Time for a Pill Organizer?

Technology & the Medical Field

I think that one of the requirements on my list for things I look for in a doctor or specialist is that they use email communication, and in fact, encourage it.

Other things include that they actually listen to me, don't want to prescribe 85 different medications immediately, offer treatment options, and are top in their specialty (if applicable).

Oh, and when I do have to call the office, their front office people can't be idiots, must answer the phone in a reasonable amount of time, and can't leave me on hold forever. In fact, I'm close to dumping my regular doctor over the issue with the front office. The only thing saving her is that I almost never have to go to her, so I am less irritated by the time I need to go again.

As you might have gathered, I'm a list making, BlackBerry carrying, scheduling type of person. The fact that I can schedule appointments and get test results via email on my BlackBerry makes me a happy patient!

Virtual Friends

As I mentioned on Tuesday, my Chiari Twin Tammy had a repeat brain surgery yesterday.

This morning I received a BBM (that's BlackBerry Message for those of you without CrackBerries) from her boyfriend letting me know that she did well and was sleeping (which is pretty much all that you do for the first few days after brain surgery). He thanked me for talking to her about the condition and helping her feel normal (which is something that all Chiarians so desperately need!) and mentioned that she talks about me all the time. That got me thinking...

The majority of the people that I "talk" to on a daily/regular basis are what I would classify as Virtual Friends. Several live out of state, one I've never met in person, others I've only met in person for a few hours total. Yet, these are some of my closest friends and people that I tell just about everything to. I love technology! :)

Irony?

Last night I got home from work and opened 4 days worth of mail (hey, I was in Vegas and visiting a friend remember?) One of the letters that I opened was from my dermatologist. It was the lab report for the mole that he removed a few weeks ago. The mole was "abnormal". I then proceeded to head off to the Team Captain's meeting for the Relay for Life event in Chino. As I was sitting in the parking lot waiting, I messaged Kim...

JA: Reasons I'm like you...I have an abnormal mole and I am convinced that I have skin cancer.
KT: Oh no. When did it show up?
JA: I've had it forever
KT: Oh well that's good
JA: Except that skin cancer runs in my family
KT (aka KT MD): I think it has to have changed significantly
JA: They removed it and the lab said it was abnormal - see how that just made you worry?
KT: Oh dear!!! I hate that word
JA: Is there irony in the fact that I'm going to a Relay for Life meeting now?
KT: I hope not

My name is Jenn Ann and I'm a hypochondriac like Kim :)