While I was waiting I watched a young man having a very difficult time trying to get money from his card. He was working with a teller and on the phone with his bank. He and the young lady with him didn’t seem to speak a lot of Spanish. When he was off the phone I spoke with him and introduced him to Jose in case Jose could be of help to him. Maybe a little new business for Jose. It turned out both the man and woman were from ...yup, Minnesota!
So, it was finally my turn and we explained - Jose explained - I had colones and needed to put $1650.00 into the doctor’s account. I was hoping to first put it in my account because I am required to deposit so much every month for my residency. I think there is a limit to how much I can deposit to my account each month and I was concerned this was over the limit. It sounds so enormous - 1,024,650. So into my account went 1,030,000 and then they transferred to the doctor his amount.
Back home with the idea Jose would pick me up at 2:00 to be there at 3:30 for a half hour of prep and then surgery. An hour after I got home the doctor called and said if I can come early he can take me. It is now 12:40. I called Jose and he said sure and was here at 1:00pm. I called the doctor back and confirmed we would be there by 2:30. As we were going past the bus stop, Jose noticed Gloriana’s
sister and we stopped and gave her a ride to work in Cartago. She manages a pharmacy.
That time of day the traffic was light so we arrived at the clinic a little after 2:00. Lovely place, very modern and clean as can be. As with most medical places I have been there are people cleaning all the time. A short wait and I was called. I was taken to a little room with a lounging bed, a wheelchair
and cupboards. A very nice nurse named Marie helped me and explained everything. Very good English. I was to lie down and for the next 45 minutes she would come in and administer drops to dilate my eyes. The doctor also came in and answered any questions I had - in English. Then the anesthetist came in and explained her part - in English. It was going to be local but they did put a port in just in case they needed to give me something to relax me. She was so cute. She said I try to speak English, how am I doing? Now you know I usually have cookies with me but I hadn’t baked any so
today I was handing out packages of strawberry filled Oreos. Believe me, they were a big hit and just as good. Even the doctor told me all the girls loved the cookies.
After 5 doses of drops and all the release sheets were signed they came and got me and put me in the wheelchair to go next door to the operating room. It was freezing so as soon as they laid me on the table they covered me with blankets. They attached a blood pressure cuff and things on my finger and chest to take readings. They also hooked up the port.
Now, the absolute worst part of the whole operation. The shots for the local above and below my eye. He did say there will be a little pain. Open your eye. I really didn’t want to watch but I had to because he had to make sure my eye would still move around.
Ok, with that done nothing else hurt. I listened to them - 4 - 2 nurses the doctor and the anesthetist talk about various things including pizza and kids. I had something draped over my face and I could
see pink and purple but not much else. There were liquids involved and I could feel it on the lower part of my face. When they were done they had to peel the cover off my face. They told me they had given me pain meds and anti inflammatory in the port and I should take more pain meds before bed. I
did but I have not felt any pain, even today with no meds. The doctor did say he had to make a larger incision because the cataract was so large.
Back to the room in the wheelchair and help getting dressed. I forgot to mention they put you in the cutest slipper socks to go with a fully wraparound gown and hair covering. Out to the doctor and Jose and home. It was a slower trip because it was rush hour.
Now the kicker as if that wasn’t enough for a day. Before I left the electricity was off. That happens now and then so I wasn’t concerned. When I got back it was still off. I sent a message to Brandon asking if it was the whole area or just me. Then I sent a message to Jose asking if there was a problem in Orosi. He said no. Then he messaged me he was in the area and wanted to check something. He came and checked my meter and it was off. My power had been turned off. He couldn’t reach Adrian so he called Brandon who called his father. I knew the payment gets deducted from Adrian’s
paycheck from the electric company so I didn’t understand what was going on. All I knew was that my phone and iPad were running low and I had no way to recharge them.
Adrian and Brandon came this morning to explain there was a problem at the bank and it was corrected. But, I still had no electricity! I was not nice. Let me explain. I know I seem brave and adventurous but it is mainly because I have electronics. I can always reach someone. I can always let others know I am ok so they don’t worry. Without electronics I can’t. I kinda went into a panic. People were sending me messages and I couldn’t answer. I have apologized and I explained to Jose and asked him to call Adrian and explain. He told me Adrian had called him after he spoke with me - or after I yelled at him. So, they both did what they could to move things along fast and I have electricity back. I haven’t dared to open the refrigerator yet.
Jose will be here in an hour to go to the doctor in Cartago to have the cover taken off my eye and
see if I can see. Hopefully the rest of the week will be much better.
Aren’t they absolutely gorgeous
Not a look I want everyday.
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