The Gasbag

Anyone who has known me for the past 12 years or so also knows I am susceptable to chronic cellulitis in my feet. Typically, it starts with athlete's-foot type symptoms, then soon becomes a full blown infestation. Sometimes, I require in-patient treatment with some strong antibiotics. This was the case last week, which is why I was out of touch during those days.

The experience has reminded me of how much has changed in hospitals since my post-high school days when I worked as a Nursing Assistant at a big hospital here in OKC.

These days, vital signs can be compiled without much human involvement. A blood pressure cuff can be controlled by a PC, even a laptop. We also have finger-mounted pulse takers that also measure oxygen saturation. And my temperature is measued by a swipe across the forehead by a handheld probe.

In the 1980s, IVs ralrely were connected to a machine. Today, all of them are, eliminating erratic infusion rates.

Hospital food is much more palatable today. I actually got full on some of the meals. But I would have welcomed something from my friends at Big Truck Tacos.

Nurses are real people. They are concerned about your pain level. They feel your anxiety with respect to the procedures they must do. My nurses were interested in my work, my life, and my situation. Back in the day, nurses were trained to keep some distance. As a patient, I appreciated the personal touch.

Patient rooms now have cable TV, but except for the local news and Thunder games, I was not very interested. I wish I had a laptop or a netbook. That way, I could Twitter all day, and keep up with the Oklahoman's Steve Lackmeyer, as he covers the happenings of Downtown OKC. Maybe someday in the near future, local hospitals could incorporate Internet access for their patients.

Then there's the latex issue.

Hospitals and other clinical facilities have switched to non-latex materials in medical devices due to concerns for health-care workers that could develop an allergy to latex. Although it may sound strange to most of us, it can be a serious issue; much like those who are allergic to shellfish or peanuts. In some cases, the symptoms of an allergic reaction can be fatal.

The gloves my nurses used to treat my foot wound were made of a material called nitrile, which is a synthetic rubber, and contains no latex protiens. It is 3 times more puncture-resistant than latex, and is widely-used in healthcare and food service.

Latex balloons are banned in hospitals because of the allergy problem, as well as the choking risk to small children.

So, when asked to send a "get well" balloon greeting to a hospitalized patient, I use either foil balloons, or the new Bubbles from Qualatex. They are latex-free, and still make a very nice impression with the recipient. If latex is called for, I ask that people wait until their loved one returns home before sending a latex balloon greeting.

Perhaps someday, a balloon manufacturer will be able to make synthetic balloons that I can mold or twist into something creative. But until that day, I will just have to make do with foil balloons and Bubbles.

As of this writing, I am still not 100%, but the infection has receeded by about 80 percent from what it was, and I am taking medication to eliminate the remainder. At least I can walk much better.

I also want to take this opportunity to warmly thank Helen Martich of Balloon Illusions, and Treva Hart and Lelani Standebach from Event Planning By Leilani for bailing me out on an arch for a regular client.

If I missed your call between January 10th and January 16th, please accept my apology.

My spirits are good, and I feel I'm ready to take on the next balloon project.

Super Bowl, Valentine's Weekend, Daytona, and Mardi Gras are upon us. Bring it on! I shall execute your project on equal footing (hee hee).

Hoping that you too have Happy Feet,

John R. "Radar" Doyle, CBA