http://www.twincities.com/opinion/ci_29330643/huge-egg-mess-back-seat-what-would-he
Sainted
I was recently hospitalized at the University of Minnesota Medical Center (UMMC) for the observation, evaluation and treatment of a condition that had been unmanageable for many months. After the implementation of a short-term strategy, I was feeling better within a day and was soon presented with a viable treatment plan for the longer term.
My nurse practitioner at Fairview Highland in St. Paul initiated the actions that led to my hospitalization, and excellent coordination between Fairview and the University ensured a seamless experience for me, the patient. Everyone -- doctors, residents, students, nurses, nursing assistants, phlebotomists, pharmacy and administrative personnel, housekeeping and food-service staff, transporters, volunteers -- was so kind, compassionate and competent. My world was changed for the better in a few days by the University of Minnesota Physicians GI Clinic, the UMMC Maroon Team, and the well-trained staff of UMMC Units 6D and 5A.
Because of the superior care I received, I was discharged in time for the holidays. The doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, administrative and non-medical staff work long hours under sometimes challenging conditions. Without exception, I was treated with extreme care, proficiency and good humor. The professionalism, expertise, and outstanding patient care at both Fairview and the University of Minnesota make me proud of the staff and volunteers committed to providing exceptional health care not only to Minnesotans, but to regional, national and international communities as well. They are among the best in the world.
Catherine Hennessey, St. Paul
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Happy New Year!
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| Happy New Year! |
I always enjoy the brand new slate of New Year's Day, but this year was different because I finally felt more like "myself" after being sick for so long.
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| New Year's Day fun at Hidden Falls Regional Park |
As 2015 came to a close, I thought about the health challenges of the year and how solutions became clear in December. I was so grateful for the medical professionals, family and friends who took care of me, especially in December. My sister Marilyn visited and took on the management of my health; because of her skill and expertise (well beyond her child psychiatry specialty!), as well as her insider MD understanding of almost daily blood tests, I made it through days of coughing and general illness and eventually got appropriate treatment for underlying Crohn's Disease.
My friend Dennis checked in on me every couple of days throughout the fall and came to see me in the hospital during the busy week preceding Christmas. Bob's daughter Sonia called or texted every day and brought entertaining reading material to my hospital room, cheering me with her kindness, humor and optimistic outlook on life. Son Chris texted, called, sent me a beautiful poinsettia, and visited me in the middle of busy workdays as he rushed to get through year-end business. My husband Bob sat quietly with me when I was too tired to talk or do much of anything but sense the peace of his presence. When I got home from the hospital, he prepared meals and generally made me feel comfortable and cherished, still driving me everywhere until I'm strong enough to finally go out of the house by myself. Many other family members and friends called, emailed, messaged and prayed for me.
I have only one resolution this year: to fully appreciate each new day and the people who fill my life with interesting ideas, joy and fun. On January 1, I woke up early and almost jumped out of bed, well before 5:00 a.m. I washed a load of dishes an hour later and had brand new linens on the beds before I took my shower. Feeling full of energy, I washed three loads of laundry in the morning, so happy with Bob's New Year's Eve repairs on my old washing machine. We spent part of the day enjoying the outdoors: it's always fun to watch crazy Minnesotans waterski at Hidden Falls and visit some of our favorite all season destinations like Fort Snelling State Park.
I'm not sure how to beat that great January 1 start, so I started looking for a quote to help frame my resolution. Google came to the rescue with these quotes about optimism. Figured I can't do better than this one:
“What day is it?"
It's today," squeaked Piglet.
My favorite day," said Pooh.”
It's today," squeaked Piglet.
My favorite day," said Pooh.”
― A. A. Milne
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