Not another Doc assistant... please!

Dear Dr. So and So:

A couple weeks ago I attended a “pre-procedure” appointment for a stellate ganglion block scheduled for Tuesday May 3rd. Your receptionist was upfront and informative about the appointment being scheduled with your assistant- also assuring me I would get to spend a few minutes with you afterwards. Of course that didn’t happen.

Your assistant and nurse practitioner Tina was pleasant and kind. While Portland is enjoyably weird, Tina’s black stocking hose, low cut blouse, short skirt, and pretty cowboy boots were also very enjoyable. However, I was expecting more an educated informed professional consultation, rather than a fashion statement. It is probable that I may be a cranky and difficult patient living with constant pain; although Tina’s kind and concerned suggestion (and perhaps professional advice) that after what I have been through in the last couple years, I might consider some form of anti-depression drug, seemed quite out of context, and frankly, unwelcome considering the intent of my appointment. The entire intent of my business with you and enduring the ganglion block is to be given the chance to suffer life without any pills or chemicals, that I might get my FAA medical back, that I might resume my aviation career.

While I am sure there is a legitimate need for NPA’s and PA’s, and they are a real time saver for you Doctors, I have to admit I may be slightly biased as my experience with PA’s and NPA’s heretofore has not been stellar- especially after having endured unnecessary and expensive procedures based on their “professional” experience and advice.

On the other hand, I must comment on the professionalism I have experienced with your front office staff, especially Rhiana. As well, Hank in the billing office, on more than one occasion has provided excellent customer assistance while dealing with myself and my Legacy insurance. In fact, because of issues with your business relationship with Legacy insurance now being considered “out of network”, Hanks attention and efforts have made it possible for me to continue my business with you- Kudos are in order.

Kind Regards,

The Character of a Friendship

Over the course of my lifetime I’ve been very fortunate to acquire a couple friends- well, I can count all my friends on one hand. Those being spoken of may not even know who they are, one or two probably do. Of course my life is fortunate as well, to have many friendly acquaintances. Having said that, it might be appropriate to define what I consider to be a friend- purdy much he would not be the one you call when you’re in jail, he would be the one in jail with me uttering some such garbage like, “wow, that was fun”! You've heard it before. Then I’d call a bail bondsman. You see, friendship to me, is a great responsibility and because of this, it is possible to have too many friends, it just doesnt' work. For me, there is no such thing as a best friend. Fortunately, we aren’t always allowed the privilege to pick and choose our friends- sometimes they do this for us. In this respect, I am one DLB, meaning dirty lucky bastard. Perhaps the point has been made, well, at least one out of the three of you reading this will get it.

Today, I’m thinking of one such friend, and extrodinary fella, whom I’ve ignored for a few months. How fucking rude is that- notice the lack of a question mark. But I have to explain (somewhat) the circumstances, as life itself, is somewhat of a circumstance. This particular friend has passed all (circumstantial) tests of moral fortitude, and true character, it’s been tried through and through- and it's being tried some more. But I know without a shred of doubt that this particular “lowdown” friend is worthy of much more recognition than I presently allow. But he’s there now, was yesterday, and will be next week and next year- he might not know it yet, but he is. I have to mention that I consider his father one of the same, although not “lowdown”. To explain lowdown- it comes from a skiing style, well almost, his stance on skis is low to the snow- I once broke my hand trying to keep up with the little shit.

You see, I’m a pilot. Or I used to be. A certain medical condition has caused some complications to the extent that my wings don’t work like they used to. At least for the time being, the ol’ wings are drooping, and presently still losing a few feathers. I’ll take the liberty- woe is me. Damn right I can. Anyway, this particular “lowdown” friendship I am thinking of was initially based on flying (and all that entails). It’s interesting to note that over 20 years ago I was his flight instructor, yet I probably learned more from him than he did from me. There is something “grass hopper” like in that remark. To teach is to learn? Anyway, and at any rate, I don’t care to share that flying connection with him or anyone else, anymore. And when we share time, it's hard to avoid the topic. That’s ok, and fair enough. And if you’ve been or are a “real” pilot, there’s really not much more to be said, except, the day will come when that will change. No matter what, all things change, except the character of a real friendship.