June 20, 2025

 CT Scan appointment.  No food or drink until afterwards.... Ugh!

Let's start with the Doorways. As I had just fallen asleep last night, there was a sound that woke me up. By the 3rd ring, I realized it was the room phone. The front desk called asking if my vehicle was parked outside their door. I told them no, and they apologized for bothering me. This was at 10:30pm. Perhaps they need to verify vehicles to patients/guests upon arrival, similar to how hotels do it. That caused me to have a delay in my sleep schedule when I was really looking to get some rest after the anxiety I endured getting there. Ah well. The front desk person was nice as I checked out. They are just doing their job. And at least they are nice.

As I left, I had by overnight bag, laptop bag, pocketbook, and my pillow and ventured on out to 7th Street towards my parking garage. I had to walk about a block to where I'd parked the night before. $20 for overnight parking. Whatever. I'll add it to my list of medical deductions at tax time. Called Nathan before I ventured over to the hospital and attempted to find that parking garage (again) and then where I was supposed to be.  

Insert anxiety again. 

I had looked at the map last night to get an idea of where I needed to go, but the construction detours and one way streets in downtown Richmond are no joke. Did a few circles but finally got to the parking garage. From there, it was a matter of finding which VCU building was the main hospital. The buildings are labeled, but none said Main Hospital. There were several with emergency entrances and patient drop off areas so I really had no clue where I needed to be. Walking around, obviously looking lost, phone in front of me looking at the map... no one offered any help. I finally went into a building and interrupted the rude security people and asked for help finding where I needed to be. (I say rude because there was metal detectors and a conveyor to put loose items for scanning and despite me standing there, they never acknowledged me, just continued their conversation.) I followed the half ass directions they gave, wandered on into another building and that was where I needed to be. Again, metal detector, scanning of my pocketbook with little to no interaction with security people. Apparently they all hate their jobs. I tell them to have a good day and go on my way.

I follow the signs to Main Hospital as best as I can. Then the signs stopped reading Main Hospital. Where to now? People were bustling all around, tuned into their phones with ear buds in, looking down as to not be bothered. I get it, the start of the work day. Early morning. As I wander around the area, reading signs, smelling the food from the cafeteria, I feel the anxiety creeping up again. I wander on down towards another hallway and in reading that sign, I said to myself "this doesn't seem like where I need to be". A very kind woman asked me if I needed help. Thank you Jesus! I told her yes and where I needed to be. She took time out of her routine and walked me to the elevators that would take me where I needed to go.  As much as I thanked her for her kindness, she will never truly know how much she helped me this morning. Not just with the guidance, but her genuine kindness. It not only got me where I needed to be, but changed the mood I was in. 

So I get to the 3rd floor, check in at the kiosk and wait my turn at registration. As she's verifying my information, she tells me the amount due for today's visit. $1300ish dollars. I felt tears welling up. How was I gonna shit that money out when payday is next week? Were they going to refuse today's appointment without payment? Was all this a waste of my time? I think she could see all these things in my face because she was kind enough to whisper to me "they can bill you". I said that would be great! She was very kind.  Wipe the tears away, finish filling out the paperwork. 

Cabell was the nurse that came and got me for the scan. Lemme tell ya, she was also a God-send because this woman was definitely an extrovert, outgoing, happy and the personality I normally have. She was the me that I was not this morning. I needed her. My entire mood changed after meeting her. Anxiety gone. We go thru the processes of getting me ready for the CT scan, undressing, verifying info, starting the IV.... There was conversation between us, and laughter. Then off we go to the CT machine. 

I can definitely say that I haven't had a CT scan done before. All other scans and tests, but not this particular one. The tech has me get on the table, explains the procedure and then we begin. The machine actually tells you when to take deep breaths and when to breathe normally. That was kinda weird. Then the contrast was injected into my IV. That is how I know I have not had this done before. The contrast doesn't burn or anything but it certain made my insides feel like they were on fire briefly, from my fingertips to my toes. That was a very weird feeling! Thankfully it was short lived and I had to reactions to it. The tech verified the images were good, then Cabell came to get me. She had coffee waiting for me in my room when we got back there. Bless her! Didn't have enough sugar for me, but it didn't matter. The gesture and caffeine were very appreciated! She offered a breakfast sandwich but came back and said they were out, but brought me peanut butter crackers and a protein bar so I didn't have to go away on an empty stomach. She also walked me to the elevators and directed me to the cafeteria if I wanted breakfast before leaving. Like I said , I needed her. I found my way out and ventured towards the parking garage. Only regret was not taking a selfie with her and getting a better glance at her name tag to confirm name spelling. 

As I'm leaving the hospital, I notice a historical marker. I stop to read it. The White House of the Confederacy. I like all History, so I stopped to read it. Then I notice another informational sign near the building. I read that as well. Interesting that this historical building is right in the middle of the VCU complex. Who knew? It appeared that you could go and tour the building from an entrance behind it. I did not go check into that. I was ready to get on the road home.