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13 August 2006
(Note: I wrote much of this letter over a year ago, but for some reason I got sidetracked. Sorry!)
Dear Dr. Semaan,
When I mentioned to you awhile ago that I might be going to live at The Boston Home sometime in the not-too-distant future, you sadly remarked, ‘My patients go there and I never hear from them again!’
Well, I was determined that you would hear from me again!
I came here to The Boston Home on June 1st of last year. We were led to believe that there was a two-year waiting list, and my intake interview wasn’t until May 6th. But apparently she thought I would be a good match for a roommate here (he too uses a computer, is articulate - and has a sardonic wit.)
This is not a nursing home, at least for most people here. One of the nurses described it as an assisted living place. Everyone is in (mostly powered) wheelchairs, of course, but we all have a remarkable amount of independence. There are many pleasant interior spaces; and there are extensive lovely grounds to meander about in, including a courtyard with a fish pond.
This place is very keen on maintaining, if not even improving, one’s health and well being. So there is lots of physical therapy, and careful attention to one’s every medical need. In particular, there are two doctors who know this disease well and who are available to come here as often as we need them. Three nurses are always on duty on each floor. A hospital (Carney) is two blocks away: I have been there a few times myself for minor procedures. (Once they put me there because I had a fever of 101. It turned out to be a FUO.)
I have my computer in my room with a DSL hook up. So I continue to keep my journal, read newspapers and leftist weblogs, and write (check out my web site at theomay.net) and in general keep in touch with the outside world.
So, all in all, I feel very lucky to be here. In fact, the only thing lacking is my dear wife. When Dorothy and her sisters were labeling my clothes, I suggested they label her. Sadly, it was to no avail; but we do talk daily and I see her each week. I have lots of other visitors too (including major family gatherings here.) There are also outings arranged by The Boston Home. Recently, Dorothy and I went to a Red Sox game. In short, our social life has improved!
By the way, I am drinking at least 2 liters of fluid (it’s apple juice at the moment, but it could be water) each day and so far (knock on wood!) I have not had a UTI. So I think quantity is a big key. Recently I had a supra-pubic catheter installed, and I’m sure that will cut down on the possibility of infection.
As you can see, I am well taken care of here. Sadly, however, this means that you will not be my doctor any more. I do feel this loss because you have always been a kind and caring person to me. You were always there to be a firm, steady advocate for my health and well-being. I will give just two of innumerable examples of how you have sought to help me. There were, of course, the valiant attempts you made with the acupuncture. I also recall when you told a skeptical neurologist (I will not sully this page by writing his name) that you wanted him to do a spinal tap. Remember his cynical reply? ‘Then we will have done all the tests known to man!’ Yet it was those abnormal results that eventually led to my diagnosis.
So I shall miss you, dear Dr. Semann. I wish you and your family all good health and happiness. In particular, I hope you continue to have cordial relations with your Malaysian relatives!
Your loyal (well, almost!) patient,
Ted May
Reply:
Hey there!
Just got back from a two week holiday to Sweden. The jet-lag got me to
work by 4:45am. Was received in the office by your very nice, humourous,
and old (bulk of it written a year ago) letter.
I have often thought about you and wondered how things were going for you
but never picked up the phone or pen and parchment.
Your website does not have dates on it (except for the journal...abandoned
in 2002!) so a little hard to tell what you are currently up to.
I miss our occasional meetings to rant and rave about politics and
family. My kids' swedish is pretty good...I don't know how much crazier
the U.S. has to get before we buy that one-way ticket to Stockholm!
OK, 40 minutes till the first patient comes-a-knockin' and I still have a
pile on my desk. Next month we are going "live" with Electronic Medical
Records (capitalized as one does for all formal names of various religious
deities)...I'm gonna miss that parchement.
Take good care. Will be a regular reader of theomay.net. Enjoyed VERY
much hearing from you.
Jeff Semaan
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