Tuesday - Day One

As scheduled, Pam checked in for her first day of testing at 9:00 this morning. After obligitory waiting and paperwork, we were with the first of her doctors (Dr. Leong, an M.D. doing a postdoctoral fellowship) by 10:15. She spent 45 minutes with Pam taking a detailed case history, asking questions, and examining Pam before she left to present the case to the Allergist supervising Pam's treatment, Dr. Lent. After 15 minutes for them to confer, they both returned to the room and spent another 30 minutes with Pam, examined her, and explained the plan for the week. Essentially, they will start from ground zero to build a diagnosis and treatment plan.

First stop, a "Walk Ox" (Walking Oxygen) to make sure Pam was getting enough oxygen at a Mile High. She passed her first test. Second, speech therapy. Yep, you read right. Vocal cords are supposed to close up the airway to protect the lungs and throat from bad stuff, but sometimes they become hyper-vigilent when they have had long periods of irritation or steroid use (I think I'm getting all this right). As a result, they sometimes restrict the airway and mimic symptoms of asthma ("Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion"). The test for this comes later in the week - but the exercises for correcting the problem began today. Finally, allergy testing. Pam's back looks something like a checkerboard with all red checkers and several kings protruding above the skin. The technician's reply, "Wow, you have a lot of allergies." But there is very good news today - the skin test denoted no allergic reaction to dogs. Beauregard and Bailey are safe tonight; they get to stay (yes, we had wondered about an advertisement for a matched set of Basset Hounds to a good home with comfortable recliners).

Tomorrow's line-up includes Bone Density studies, a nutritionist, a variety of radiology exams, and a promised visit in the evening from close friends from Buena Vista.

Favorite Desk Sign - appreciated by anyone who has ever been to an over-scheduled specialist: "Please let the receptionist know if you have been waiting more than 10 minutes past your appointment time." And yes, they mean it - this place is different.

Least Favorite Moment (for Glenn): Overheard cafeteria conversation among doctors/faculty of the medical college about incomprehensible faculty committee decisions. It was like being back...