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The Christian Civic League of Maine's Mike Hein calls Pam's House Blend:
"a leading source of radical homosexual propaganda, anti-Christian bigotry, and radical transgender advocacy."

He is "praying that Pam Spaulding will "turn away from her wicked and sinful promotion of homosexual behavior." (CCLM's web site, 10/15/07)

Ex-gay "Christian" activist James Hartline on Pam:
"I have been mocked over and over again by ungodly and unprincipled anti-christian lesbians."
(from "Six Years In Sodom: From The Journal Of James Hartline," 9/4/2006, written from the "homosexual stronghold" of Hillcrest in San Diego).
"Pam is a 'twisted lesbian sister' and an 'embittered lesbian' of the 'self-imposed gutteral experiences of the gay ghetto.'" -- 9/5/2008

Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth Against Homosexuality heartily endorses the Blend, calling Pam:
A "vicious anti-Christian lesbian activist."
(Concerned Women for America's radio show [9:15], 1/25/07)

"A nutty lesbian blogger."
(MassResistance radio show [16:25], 2/3/07)

Pam's House Blend always seems to find these sick f*cks. The area of the country she is in? The home state of her wife? I know, they are everywhere. Pam just does such a great job of bringing them out into the light.

--Impeach Bush

who monitors yours Bevis ?? Just thought I would drop you a line,so the rest of your life is not wasted.

--"Joe"
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My AM in the ER

by: Pam Spaulding

Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 16:15:42 PM EST

[If you don't like medical crap, just pass this post by...]

I spent the last several days feeling sucktastic, but I'm on the tail end of recovery from the flu bug. Unfortunately, I guess misery wanted to pay another, more entertaining visit today. I woke up and felt increasing pressure just under my left rib cage, with pain radiating toward my back. It was dull almost dismissable pain, so I dressed to go to work. I hadn't eaten anything (thankfully, in retrospect). After going to the bathroom I sat down at the laptop to queue up posts for today and all of a sudden the pain ratcheted up to about a 7 out of 10, with sharp pains on my side/back under my rib cage when I breathed deeply.

Kate drove me to the ER and they did a CT scan, which revealed a few things, none of which the doctor said would seemingly cause the severity of pain in this particular location.

I was given an IV and two doses of morphine and one other painkiller I can't recall during my 5 hour stay in the ER, though none of these drugs got my pain below a 6. They also did a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia. No problems showed up there. Blood work that was performed didn't indicate anything either.

The likely culprit: stones in my left kidney (forgot how many or what size), though none were dislodged/in a position to pass, which is usually what causes pain akin to childbirth, so there's not much to do at this time (see my 2001 ridiculously detailed kidney stone diary). [The photo at left is a 4mm ~~moon rock~~ kidney stone that scraped its way out of me in 2001. Yipes!]

I already knew the other bit of business he mentioned -- my gall bladder needs to go, something I'm going to have to face later this month after I speak to the surgeon in a week or so

I was sent home with a prescription and told to take it every 6 hours for pain. So I have basically to treat the pain itself without a clear indication of what the underlying problem is. The doctor noted that about 40% of women who come into the ER with abdominal pain do not get a clear diagnosis by discharge. Reassuring, huh?

I also asked the doctor about travel, since I am scheduled to go out of town tomorrow night (flying to Vegas to speak on a panel!), and he didn't seem concerned about it, barring the inability to control the pain. I'm to rest today.

***

One interesting discussion occurred early on after Kate and I went back into the examination room of the ER. The financial services person (checking on whether/how you're insured and to get that co-pay!) asked me the routine questions, including marital status. I said "partnered, but married if you count our Canadian marriage not recognized here." She said, "I'll put down married, and they'll have to deal with it."

She asked about where our marriage is recognized fully as a civil marriage (nowhere in the U.S., but in NJ, it's legally viewed as a civil union; it's likely the case elsewhere with that reciprocity), and thought it was absurd and wrong that same-sex partners might be barred from being with their sick spouse at a time of need.

We told her that Kate and I do have health care power of attorney for one another, and have taken other legal steps to ensure, to the extent we can, that our rights are clearly outlined.

We've both been in the hospital (in this case, Duke), either for operations or ER visits, and not once have we been treated differently than opposite sex partners, so we consider ourselves fortunate in that regard. That's not true in many places around the country.

Anyway, as you can see by the fact that I've typed this out for you all, that I'm not sitting in the ER, I'm home and woozy, still in pain, but ok. [Apparently I freaked out some Facebook friends when, in my boredom waiting this AM, I changed my status to "Pam is sitting on a gurney in the ER."]

Now I'll go lie down.

Pam Spaulding :: My AM in the ER

Tags: Blend, Health Care, gall bladder, (All Tags)

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My AM in the ER | 26 comments

Get well soon!

We need you up, about, and kicking ass :)

I'm only a click away.

by: JulieWaters @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 15:20:17 PM CST

Get well soon!

One thing to keep in mind though as the aging process has its way with you is that this could be something like what happened to my mother. She was sent to a doctor from work (at a VA hospital who refused to give her emergency care because she isn't a veteran!) thinking that she was having a heart attack. As it happened, she was starting a shingles outbreak. If you have ever had chicken pox, you may want to keep an eye out for a rash. Shingles cause all sorts of nerve impulses to go off in all sorts of directions and are quite severe. Yes, I'm kinda paranoid about that. ;^)
I'm glad that the financial services lady was so cool about the status thing. The last thing that you need when you are sick enough to go to the ER is to deal with the hassle of the ignorami.

My America includes LGBT families.

by: Mena @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 15:27:47 PM CST

Feeling better I hope

Pam, hope you feel better and can comfortably complete your trip to Las Vegas.

Re the hospital/partner type thing....I just went for my annual ckup at our union health plan sponsored clinic. Each year they make you inital a form that has all your contact information on it....I've been complaining to customer service since 2005 when the California DP law was expanded and now includes spousal equivalent rights for all things medical....would you believe they still don't have a DP ck out on the computer form. Last year I went through the whole list with a helpful clinic registar....when I said welll none of those fit...the closest would be 'wife'...she said, Ok....a year latter there's still no ck off for Domestic Partner and my DP is still signified as 'wife."

Now if only The Discriminator's term was up.......

by: Karen in Kalifornia @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 15:48:15 PM CST

I hope you feel much better very soon, and stay well.

Sending you positive intentions, Pam.

"The right most treasured by civilized men is the right to be let alone."--Justice Louis Brandeis

by: Sadness @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 16:05:50 PM CST

Get well...Soon!

Pardon the "collective us" if "we" seem to worry about you too much Pam -- I'm not alone in wishing you a speedy recovery.

~~~~~
~~Autumn~~

As if there were safety in stupidity alone.
--Henry David Thoreau

by: Autumn Sandeen @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 17:34:54 PM CST

If you need your gallbladder out

Best get it done! I had mine out 14 years ago, and I still wonder why I waited so long. I was sore for a few days afterwards, but up and around in three days, and back to work in two weeks. Just an overnight in the hospital. The hospital treated my partner as a spouse. Oddly enough it was a Catholic hospital!

If that's what caused your pain, you'll sleep better knowing you don't have to worry about it anymore. I also liked being able to eat whatever I wanted (which has brought about another problem - the middle age spread!). The weird thing is, I can't even look at a plate of beef stroganoff (which caused the first attack) without getting a queasy feeling. Other people I've talked to have had the same experience: whatever caused the attack, you immediately develop a strong dislike for.

Hope it turns out well for you.

by: Phil @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 17:46:39 PM CST

Get well soon!

Kidney stones are teh suXX0rz. Get lots of rest!

by: Darkrose @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 18:21:59 PM CST

quick resolution

I hope that, whatever is happening, the issue resolves quickly and you feel better soon Pam! Thinking warm thoughts of you!

Electricity's for light bulbs!

by: n8nyc @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 18:41:07 PM CST

Get well soon!

You know we are all rooting for you!

by: Paul In SF @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 18:54:30 PM CST

Get well soon....

I had a fun day with the medical system too...and am still in pain...

take care, rest up and get better soon...

at least it is warm in your neighborhood than in Larry Craig's playland of MSP!

by: bkmn @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 19:10:29 PM CST

Pain

Pam:

So sorry you spent the morning in the ER and in pain. That really sucks.

BTW: My partner has had 3 rounds of major surgery--once for cancer, surgeries 2 & 3 for repairing the caveman surgery of round one. The first time we had a VT CU that wasn't recognized by NJ. Round two? See round one. Round Three? NJ had passed DP (prior to CU), and we had a DP. Life was great with the bureaucracy. The hospital personnel in question (St Peter's, New Brunswick), was terrific and treated us as partners for all 3 rounds. But the paper chase was not inclusive until round 3.

Feel better.

by: brat @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 19:15:05 PM CST

Get well, Pam!

Long time, no chat!

I couldn't help but think of our turn at the hospital with Michelle having our baby. The hospital provided paperwork to cover our wishes during the stay and we made it clear that I was the only person to make medical decisions for her.

A couple of people asked about our relationship but didn't make a big deal over it. When Gabrielle was born because it was a C section, I was able to hold her, the nurses called me "mom", and they let me stay with Gabrielle in the nursery until Michelle was taken back to the room.

Two weeks later, Michelle had a rupture and had to have surgery. The doctors and nurses were wonderful to both of us. There was no question that I made the call on how to have Michelle cared for. They even came back like every 15 minutes and gave me an update on the surgery.

We've been very fortunate and I'm glad you've been fortunate, Pam.

by: callie @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 19:37:46 PM CST

I'll confess.

I haven't read this post yet.. But txrad told me about it.

My brother has had kidney stone issues for years. I've seen pictures of what he has peed through his penis.

It's not pleasant or pretty.

I hope you get through this with the least amount of discomfort.

It sorta makes bifocals seem not so bad, eh?

by: konagod @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 19:51:25 PM CST

I have a low pain tolerance

That's why I haven't read the post yet.

Give me a day or two.

by: konagod @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 19:52:56 PM CST

{{{{{ Pam }}}}}

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Pam}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Get Well Soon!

by: Holly in Cincinnati @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 20:02:23 PM CST

Get well, Pam.

Best wishes from a new fan.

Your story about saying you're married is an example we should all follow. My spouse and I got married couple rates at a car rental in Nashville TN once. Another time (in Germany!) we were told, 'gee we booked you a room with one bed only' and after we said we were married and slept together evrry day the receptionist didn't bat an eyelash and even offered a better room with a king size bed and view of the town square! And many other such stories, mostly happy. We make a point of not getting self-righteous. Exception below.

Sometimes it backfires, but I feel it's worth the risk. At American customs in the Montreal airport we walked together to meet the agent and she, finger and nose up, told us 'one at a time'. I asked why the straight couple in the next line were being seen together and she said 'they're married', and I asked 'how do you know?', and 'we're married too, and we're flying from Montreal to Boston and are recognized as such in both places'. She didn't argue, but then proceded to run us through a miriad red tape checks and stuff, and we stayed at her station for over 5 minutes. Lucky I hadn't any unpaid fines or parole issues...

by: Tomistocles @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 20:20:01 PM CST

I second Phil

If it turns out to be your gallbladder, have it removed. It gave me a whole new lease of life ( well when it came pain and food ingestion at any rate- didn't fix my love life any but that's another story)). I had an excellent surgeon and all turned out well.

At any rate, whatever it may come about to be, I hope you're feeling better soon. Its horrible to feel pain at that level even for a short time. Thankfully you have your lovely wife looking after you.

ALLY (ALLIE) (transitive) To connect or form a relation between by similitude, resemblance, friendship, or love.

by: Vicster @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 20:22:54 PM CST

Pam,

I really hope you are OK.

My brother has been through this shit.

On he shat his out through his penis. barbs and all.

Ouch.

by: konagod @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 21:00:03 PM CST

"On" =Only

by: konagod @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 21:01:02 PM CST

I feel for ya, Pam!

I know the feeling...same experience, except I was actually behind the steering wheel when I keeled over... The hubby thought he was going to die. Thank God the ER was only a few blocks away. LOL!

Ended up having to have lithotripsy. Passed a stone in recovery and about passed out from the pain. Apparently, I'm a riot when coming out of anesthesia, but all I remember is the pain (15 out of 10).

Demerol is good, except for that damned nausea. Spent a month completely high (almost developed an addiction to hycodan), have no idea what I taught my anatomy students. Didn't really care at the time.

Do NOT want to go through that again! But I can say I went through childbirth.

Hope you get to feeling better soon.

Ron

by: AggieCowboy @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 21:27:59 PM CST

Get well soon

Sorry to hear about your kidney stones. My wife has had kidney stones and gall stones, and both of them were horriffic. Hope you feel better soon.

by: MikeOK @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 22:04:01 PM CST

Sore back

Two years ago I went to the Doc with a sore back and he thought it was a kidney stone. I had the CT scan, the lie-on-the table-xrays with the dye stuff , the stand-up xrays, and the camera-on-a-stick up-the-penis bladder look-around.

They call it a full work up.

Then the Doc sees you for a consultation. He decided that I had just had a sore back (which had long since disappeared over the two months that it took to get the tests.

We need the throughness of these people, but sometimes a little common sense could go a long way.

I hope you'll be back to your pain-free self soon. Slow down and try some chicken soup (really). It's very soothing.

Dave B.

by: dr haber @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 22:07:47 PM CST

I hope you're feeling better...

...and can keep the pain under control. Take care -- and safe travels!

"If the apocalypse comes... beep me." -- Buffy Summers

by: Kathy @ Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 22:35:17 PM CST

Watch this. It's just what the Dr. ordered

The "Clinton got a blow job" song will bring a smile to even an ailing blogmistress.

by: Paul In SF @ Thu Nov 29, 2007 at 00:25:50 AM CST

Eeeek! About those "pain killers"

I was sent home with a prescription and told to take it every 6 hours for pain.

A word of warning Pam: I had surgery recently and was given morphine and the percocet at home. Be sure to eat some prunes!! I was stopped upfor days, and then it was like poopin' gravel!

Get well soon!

by: PookyShoehorn @ Thu Nov 29, 2007 at 09:25:45 AM CST