Wednesday 20 February 2013

My Ultrasound. A British Weather Map?

Last week was one of the most hectic, most challenging, most exhausting weeks of my life, both physically and emotionally.  This posting is about day two, Wednesday, February 13.  Day one's posting in regards to Tuesday, February 12, if you didn't read it or if you're interested, can be found here : A Scan Of Mine.

Last Wednesday was a 'bonus' day visit to the hospital.  On the Monday, I received a phone call from a very  polite lady at the hospital asking me if I could attend the X-Ray Unit for an ultrasound.  I wasn't about to turn down another opportunity at getting an ultrasound.   Perhaps this might give conclusive evidence as to whether I was actually pregnant.

I headed out from Leek, Staffordshire to the hospital in the early afternoon.  A few flakes of snow drifted gently down.  Nothing to worry about.  Half an hour later, I arrived at the X-Ray Unit for my ultrasound.

I was directed to the ultrasound waiting room where there were a number of doors with the word, not surprisingly,"Ultrasound", displayed on them.  I sat there waiting patiently along with all the other expectant mothers.  "How far along are you?", stated one mother.  "Pardon me?  Oh no, don't think I'm pregnant.  Just getting confirmation that I'm hopefully not!", I replied. Okay, I made that up.  It was to check me out while having a full bladder.  Gosh, that was fun getting filled up before arriving at the hospital and having to hold on, well mostly hold on....

Into one of the ultrasound rooms I went.  Two lovely nurses went through the procedure with me.  Then, oh yeah, I got the cold jelly on my belly.  The one nurse probed the top of my belly and I was rather enjoying the experience.  I never saw the image of my ultrasound, but I reckon it would of looked rather similar to a typical British weather map.  Cloud followed by more cloud with a trough of low pressure battling against a high pressure ridge.  A few minutes later and it was all over.  I thanked the nurses and left the hospital.

It was now getting late in the afternoon.  What had been just a few flakes of snow a couple of hours earlier, was now a full-scale blizzard.  A blizzard right at the beginning of "rush hour".  Driving along at the dizzying speed of about ten miles an hour, I inched along the treacherous roads. Then it suddenly got warmer and then colder again.  Now the roads had turned to ice.  This brought everything to a standstill.  As this point, I wished I brought along my ice skates, hockey stick and puck.

In such awful conditions, it was fantastic to see how all of us motorists cooperated with each other, kept a safe distance apart and let traffic merge in.  You can get such unity in the face of adversity.  Indeed, a half an hour drive there.  Over two hours getting home.  To think, this was my bonus day at the hospital and a memorable journey home.

These are unusual times and want to apologise to those folks who I said I would promote their books.  I haven't forgot.  It's just the exhaustion over the last few weeks has been catching up with me.  I know you will understand.

Tomorrow, February 21, I'm going to post up my experience of my third straight day at hospital.  Yes, it was Valentine's Day and one I soon wont forget.  To end this posting, I can finally confirm that I'm not pregnant....

53 comments:

  1. Who doesn't love to get an ultrasound? Especially with a full bladder. It took me 3 hours to get home last Wednesday and there wasn't even a blizzard, just some bozos had gotten into an accident that shut down the highway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi PT,

      An ultrasound, a full bladder and some friendly nurses. How far do you travel, I wonder. I took me over 2 hours to go 13 miles. Sounds like traffic chaos in the motor city. Thanks dude.

      Gary

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  2. I want to know why your country is hoarding all of the nice drivers.
    It's over and done now! At least you weren't pregnant.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alex,

      You might have noticed when you were over here, that mostly, the drivers are courteous. I remember driving on the freeways of California and yikes! Two more postings about last week to bore whoever stumbles upon this site. Then come the results next Monday. Thank you, Alex.

      Gary

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  3. Glad you are not pregnant Gary! Sorry to hear about your hospital trials, hope the news is good for you. Sending you positive thoughts.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Suzanne,

      I was quite pleased I wasn't pregnant. However, I still have these cravings for weird food combinations :) I'm grateful for your positive thoughts, Suzanne. Thank you.

      Gary

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  4. Just scanned down your previous posts, looking for transparency and filmy comments. Anyway, glad you are not pg, altho that would have brought you some big money.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Susan,

      And scanned being the operative word. There were a number of postings about my hospital adventures. If I had been pregnant, you could of been my agent. We would be filthy rich! Thank you, Susan.

      Gary

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  5. You may not be pregnant but after a drive like that your stress levels will be through the roof.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Delores,

      No, not pregnant and my car now has a sunroof. Thank you, Delores.

      Gary

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  6. HUGE sigh of relief on the pregnancy scare. :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Keith,

      Oh yeah, the good news is I'm not pregnant. The bad news is I wont be getting rich from being a pregnant dude :) Thank you, Keith.

      Gary

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  7. A small blessing when motorists work together. Years ago I lived up in the mountains here and the drive to town was a half-hour of scenic two-lane road. But it is the main east-west artery in these parts and many tourists use it. In a whiteout one Saturday morning, it became too crazy to drive so we pulled over. Several vehicles zoomed past us but several others pulled off the road behind us to wait for the worst of it to pass. When it did, we went on our way, and there were all the folks who'd passed us, in the ditches. All out of state plates. We continued to the store down the road, to call the police and get them towed out. So did the people who'd pulled offroad behind us. We all had Vermont plates.
    Just a bit of Vermont smugness.
    I'm glad all went well with you. Hallelujah, it's over!
    Laura
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Laura,

      I've often noticed, when it comes to traffic problems over here, that lots of folks pitch in. It seems that seeing a Vermont plate is handy when stuck in bad weather. Never seen a Vermont plate over here, though :)

      The first two days at the hospital went well. Then there's the bummer of a Valentine's Day :) The tests are over, I hope. The results are next Monday. Thank you, Laura.

      Gary
      x

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  8. Well, congrats on not being pregnant Gary...though, I suspect, had you been...it would have been fodder for endless, future, blog posts :)

    Stay well and take care!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mark,

      Thank you for the congrats on my not being pregnant. Yes, I could have plenty of extra postings. Especially if I had twins :)

      Thank you, sir. You be well, my friend.

      Gary

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  9. Ugh, sitting around waiting rooms so you can get poked and prodded is super-irritating. It takes a special kind of endurance. Good job getting through it with your sense of humor intact.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sandra,

      How lovely to see you :) The waiting rooms do require some patients or is it patience. My sense of humour is intact after quite a week. Other parts of me being intact, I'm not so sure.
      Thank you, Sandra.

      Gary

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  10. GAry, I am so relieved that it is not a baby. Not that I don't think you are a wonderful father, I had just pictured you getting another child in a totally different way.

    Now, I am all for reading your reviews and postings about other authors, but I am really anxious to hear that all the tests have come out in your favor. How long do I have to wait to relax.

    Checking in tomorrow
    Bert's My Vickie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ho Vickie,

      Thank you, although I do have a 24 year old 'baby' who lives with me and asks me when I'm moving out :)

      I felt a bit bad about some reviews that have been put on hold. I will finish off the postings in regards to one of the most challenging weeks of my life, firstly. The tests, ah yes, the results will be told to me next Monday. Shall stay positive and I'm staying relaxed as best I can, dear Vickie. Please, my friend, I wish you to do the same. Thank you, Vickie.

      Gary

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  11. We all appreciate what you do. As for fatigue, I understand. Believe me.

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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    Replies
    1. Hi Shelly,

      I appreciate that. And I reckon you know about fatigue so draining you can't see straight. Thank you, dear lady and positive thoughts I send.

      Gary

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  12. I am sure everyone understands....you have been through the mill that is for sure. Thinking of you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Caren,

      For sure, I know folks understand. I just feel bad when situations that were out of my control, left me running behind in my promises. I'm staying away from the mill and trying to recuperate. Your thoughts are embraced, Caren. Thank you.

      Gary

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  13. Going through the ringer is no fun, so rest away under you sun. Send some of those drivers here too,for they are crazy here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah Pat Hatt,

      My 'ringer'got a finger. But that's another post by this friendly host. Sun you say? This is England and the sun went away. The drivers here, have no fear, will drive over there, just remember when you give them a sight, tell them to drive on the right!

      Gary :)

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  14. The hospital staff appears to be congenial. At least that must be a big help when hanging out in a hospital and waiting.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Manzanita,

      The hospital staff has been most congenial. Thankfully, most of my appointments have been right on time. I get there a bit early and um entertain the bewildered staff and other patients.

      Thank you, Manzanita.

      Gary :)

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  15. Hiya Gary.
    Yep, went in for one myself: "Oh no, Miss, we warm the bottles now... this solution isn't coooooooooooooooooooooooold! Sorry Miss."
    Comedy clinic? I'm sooo waiting for your novel on 'tits and tats on this and thats... at the clinic... and Gary, try not to be a cynic!

    Oh and dear I told you there was no chance, as I've been 'fixed' a long time. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Howdy Dixie,

      You went for one yourself? Oh, I get it, you had an ultrasound. Oh my goodness, have some nice cold jello and say hello :)

      The comedy clinic meets the cynic clinic meets the humour hospital :)

      Ah yes, dear lady, you doth told me of your fixings. I have fond memories of our chats, y'all....

      Hope you have a peaceful, happy weekend, Dixie.

      Gary xx

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  16. Sorry that you had such a stressful day. All of the aggravation driving to and fro was probably worse than the actual ultrasound. Hopefully, you'll be hearing some good news soon.
    Julie

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    Replies
    1. Hi Julie,

      The most stress was the ride back from the hospital in a blizzard. You would be right that the most stressful part really is the driving back and forth. Thank you for the good news wishes. I shall hopefully gets the results this coming Monday. Thank you, Julie.

      Gary :)

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  17. Too bad you aren't preggers. You woulda been a worldwide sensation. And the world's most unusual mother.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Susan,

      Yes, rather disappointing I aint preggers. Some folks consider me the world's most unusual 'mother' something or other, anyway! :) Thank you, Susan.

      Gary :)

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  18. Sorry to hear there will be not be a little Klahanie for us to name ( could have been a fun contest). Good to hear you got through it and then made it home through a blizzard.

    So sad you have to go through all of this.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Arleen,

      Sadly, no little Klahanie who could be named in some sort of blogfest :) That was some blizzard and the motoring public were very cooperative on such an awful day.

      It's sad yet I know it's for the best. Thank you, Arleen.

      Gary :)

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  19. I think you left out emptying your bladder as the precursor to leaving the hospital. If not, and you lasted the two hour trip home you are superhuman. And I am very, very glad that you made it home safely.

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    Replies
    1. Hi The Elephant's Child,

      Oops, I emptied my bladder before leaving the hospital. Don't think they were amused me emptying my bladder in a hallway. Okay, I was really kidding. I dashed to the toilet before I took off in my car. As soon as I got in my car, I realised, oh no, not again and held on for over two hours. Thank you and thanks to the careful driving of all concerned, I got home safe and sound and rushed to the bathroom!

      Gary :)

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  20. Hi Gary .. well that sounds like a narrow escape in all forms - relatively easy day at the hospital, and then a safe journey home with everyone being polite and considerate ... Well I shall await today's post for the next instalment .. cheers Hilary

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    Replies
    1. Hi Hilary,

      A good outcome, considering such a harrowing day travelling back home. The staff at the hospital, the drivers in the blizzard, all polite and considerate. And the next instalment, a bit of bummer, is posted. Thank you, Hilary.

      Gary :)

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  21. Hello Gary:
    All this talk of hospitals brings back so many memories and your descriptions so vividly evoke any NHS hospital the length and breadth of the land.

    The journey home sounds to have been very harrowing but, it is trus, in such circumstances people do become far friendlier and more co-operative.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jane and Lance,

      I must say that the NHS hospital treatment I have been receiving, has been excellent. I have be treated with respect, understanding and my dignity kept mostly intact.

      It does seem that in a situation of adversity, there can be cooperation and unity. A rather interesting drive home. Thank you, Jane and Lance.

      Gary :)

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  22. Hey Gary, glad to hear the good news, and good to know you made it home safe and sound. I can't say I live in a country with overly considerate drivers. Hope things start looking up for you. (:

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    Replies
    1. Hey Elise,

      Good news, I suppose that be true. Although, I was going to let you be my agent if I was pregnant! :) Aha, I have been to the country you mean and I'm glad I wasn't driving. Although I did drive through Belgium and that was an experience I soon wont forget. I hope things start looking up for me. I know somebody was looking up me. Oops, that's the next posting. Thank you for your kind wishes, Elise.

      Gary :)

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  23. So glad to hear you aren't with child, Gary. :) That would have been quite a shock.

    We are expecting a snowstorm today around the time everyone will be going home from work. I tend to only go out if I have to when it is actually snowing. The snowplows take up so much room that I am always worried I'll run into one.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sharon,

      It most definitely would of been a surprise.

      Wonder if you had that snowstorm. I have a solution in regards to "snowploughs" (English spelling). Why not drive a snow plow and get around like that :) Thank you, Sharon.

      Gary :)

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  24. I forgot....I love the photo at the top of your blog, Gary!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for that, Sharon. The latest photo at the top of my blog is the beach near the town of Cardigan, Wales. Fairly close to where a couple of my friends live.

      Gary :)

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  25. Oh my sweet dear man, you should have told the lady asking how far along you are, that if arnold in the movie "junior" can do it, you can do it. Yes, through 4 kids, ultrasounds have always been a highlight...but more so if the map contains one big "bump" in the road.

    And now to make a new paragraph for more space.... out here on this island, we have the polite drivers no matter what. With that said...in your face! Hahaha... be have, be good, tie all hospital gowns strings and keep me posted!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Tammy,

      Ah, my dear sweet lady, I was wondering if somebody might mention that movie, "Junior". I'm going to be in the sequel. Yes a big bump in the ultrasound roadmap must be such a magical sight.

      You see, I've also spaced out. You have cars on the island? Cool and I bet your chauffeur is a very polite driver. "Jeeves! Take me to the mainland, now!" Oh, didn't realise you were supposed to tie the strings on the hospital gowns. Wondered why I heard so much giggling! I will keep you informed, Tammy. Thank you and have fun on the island.

      Gary :)

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  26. Glad you made it home safely. I hate winter roads. Warm, cold, warm, cold. And the stupid government built an overpass on the highway for the logging trucks, and you guessed it, under the pass the ice always accumulates. Already one driver died. My DH did a loop-d-loop on his way to town the other day. He's generally fearless, but he pulled over and called me to say his heart was pounding. He knows I'm scared until he gets home.

    Did I mention I hate winter? I better go, 'cuz I feel a whine session coming on.

    Cheers, my dear man. Crossing fingers, toes, and nose hairs. Yes, that means it's time for the snippers again. (...smiling sheepishly)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Joylene,

      Thanks and I can relate to your tales of the roads in BC. I had a few narrow escapes. I also remember one time being on a very narrow back road and a large herd of cows headed directly for my car. I was stuck there and the cows kept staring in at me and my girlfriend. I can imagine your anxiety until your hubby gets home.

      You hate winter? Gee and so whereabouts in BC do you pick to live...hmmmm....

      Oh no, snip, snip and yes, that's my next posting. Thank you for your various crossing of stuff and snippers, eh!

      Smiling like a bewildered sheep,

      Gary :)

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.