the drama of being ill

[Guest guest]

Again, you all understand this, too...just wanted to share our most

recent story.

After spending a couple of days short of breath, my mother made a

trip to the ER while my dad was at poker night (much more dramatic

than waiting for him to get home). The doc there said she probably

has congestive heart failure (which is pretty common and quite

treatable). He suggests she see her primary care doc for a referral

to a cardiologist.

So she sees the FP, but after making an appointment with her

cardiologist, she decides she just can't wait a whole month to get

all the test results back, so she and my dad are going to the

MayoClinic, thousands of miles away. I mean, this is the place where

foreign heads of state go. Who the hell does she think she is?

She called the night before their flight to say, " Your sister has

called us twice [since I found out about the CHF], but you haven't so

I thought you should know we're going to Mayo's. " We all know the

translation of this is, " Why the hell aren't you pitying me? You are

such a bad daughter for not caring! " But it truly didn't bother me

anymore. I am sort of sorry for her because it is sad when anybody's

health is suffering, but it's not personal for me anymore. She loves

the attention, so I don't give her more than I'd give anyone else.

My parents started going to Mayo years ago after one of the local

surgeons botched my dad's operation...so for surgical stuff, I can

understand wanting to go somewhere great. But for an echo?

Seriously? I can't imagine what it costs (and don't want to!). So

long as they understand they have to have enough to retire on--they

won't ever live in my house!

kt