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.

The 12 days of post-op, my true love asked of me ...

It's easy to take for granted a spouse's contributions until they aren't able to help around the house.

By 

By TAMMY MALGESINI

Inside my Shoes

Published on December 8, 2015 11:27AM

After many years of marriage, sometimes you don’t recognize all the things your spouse does in contributing to the management of the household.

Well, I got a recent reminder as John was laid up after having foot surgery. Overall, he was a good patient, focusing on his recovery and staying down.

However, at times he’d feel bad that he was asking me to do too much and I’d catch him hobbling around. To further complicate matters, we have a split-level house, which isn’t very conducive to someone who is non-weight bearing with a surgically repaired foot.

A couple of times, I swear John’s dog, Lucifer, knew his papa shouldn’t be puttering around and would trot upstairs to get my attention.

I had to start anticipating what things John might do before I got a chance, like the night he told me we were low on toilet paper. I figured I could get some from downstairs in the morning — nope, too late. And then there was the time the garbage was “over-flowing.” From that point forward, I took the garbage out when it was three-quarters full.

One thing that posed a slight problem is that I’m not a morning person and John is. I like to wake up and melt into the morning. As soon as John would hear me stirring, he’d call out for assistance — usually with his morning cup of coffee.

Also, neither of us are big breakfast eaters. However, because John doesn’t do well with pain medication, I became a short-order breakfast cook. This enabled him to take his medication, which was a good thing because I don’t really like cleaning up barf.

Prior to this past month, I can’t remember the last time I made a cup of coffee for John. Also, I did more dishes in November than in the entire year and the multiple trips to Wal-Mart have resulted in Post Traumatic Shopping Disorder.

To summarize the experience, I’ve written this ditty (feel free to sing it to the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas”):

On the long days of post-op

My husband asked of me:

12 Loads of dishes

11 Leftover foods

10 Check the mailbox

9 Jugs of water

8 Library books

7 Trips to Wal-Mart

6 Scoop the dog poop

5 Take-out meals

4 Bags of ice

3 Pancakes

2 Vicodins

And a big cup of black coffee.

———

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.