First off, a love note to the nurses at Gibson Pavilion in Maine Medical Center. As you know, I spent 11 days there recently, terrified when I walked in that these were my “last days.” From the first moment I arrived, when one of the nurses sat down and talked with me, just a casual kind of conversation, I was at ease. I felt invincible. They were taking care of me. I would be okay. And guess what, I am!
I don’t recall all their names, those kind and good-humored women and men, but I’ll never forget them. No matter how ridiculous my request or question (or whine), they answered patiently and put me at ease. Even after surgery their gentle pushing to “walk around, get out of bed” was impossible to resist.
I could almost forgive the four times a day siphoning of blood, when the nurse came in each morning and wrote the names of the RN and LPN (or CNA) who would be “my” nurse that day. They know everything. What you’re taking for meds, what kind of reaction you can expect, how you should be feeling. I could ask them anything. They washed, shampooed, massaged, cleaned up and held my hand when I needed it most.
Maine Medical Center has a treasure trove at the Gibson Pavilion.
On June 1, I knew I needed a sticker for my car and also that I’d be packing up and moving across the street to a different apartment. These two tasks combined with my then-impending medical situation has made me aware yet again of the desperate need in Windham for some kind of public transportation service.
In all, between June 1 and July 20 I had nine medical appointments at different places. To get to all of these places, I depended on my sister who drove out to Windham from South Portland, my sister-in-law and a couple of best friends.
For regular grocery trips, packing the car and moving, etc., I depended on various friends. It was embarrassing to have to ask for help and I’ll just bet some people go without care because they won’t ask for help. This situation – lack of public transportation – needs to be solved. I am not alone in this need. My medical trips are pretty much over, but many of us face routine appointments for years.
Things are getting back to normal. We’re checking into oil prices for winter, and getting mentally ready. Pretty soon my car will be stickered and eventually the thousands of dollars in medical bills will be paid. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, but no, Medicare doesn’t cover everything.
Just think: some folks are planning on their departures from Windham for the winter!
See you next week.
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