Seeing eye dog
Shabbat preparations continued in the wee hours of morning, allowing Gilly a few more winks before the first appointment of the day; Dr. Melmed.
It was a pleasure to meet such a gentle soul. “So,” he began, “You must have a very long arm to reach all the way to Toronto” (referring to the fact that our friend made a personal request to have Gilly seen). He wondered how we are related to the Blauers. We spoke briefly of my dad with fond memories and shared regrets.
He did a full examination, purposefully challenging his powers of observation by delaying his perusal of the reports that lay on the desk in waiting. He admitted that Gilly displays what he described as mild symptoms. He stated that Gilly is on the right track, although he is aware of the controversy in terms of treatment choices. He gently mentioned that he can do nothing, really, except examine, because he is not involved in the treatment end of this type of condition.
There seemed to be a pause at this point, so I drew the discussion towards what I thought we were here to investigate. I asked what the referral actually says, and he humorously replied, “You think I know?” He read aloud what I had thought I understood from the messy scratching, and asked if Gilly has had an EEG. He explained that this test would possibly (but not surely) indicate if Gilly is having seizures. He also suggested that a blood test is in order. He apologized for sending us to further appointments, and alluded that he understands what we are going through with countless appointments to attend.
Seizures are not common in this part of the brain, he clarified, but they can occur. His goal is to see how prone Gilly is, and to adjust the medication (Dilantin) accordingly, so as not to be a higher dose than is warranted. No need to overmedicate, especially when so many medications are at play simultaneously. I like his thinking. These tests will assist him in determining the appropriate dosage.
Before sending us off for blood tests, he checked the results on the blood work done yesterday to see if this test was actually necessary, so as not to cause Gilly undue discomfort. This fellow is a true gentleman. We send our heart felt thanks to Maurice for stretching his arm all the way to Montreal. We will see Dr. Melmed again in three months.
I dashed off to work while Grandma Shirley provided Gilly with shuttle service back home. Later that afternoon, I picked Gilly up for radiation. I called first to clue him into my whereabouts as I was approaching the house, but he couldn’t hear the phone because of the vacuum. God bless that hairy dog. There seems to be no end. I was glad he was feeling strong enough to get the job done.
On the way to radiation, Gilly shared Liylah’s latest trick; she took my reading glasses to bed with her this time. She’s more cerebral than we first thought. Last week Tamara discovered her asleep with my book. If she manages to get the two items together, she’ll have it made.
Shabbat dinner brought us together and kept us warm on a cold, wet evening. We missed Joey, who stayed back with a cold. Gilly appreciates the concern for his welfare. We were thrilled to see Evan and Keren. Even though we cannot all be there every Friday, our spirits mingle and it is always a special evening. Shabbat Shalom.
It was a pleasure to meet such a gentle soul. “So,” he began, “You must have a very long arm to reach all the way to Toronto” (referring to the fact that our friend made a personal request to have Gilly seen). He wondered how we are related to the Blauers. We spoke briefly of my dad with fond memories and shared regrets.
He did a full examination, purposefully challenging his powers of observation by delaying his perusal of the reports that lay on the desk in waiting. He admitted that Gilly displays what he described as mild symptoms. He stated that Gilly is on the right track, although he is aware of the controversy in terms of treatment choices. He gently mentioned that he can do nothing, really, except examine, because he is not involved in the treatment end of this type of condition.
There seemed to be a pause at this point, so I drew the discussion towards what I thought we were here to investigate. I asked what the referral actually says, and he humorously replied, “You think I know?” He read aloud what I had thought I understood from the messy scratching, and asked if Gilly has had an EEG. He explained that this test would possibly (but not surely) indicate if Gilly is having seizures. He also suggested that a blood test is in order. He apologized for sending us to further appointments, and alluded that he understands what we are going through with countless appointments to attend.
Seizures are not common in this part of the brain, he clarified, but they can occur. His goal is to see how prone Gilly is, and to adjust the medication (Dilantin) accordingly, so as not to be a higher dose than is warranted. No need to overmedicate, especially when so many medications are at play simultaneously. I like his thinking. These tests will assist him in determining the appropriate dosage.
Before sending us off for blood tests, he checked the results on the blood work done yesterday to see if this test was actually necessary, so as not to cause Gilly undue discomfort. This fellow is a true gentleman. We send our heart felt thanks to Maurice for stretching his arm all the way to Montreal. We will see Dr. Melmed again in three months.
I dashed off to work while Grandma Shirley provided Gilly with shuttle service back home. Later that afternoon, I picked Gilly up for radiation. I called first to clue him into my whereabouts as I was approaching the house, but he couldn’t hear the phone because of the vacuum. God bless that hairy dog. There seems to be no end. I was glad he was feeling strong enough to get the job done.
On the way to radiation, Gilly shared Liylah’s latest trick; she took my reading glasses to bed with her this time. She’s more cerebral than we first thought. Last week Tamara discovered her asleep with my book. If she manages to get the two items together, she’ll have it made.
Shabbat dinner brought us together and kept us warm on a cold, wet evening. We missed Joey, who stayed back with a cold. Gilly appreciates the concern for his welfare. We were thrilled to see Evan and Keren. Even though we cannot all be there every Friday, our spirits mingle and it is always a special evening. Shabbat Shalom.
posted by Gilly at 9:52 PM
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