Medical Update

I am now 12 days post surgery,doing well,outof hospital and gaining strengh every day.Trying to walk twice daily. Thank you all for your support during this most difficult time in my life. I look forward to returning to my practice on March7. David

MEDICAL LEAVE

PLease be aware, for medical reasons, I will be away from my home office from FEbuary3 until March 7.If you require service during my absence, please contact Richard Harman 613-295-8660 or THe Academy of Psychology of Ottawa, 613-235-2529 for a referral.In the event you require emergency service please go to your nearest hospital.If you want my services after my return please leave a message at 613-228-9394. Thank you. David

COPING WITH THE FOURTH WAVE OF THE PANDEMIC

By now,21 months into the pandemic, we all are experiencing CO-VID fatique,isolation,Zoom burnout, as well as feelings of despair and anxiety.Whom to trust?Who is vacinnated,who is not? Is it safe to travel within Canada? The healthcare experts tell us to stay home,social distance, and wear masks.Recently in Ottawa, the public health unit decreed that even outdoor activities like skiing,skating and hiking must adhere to social distance with a maximun of 25 people. Walking by my neighborhood park I saw upwards of 50 children and parents enjoying an intense game of shimmy hockey.Are they safe? Do they care? Given our communal anxiety,despair and social isolation what are we to do? Each of us must make our own individual decision as to how to handle this pandemic and what is best for our families. Factors such as age,health status,whom we come into contact,values and life experiernces all influence our decision. Mental health,now reaching epic levels,also contributes to this decision. As an older adult facing major surgery, my personal decision is to remain cautious,guarded and adhere to the public health guidelines. Others,with a different scenario, may make a different decision.It is important that we respect their choice while maintainihg public health safety. Recently I learned a new meaning for SOS - slower,older and smarter Thank You for reading My Blog. HAPPY NEW YEAR

UPDATE, MY BATTLE AGAINST CANCER

After consultations with my oncologists and three surgeons, my medical team has recommended that I proceed with cyftecmy and urinary surgery.I will spare you the details but suffice it is to say that it is major surgery that will require an extensive hospitilization and rehabilation. Recently I spoke to a member of my ostomy group who has had a similar surgery to the above.He maintasins that he enjoys a high quality of life.I was verfy much heartened by yhis news. As we celebrate the holiday season and the New Year,I remain optimistic that my life will continue and I will be able to practise my craft,interact with my family and friends,and experience the wonders of life. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all of you.May 2020 be a year filled with good health,happiness, inner peace and a return to normalcy. I thank you for the privilege of allowing me to assist you.