To My Norwegian Friends....(y'all can read it too!)

I realized tonight I have several Norwegian friends reading my blog... they don't know that I know that they are reading my blog... but I KNOW ...YOU (mmm hmm... YOU)are reading my blog.
I also realize that I should never write things that I will regret later.... I have been very upset & very stressed this past week... I am homesick, & just wish I was surrounded by my family... After bitching about Norwegian Health care...Hospitals, & culture... I would like to Apologize for generalizing.....

I realize there are indeed very good hospitals... and I know many who have received very good treatment.... Bjørn is doing fine this evening...(more later)

Positive things I have not mentioned (because I have been having a pity party for ONE..) since this all began on Sunday are....

*Bjørn's family who have taken care of ME since this has all started.... granted my MIL is ALWAYS, ALWAYS there for me... even when I have my breakdowns & I am not the most likable DIL... she takes my crap and keeps on keeping on.... (I'm such an emotional American) Bj's big brothers... who have been checking on me... & checking on Bj at night after I leave the hospital...

*My co-workers... from the moment I found out Bjørn fell, my two partners in crime... Pia & Kenneth have taken care of everything for me at work... They have both given up their days off, time with their kids.... & worked 15 hours day,... so that I can be with Bjørn & my kids. This includes my employer who told me to take the time with pay... I can not tell you what a HUGE relief this has been... & I will try to repay the kindness as soon as possible

*The fact that we don't need to worry about Bjørn being able to work... he will receive his full salary even though he probably will not be able to make it down to his office for a very long time ... (damn... I have to admit that socialism has its positive points....)

*We don't need to worry about paying for any kind of deductible... any out of pocket expenses (except for the $200 in parking tickets over the past 2 days....)

BJ update....He had a second surgery today... lots of pins & metal parts in his lower arm...(he should be a real joy to go through airports with....)... He is feeling pretty good considering...
Scheduled for another surgery tomorrow....

I talked to my American Doctor girlfriend....God Bless her... she has made all of the difference in my keeping my sanity... We talked about all of the things I was upset /concerned about.... a lot of them are cultural Dr. /patients family interaction.... She said they do not communicate with the family unless they are underage... or dying... (So I guess I should be happy he pretends like I don't exist....) I was concerned that he is being put under everyday... & she explained that is was safer to do it like this rather than doing a 10 hour marathon surgery.... OK...
She just has a way....(SUPER BEDSIDE MANNER) that puts me at ease....

So I am much more RELAXED... I have faith... I do I know how lucky BLESSED we are. I believe someone was watching over Bj on Sunday ... because from the height he fell & to have it ONLY be his arm... his left... with no damage to the shoulder...elbow... or hand... & it appears no nerve damage..... there must have been an angel.... I am guessing his dad... or my grandfathers who tend to follow me around... (remind me to tell you about my stint in a Turkish Hospital...)

Again... thank you everyone... for all of your prayers.... kinds words support.... your love.... It seriously helps me get through all of this.....

NO more pity party I PROMISE:... feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel....

Comments

Thank goodness for your American doctor friend. Isn't it amazing what a calming explanation can do for your sense of well being! I'm glad that you are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
So glad that things are going better. Sometimes we all need to have a good Bitch and Moan session!
Suzanne said…
I think that all of your Norwegian friends will understand. You're far away from home and scared about your husband's care. It's hard to trust and turn our loved ones over to the doctors care without getting involved.

Explain to them that in the U.S. the family would be kept informed at every step and this is just what you are used to.

I'm glad that things are going a little better. Can your friends laugh at the thought of WWND...What Would a Norwegian Do? I think you can make a game of it.

- Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife
Amy said…
I'm glad things are looking up for you and you're feeling better. Good luck.
Angela said…
Well, since you said "y'all" you just invited us American southerners right in to comment! LOL! So sorry you've been through such a rough couple of days. But I'm so glad your hubby is doing better and it sounds like there is no infection. I will continue to pray that God watches over both of you.
N said…
I like Scandinavia way of life. I actually like socialism. I'm also glad that everybody around you have been supportive and understanding. I hope your husband will recover very soon.
Robin said…
Your Norwegian family and friends sound wonderful.

And no apologies about having a pity party! You've gone through a lot this past week. Your reactions and venting are totally normal girl! So glad you're feeling better! Keep your SISTAS posted!

Blessings..
Givinya De Elba said…
Hello! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment! I am so sorry that Bjorn fell and hurt his arm so badly. What a little champion Dane was! I really hope that Bjorn heals very quickly and you can get back to a more normal life! Sounds like you and I both need to understand everything fully and we get really mad when doctors can't or won't make it all clear in our minds! Hang in there!

GdeE
Rhea said…
I'm so glad you talked to your American doctor friend. And, it does sound like there are a LOT of positives in all of this, despite the circumstances. You guys seem to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends who really love you. very touching.

Hang in there. :o)
Angie's Spot said…
Woo hoo! I'm so glad to see things are looking up. And kudos to your American dr friend. Friends are worth their weight in gold, especially in stressful situations. Keep us posted and we'll keep sending lots of good thoughts your way! :-)
Unknown said…
Glad things are going well. I think it probably helps now that you have had a talk with your American Dr friend.

Interestingly, I had the same problem when I came over here(US) from NZ. I thought that many of the American Dr's, especialy OBYGN's were not that communicative. I actually had a blazing row with an OB outside my daughter's room. I won that round! he ended up going back to my daughter's room apologizing and spending time explaining thengs to her and making sure she understood.

I think it might partially be that we are in a new country and out of our normal comfort zone. i can sometimes take awhile to get used to it and the differences all seem so more visible when we are in a stress situation.

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