The Mask!

Jamey hadn't been out in over 2 months, other than once to his sister's house for a game night. Nothing where he had to wear a mask. He'd seen me make numerous trips to the market with my mask in tow, but he'd never had occasion to wear one himself.

So, he finally had a routine doctor appointment scheduled for his Botox treatment (well overdue because of sheltering). He didn't own a mask because there had been no need up till now. With his COPD I was a little apprehensive about him wearing one and impeding his breathing. But, since it was required, I whipped him up one to match his power chair--black and orange with Giant's logos all over it. This is not an easy undertaking when there is absolutely NO 1/4" elastic left available in the world. Okay, ties
it is. At least with this one he can make a fashion statement.

When it was finished, I tried it on him. Oh, boy, I knew we were in trouble. He couldn't even stand to wear it for the few seconds I tested it. So, like any other loving wife and caregiver, I told him he was gonna have to get over himself and suck it up. I'm sure he'd heard this plenty from his coaches while playing on the many teams as an athlete. Right? Well, it didn't go over well, but he did realize he would have to 'just do it!'

So, we drove the hour to Sacramento and I unloaded him. When I put the mask on him, he promptly pulled it down off his nose. I told him it's supposed to be worn over the nose and he replied that he knew it. I left it at that because I figured Kaiser would put the kibosh his "viral style" when we entered the hospital. Nope, he sailed right on in. Past the questions-askers, past the temperature-takers, past the hand-sanitizer-sprayers. Whew, he made it. Now, we just had to get to the doctor and then he could take it off. I think he was hoping his Neurologist would cut him some slack because he's known him for so long and really likes Jamey.

We had checked ahead of time whether I could go in with him, because the instructions said patient only. But, because I often have to translate for him, I was waived. Of course, the waiting room was set up for Covid 19--proper 6 foot spacing around chairs, reception area  completely covered in plexi-glass. When the receptionist handed me my receipt, he actually had to crack the window open 2" to slide it to me, without contacting my hand, of course.

We waited only about 3 minutes and were called in by his assistant, who was wearing a medical grade mask. So far, Jamey was still wearing his, but now pulled up over his nose, as required. Okay, now we wait for the doctor. It was less than 5 minutes before Dr. Khandar entered, also wearing a medical grade mask. He usually shakes our hands, but this time; no. Although he was as talkative and pleasant as always, he went right to work getting things ready for Jamey's shots. He made a point of telling Jamey not to lower the mask yet. Jamey was obedient. When it was time for the shots (in the face), he lowered Jamey's mask just enough to get the needle into the 5 places they needed to go. Then, he put the mask back up again (after wiping the small amount of blood off him). No reprieve yet!

After the shots had been administered, Doctor K sat and chatted about his family and what's going on with Covid and Parkinson's research (he usually converses with us at length, so this was not unusual). But, poor Jamey had to sit there with his mask on like a compliant child. I could tell he was getting antsy.

Whatever works!

After the appointment, we got ourselves together and went back out to the car. Jamey actually left his mask on until we arrived at the car! Even I wanted to pull mine off when I got outside. I was very proud of him, and he didn't complain once, even though I know he hated it.

He did say he found it difficult to read the doctor's expressions and facial expressions with the mask on. He hadn't realized how much he depends on those cues to converse with people. All in all, the appointment went well. Now, he has to have an annual physical, virtually. I imagine that will be quite an experience as well, but at least he won't have to wear a mask!