You may recall that about two months ago, I had a PFT that showed a 15% drop in one of the most important values. My pulmonologists get upset if there is a drop of 10% over the course of a year, so a bigger drop in a few months was definitely not causing any pulmonologists to dance any jigs.
Nor was it causing me to dance any jigs. On the contrary, I was disconcerted, disheartened, discouraged, dismayed, and a bunch of other dis- words.
I was a bit apprehensive going in for the follow-up test last week, worried about what the new set of numbers might say. Thankfully, though, I had all the loveliness along the way to soothe my nerves.
Duke was not my destination this time around; instead, I went to my old pulmonology office in Greenville.
The reason?
I had a pulmonary function test at Duke last fall and was charged $2,200! Over the past 15 years, my PFT’s have always been covered under my copay but since Blue Cross/Blue Shield considers Duke to be a hospital location (even though I am in an outpatient clinic) it was charged as a hospital procedure.
So it made pretty good financial sense not to go back to Duke for the follow-up PFT. And that is why my medical mobile (AKA as the family car) headed itself to Greenville instead of Durham last week.
The reason I had even switched to Duke in the first place was that I had such a complicated lung situation; I was wanting a world-class hospital to weigh in on confirming the diagnosis and the treatment plan. But one of the sad parts of that switch that I had to leave behind one of my favorite doctors of all time.
Meet Dr. Verai Ramsammy, the most compassionate, best-listening doctor I have ever had.
During appointments, Dr. Ramsammy props up in a chair, cups her chin in her hands, and settles in for a chat, acting as though she has several leisurely hours to burn. It wouldn’t surprise me a bit if she fired up a teapot and set out some cups and Earl Grey.
It doesn’t take long to discover that underneath this neighborly, chatty attitude is a blazing intellect, a keen curiosity, and the mind of a brilliant diagnostician. In other words, just the kind of person I want to deal with my crazy condition.
And since I have gotten my definitive diagnosis from Duke (which is largely the reason I moved there) and because my PFT’s have to be done at Dr. Ramsammy’s office anyway, why don’t I just transfer back to her? I was actually planning to do that until I found she is moving to Ohio to be a part of a lung transplant program there.
As to the results from last week, while I didn’t make any astonishing leaps forward, I did regain the 15% I lost which was definitely good news. Dr. Ramsammy said sometimes a patient will dip down for no discernible reason, and that seems to be what happened with me.
I asked her if my disease was of the sort that could cause me to just “fall off the cliff” suddenly, after years of steady decline.
She thought for a moment and said, “You know, no one wants to be the ‘interesting’ patient, but that is what you are. There really is no literature about you anywhere. The only patients I have seen with obliterative bronchiolitis have either been post lung transplant, smokers, or those with asthma.
“Part of the reason for our initial diagnosis was that you had rheumatoid arthritis and that can occasionally be a condition related to OB. But when Duke discovered you did not have RA after all, my colleague (who is aware of your case) and I were absolutely dumbfounded. That took you from a rare category to a ‘we’ve never seen it before’ category.”
Before I left, I told her all the things I appreciated about her as a doctor which seemed to mean a lot to her. It was sad to say goodbye to such a rare individual; I feel so blessed to have known her.
Steve and I had a date night Friday.
Walking to the waterfront sandwich shop, we ran into this guy and his lithium battery-powered skateboard controlled by a Bluetooth remote. It cost $4,000 and can go 30 m.p.h.
Of course, Steve was fascinated and spent about a few minutes chatting about all the technical stuff
Steve’s car is in the background.
A few more steps down the road and we saw Andy and Barney’s car go by. (Note the uniform hanging in the back window.)
Our old courthouse is just half a block from where this picture was taken; Andy Griffith filmed a couple of episodes of Matlock there.
I added a filter to make it look truly vintage.
We eventually made it to Poor Richard’s and enjoyed a sandwich by the water. We eat out very rarely so it’s always a treat to get a meal together.
(Just a note on the hair. I was trying to grow my bangs out which is why there is a bobby pin stuck in there. I finally gave it up and got them cut last week.)
This Thursday we will leave for Wisconsin where my nephew, Caleb, is getting married. Caleb is the son of my sister, Debbie, and her husband, Randy. You may recall seeing comments from Debbie here at Smithellaneous.
So the next time I write it will be from the land of cheese curds. See you then!
What about you?
Have you ever had a doctor you absolutely loved? What were the main thing(s) you liked?
Have you ever successfully grown out your bangs? Did you want to yank your hair out by the roots every morning (like me) or was it a fairly low stress thing to do?
Do you like cheese curds?
Are you an Andy/Barney fan? Do you have a favorite episode?
I’m so happy to hear your results. But how sad that you’re losing such a great doctor. My current doctor is great. She listens and is very knowledgeable. It’s tough to lose a good one. I’ll pray that you can find another doctor just as great.
Your date looks like it was so much fun… Just what you needed.
Hoping you’re having a great week!
Krista,
I think the common thread to all of the comments having to do with good doctors is that they listen well. So important. Glad you found such a good one!
Hi Becky, SO excited to about your PFT results! I love that song “The Goodness of God” and every time I hear or sing it (since you posted that clip of YOU singing it), I always think of you and pray for your lungs.
Love the old Andy Griffith shows. We went on a much-needed vacation once and watched two or three episodes a day between long walks on the beach and the occasional (okay – frequent) naps.
Take care and God bless.
Jenny,
Thank you; I was excited, as well. Nice to have a little bit of good news as it pertains to my health.
Perfect vacation. Griffith, walks, naps. You all know how to do it right.
Forgot to mention that I am currently trying to grow my bangs out (on the advice of my stylist) and they are driving me absolutely nuts!
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
I can truly say I understand. Crazy-making bangs!
Becky,
So glad to hear that your numbers returned to where they were. Many prayers were answered. The photos you took on your trip are beautiful. Love Andy, Barney, their car and your picture (especially the filtered one) of it. Have a safe trip to Wisconsin and best wishes to Caleb and his bride.
Hugs, stay safe and God bless,
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
Andy and Barney are national treasures, aren’t they? And yes, I thought the photo with the filter turned out nicely. Almost made me feel like I was back in the good ol’ days.
Thanks for the traveling well wishes; we’re so looking forward to the trip, even though it is a WHOLE lot of work to get ready for it!
I’ve had a couple of doctors I’ve loved – one, I moved away from and the other moved her practice. They were both kind, caring, easy to talk to and did not intimidate me. (And cool side-note, after the one moved her practice away I found out through the internet she was a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader – a woman of many talents). I’m sorry yours is moving away. It can be so stressful and hard to find a doctor you click with.
I’ve never had cheese curds, but people I know that have had them, love them.
I haven’t tried to grow out my bangs as an adult, but it would probably drive me nuts. Another of my favorite bloggers, Melanie Shankle (Big Mama Blog) often sometimes comments about the same thing and strongly discourages bangs).
I’m a big Andy fan from way back. In fact, when you first moved to Manteo, I thought how close you would be to him.
I’m so glad your lung function had improved. Wishing you and yours a great week.
Sue Ellen,
Isn’t it so sad when our favorite doctors move elsewhere? You’re happy for their new patients but sad for yourself.
And yes, a doctor who is a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader is definitely a rarity.
I’m glad you mentioned Big Mama Blog. I used to read it but had forgotten about it.
Yay for your numbers coming back down, an answer to prayer. My current Dr is my favorite and she listens and does not rush at all. We can talk through many things and not all medical 🙂 yes, I grew out my hair and bangs. Oh. My. Gosh. What a pain it was, but I persevered, did the whole bobby pin thing until It was long enough to go behind my ear. I love cheese curds! Mmmm! Especially the ones at a fair. I loved both Andy and Barney. We watched it growing up. Have a safe trip and a wonderful time at the wedding. You’ll be right “next door” to me in Wisconsin, I am in MN. Wendy
Wendy,
A doctor who listens is such a rare find. I’m glad you found someone like that.
Kudos to you for surviving the bang growing out process. I just could not do it.
So many people love Andy and Barney; that was GREAT television! My mom still watches it and loves every episode and yet it appeals to younger folks, too.
My favorite doctor is probably the GYN I have now. She was actually my doctor when I lived in the area nearly 30 years ago. She did surgery on me three different times. When I came back to the area, I looked her up. She only practices at the County hospital but I decided I would only be seeing her once a year so have been going to her again since 2014. When I went to see her, she seemed to remember me. My favorite thing about her is she always asks about my parents and doesn’t rush my visit.
I just let my bangs grow out starting about a year ago. Up until then, I had pretty short hair. It’s still on the shorter side but closer to the medium side. It grew a lot during the pandemic. Besides that, my stylist had a baby on Leap Day so I didn’t see her for about 3 months.
I love cheese curds. My dad worked in a dairy plant making cottage cheese. They used to have a store across the street from the plant that sold cheese curds.
I like Andy and Barney okay but my dad is a HUGE fan. He especially likes the black and white episodes.
Congratulations to Caleb! Have a great trip.
Phyllis,
How wonderful that your favorite doctor is STILL your doctor. Seems like so many of the readers’ favorite doctors have moved away. I love that she asks about your parents.
I can’t imagine going three months without a haircut; that would make me crazy. I usually got every 5 weeks which is about right.
You’re one of the few readers that has actually “met” a cheese curd in person! 🙂
Praise the Lord your PFT is up! “Hallelujah.” Can you hear it? And see my smile? Enjoy the wedding and time with family. Look forward to hearing and seeing some of your memories from the trip.🥰
Cheryl,
I can hear the hallelujahs! (sounds like a song)
Looking forward to our trip and new memories–and photos.
Once again, great pictures. That filter really makes the picture. I didn’t have a favorite doctor, but it usually was the one I had do my yearly checkup. This was about 10 years ago, called to make an appointment with Dr. (Smith). “I’m sorry, Dr. Smith, is no longer here.” “Oh, do you know where he is now?” “No, we have no idea. He just didn’t show up one day and hasn’t been back since.” Now wasn’t that precious! I have no idea what happened to him, so had to make an appt. with another doctor and have been seeing him ever since. Have a friend who played Barney Fife in Branson, but now takes him on the road to the churches he ministers at. His name is Larry DeLawder – wife Sarah and they have 2 daughters. My bangs were growing out during the virus crises. Could hardly wait for the salon to open, but got impatient and trimmed them myself – not the best, but at least I could see again! Loved your picture of you and Steve having lunch. My husband and I are fans of Panera Bread and we usually go there every Sunday morning before church. When we travel, try and find one so we don’t break tradition.
Sharyn,
That’s quite an interesting way for a doctor to “resign.” I’m sure the office staff wasn’t thrilled with having to tell that odd story over and over again!
How fun for your friend to get to play Barney Fife! I just looked him up on You Tube and really enjoyed him. A talented guy.
I am a big fan of Panera Bread too. Never had a bad meal there.
Is there any chance Duke’s equipment registered differently than your original location? Was reduction at Duke?
Also I know I am a broken record on this Becky but please be careful heading to Wisconsin. The Covid numbers in Wisconsin are high and a wedding is one of the riskier events. Wear your mask and try not to mingle too much. Easier said than done I know but you don’t want to risk your lungs!!
Peace.
~Paige from Massachusetts
Paige,
Yes, that would be a logical question to ask but the previous test (where it showed the drop) was also in Greenville. So sort of crazy–but I am thankful for the uptick!
No apology necessary–I very much appreciate your words of concern.
I’m so excited your numbers leapt back up to where they were pre dip!! That strikes me as a significant progression. I can relate to being the interesting patient that doesn’t fall into typical patterns. Sometimes that is good and sometimes bad. Bad because when your condition doesn’t follow the literature or there’s not tons of patients like you, you don’t really know what is next. But good because that can cause you to let go of finding your sense of peace and hope in something superficial like your health. Instead you can find that hope in what truly is the Hope Giver. . And also good because when you don’t follow the typical known pattern, sometimes that means positive improvement where none might have been expected. Just last week my doctor told me how four years ago he thought I was reaching a point of no return and how he is really excited by the progress made since then. I really hope that your lungs continue to hold steady.
Congratulations to Caleb and your sister Debbie. I remember you featuring him on your blog. Happy travels.
Jenna,
Isn’t it great when you get to surprise your doctor by doing unexpectedly well instead of unexpectedly poorly? Sounds like you have made some amazing progress; so thrilled for you and also greatly respect the difficult, diligent work you have put into getting where you are.
And thanks for pointing out the positive things I hadn’t thought about when it comes to being the “interesting” patient. Very thought-provoking.
Enjoyed seeing photos of your garden on FB. You are an amazing gardener!
I tried to edit my comment. Anomaly not anamoly. 😜 I sent before I checked.
My favorite doctors are the ones that listen and if needed share insight.
I won’t ever grow out my bangs! Lol I feel like they make me look younger 😂
I don’t know what cheese curds are 😮
I am a Matlock fan so I’ve enjoyed a few episodes of Andy Griffith but none that are my favorite.
I’m sorry you are an anamoly in regards to your health. I’m praying that the new doc will be able to figure it out!
Have a great time at the wedding!
Happy Day to you and yours!
Tammy
Tammy,
Anomaly is such an infrequently used word, I don’t know if I would have even noticed you didn’t spell it correctly. And bonus points to you for using it in the first place!
Yeah, I think I am like you and settling into the bangs-wearing contingent. Growing them out was way more stress than I needed.
To me cheese curds are only good if they are fried The famous thing about them is if they are really fresh, they squeak when you bite into them. I looked up their description to better explain them to you and loved what I found on the Huff Post. “Cheese curds are a younger, spryer cheddar. They are what cheddar is before being formed into blocks and aged.”
Well good news on your recent testing results! You are stable.I understand the not knowing if or when you might fall off the cliff, as you say. Hopefully, things will stay steady for a good long time. A wonderful doctor makes all the difference.
That meal out looks delicious! You both look great and your town is really very interesting.
What are cheese curds? Ive never heard of them but they don’t sound too good lol.
I loved Andy/Barney. When I was little and home from school because I was sick, my mom would get me all settled in her bed for the day and she would turn on her TV for me to watch. Andy Griffith was always on. I like the episodes where Andy would try to date and he was so awkward. LOL.
Lesley,
Yeah, both Andy and Barney took the cake when it came to awkwardness in dating. I think we all liked watching them so much because they made us feel better about ourselves in our own moments of awkwardness. 🙂
Yes, I am thankful to be relatively stable at my moderate to severe level. If I can just hang out here I’d be so grateful.
Cheese curds are what cheddar is before it’s aged. Pretty tasty if they’re fried.
I did have a couple of Dr’s I really liked. One gave me his private number to reach him while he was on vacation as I needed some information while he was gone. I grew my bangs out 15 years ago and haven’t looked back. I was doing the bobby pin thing, and not liking it, until one of my students came in with her hair twisted and pinned further back so it looked more natural. She was trying to grow her bangs out as well. I tried that and continued until it was long enough to push behind my ear. I did like Andy and Barney. One of my favorite episodes was when Andy was teaching Opie a lesson and was explaining about every 3 1/2 boys (or some number with a 1/2) did something. It was a good lesson, but Opie couldn’t get over that 1/2 a boy and felt bad for that 1/2 a boy. Tell Steve that while that power skateboard looks like fun, I just watched a memorial service of a 20 year old boy I know that was killed instantly in a power skateboard accident. No one saw it, but someone saw the board in the air and him hit the ground.
Patti,
I’m glad you found a way to deal with those unwieldy bangs in the growing out stage. Sarah showed me some cute ways to pin my hair back differently but I have a very high forehead and the thought of revealing it for all the world to see was not a fun thought. Maybe in a year or two, I will try again. Who knows? I might be 90 years old and finally have long bans.
I’ve never seen that episode but I just can picture Opie feeling bad for half a boy. The writers on that show were brilliant.
Wow. Twenty years old and killed on power skateboard. I can believe it! Things can happen very quickly when you are zooming along like that. The guy we talked with has been doing it a very long time and no longer wears the protective stuff, but if I were him, I would be bubble wrapped from head to toe.
My current doctor is my favorite of all time! He really listens to me and never seems rushed. Bill used to watch Andy every morning, I have given that practice up. Yes, I love cheese curds and love them. We didn’t have those in CA. I am so happy your numbers are back up, good news is always welcome!
Cindy,
A doctor who doesn’t appear to be rushed is the very best kind.
Watching Andy is a great way to start the day; I know Bill enjoyed all those morning episodes. It’s so wonderful to look back at that simpler time.
Hugs!
Ahhhhh, a good Monday morning to you!
I used to have an OB/GYN that I dearly loved. He was absolutely the most compassionate, understanding doctor. EVER. At one time, during some especially difficult problems, I wondered how he could totally ‘get it’, being a man. But he did. So amazing!! He has retired though and I was extremely sad about it.
I am in the process now of trying to grow out my hair. (Thank you COVID and no haircut appointments for 3 months. It was the nudge I needed to make a change.) I’ve always had a layered style, so this is really interesting. My hair is so thick (and HOT) that I am not sure how long I will let it get. I really like the look of your bangs pulled over to the side but I think I would get frustrated too. Growing out bangs is way different.
I LOVE cheese curds!!
And finally, I am totally a fan of Andy and Barney. I spent many an afternoon watching that show when I was young. It was great!
Safe travels!!
Lee Anne,
That truly is a gift that a male doctor could be so empathetic when it came to female problems. I love to hear that; what an exceptional doctor. (And I’m sorry you can no longer see him.)
Good luck with the Hair Growing Challenge. It seems sometimes like every stage is more awkward than the last one. I’m assuming one day you will wake up and everything will get to where it needed to go and, BAM, you will be in love with the longer style. Good luck!