Monday, April 20, 2009

Goodbye Hospital!

Today is a momentous day for me. As of this afternoon, I no longer have a single appointment scheduled at the Misawa Air Base hospital. Between my arm, my teeth, and another general health issue I don't feel inclined to disclose, I have spent countless hours in this building over the past 3.5 months:
Several weeks I found myself at the hospital every single day of the week for hours at a time. There were a few precious weeks where I only had to go once or twice. But there has not been a single week since we arrived in Japan that I have not visited this building for one appointment or another. I'm intimately acquainted with those revolving doors. I've been yanked, cranked, poked, prodded, and stabbed more times than I care to remember. And now, I can say that I have no reason to go back there in the near foreseeable future! 

Save for one incompetent dentist and a questionable emergency x-ray reading team, every medical provider here has been FANTASTIC! In particular, I cannot say enough great things about the orthopedic and physical therapy doctors who fixed my arm. I must admit, I was weary about relying on military healthcare while being overseas, but they have definitely put that fear to rest. I feel really lucky to be taken care of so well while we're here. 

P.S. Cherry blossoms are popping up everywhere! Mark my words, I will post some pretty pics tomorrow!

6 comments:

Terry said...

My experiences with military medicine over 20 years was always positive. My oldest child was born at Misawa Hospital (though I think it was in the hospital before this one was built). We lived off base our entire tour, in R-150-G. I wonder if it is still there? Love your blog! Terry

Patty said...

That's great to hear! Very reassuring. Where abouts is/was R-150-G? I can keep an eye out and see if it's still around. It's so cool to have perspective from someone who was here years ago- thanks for reading and commenting!

Terry said...

I've looked on-line at google earth and tried to pin point where it was. We used to go out the gate near the flight line, or another gate near what was called "trailer housing" toward the front gate but to the left. The pictures of your neighborhood are amazing. There was nothing like that off-base back then. Are you planning to move on base or stay there? Keep blogging! Terry

Patty said...

Ok, so I'm assuming your house was just outside of base? There are only 2 gates now, the main gate and what is now called POL gate (by the flightline). I might take a little drive someday in the area I'm thinking your old house might be and see if I can find it. :)

We're technically far enough out that our house is actually in Oirase (I think the town that used to be called Shimoda?), not Misawa (we're about a 10 minute drive to base). We love it, and don't plan to move on base!

♥♥♥♥♥ Sophia-Ls™® ♥♥♥♥♥ said...

your blog is very nice

Bethany said...

Yahoo for being done with the doctors. Much less stress.