Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Jeri, I’m sorry I’m not computer saavy enough to help you on this but when my big day eventually comes around, I plan on e-mailing everybody with a photo of my x-ray and asking them to pray. On the receiving end, that would work for me. - From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of bocce_fun Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 9:25 AM Subject: [ ] Surgery clip art? Hi everyone. I've been thinking about how to tell/remind my friends (via email) about my big day... I just can't bring myself to call each person to deliver the news. I've waited until now to make sure I was cleared for surgery (ekg, etc) I have been talking about my eventual need for this for ages..., so it shouldn't be any big surprise. I know this will sound like I'm off my rocker. It just occured to me that a color (and somewhat light-hearted...) clip art of a patient in surgery would be a " statement " of how I feel about the beginning of this process. Does anyone know of such a clipart? I've been " googling " for half an hour and haven't found anything that fits in the category of [a lighthearted drawing that focuses on the patient more than on the surgeons] Let me know if you already have seen one. Please don't spend much time on this! Just a LITTLE crazy, Jeri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Found one! http://www.iclipart.com/download.php? iid=251609 & submit= & keys=surgeon & notkeys= & start=100 & andor=AND & colour= & s 1= & s2= & release1= & release2= & previewcheck= & cat=All & type= & rows=5 & jump=0 & p eriod= & collection= & tl=clipart > > Hi everyone. I've been thinking about how to tell/remind my friends > (via email) about my big day... I just can't bring myself to call > each person to deliver the news. I've waited until now to make sure I > was cleared for surgery (ekg, etc) > > I have been talking about my eventual need for this for ages..., so > it shouldn't be any big surprise. > > I know this will sound like I'm off my rocker. > > It just occured to me that a color (and somewhat light-hearted...) > clip art of a patient in surgery would be a " statement " of how I feel > about the beginning of this process. > > Does anyone know of such a clipart? > I've been " googling " for half an hour and haven't found anything that > fits in the category of [a lighthearted drawing that focuses on the > patient more than on the surgeons] > > Let me know if you already have seen one. Please don't spend much > time on this! > > Just a LITTLE crazy, > Jeri > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Jeri, did you see this one?! http://www.iclipart.com/download.php?iid=165557 & submit= & keys=surgery & notkeys= & start=50 & andor=AND & colour= & s1= & s2= & release1= & release2= & previewcheck= & cat=All & type=REGULAR & rows=5 & jump=0 & period= & collection= & tl=clipart Sharon [ ] Re: Surgery clip art? Found one! http://www.iclipart.com/download.php?iid=251609 & submit= & keys=surgeon & notkeys= & start=100 & andor=AND & colour= & s1= & s2= & release1= & release2= & previewcheck= & cat=All & type= & rows=5 & jump=0 & period= & collection= & tl=clipart--- In , "bocce_fun" <bocce@...> wrote:>> Hi everyone. I've been thinking about how to tell/remind my friends > (via email) about my big day... I just can't bring myself to call > each person to deliver the news. I've waited until now to make sure I > was cleared for surgery (ekg, etc) > > I have been talking about my eventual need for this for ages..., so > it shouldn't be any big surprise.> > I know this will sound like I'm off my rocker.> > It just occured to me that a color (and somewhat light-hearted...) > clip art of a patient in surgery would be a "statement" of how I feel > about the beginning of this process.> > Does anyone know of such a clipart?> I've been "googling" for half an hour and haven't found anything that > fits in the category of [a lighthearted drawing that focuses on the > patient more than on the surgeons]> > Let me know if you already have seen one. Please don't spend much > time on this!> > Just a LITTLE crazy,> Jeri> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Or how about this one? It looks more like how I felt about the whole thing! ;^) http://www.iclipart.com/download.php?iid=179994 & submit= & keys=surgery & notkeys= & start=75 & andor=AND & colour= & s1= & s2= & release1= & release2= & previewcheck= & cat=All & type=REGULAR & rows=5 & jump=0 & period= & collection= & tl=clipart [ ] Re: Surgery clip art? Found one! http://www.iclipart.com/download.php?iid=251609 & submit= & keys=surgeon & notkeys= & start=100 & andor=AND & colour= & s1= & s2= & release1= & release2= & previewcheck= & cat=All & type= & rows=5 & jump=0 & period= & collection= & tl=clipart--- In , "bocce_fun" <bocce@...> wrote:>> Hi everyone. I've been thinking about how to tell/remind my friends > (via email) about my big day... I just can't bring myself to call > each person to deliver the news. I've waited until now to make sure I > was cleared for surgery (ekg, etc) > > I have been talking about my eventual need for this for ages..., so > it shouldn't be any big surprise.> > I know this will sound like I'm off my rocker.> > It just occured to me that a color (and somewhat light-hearted...) > clip art of a patient in surgery would be a "statement" of how I feel > about the beginning of this process.> > Does anyone know of such a clipart?> I've been "googling" for half an hour and haven't found anything that > fits in the category of [a lighthearted drawing that focuses on the > patient more than on the surgeons]> > Let me know if you already have seen one. Please don't spend much > time on this!> > Just a LITTLE crazy,> Jeri> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 I like the b+w image Jeri found...kind of looks like the guy on the right is an angel. I agree that Sharons second image is how I felt...chain saw and all...but my favorite so far is the patient on the gurney bracing so they couldn't be wheeled into the OR. That one is funniest to me. But maybe you don't want to portray a humorous image...I realize it's serious business. thats my $.02 Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Jeri, you did say light-hearted -- hope that wasn't too much so. I received a "funny" get well card from my SIL/BIL, and was just glad I hadn't seen it until I got home. Fine if I want to joke, but I thought it a tad insensitive of them at the time. Sharon [ ] Re: Surgery clip art? I like the b+w image Jeri found...kind of looks like the guy on the right is an angel. I agree that Sharons second image is how I felt...chain saw and all...but my favorite so far is the patient on the gurney bracing so they couldn't be wheeled into the OR. That one is funniest to me. But maybe you don't want to portray a humorous image...I realize it's serious business.thats my $.02Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Those were great Sharon I tried looking for some, but I couldn't find any. > > Or how about this one? It looks more like how I felt about the whole thing! ;^) > > http://www.iclipart.com/download.php? iid=179994 & submit= & keys=surgery & notkeys= & start=75 & andor=AND & colour= & s1= & s2= & release1= & release2= & previewcheck= & cat=All & type=REGULAR & rows=5 & jump=0 & period= & collection= & tl=clipart > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Sharon – I love your sense of humor J. From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Sharon Green Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 4:37 PM Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Surgery clip art? Jeri, you did say light-hearted -- hope that wasn't too much so. I received a " funny " get well card from my SIL/BIL, and was just glad I hadn't seen it until I got home. Fine if I want to joke, but I thought it a tad insensitive of them at the time. Sharon [ ] Re: Surgery clip art? I like the b+w image Jeri found...kind of looks like the guy on the right is an angel. I agree that Sharons second image is how I felt...chain saw and all...but my favorite so far is the patient on the gurney bracing so they couldn't be wheeled into the OR. That one is funniest to me. But maybe you don't want to portray a humorous image...I realize it's serious business. thats my $.02 Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 I just looked back at the black & white picture. I hadn't noticed the curtains first time. OR as operating theatre! Lights! Camera! Scalpel! Sharon ;^) [ ] Re: Surgery clip art? Found one! http://www.iclipart.com/download.php?iid=251609 & submit= & keys=surgeon & notkeys= & start=100 & andor=AND & colour= & s1= & s2= & release1= & release2= & previewcheck= & cat=All & type= & rows=5 & jump=0 & period= & collection= & tl=clipart--- In , "bocce_fun" <bocce@...> wrote:>> Hi everyone. I've been thinking about how to tell/remind my friends > (via email) about my big day... I just can't bring myself to call > each person to deliver the news. I've waited until now to make sure I > was cleared for surgery (ekg, etc) > > I have been talking about my eventual need for this for ages..., so > it shouldn't be any big surprise.> > I know this will sound like I'm off my rocker.> > It just occured to me that a color (and somewhat light-hearted...) > clip art of a patient in surgery would be a "statement" of how I feel > about the beginning of this process.> > Does anyone know of such a clipart?> I've been "googling" for half an hour and haven't found anything that > fits in the category of [a lighthearted drawing that focuses on the > patient more than on the surgeons]> > Let me know if you already have seen one. Please don't spend much > time on this!> > Just a LITTLE crazy,> Jeri> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Sharon, Good point. Also, I suppose that it can't be so silly that it undermines the seriousness of the pending venture and recovery. Jeri, Make sure when you write your friends ask if you can call upon them with specific requests....visits, driving you places, cooking and bringing in meals. Most people will be glad to help...for awhile...but try to underscore that it is probably going to be 6 months to a year til you are feeling " yourself " again and ask that they don't lose patience or interest in you before then. At least then if at 8 months you need help they can't say they are surprised! Take Care, Cam > > Jeri, you did say light-hearted -- hope that wasn't too much so. > > I received a " funny " get well card from my SIL/BIL, and was just glad I hadn't seen it until I got home. Fine if I want to joke, but I thought it a tad insensitive of them at the time. > > Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Dear Jeri, Friends and even extended family sometimes don't get the scope of this surgery and the recovery, as truly there is not much to compare it to, as this isn't a run of the mill single level fusion. Cam coined the term( spinal reconstruction) and truly this gives someone outside our group a pretty good idea what you are facing. You are going to need the support of friends and family, and not just for six weeks like other surgeries, but for much longer. As Cam said, meals, driving( not only you but kids if you have them at home) and most of all a cherrie voice on the end of a call to prop you up.I know many of us have been surprised by family members and friends who just disappear after our surgeries, they can't handle it, either because things that have happened in their lives, or we are precieved to be too needy. But know for every one of them there is someone who will shock you, someone you barely know, who will totally be there for you. Also know it's going to be a new mindset for you, you must be able to ask for help, and allow others to help, you are going to need it. You are giving them an opportunity to be in service to a fellow human being, and truly thats what we are supposed to be about. Know once you are all through this, there will be opportunities for you to "pass along" what has been done for you, for a friend or family member with say cancer, or a disability. There is also opportunities here, being a mentor to someone going through surgery, or chiming in on your experiences after surgery. I found through this whole surgery experience that I have become from the lessons I learned a more compassionate, helpful person, can really see others daily challenges. One of the biggest gifts the surgery gave me, besides all the physical improvements. My only other point is educate those around you, especially family, as they will get it if they are up to date on just whats going on. I printed off info, and know there is tons of good eye opening stuff right on the site. Take them to visits, and let them know that your Mentor is there for them too, as he/she has been through it, and their family too. Know when you are feeling down, to chime in here when you are up to it, and take advantage of you mentor, we are there for you. I'm wishing you the very best with your surgery, and tons of support, and know we too are there for you! Colorado Springs [ ] Re: Surgery clip art? Sharon,Good point. Also, I suppose that it can't be so silly that it undermines the seriousness of the pending venture and recovery.Jeri,Make sure when you write your friends ask if you can call upon them with specific requests....visits, driving you places, cooking and bringing in meals. Most people will be glad to help...for awhile...but try to underscore that it is probably going to be 6 months to a year til you are feeling "yourself" again and ask that they don't lose patience or interest in you before then. At least then if at 8 months you need help they can't say they are surprised!Take Care,Cam>> Jeri, you did say light-hearted -- hope that wasn't too much so.> > I received a "funny" get well card from my SIL/BIL, and was just glad I hadn't seen it until I got home. Fine if I want to joke, but I thought it a tad insensitive of them at the time.> > Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 I had a brief moment of panic when I first woke up after surgery. The anesthesiologist right before surgery had mentioned blindness as one possible negative side effect of laying face down while under anesthesia for so long. A friend of mine who is not very good with computers had printed out a picture of himself and autographed it and sent it to a friend who lives in St Louis. So, I went to surgery hoping I would be able to see afterwards and when I woke up, my friend was holding up this ORANGE picture of my other friend. It said, " when you wake up and see this you will know everything is ok! " I was sure glad to find out he must have been out of a few colors of ink in his printer. > > Jeri, you did say light-hearted -- hope that wasn't too much so. > > I received a " funny " get well card from my SIL/BIL, and was just glad I hadn't seen it until I got home. Fine if I want to joke, but I thought it a tad insensitive of them at the time. > > Sharon > > [ ] Re: Surgery clip art? > > > I like the b+w image Jeri found...kind of looks like the guy on the > right is an angel. I agree that Sharons second image is how I > felt...chain saw and all...but my favorite so far is the patient on the > gurney bracing so they couldn't be wheeled into the OR. That one is > funniest to me. But maybe you don't want to portray a humorous > image...I realize it's serious business. > > thats my $.02 > Cam > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Sharon -- Hilarious! I think I'm going to use the chain saw gang too. But then again, when I first saw the guy on the gurney I laughed out loud! I want to communicate my mindset of getting all this taken care of. Also, by the time the we're entering the OR, the happy juice has done it's thing. I think I may bring along copies of gurney man and chainsaw gang for my room? for OR staff? Maybe for Dr.T when he's all done. Cam -- Operating Theatre, Angel on the right, I hadn't noticed either of those features... but then I hardly notice when hubby changes the configuration of his facial hair! At this rate, there will be too many to choose from. Now that everything is all set, all that's left is to communicate with friends and family about the realities of spinal reconstruction (I think that is a perfect term) and beyond. I'm taking all this very seriously. But I do want them to know that I'm choosing to do this now rather than some time in the future when I will doubtless have more pain and be more disabled. For me, it feels right to approach this major day with some levity. A good attitude going in has got to be helpful. Thanks for the funnies. Keep 'em coming if ya gottem. Jeri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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