A hospital visit

[Charlize]

Today in beautiful weather i went out to prune some young sugar maples on the farm. There are approximately 100 of them so i was working quickly with quite a chore ahead of me. I slipped with the pruners and managed a large slice in my pinky and ring finger of the right hand. Good thing i'm a hunt and peck typer. I am fortunate that two of the young people who live with us here during the summer were home. She is an EMT and he is a critical care nurse. I was quickly bandaged butterfly bandages were discussed and then off to the emergency room. Soon i was on a gurney giving my ID etc to an attendant. I told I'm my name but added that medicare had not picked up on the name change so he would have to use my male name as well. He left and an RN came in to do the intake. One of her last questions to me was when was my last menstruation. "Well dear i missed out on that one, i'm trans". It took a moment to sink in and she was almost visibly shaken. She seemed to then go out of her way to show her acceptance and actually apologized for the mistake. I certainly saw no reason for the apology and had a lovely conversation with her after that. 9 stitches later i'm back at home but one more person has met a trans person who is no longer ashamed of who she is. One by one we will find support in the world and maybe that alone will be as affective as a lot of publicity.

Now i also get to relax a bit and don't even have to do the dishes for a couple of days.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest]

You always find the pot of gold, Girl.

Huggs,

Joann

[Guest ashleynikole]

That is too cool. I hope to be as bold as you some day. I'm getting there, just takes time.

[Guest LesleyAnne]

The main thing is that you had no trouble getting medical care, and that's a big deal today with the threat of certain groups trying to get legislation thru that would allow healthcare workers to refuse to treat whomever they feel go against their religious beliefs. So it's nice to know you got the care you needed.

And it's nice to know you were able to converse with the nurse. She knows now that you don't bite.

So I'm very glad Charlize that it wasn't deadly serious (we care about you you know). We aren't as young as we used to be. My mind tells me I can till do all the things I used to, and my body says.... oh no you don't.

[Carolyn Marie]

Charlize, how many times have I told you not to trim your nails with the pruning shears, hmm? I'm glad you're OK, and you had folks nearby that knew just what to do.

Yes, for every "first encounter" there is a learning curve and a realization that we aren't creatures from another planet. That is especially important for first responders and health care professionals, since medical school teaches them virtually nothing (that is changing, albeit slowly).

Good for them, and good for you. You continue to amaze me, Charlize. Just keep those pruning shears pointed in the opposite direction.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Isabel1991]

Well I glad you're OK

Love Isabel <3

[Guest Sylvie]

Glad you're okay!!