Endocrine Rosary."Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-50438753658360537652014-02-09T08:32:00.002-05:002021-07-09T19:57:49.832-04:00"I cannot determine the extent of my injuries at this time"The most common theme for billboards around us seem to be attorneys who are advertising their services.<br />
<br />
Three signs seen recently are:<br />
<br />
1. You fall...you call<br />
<br />
2. Accidente de auto?<br />
<br />
3. ______ got me $1 million dollars (and then in small letters "amount noted is prior to attorney and doctors fees and other costs")<br />
<br />
Most attorneys take 35-40% of the amount obtained for their fee/cut.<br />
<br />
It's easy to see why so many have called them "ambulance chasers" over the years.<br />
<br />
It's harder to understand why so many attorney's seem to take offense to the nick-name.Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-81500801707433733962014-02-01T07:55:00.001-05:002014-02-01T08:02:48.414-05:00The pressure is on guys...don't dissappointJust in case you missed it here it is...<br />
<br />
One of our local Men's clinics is running an ad in the local sports section for a limited time "Romance Package!"<br />
<br />
"In just one visit, we can help end your valentine's night with a bang."<br />
<br />
It includes a private consultation, testosterone analysis, free test dose, $100 Restaurant gift card and a one month supply of "Libido up."<br />
<br />
A $1200 value for only $195.<br />
<br />
Of course the ad has a picture of a beautiful young woman wearing lingerie.<br />
<br />
The ad also mentions a "98% success when other treatments fail."<br />
<br />
It just doesn't include the disclaimer:<br />
<br />
"In just one visit, we can help end your valentine's night with a bang, <b><i>as long as you are willing to stick a needle with medication directly into your penis.</i></b>"Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-4030984603902141582014-01-31T18:29:00.004-05:002021-07-09T19:59:17.909-04:00Falls<span style="color: #1f497d;">We keep track of falls. Sometimes it hard to determine exactly what constitutes a fall. For example, if a person slides out of a chair and lands on the ground, is that really a fall?</span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1f497d;">I asked if anyone had an official definition and, sure enough, they did.</span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1f497d;">A fall is: Loss of upright position that results in landing on the floor, ground, or an object or furniture, or a sudden, uncontrolled, unintentional, non-purposeful, downward displacement of the body to the floor/ground or hitting another object like a chair or stair; excluding falls resulting from violent blows or other purposeful actions.</span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1f497d;">A slide out of a chair therefore represents a fall.</span><br />Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-87139075223031537182014-01-26T17:09:00.002-05:002021-07-09T20:00:14.879-04:00Anniversary bling times twoMr. and Mrs. G have been married 63 years and have had 126 wedding anniversaries.<br />
<br />
"Why? " I asked.<br />
<br />
"We got married while I was stationed in Japan on December 28th at the American consulate but it wasn't recorded by the Bureau of statistics until January 5th because the offices were closed for the holidays."<br />
<br />
"It's been pretty nice. We've celebrated twice each year with a cake and a gift to mark the anniversary of both dates."<br />
<br />
I noticed that Mrs. G. wore a lot of jewelry when I arrived.<br />
<br />
Now I know why.<br />Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-28108105242668509612013-12-28T08:53:00.001-05:002021-07-09T20:04:29.423-04:00An added "O"A relatively new administrative staff member wanted to relay a message.<br />
<br />
"Mrs. J just called and said her husband had a colonic seizure earlier today. He has a past history of colonic seizures but hadn't had one for awhile. She wanted to know if he needed to be seen."<br />
<br />
I hope she didn't see me smile because she did a good job of relaying the message.<br />
<br />
I was curious, however, if she actually thought it was colonic or if Mrs. J reported a c<b><u>o</u></b>lonic seizure instead of a clonic seizure.<br />
<br />
I didn't ask but may re-visit it in the future when she's more settled into working here and gets more comfortable with my, at times, warped sense of humor.Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-24460638179151163582013-12-28T08:38:00.002-05:002013-12-28T08:38:55.532-05:00He paid it forwardMr. W adopted a boy who was 2 years old and significantly disabled due to cerebral palsy. His son is now 30 and working full time as an executive chef after graduating from high school, college and culinary school.<br />
<br />
Mr. W adopted a girl who was abandoned at age 3 by her drug abusing parents. His daughter is now 35 and has a family of her own.<br />
<br />
Mr. W is now 87 and totally dependent, for the last 5 years, due to an unfortunate series of events.<br />
<br />
His son and daughter go to great length to help Mrs. W care for Mr. W.<br />
<br />
Both have nothing but wonderful things to say about their father and how he went to such great lengths to provide for them despite their less than optimal start.<br />
<br />
They let me know they will go to great lengths to help provide for their father in his time of need and to make this stage of his life as wonderful as possible.<br />
<br />
Mr. W doesn't say much these days but I'm sure I saw him smile when he overheard this discussion.Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-73280284841356520112013-12-22T17:08:00.002-05:002021-07-09T20:07:15.012-04:00Microwave JoeWhen asked if he's still preparing his own meals, 91 year-old Joe C. reports that his nickname for many decades has been "microwave Joe."<br />
<br />
His daughter either makes meals for him that he can re-heat in the microwave or purchases ready made meals for which he can do the same.<br />
<br />
He thinks he might have had one of the original microwave ovens.<br />
<br />
He remembers it being called the "Radarange."<br />
<br />
Some quick research shows that, in 1967, Raytheon offered for sale the first popular in home countertop microwave oven; the "Radarange."<br />
<br />
It sold then for almost $500, close to roughly $4000 in today's dollars.<br />
<br />
So it's easy to make a couple of conclusions:<br />
<br />
1. Since about age 49 he's been microwave Joe<br />
2. Back then he was rolling in the dough!Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-81699021324824978682013-12-21T07:55:00.000-05:002013-12-25T09:01:54.195-05:00Happy tearsMr. G (name changed). is 87 years old and has advanced dementia.<br />
<br />
I saw him recently for a medical evaluation.<br />
<br />
His wife is his devoted caregiver and showed me all the many picture Christmas cards of their children and extended families.<br />
<br />
They have a beautiful family.<br />
<br />
Mrs. G. wanted me to know more about this man who now has great difficulty communicating.<br />
<br />
"I married my first husband at age 16 and we had 4 children. He died unexpectedly from a brain hemorrhage. I didn't know what I would do. Rob was a college professor. We fell in love and got married two years later. The kids were all still so young. We've been married for 54 years and he's been a wonderful father. We had a family celebration at our 40th wedding anniversary and everyone wanted us to give a speech. Rob's was short. He wanted to thank two people: my mother for giving birth to me and my first husband for being the biological father of his 4 amazing children. There was not a dry eye in the room that day."<br />
<br />
There was still not a dry eye in our room.Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-70025074658822511402013-12-21T07:40:00.001-05:002021-07-09T20:08:22.641-04:00Human lameness<div class="MsoNormal">
I've often been jealous of my veterinary colleagues who get to use the term "lame" to describe a variety of physical illness/diseases that usually afflict older animals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There's finally a human equivalent: Frail.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frailty is an important medical syndrome that occurs as a result of a range of diseases and medical conditions. A consensus group agreed on the following: it has multiple causes and contributors and is characterized by diminished strength, endurance, and reduced physiologic function that increase an individual’s vulnerability for developing increased dependency and/or death.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two commonly used and validated tools are:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The FRAIL tool:</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 9pt;">The FRAIL tool asks five questions and those who answer yes to at least three likely are frail.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 73.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Fatigue: Are you fatigued?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 73.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Resistance: Do you have difficulty walking up one flight of steps?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 73.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Aerobic: Are you unable to walk at least one block?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 73.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Illness: Do you have more than five illnesses?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 73.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Loss of weight: Have you lost more than 5 percent of your weight in the past six months? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the Clinical Frailty Scale:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://cwcg.mcms.org/Portals/0/Guidelines/Clinical%20Fraility%20Scale.pdf" target="_blank">http://cwcg.mcms.org/Portals/0/Guidelines/Clinical%20Fraility%20Scale.pdf</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The four things that are currently identified as being able to potentially improve physical frailty include exercise, protein-calorie supplementation, Vitamin D (when low), <b><u>and the reduction of polypharmacy.</u></b></div>
Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-86368973469996647852013-12-18T17:59:00.000-05:002013-12-19T18:16:49.268-05:00An inordinate preoccupation with oneself?<span style="font-size: 15px;">Here's part of an interesting 2006 article published in the </span><i style="font-size: 15px;">European Journal of Internal Medicine</i><span style="font-size: 15px;">:</span><br />
<br />
"Physical disease as a narcissistic threat. Sigmund Freud, in his landmark work <i>On Narcissism: An Introduction </i>wrote that, when in a state of physical stress such as illness,"the egoism of the instinct of self-preservation" is expressed.<br />
<br />
Illness and disease are a threat to a person's integrity. It's therefore, not uncommon for many competent, responsible individuals, when faced with the threat of an illness, to behave in an uncharacteristic manner.<br />
<br />
Today, this situation may be compounded by an excessive preoccupation and search for information relating to their symptoms/ illness on the Internet, as well as by the breakdown of relationships, family life and community structure that has been such a characteristic of the 21st century.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">All of this may contribute to a feeling of loneliness and alienation in the suffering individual and further engender a sense of need to fend for oneself as well as a distrust of the medical system."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">I’m sure this would also pertain to “emotional” disease.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Many folks have very poor social supports in terms of empathy and optimal communication with significant others and have become very computer savvy. </span></div>
<br />
I can't stop pondering how Freud came up with "the egoism of the instinct of self-preservation" quote in 1914.<br />
<br />
Scary smart guy!Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-77049479546697431272013-12-15T13:33:00.002-05:002021-07-09T20:10:37.332-04:00Sicker than I thought?"I'm going to need to have some labs drawn when possible," I mentioned to the nurse as I was about to leave the patient's home.<br />
<br />
"Are you a heart stick?" I heard the nurse, who was of Caribbean descent (and still had an accent), ask the patient.<br />
<br />
I stopped at the door.<br />
<br />
"What, I don't understand," said the patient.<br />
<br />
"Has anyone ever told you that you were a heart stick?" the nurse repeated.<br />
<br />
"I don't think I've ever had a heart stick," said the patient.<br />
<br />
Finally, I interrupted,"She wants to know if you are a hard stick, h-a-r-d...if it's ever been hard to draw your blood in the past."<br />
<br />
"Oh...I don't think so. Thanks for clarifying. I was a little worried there for a moment that I might be sicker than I thought."Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-21075226557596435392013-12-14T06:09:00.001-05:002013-12-14T06:15:12.697-05:00The balls are still in playThree Dads (including me) were talking at a Christmas party gathering at my daughter's riding barn.<br />
<br />
One of the Dad's had two young children running around.<br />
<br />
Another asked him if he was going to have more kids.<br />
<br />
"No," he replied, "I'm a Gelding. I used to be a Stallion but now I'm a Gelding."<br />
<br />
We all laughed.<br />
<br />
We determined that we were now all Geldings.<br />
<br />
We shared some more laughs reminiscing about our vasectomies; we even hammed it up whenever our wives came by.<br />
<br />
All the way home my wife gave me a realty check.<br />
<br />
"At least you only had your tubes cut. Stallions have their balls cut off," she reminded me.<br />
<br />
"Yep, you're right," I said while just slightly squirming at the reminder.Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-82271474768973505572013-12-07T11:58:00.003-05:002013-12-07T12:03:44.189-05:00One-armed banditsI hadn't seen Mr. A. for awhile but he just sort of seemed out of it.<br />
<br />
He was still in bed when I got to his house at about 10 AM.<br />
<br />
He's a 78 y/o male who had a previous major stroke but I was worried he had something acute taking place that was making him so drowsy.<br />
<br />
After examining him and looking for signs of infection I relayed my concerns to his wife who had been standing next to me the whole time.<br />
<br />
"I'm a little worried about your husband. I'm thinking I might need to run a few tests to try and see if everything is alright," I said to Mrs. A..<br />
<br />
"Oh he's OK," said Mrs. A., "he just had an exciting night. We didn't get back from the Hard Rock Casino until a few hours ago. He's just still sleepy. He didn't get to bed until almost 4 AM."<br />
<br />
She let me know that he could still play the slot machines without any trouble (his previous stroke had "only" left him paralyzed on one side of his body).<br />
<br />
I sure wasn't expecting her comment.<br />
<br />
I hadn't mentioned noticing the new handicapped accessible mini-van in their drive-way so I guess Mrs. A. decided not to mention being out so late partying.<br />
<br />
I left their home sort of grinning to myself.Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-55024007436638605442013-12-05T18:15:00.001-05:002013-12-05T18:15:17.595-05:00Still brings grinsMr. Farner (name changed) let me know he tricked his wife into thinking he was rich before they married because he dressed well and had a nice car.<br />
<br />
He reports that it wasn't until later that she found out his nickname for most of his life had been "All Show, No Dough Farner."<br />
<br />
They are now both in the 90's.<br />
<br />
I'm sure he has told this story a lot over their 65 years of marriage but hearing both laugh after all these years was still pretty awesome.Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877892243035014274.post-83213380281960064602013-12-05T18:08:00.002-05:002013-12-05T19:16:33.397-05:00A memorable faceOn meeting 85 y/o Mr. W. for the first time I said, "it's great to finally put a face to your name."<br />
<br />
About 15 minutes later he said, "I gotta ask ya, did my face disappoint you (he laughed)?"<br />
<br />
"I'm sorry, why would you ask that," I replied.<br />
<br />
He then reminded me of my opening comment.<br />
<br />
We both laughed and I decided I could hold off on asking him any short term memory questions for now.<br />
<br />
I left laughing at the thought that the same couldn't be said for me.Dr. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14675097696096833678noreply@blogger.com0