Another Radiology Visit

I was just there a couple of months ago. It was time for routine and bone density screening tests so we drove over to Washington Radiology. We used to go to Chevy Chase, but since we moved to northern Virginia from Capitol Hill, the nearest location is now in Fairfax. I’ve been having back pain over the last two months - but only when I am lying on my back - my favorite sleeping position. It’s fine unless I have to move on to my side. The pain can take your breath away. So the doctor ordered an X-ray of that section. You don’t need an appointment. We arrived after noon, filled in paperwork, then waited for quite some time. There was only one person doing “routine” X-rays. Everyone who was there before and after me was called. So I asked the front desk how much longer it would be. Finally I was called back. The X-ray itself took about five minutes for three views. The tech was exceptionally nice. She showed me the films when it was done. Of course I didn’t know what I was looking at even though I’ve seen many X-rays in my nursing career. So the results should be known soon. I’m not feeling any improvement and it may rule some things out. Just taking one day at a time. 

A Hot Date - or Two, or Three - at Sibley Hospital

Elmbrook was a great community hospital in Milwaukee. It was a part of the large health care organization I worked for before moving to DC. I had surgery there and knew the place well. We found its counterpart at Sibley Hospital in Palisades. Unfortunately we had to use their emergency room at least twice since moving here, and a third time to bring a friend. I really don't like tertiary care facilities for routine things and try to avoid them at all costs. Most of my health care career was in such a place near downtown Milwaukee. Going to Washington Hospital Center for eye surgery was a genuine pain. The past week, however, has taken us three times to Sibley...on Wednesday for a doctor visit with a neurosurgeon and an X-ray; last night - Friday evening - for an MRI; and today, to pick up the report of the MRI. It's about 25 minutes away - without traffic - through Georgetown and the Whitehurst Freeway, or via Rock Creek Parkway and Massachusetts Avenue. Until you know the results of any medical exam it is very hard to relax and concentrate. Since my husband is a retired surgeon, and I am an RN, sometimes you always think the worst. Luckily, the news was good based on the report. He will probably need to see the doctor one more time  - which would be a fourth trip there. But at least this time we can go without a dreadful feeling.