I awoke that first morning post boo-boo to find traces of blood on the sheets of my motel bed… Gee, who’d a thought…? No hemorrhages or anything, just a wee spot or two. My bandaging job, apparently, wasn’t completely leak-proof. My foot by then was sore, and now the ankle seemed a bit stiff… not wanting to bend when walking. I managed anyway, and I did get some much-needed coffee.
That was to be the big day… an MRI and doctor visit to see if anything might be going on down in that pesky with age, uniquely masculine thing tucked away in the nether region of my lower torso. This whole procedure was to be along the lines of ‘elimination of any possible problems’, not in search for an elusive abnormality. To rule out anything going on, so to speak… defensive medicine…? But, first things first…
Yep, it was then time to experience the joy of that wonder of modern healing, the Fleet enema. The directions made it appear much easier to accomplish than I found it to be… I recalled the metaphor of a monkey snuggling a football… with yours truly starring in both roles! Anyway, I did manage to get it done… plus the subsequent activities, as well…
Then it was time to shower, and… that, too, proved to be a bit of a challenge. My foot boo-boo had complicated all of these undertakings and produced a couple of challenges far beyond what they would normally have presented. Oh well… the life of a solitary, long-distance biker is not one for sissies, right?! Ah, and then there are friends…
I’d called my dear friend, Sam, the afternoon before, once we’d settled into the motel and rendered first aid to my left foot. It was obvious I wouldn’t be able to ride soon, as I was certain I would not be able to put my boot back on, and, besides, I didn’t particularly relish the idea of trying to hold up ALI with a gimpy ‘undercarriage’. I needed to get to and from the doctor’s office… A rental car would greatly ameliorate this worrisome dilemma.
It just so happens that my good friend, who is now retired, works part-time for Enterprise, moving rental cars around for them. I knew he would have a solid suggestion readily at hand to solve my little issue, maybe he could even wangle a little discount for this thrifty trekker. He did. “Nah, no need for that shi_, just use my other car.” Now that was an even better solution!
Another friend, Cuz, came by and picked me up and dropped me off at the Imaging Center, with the plan of him returning and transporting me to Sam’s house to pick up his other car… Sam was working that day. It all worked out just as it had been discussed, and the adventure continued…
At the Imaging Center, I was instructed to change into one of those lovely gowns we all have to wear anytime we’re near medical staff, doctors, and such like. Naturally, tying those strings together in the back was… well, for this uncoordinated fellow anyway, next to impossible, so I had to ask for assistance… So far, so good…
I was then led, hobbling still, to the MRI room, and the tech there took a look at my foot; then, shaking her head side-to-side, proclaimed that my bandaging job simply wouldn’t do… She then proceeded to re-bandage my foot; and, I must admit, she did a much better job than I had done! Which reminded me of an observation I’d made years ago…
I think of healthcare folks as being in one of three groups: First, there are the mercenaries. They are in it to have a job, to earn a living, perhaps to enjoy some prestige. Second, there are the scientists. Those who are interested in scratching some intellectual itch regarding science, chemistry, biology, and, in particular, human anatomy… similar to my interest in history, I think. Third, there are the healers. Those who really care about helping people and making life better for those in need… My new tech friend was most definitely in that third group!
The first morning post boo-boo…
Rebandaged by my new tech friend…
I was laid back on the ‘sled’ with my head in the ‘slot’, given instructions and information (the procedure would take about 40 minutes!), then I had a ‘panic button’ placed in my hand… designed to be reassuring, I imagine, but that actually sort of cuts both ways! I was then slid into the tube… Dang! I immediately gained new-found empathy for a suppository!!!
I’d fully expected to take a nap during this protracted interlude, but that didn’t happen. I did do some thinking about different things, though… sort of like I do while riding. Not an unpleasant experience at all, but it did seem rather lengthy and less than thrilling… Lots of weird noises, nothing but plastic mere inches from my nose, and I’d been admonished to remain perfectly still throughout the process… Given those stern instructions and the close quarters inside that device, it was not possible to scratch… So, naturally, the urge to do so came and went several times… An alternative to water-boarding, perhaps…?
It finally did end, and I was allowed to get up, once out of the tube. I was stiff in most of my aging joints, so even that became an interesting exercise in physics and maneuver… I was then returned to the dressing room, instructed to change out of the gown, and exit… I did… I called Cuz, and lunch soon followed!!! Yep, fasting was now no longer necessary!
While waiting on Cuz to return, I asked, on a lark, if my doctor would really have my results so soon… I had an appointment with him that same afternoon. Oh no, the nice lady informed me, those usually take about a week. I called my doctor’s office, and the lady there verified that… We canceled the appointment for that afternoon and rescheduled for the following week… Wonderful, now I had another week to kill with a gimpy foot to boot… Highly unlikely I’d be able to go dancing, so… maybe I’d just spend my time writing a story or two about all of this…?
Have I ever mentioned that I’m rather fond of BBQ? Cuz arrived, and we then proceeded to a doggone good BBQ place, Fat Man’s, where… the pulled pork greatly exceeded my expectations! The baked beans and banana pudding were mighty fine, as well… We proceeded to stop at a watering hole for a tankard of oral antiseptic to complete my ‘treatment’ that day… then we arrived at Sam’s house, where his loaner chariot awaited me… I’m so lucky!
ALI has suffered no ill-effects from any of this. She’d come to rest on her engine and saddlebag guards, so, other than a couple of new scratches on the bottom of them, she’s had no damage at all. Her only ‘treatment’ has been some bedrest and inactivity…
ALI resting comfortably next to her surrogate…
I’ve also worked on the upcoming ride plans, reservations, routes, etc., for our group going to the Darby Ride. Should be an interesting experience, given the cast of characters I’ll be accompanying! See, the opportunities for joy, laughter, and excitement just never end, when one embarks upon a life built around such a fine lady… my partner-for-life and best friend… our girl, ALI…
DDT
