I was in the Emergency Department with my lovely student Calli the other day. The patient's husband was very attentive, helping us move chairs and carts, etc. as we brought our ultrasound machine in.
Calli: Watch your toes, sir...I don't want to run over them...
Man: It's okay, I have steel-toed boots on. My toes have been run over by a car before and I was okay.
Calli: Oh my.
Man: You don't weigh as much as a car, do ya?
Calli: Ummm...
Man: You don't look as big as a car, for a girl anyway.
Calli: Uhhh...
Man: I mean, a car weighs 4000 pounds...you don't weigh 4000 pounds, do ya?
Calli: Well, no!....(nervous laugh)
Kari: Sir, please...
Awkward.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Patient Stories
I am a vascular ultrasound technologist, working at the University of Washington Medical Center. I see outpatients from clinics, inpatients on regular medical floors and in the ICU, patients from the Emergency Department, pre-op and post-op patients from the Operating Room, etc. The patients' cognitive abilities vary, ranging from completely lucid and "normal" (we call them "walkie talkies"), to incoherant because of medical issues or pain medications, to intubated and sedated. In addition to the ptaients we encounter, there are multiple family members and friends, as well as any of the hospital staff.
Needless to say, all of this makes for a pretty interesting work environment...you never know what you're going to get. Most of the time, I love it! As anyone here in our vascular lab -- or any other vascular lab or hospital department -- will tell you, there are some great stories. Some are funny, some touching and heartwrenching, many too good to not share.
It is important that you know, dear reader, where my heart is in these posts. I have tremendous compassion, respect and concern for all that patients, their families and friends are going through during their time here at the hospital. I train my students in these values as well. It's a frightening time for people, no matter one's current state of health. I also understand the pressures that healthcare providers are under...we do our best for each and every patient, taking on a great deal of responsibility in their care. Lastly, nothing I post here will reveal identifiying information about the patients, friends or family, ensuring patient confidentiality.
Coming up next...Patient Story #1.
Needless to say, all of this makes for a pretty interesting work environment...you never know what you're going to get. Most of the time, I love it! As anyone here in our vascular lab -- or any other vascular lab or hospital department -- will tell you, there are some great stories. Some are funny, some touching and heartwrenching, many too good to not share.
It is important that you know, dear reader, where my heart is in these posts. I have tremendous compassion, respect and concern for all that patients, their families and friends are going through during their time here at the hospital. I train my students in these values as well. It's a frightening time for people, no matter one's current state of health. I also understand the pressures that healthcare providers are under...we do our best for each and every patient, taking on a great deal of responsibility in their care. Lastly, nothing I post here will reveal identifiying information about the patients, friends or family, ensuring patient confidentiality.
Coming up next...Patient Story #1.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Giving Thanks
As you may have heard, I had a near miss a few weeks ago...a brush with death. Well, maybe not so dramatic, but scarey and expensive nonetheless!
I was driving home to Seattle on a dark and rainy night after a fabulous visit with a friend in Olympia...jazz on the radio, days of vacation ahead. I was on I-5 in the far left lane, traveling around 70mph, no one in front of me. Out of the corner of my eye I see something beige-colored about the size of a large piece of firewood coming end-over-end from the front-left side of the car. It happened so fast, but I am fairly certain it came across the concrete median from the oncoming traffic. This "UFO" (literally, and Unidentified Flying Object) hit the hood first before squarely hitting the metal between the windsheild and side window, knocking out the driver's side mirror and clattering along the left side windows. I do hope no one else encountered this object, and that it just fell to the shoulder out of the way. There was no possible way of stopping to drag it out of the road...too dangerous and too far gone by the time I could collect myself. The one thing I didn't think of was to call the State Police and let them know...that would've been wise.
So the car's at the doctor and I'm driving a rental. It's your standard economy tin can...a Chevy something which sways a bit when a swift wind comes up. The doors clang when you shut them, the brakes grind and there's a smell I can't quite place... It's a silver color, and looks surprisingly identical to 37% of the cars in my parking lot at work. It's a large parking lot, so I get to the general area where I think I left it and begin pressing the "lock" button which beeps the horn. My student had a fine suggestion as well: press the "trunk" button, and voila! It practically raises its hand to say "here I am!".
So the purpose for this post is to express that I am so very thankful!!
- If I would have been traveling faster, slower, slightly to the right or left...it would have come directly through the windshield. God is GOOD.
- I have a strong constitution. as it turns out...no interior detailing necessary following this event.
- Good car Insurance...there was $1000+ worth of damage!
- My Toyota. It is nothing fancy, but it's a solid ride and it's mine. Far superior to the rental car, in my opinion. Besides, it has a nice rack ;-) (for kayak and bike, of course)
- I am able to rent a car...significantly more convenient than the bus.
- I get my car back tomorrow...all fixed up and snazzy looking again!
Beware the UFO road debris out there people! Safe Driving :-)
I was driving home to Seattle on a dark and rainy night after a fabulous visit with a friend in Olympia...jazz on the radio, days of vacation ahead. I was on I-5 in the far left lane, traveling around 70mph, no one in front of me. Out of the corner of my eye I see something beige-colored about the size of a large piece of firewood coming end-over-end from the front-left side of the car. It happened so fast, but I am fairly certain it came across the concrete median from the oncoming traffic. This "UFO" (literally, and Unidentified Flying Object) hit the hood first before squarely hitting the metal between the windsheild and side window, knocking out the driver's side mirror and clattering along the left side windows. I do hope no one else encountered this object, and that it just fell to the shoulder out of the way. There was no possible way of stopping to drag it out of the road...too dangerous and too far gone by the time I could collect myself. The one thing I didn't think of was to call the State Police and let them know...that would've been wise.
So the car's at the doctor and I'm driving a rental. It's your standard economy tin can...a Chevy something which sways a bit when a swift wind comes up. The doors clang when you shut them, the brakes grind and there's a smell I can't quite place... It's a silver color, and looks surprisingly identical to 37% of the cars in my parking lot at work. It's a large parking lot, so I get to the general area where I think I left it and begin pressing the "lock" button which beeps the horn. My student had a fine suggestion as well: press the "trunk" button, and voila! It practically raises its hand to say "here I am!".
So the purpose for this post is to express that I am so very thankful!!
- If I would have been traveling faster, slower, slightly to the right or left...it would have come directly through the windshield. God is GOOD.
- I have a strong constitution. as it turns out...no interior detailing necessary following this event.
- Good car Insurance...there was $1000+ worth of damage!
- My Toyota. It is nothing fancy, but it's a solid ride and it's mine. Far superior to the rental car, in my opinion. Besides, it has a nice rack ;-) (for kayak and bike, of course)
- I am able to rent a car...significantly more convenient than the bus.
- I get my car back tomorrow...all fixed up and snazzy looking again!
Beware the UFO road debris out there people! Safe Driving :-)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Ahhhh....Freak Out!
I realized on the way to work this morning just how dependent I've become on having my cell phone with me at all times. I was about halfway to work--just passing the Space Needle, actually--when I realized that most precious of all communication devices is at home. On my kitchen counter. *FREAK OUT* Heart-pounding, palms sweating, breath-catching...what will I do IF____? So I talked myself down from the ledge, reassured that I will make it through the day without my phone...just for today.
If I think hard enough, perhaps I can remember a time when I didn't have a cell phone...depending on the kindess of strangers, pay phones on every corner and a pocket full of change. Those were the days...when phones had cords and we paid for things with bills and coins. Oh the irony that I am blogging about this!
If I think hard enough, perhaps I can remember a time when I didn't have a cell phone...depending on the kindess of strangers, pay phones on every corner and a pocket full of change. Those were the days...when phones had cords and we paid for things with bills and coins. Oh the irony that I am blogging about this!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Vacation!
In January? Why? Wasn't there just a break from work at New Years, late December and late November? Yes. And I needed a vacation from those holiday breaks. And thank you to all who helpe make it possible! So what did I do? Well...let's see...
- A little bit of nothing at all,
- A doctor's appointment (which shall remain unspecified),
- A couple of other important appointments (also unspecified),
- Initiation of mobile broadband internet (thank you Verizon!). I can now officially get internet wherever I want...a park, a ferry dock, anywhere...which is awesome,
- Deep cleaning of the apartment, including clean kitchen, sheets and bathroom,
- Fabulous homecooked lunches and dinners, including copious amounts of good-and-healthy food stored in freezer for later,
- Facial complete with foot, hand and neck massage...much needed,
- Waxing (again, unspecified...you're welcome),
- Attending my very first opera (thanks for the binoculars, Dad!!)...Il Trovatore...AMAZING,
- Three days and two nights on San Juan Island (see previous post on pairings, and photos below), complete with healthy book additions to my library, kitchen utinsils and spices, teas, etc.,
- Long soothing soaks in clawfoot bathtub with mineral salts,
- Hours of reading in "the perfect reading nook",
- More rest and relaxation...
Here are some pictures for your enjoyment:
- A little bit of nothing at all,
- A doctor's appointment (which shall remain unspecified),
- A couple of other important appointments (also unspecified),
- Initiation of mobile broadband internet (thank you Verizon!). I can now officially get internet wherever I want...a park, a ferry dock, anywhere...which is awesome,
- Deep cleaning of the apartment, including clean kitchen, sheets and bathroom,
- Fabulous homecooked lunches and dinners, including copious amounts of good-and-healthy food stored in freezer for later,
- Facial complete with foot, hand and neck massage...much needed,
- Waxing (again, unspecified...you're welcome),
- Attending my very first opera (thanks for the binoculars, Dad!!)...Il Trovatore...AMAZING,
- Three days and two nights on San Juan Island (see previous post on pairings, and photos below), complete with healthy book additions to my library, kitchen utinsils and spices, teas, etc.,
- Long soothing soaks in clawfoot bathtub with mineral salts,
- Hours of reading in "the perfect reading nook",
- More rest and relaxation...
Here are some pictures for your enjoyment:
Perfect Pairings...
I am inspired to list several ideal pairings, discovered whilst on vacation on San Juan Island, Washington. Here goes:
- Kari and the Art of Vacation
- Sunset from my view suite and Michael Gettel piano music
- 2008 Morgan Sauvignon Blanc and Beecher's Flagship cheese
- Peaceful sleep and sweet dreams
- Comfy chair at the window-with-a-view and really good book
- Excellent broadband connection from said vacation and connection with friends
- Pandora online radio set to Pink Martini and relaxing soak in clawfoot tub with mineral salts
- "Book of Luminous Things" poetry by Czeslaw Milosz-et al and a fireplace
- Kari and the Art of Vacation
- Sunset from my view suite and Michael Gettel piano music
- 2008 Morgan Sauvignon Blanc and Beecher's Flagship cheese
- Peaceful sleep and sweet dreams
- Comfy chair at the window-with-a-view and really good book
- Excellent broadband connection from said vacation and connection with friends
- Pandora online radio set to Pink Martini and relaxing soak in clawfoot tub with mineral salts
- "Book of Luminous Things" poetry by Czeslaw Milosz-et al and a fireplace
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Sabbatical
Where have I been? I guess you could say I've been on a sabbatical. By definition, a sabbatical is a period away from the normal routine - a time to immerse oneself in a different environment, a chance to see life from a different perspective.
That is a pretty good explanation, in essence...except I don't have the luxury of unlimited financial resources and extensive time away from work. However, I have had an amazing personal trainer, fantastic nutritionist and brilliant therapist/life-coach. I am not the perfect version of myself now...that's an impossible goal. I have a lot of work to do yet, and I've found that wicked saying to be absolutely true: "The more you learn, the more you realize what you don't know." It's maddening...yet, as I embrace it...teeming with hope and possibility. Kari version 3.3... in evolution.
So what's this blog going to be about now? I suppose whatever comes to mind...isn't that a fright. Sometimes I just have something to say...so I'll send it out into cyberspace. And perhaps this blog will become a movie, in which Claire Danes will win an Oscar for her performance of me...Kari & Claire? In all honesty, I did contemplate for a brief moment undertaking a project in the spirit of Julie & Julia...but who was I kidding?!? No crazy projects for the purpose of this blog. I have a hard enough time trying to floss every night or return emails promptly. I'll put up stuff about books I've read, meals I've cooked (my new very favorite thing), shows I've been to, as well as various-and-sundry Kari-isms and adventures.
So this is it. In a moment I will press "Publish Post", and officially be out of retirement. Makes me think of Lance Armstrong...Brett Favre...Michael Jordan... Ready or not, here I come! Thanks for reading my little blog :-)
That is a pretty good explanation, in essence...except I don't have the luxury of unlimited financial resources and extensive time away from work. However, I have had an amazing personal trainer, fantastic nutritionist and brilliant therapist/life-coach. I am not the perfect version of myself now...that's an impossible goal. I have a lot of work to do yet, and I've found that wicked saying to be absolutely true: "The more you learn, the more you realize what you don't know." It's maddening...yet, as I embrace it...teeming with hope and possibility. Kari version 3.3... in evolution.
So what's this blog going to be about now? I suppose whatever comes to mind...isn't that a fright. Sometimes I just have something to say...so I'll send it out into cyberspace. And perhaps this blog will become a movie, in which Claire Danes will win an Oscar for her performance of me...Kari & Claire? In all honesty, I did contemplate for a brief moment undertaking a project in the spirit of Julie & Julia...but who was I kidding?!? No crazy projects for the purpose of this blog. I have a hard enough time trying to floss every night or return emails promptly. I'll put up stuff about books I've read, meals I've cooked (my new very favorite thing), shows I've been to, as well as various-and-sundry Kari-isms and adventures.
So this is it. In a moment I will press "Publish Post", and officially be out of retirement. Makes me think of Lance Armstrong...Brett Favre...Michael Jordan... Ready or not, here I come! Thanks for reading my little blog :-)
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