New phone and narcotics don’t mix

By Tammy Malgesini

Staff Writer

Published on May 24, 2016 1:00PM

Here’s a tip for you: Don’t make phone calls, send texts or make social media posts while under the influence — of ANYTHING!

A few days after I had my hand and knee surgery last month, I received a message from Renee Struthers, my co-worker who takes care of community stuff when I’m out.

“Are you on some strong painkillers,” she said through Facebook Messenger. “You left a … sort of rambling message earlier.”

I sat there looking at my shiny new Droid Turbo 2 and thought, “I haven’t made any phone calls.”

However, when I looked in the call log there was irrefutable evidence that suggested otherwise.

I later figured out what happened. I was attempting to respond to Renee in either Messenger or by text through voice-to-post (it was much easier to talk into the phone rather than typing with one hand).

Between being confused with my new phone and being under the influence of narcotics, I evidently called her desk line. While attempting to voice-to-post, I was talking into my phone but the words weren’t coming up on the screen. So, I would pause and repeat what I was trying to convey in the message — thus the “rambling.” In addition, there was likely some extra commentary such as, “Why the #$%@ isn’t it working? Stupid &^%$@ phone.”

Honestly, I don’t even know why they call them smartphones. Mine is dumb.

I’m sure others have had similar situations. We all know there’s a learning curve whenever getting a new smartphone.

I remember when new cell phones came with a small book that provided the ins and outs of the new device. Those days are gone. It seems a bit odd that the more complicated devices have become, the less information they provide with it.

I guess you’re supposed to conduct a Google search to figure things out — that is, if you can get on the Internet. That was the initial issue with my husband’s new phone.

The tech support person I talked to said John needed a Gmail account. I suggested he could just use mine. Without providing an explanation, the tech dude said that wasn’t recommended.

Whatever!

Well, turns out he was right — it wasn’t a good idea. When my hundreds of work-related contacts showed up on John’s phone, he was none too pleased.

And, don’t even get me started about auto-correct. Most of the time, it ends up being auto-wrong.

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Tammy Malgesini is the community editor. Her column, Inside my Shoes, includes general musings about life. Contact her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.

Two-for-one specials not always the best deal

By Tammy Malgesini

Staff Writer

Published on May 10, 2016 11:11AM

I’m a bargain shopper. I mean, who doesn’t like two-for-one specials?

In spite of how practical it may sound to have two surgical procedures done at the same time — think twice before doing it.

I figured since I was being knocked out last month, I might as well get my hand and knee fixed at the same time. When I told my friends about my upcoming surgery, they responded with dismay.

“I figured why not take care of both at the same time,” I told them. “Heck, if I could get another surgeon in there I’d have a colonoscopy, too.”

As patient number eight at Dr. Richard Carpenter’s office, I’ve had my share of orthopedic procedures over the years — including a right hand carpal tunnel and several knee procedures.

What I forgot to factor into the equation was that I’m a few years older, which results in a longer healing process. Also, without the use of one hand, it makes it rather difficult to use crutches.

However, before I even attempted to become ambulatory, I came to the realization that having both procedures done at the same time wasn’t my best decision in recent years.

All bandaged up, my left hand was rendered useless. And, I couldn’t bend my right arm because of the placement of the IV.

My generally jovial post-op personality was nowhere to be found. There was no singing of songs or laughter — I was miserable.

As I came to in the recovery area, my nose itched, my hat wasn’t quite right on my head, I was hungry and I was thirsty. And I was a pain in the ….

The nurses in the Good Shepherd Medical Center day surgery area were great. Despite my less-than-pleasant demeanor, they maintained their professionalism. For that, I’m very grateful.

With my healing process in full swing, I can now tip my hat to them and say thanks. And, in recognition of National Nurses Week (May 6-12), I encourage you to thank a nurse for all they do.

Tammy Malgesini is the community editor. Her column, Inside my Shoes, includes general musings about life. Contact her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.