Thursday, August 27, 2009

Tetanus Shot, Check.

After receiving many comments and emails from people urging me to get a tetanus shot, I finally broke down and got one.
I'm terrified of all things medical, so it was a very big deal for me to even entertain the thought of (voluntarily) driving to the doctors office. Not to mention, once I got there, I would willingly invite them to drive a needle into my arm with a substance that could, or could not, cause an allergic reation.
On this particular day, Kevin and I waited for over an hour an a half in the jam-packed waiting room. You could almost feel the germs in the air.
They were short-staffed, and the girl who ended up stabbing me was actually the receptionist, who made it abundantly clear that she was not exactly at the top of her game because she "had not eaten all day" and was "about to pass out from starvation".
When she had to stop and ask a nurse if she was about to inject me with the right medication I nearly passed out.
To top off the whole experience, I asked her how long this shot would cover me for, to which she replied, "Three years".
"Really?", I said, "I thought it was longer?".
Then she says, "Oh, wait, did I say three years, or ten years?".
"You said three years", I replied.
Then she says, (and this is the clincher) "Oh, oops, I meant to say ten. My bad".

Let's just say I will be watching where I step a lot closer about ten years from now.
:-)

So tonight I've added "sore left arm" to my list of aching body parts.
But I have to admit, I will sleep more soundly knowing that I'm not going to get some sort of weird infection.
Last night, the whole subject must have really been weighing heavy on my subconscious mind because I dreamt that I did get an infection in my foot and both of my ankles and my knees completely locked up making it impossible to outrun whoever (or whatever) was chasing me. It was terrible!
I was so relieved when I came to, and realized that I was actually still able to move my legs underneath the covers. :-)

We're having Kevin's side of the family over for supper tomorrow night.
(His brother celebrated a birthday this week....oh, and because some readers have asked- yes, he is married) :-)
I'm anxious for the rest of the Palmers to see how much our Lettered Cottage has changed this past week. I can actually hear Kevin out there installing, caulking, priming and painting as I type this. I'll be sure to share some photos of the "new look" tomorrow when the project is complete.

Sometimes I just sit and think about how much the house has evolved because of us, and in turn, how much the house has completely changed the course of our lives as well. Life is but a dream....
Now if you'll excuse me, I owe my house a hug.
If only I could raise my left arm.
:-)

Layla

48 comments:

Unknown said...

Congrats on the shot girly! I'm due for mine as well :( They asked me when i was at the Dr last time, but lets just say they were doing enough that day that i WASN'T about to add a shot into the mix. Hehehe.
Can't wait to see what project you're working on now.

Cathy said...

I laughed out loud at your post...so if nothing else (besides preventing locked ankles and knees) your experience with the receptionist has given you great comedic material :)

Unknown said...

I work in a medical clinic and even though it's a rural health clinic I'm proud to say that there is no way on God's green earth we would ever treat a patient the way you were treated. For starters, I'm the front office staff and would never give a shot to a patient. No wonder you're skittish about going to the dr. with a practice like that around!

Do be extra careful not to get another injury. I believe you'd need another shot if you get a wound if it's 5 years or longer than the one you just got.

Nancy

Justine Frood said...

I am not a nurse... but I do know when you get a shot like that if you keep moving your arm instead of holding still it will not hurt as bad =)
Cant wait to see the project!!

Anonymous said...

I think you were smart to get the shot, sorry about your sore arm though. Put some ice on it and take an ibuprofen and call me in the a.m....LOL!!

Can't wait to see your next project.

LeAnn:)

liz said...

So glad you got a show. YOu just never know and so glad I don't live anywhere near that ER with the really "responsible" receptionist..YIKES!! Where on earth did they find her??!!!! I can't wait to see you new project finished. I checked today to hopefully see some new pics so tomorrow I will be on the look out .

Megs said...

Good idea getting a tetnus shot. I rammed my toe into DIY kitty condo and busted it right open. (Yuck! And such a freak accident to boot.) My doc recommended a shot too. Even though the condo was made of wood and even THOUGH I said I had one 7 years ago. So keep an eye out at 7 years, not 10. Sorry. :)

Jen V said...

I love your blog - I have commented on your blog and if you look at my blog - you'll see that you are on my Blog Roll of Crafy Peeps.

I am doing an awesome giveaway - check it out at www.viettiview.blogspot.com

Everyone is welcome to enter!!

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

I'm glad you decided to get the shot just to be safe. :)

Roeshel said...

Aw...I completely understand. I just had a home improvement-incident and was urged to get a tetanus shot too despite my reluctance and fear of sharp pointy pokes that I know are coming. The risk of death from tetanus sort of scared me just a tad bit more than getting a shot.

Luckily, I work for a medical group and I was able to walk in at my convenience, request in the teeniest-tiniest baby needle by a trained phlebotomist friend and didn't feel a thing...until later. HOLY OUCH! Sore arm for days.

Feel better and find comfort that we're good for 10 years.

:)

Roeshel

Pokey said...

Too funny! Oops, I mean, sorry about your arm, and foot and stuff. (giggle, stifled grin) : } pokey

Shannon said...

Ok, you are too funny! When I need to get a shot, I think of my kids who have to go in and get 3-6 shots at a time. Kinda makes the one shot not look as bad huh? Good job braving it out!

renee said...

terrible that you were treated like that. that should NEVER happen at a dr. office! i say you need to find a new doc if that's the norm. as a nursing student, i apologize on behalf of that idiot. geez!! and yes, moving your arm more will get the soreness out. hope it feels better soon!!!

Amber B. said...

We had our house re-roofed in the fall and I stepped on a nail in the front yard months later. I got a shot b/c I couldn't remember when I had one last. It did hurt!! And they told me that anytime I was "punctured by a foreign object" it would be best to get another shot. Yikes!!!

Bluebird said...

i admire your bravery! i have to say, i'd rather get tetanus, than a shot (knock on wood!), :-) especially after your horrible experience! ugh. and, oh by the way, i just love your blog and style :-)

{sue} said...

I didn't say anything before, but I was a little worried about tetanus, so I'm glad you got a shot! My husband and I *both* have gotten them over the years after stepping on nails while working on our house. Maybe they should give them at a counter at Home Depot!

Angela said...

i just love reading your blog! i wish i had a tenth of your talent!

Anonymous said...

drcarley.com

There is no such thing as immunization that protects you from anything.
Get an education and say no to all vaccines.
Vaccines cause autism, and ALL auto-immune diseases in people and pets.

Go see a Naturopath and detox that shot out of your liver and brain cells now.

Pony Girl said...

"the girl who ended up stabbing me was actually the receptionist, who made it abundantly clear that she was not exactly at the top of her game because she had not eaten all day and was about to pass out from starvation". Oh Layla, you crack me up!! :) I'm so like you though, I've avoided the flu shot because I'm terrified of needles. I think I'll get one this year though, because of that whole swine flu thing. I'm glad you got the shot, I think you'll sleep better now!
Dying to see the new pics of your place!

Tiffany said...

Can't wait to see the pics!

Kim @ Twice Remembered said...

I'm glad everything is A-ok! It's funny how dreams can affect us, isn't it? Girly, my house is just one big before photo with the exception of a few of our snails pace projects and I'd be mortified to have anyone see it - especially the rock star of design and decorating! Trust me - what people don't see online is for their own good, lol! Someday when I can finally finish a room or two, I'll put blinders on you and have you over to take a peek...When I say I live in a tumble down house, that's an understatement! BUT you *should* come up and do the Nashville Flea Market with me. I haven't been in a long time and have been itching to go again!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

I was afraid of needles until I went into the Air Force. They make you walk down the middle of medical staff to the left and right and get injections, rapid fire: shot, shot, step forward, shot, shot, step forward. All the girls were terrified, so I lead the procession.

But your story resonated with the old me and made me chuckle too - but only because it wasn't me sitting with that airhead nurse. I'm older and not quite as nice as you. :)

Tuuli - Lumo Lifestyle said...

This reminds me how I tried to refuse tetanus shot alsmost twenty years ago after a horse had bit off a 2" by 2" piece of skin from my arm. I was (and still am) very scared of needles.

"But I have had my last tetanus shot eight years ago, I don't need booster yet!". The docoter just gabe me a weird look and gave me a shot.

Hmm... It was almost twenty years ago, it meand I had booster abt. 9 years ago and it's soon time for another booster...

Lynn Kellan said...

Oh, Layla! You are a brave woman. I'm so glad you got the shot. Enjoy the birthday celebration in good health!!

Pam @ bibbidi-bobbidi-beautiful said...

So glad you're taking care of yourself, and I hope you never have to go back there again! Can't wait for the reveal!

Anonymous said...

Thanks goodness you went. I am a blog stalker - LOVE YOU!! And I have silently sending you tetanus shot messages. I am glad you stay healthy!

L.Duncan@Home23DuncanBoys said...

glad your'e okay! I really enjoy reading your blog.

P.S
give your house a hug for me too!

Susie Harrsi said...

Im sorry for laughing {just a little} about your day. That sounds like something out of my life! Just when you think you have put on your brave hat something jumps out at you and brings it all back into play. I stepped on a nail while building our house and I had to have one. I know how your arm feels...not nice. Come to think of it, I had better be careful and start watching. We are coming up on ten years....ugh! Hope you feel better and enjoy your family time. Susie~

royal oak cottage said...

OK Mrs Palmer...you've been mentioning a secret project for the past 3 posts and I think 'I'm gonna pass out from starvation' of inspiration! :) Are you sure you didn't sign some papers at that drs office that you would agree to be on a hidden camera show?

Grace @ Ruby Moon Designs said...

Glad you got the shot...I didn't know that receptionists could give them...I might not have been quite as brave as you, getting one from a girl who normally answers the phone and takes memos! At least you're good for 10 years now...or was it 3...haha! Hope you start feeling 100% soon! Can't wait to see updated pics of your lovely lettered cottage!

Angie said...

Hey - I accidentally kicked a drill and pushed a 1/16" drill bit in my foot last month and had to get a tetanus shot too. My last one was when I started elelmentary school (oops!) Anyway, definitely move your arm around and it will get better faster than not moving it. :-)

Tracy Watier said...

Ow! Tetanus shots are NOT fun (wait, make that NO shots are fun), but you were smart to do it. Interesting experience though... I might file a complaint about such unprofessional behavior if I were you. Being under-staffed is no excuse. I love your lemons-to-lemonade attitude though! Have a happy weekend!

Mabry's gamma said...

Like you, I am not a fan of needles. The thought makes me pass out. Ridiculous I know. Just hearing people saying they got one gives me sweaty palms. I hear ya saying, "Big Baby" and I am proud to carry the title but I am glad that you got the tetanus shot and I probably would have too if I were in your shoes. Too bad your experience there was not so good.

Can't wait to see the project. You have such vision. Maybe I should take you house hunting with me in B'ham because I am having a hard time seeing the vision in some of these houses we have looked at.

Amy R. said...

I just got a tetanus shot on Monday at my yearly check-up because I think it had been at least 10 years ago (when I was a counselor at Kanakuk Kamp), that I got one. My arm HURT so bad for 3 straight days. Yoga probably didn't help. Hope you feel better soon!

Rachel said...

Can't wait to see the finished projects from your hubby and his friends! I'm sure it'll all be worth the sore arm and horrible waiting room experience! At least now you're covered for the next 10 years, so you won't have to go through it again.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Ruth P. said...

Glad you got the shot. Feel better, and keep posting!

DesignTies said...

The one and only time I needed a tetanus shot I'd had a fall from my bike... I was pretty scraped up (knee and right shoulder mostly). But what stands out in my mind was that the nurse gave me the tetanus shot in my left arm. So there I was, lying in bed at night, unable to sleep on either of my sides because both arms were so sore!! I WISH she'd given me that darned shot in my right arm so that I could at least get a good night's sleep!! :-)

As for what or who was chasing you in your dream... I think it was that raccoon that you encountered the other day!! What an event-filled life you lead! :-)

Victoria @ DesignTies

Mary Frances said...

I lsughed when I read P.J.'s comments about the Air Force! I also served in the Air Force for eight years, and yes...you get over getting shots really quick!! Your weird dream was probably from all the stress you experienced at the medical office...get better soon, and let your sweet husband pamper you a little more than usual.
Mary Frances

pat said...

excuse me, but you are going to the wrong doctors office!!!

Holly said...

Layla, I share your pain... I fell down my brick steps and landed on my knees and toes on the concrete floor this morning - I am now sporting a bandaid that is literlly holding my toenail on, and I'm missing lots of skin off my knee. And now my ankle is starting to hurt. I think I'm going to be sore tomorrow! I can't wait to see whatever it is that Kevin is currently working on, keep up the great work and I hope you have a fantastic weekend!!

Unknown said...

A receptionist!!!?? Tetanus shot was a great idea, but next time I would try a different office:)

Free Art Printables said...

It is such a good thing you got it.. not only because of the tetanus, but the new shots (which I did not have) has whooping cough in it... Guess who got whooping cough last year??? I have never been so sick in my life! It was like having the flu times ten for 2 months straight! Even though your left arm is partially paralyzed, you just did yourself a huge favor! :)

The Country Nest said...

Glad you got a shot but you need a different doctor, with a different receptionist.....(although it was funny to hear about)
Can't wait to see the big reveal. You and Kevin have done an amazing jog on the lettered cottage. The kitchen still leaves me speechless, just beautiful.
hugs,
Donna

Cottage Rose said...

ohhhhhh you poor thing,,, how brave your were,, I would have got up and ran out the door it that happened to me....lol but I am glad you did get one,,, just to be safe,,, years ago and I do mean years,, lol I did the same thing only on a very old rusty fence,, and did not go... well lets just say that my whole foot and leg swelled up and was so red,, then I went to the Dr... by was he mad....

hope you can move your arm tomorrow, and have a great weekend with family....

Hugs;
Alaura

Heather said...

You poor kid. Remember to take some motrin -- those shots have a big ache factor the next day. And 10 years is very pie-in-the-sky. I cut my hand on a rusty paint can, got a tetnus shot, then just over 5 years later, cut my leg on a garden tool and ended up needing another one. They recommend that if you have an injury (especially if it involves dirty metal, rust or gardening) and it's been more than 5 years since your last shot, you get a booster anyway, regardless of the 10 year "guarantee." I wish they'd just tell you that when you get the shot.

Wendy said...

Layla! I must admit I admire your bravery more for letting the receptionist-who-didn't-seem-to-know-what-was-up give you the shot than anything else! Glad your good to go for three (oh I mean ten) more years!

Becky H said...

I just wanted to let you know I got my plate hangers today. they got her so fast, all the way from England. now I just need to find the plates. thanks for the great deal.

Thumperlane Homestead said...

Good job getting the shot.. I got mine 3 years ago. Good thing... a month later I cut my finger on the sheet metal for the fence I was building.

The Dr asked me when the last time I got a tetanus shot was.. I said "a month ago when I shot my hand with my nail gun!" Needless to say he told me I should stop my home improvements.

LIKE THAT WILL EVER HAPPEN!

5 stiches later I was back outside with my tool belt on with my hubby hovering all over me!