Altamont

Several years ago, one of our daughters was in the hospital for an extended period of time. We all may have had experiences like the one that occurred during that stay, but we tend to forget about them until our memory is jogged by another similar episode. The situation was taken care of with little difficulty, but we often wonder what would have happened if I had not been there.

After tucking my daughter into her hospital bed one night, I trucked on home to catch up with the rest of my family, and see what had been going on during my absence. Since Elizabeth was young and the doctors had not yet identified what was wrong with her we all decided it would be in her best interest if I stayed with her as long as I could each day. That usually meant getting breakfast for the family, getting Jim off to work, and my other two daughters off to school, and then jumping into the car for the trip to the hospital.

On this particular day, the nurses were all busy and I asked if I could take Liz down the hall for a shower. They were more than happy to agree with the request due to the workload they had and the lack of staff to carry it all out. When we arrived at the shower and Liz was about to get under the water I noticed that her feet were yellowed. Investigating further, her hands were yellowed and her eyes had the same yellow discoloration. When I called the nurse to investigate what I had found, she agreed that Liz was jaundiced.

There was a great flurry of activity as nurses and doctors swarmed around her like bees around a honeycomb. They took the necessary corrective measures and before too many days her yellowing was cleared and the jaundice was gone.

Due to the fact that all patients have many medications, most of them different, and many healthcare providers, again most of them different, it has become very important for everyone to have a health care advocate with them for almost any doctors visit or hospital stay. Ever since that day in the hospital with Elizabeth, Jim and I accompany each other on medical visits and testing.

Don’t be embarrassed or afraid to bring someone with you. A spouse or good friend can be very helpful. There are many times that I have walked out of the doctor’s office and asked, “What did she say I should do first?”

Many people suffer from white coat syndrome and get extremely nervous when they go to the doctor’s office. Blood pressure begins to rise and they begin to sweat in anticipation of seeing the doctor. Many times, a nurse will take your blood pressure only to have the doctor take it again because it was very high the first time.

Most doctors recognize this problem, and are happy to see a companion accompany their patient. To make sure you have a good visit with your doctor, here are a few other things that you can do to help him or her out and get the information and results you expect. In addition to bringing a friend, you should also write down the questions that you have for the doctor. There is nothing more embarrassing than to get to the doctor’s office, get checked in and see the doctor face to face and have them ask, “What is wrong with you today?” To which you reply, “Well, I guess nothing.” Or, “I feel fine now” or “I do not remember.” After any of these responses you may feel like biting your tongue.

Prepare for your visit ahead of time and write down all of your questions. If you go to your doctor prepared and with someone to help be your memory, when you forget, you will have much better results. Be especially aware of any symptoms that may be important for the doctor in making a proper diagnosis.

As part of the information needed by the doctor you should also have a list of any medications that you take. That should include how many you take, what times you take them, dosage for each, and medication name. This list should include all prescription and over the counter drugs that you take.  This gives the doctor a good idea of where you stand with the medical concerns you may have.

When you are winding up your appointment with the doctor, try to get a recap of what was said and what the doctor wants you to do before the next visit. Also, make sure to set a date for the next visit if one is necessary.

Next week I want to discuss some of the things we can do to help us stay out of a doctor’s office. In the meantime eat healthy, get some exercise and enjoy life.

Fund-raiser

On Saturday, May 2nd, Sister Lou will put on her chef's hat and will be cooking all day for the annual spring fund-raiser. The event will be held at St. Lucy/St. Bernadette's in the parish center.   For additional information contact Tami Hanley at 872-9893 or Erin Rapport at 872-9796. 

Yearbook

Oooops, did you forget to order the Altamont Elementary School's yearbook?  If so, call Ruth Anne Burby at 861-5892.  There might be one or two available.  The cost is $15 if any are available.

Thank you

Appreciation is extended to all who placed orders online for Mary Kay and Silpada jewelry and  who enjoyed the chicken/eggplant Parmesan fund-raiser held at  PizzaGram, yesterday, in support of the Guilderland Boys Lacrosse Booster Club.

Continuing Ed

Interested in taking a course or two this summer? The Guilderland Central School District's summer session catalog is now available.

Registrations must be postmarked by May 1. Classes will start the week of May 11.

Prom seating

Planning to attend the junior prom and would like to be seated with your best friends? Ten seats will be available at each table. If you have a group of 10, get the necessary form from Mrs. Autrey or Mrs. Benner. Tables without 10 guests will be combined with other tables that are not full.  Prom tickets must have been purchased before tables will be  saved.

Scholarship money

Are you a senior at the Guilderland High School, plan to attend college in the fall, and have financial needs?  If you meet this criteria The Guilderland PTA Council would like to help you.  However, the deadline is tomorrow Friday, April 24, for completed applications. They must be returned to the counseling center by the end of the day.

Meeting

Members of Helderberg Chapter 331 will meet tonight, Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m., for refreshments followed by a meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Anniversaries

Happy-anniversary wishes are extended to:

— Claire and Joe Battista celebrating their special day on April 24;

— Helen and Kelly Mitchell on April 25;

— Eileen and Dave Sebast on April 26; and

— Patti and Bernie Percoski on April 28.

Birthdays

 Happy-birthday wishes are extended to:

— Carol Donato and Michael Reid on April 24;

— Eric Campbell on April 25;

— Candace Barkley, Mandi Lynn Bareis, Gretchen Hornberger, Paul Levin, Mary Anne Ross, and Lisa Thomas on April 26;

— Patty Fisher, Dan Jensen, Paige Munroe, and Katy Vojnar on April 27;

— Anthony Belardo, Linda Forand, Doug Lawton, and Chuck Schiltz on April 28;

— John Flynn, Tim Godfrey, David LaFleche, Matt Pruskowski, Peg Rau, and Kim Wagner on April 29; and

— Dave Hillman on April 30.

 

                                         

 

                                                    

 

         

 

 

 

 

        

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