So, today Ian and I had the joy of going back to the hospital. The results from that pesky unconsented HIV test were in and apparently, it's too much to ask to take care of it over the phone. I mean, we knew it was going to be negative anyway.
But, David showed up and took us to the hospital at 9:30 this morning. We went in and the doctor called on us. Luckily, today we discovered that our spousal rights are intact here, as Ian was allowed to stay in the room while David was not. Though, the doctor just told him after us anyway, so I'm not really sure what the point of having him step out was. So, the doctor started mumbling while pointing somewhat incoherently at my chart and eventually said that my result was negative. He then randomly left the room and came back with a bunch more paperwork (the purpose of which we were never told). My favorite moment was probably when he said "You are positive for Hepatitis B antibodies." To which I replied, "Yes, I've been vaccinated." He just said, "Oh." and continued mumbling quietly to himself. Speaking of live issues, however, Ian found out some interesting news. The doctor told Ian that he had "slight liver damage." What he meant was that Ian's enzymes are showing up higher than they should be. The doctor went on to say that it is probably weight related and nothing to worry about if Ian keeps working on it. Poor Ian, way to make him panic by throwing the word damage around.
We hate that hospital. We're treating like children because we can't communicate and information about our health hits way too many people's ears. It's a little soul crushing.
The rest of the day was pretty normal. We still had our Monday morning meeting. It was not the most pleasant for me. Apparently, the reasons Julia hired me (my personality and temperament) are holding me back in the classroom. There is not nearly enough boisterousness in my classes and the volume is much too low. She prefers Ian's goofier style to my light use of humor and attempting to treat the students as intellectual equals. I guess we're part English speaking robot, part clown, part babysitter. Don't get me wrong. I know that Julia only wants to help. When I think about it, it's not Julia that bothers me. It's the whole Yoon's system. It's contradictory and very difficult to live up to.
Classes today went well, however. And besides David creepily lurking in the window watching part of one of my classes, it was micromanage-free. Ha So days are my favorite days. Kim told me that her and one of Ian's principles from Jangrak are taking a tour of Singapore later this week. That should be fun. It also hints that maybe we're allowed to ask for a couple days of vacation, which could be helpful. Don't get any ideas, though, we don't know if that's even a possibility. And if it is, we could probably only do it once. Here's hoping!
Sounds like the patient rights have not quite made it there, although it looks like they are trying to grasp the concept by asking David to leave, but not quite getting it because they told him later anyway. Also you are dealing with the fact that things get mixed up in the translation, like Ian being told he has liver "damage" instead of elevated enzymes. The Dr. probobly had a tough time finding the words in English for that. Or maybe not , I don't know.
ReplyDeleteHang in there!
Even though it feels like a violation, since the school ordered the tests, I can see where they would get the results. It's so not what we're used to in this country though.
ReplyDeleteI'm worried about Ian's liver test. Since I know nothing about all that, I did some googling and it sounds like further tests should be run as there are numerous conditions that can cause it (hepatitis, mono, celiac disease, muscular dystrophy, pancreatitis, and a host of other things I've never heard of). Are they planning any follow-up?