The Miracle Workers

I have finished up two days of testing - more to go though. The tests are not vigorous or particularly painful but they are draining. I have been a guest of University Hospital in London for the past two days.

This is a first class hospital - home to transplant surgery for the area. Della Reese spent time here after suffering a near fatal brain aneurysm and was operated on by Dr. Drake in this place. This hospital is a teaching hospital affiliated with Western  University. I feel humbled to be treated here and to have a world class doctor taking care of me - Dr. Patrick Luke. I feel like I'm in good hands.
I have nothing but high praise for all the staff at this hospital. They have all been very kind, helpful and very reassuring. I stand (or maybe in my case, laying) in amazement, with all the machines, the high tech imaging, the things they can do!

I am so thankful this is not what I had to endure this past week. I just can't imagine. Of course, I wouldn't be here if it was for the discovery of antibiotics. Also the discovery of vaccines - that's bound to open a can of worms. I remember going to Camp Sylvan (grade 6 or 7)  and visiting a cemetery in the middle of nowhere and seeing all the graves of families who passed during a specific period of time - smallpox! Scary stuff.
Anyway, today is my last test for this week. I am feeling pretty good but a bit tired. The tests are not terribly painful but you end up laying very still for long periods of time. Yesterday I had a Nuclear Renogram which meant filling my kidney up with fluid and getting some radioactive material injected to watch them work. This required an hour of laying still under a large machine and getting to watch my kidneys in action. It looked something like this.

It was watching car headlights in a snowstorm for an hour. Suggestion: put a TV screen up instead or a e-reader instead.  Once that was done, I had to have another go inside the machine for more exciting video footage - luckily this was only for 3 minutes. After the test, I was told not to cross any borders for 48 hours as I would be radioactive and set off alarms. No problem - Trump and I aren't exactly on speaking terms.
Earlier this week, I had the biopsy. Very precise - I am amazed with this doctor. Again, the staff there is fantastic. The only painful part was the needle used to freeze my back. Oh man, oh man, oh man!!! I tried to hold still but the muscles in my back kept spasming and jerking. I felt bad but she told me that was normal. I was fine after that. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

 After the procedure, I walked outside to witness the Ornge helicopter take off. I always say a prayer whenever I see it flying because it usually means someone is hurt very seriously and being flown in or a transplant is underway. I sat near the bus stop but the wind power of it taking off is enough to blow any dandruff out of your hair. Wow! Pretty cool - I need to get my helicopter license. (Bucket list item 😉 )
Today is my last test for this week and things are a little "shitty" here. It's the colonoscopy! Everyone's favourite. I can't wait to be finished it and have the weekend off for some R&R. I will be a guest of St. Joseph's Hospital for this one - birthplace of all my kids (well, one was pretty close, the rest made it inside the building at least).
Also this weekend - yes, I have it right this time - the arrival of Omari and Andre. The whole family is coming together. As my favourite actor, Kermit the Frog would say about family gatherings "Yeah, life would just pass in a blur if it weren't for times like this."
So there's the lowdown on life this week. Still feeling good and thankful for all the support and prayers.