As dusk approaches on a Friday afternoon, the dim lights of the offices within the skyscraper become visible. The ground floor lobby which is usually noisy and active with people is dim and quiet. The security guard hunched behind video screens asks you for your invitation. Satisfied I’m supposed to be there, he directs me to one of the express elevators behind him.

I press the button for the 70th floor and wait for the elevator doors to close. At this time of day, no one rides with me. As the doors finally begin to close, I catch a last glimpse of the security guard’s desk and notice a baseball game on one of the video monitors. All is quiet. The elevator hums and I hear air rushing by outside the doors. My ears pop a little as the elevator dings near the 70th floor. It’s quiet once again as I slow to a stop.

Then the elevator doors open.

The first thing I see is bright, flashing lights and hundreds of people dancing. I hear music, loud DJ driven music. These people have been at this party for a while and I’m just arriving. The contrast between the quiet lobby and the dance party in the sky on the 70th floor assaults my senses. I want to join them. I was invited after all...but I’m going to need a minute to adjust. The dimly lit peace of the lobby didn’t offer a clue as to what was taking place on the 70th floor.

Last Friday I walked across that quiet lobby and took an elevator to the 70th floor. I’ve entered the realm of current professional medicine in urology, psychiatry, endocrinology, plastic surgery. The elevator took me to the 70th floor faster than I thought possible. I feel like I’m somewhere between excitement and fear.

But, they help make people whole here. I just need adjust to the lights and the music. Here comes someone with a drink for me now...

Zach

Then the elevator doors open.

Zach

Congrats on finding where you need to be. It's going to be a good journey and one that should see you smiling more.

E

Thats a great analogy Zach. you are a smart man!

Brycenosak (imported) wrote: Thu Sep 26, 2019 12:28 am Thats a great analogy Zach. you are a smart man!

Thx, I attended a private event like that on the top floor of an office building. I didn’t know the elevator would open up in the middle of the party. It wasn’t a late crowd—they were way ahead of me in the drink count. Lol

I hope you re not feeling overwhelmed by too many responses and messages on here from well meaning members ? If that s the crowded party you feel you ve walked into, just pick a quiet corner to watch and read other s posts until you get used to this. There are nearly endless past posts to read on here too.

You have lots of time to think things over and no rush to decide anything. Take extra time to put this aside if you feel its too intense. Then go back later and just think about things again with no time deadline or rush to do anything. You re young. You have lots of time ahead of you to do whatever you choose to do. Just be sure you are certain before you do anything that you can t reverse.

cutnbulls2ox (imported) wrote: Thu Sep 26, 2019 4:47 am I hope you re not feeling overwhelmed by too many responses and messages on here from well meaning members ? If that s the crowded party you feel you ve walked into, just pick a quiet corner to watch and read other s posts until you get used to this.

Not at all, it’s more of the feeling I get when I engage the medical “system.” Whether it’s a trip to the ER, a test or procedure, or surgery, a patient enters the system and moves through it toward a desired outcome. It’s navigating the system of protocols that can be overwhelming.

In my case, I’ve pushed the button and summoned a team of experts to set in motion a process that is carrying me along. Patients like me must then trust the experts, but never fear being an advocate for themselves. This is all elective even as thought and talk become action and results.

Zach