Monday, November 4, 2019, 1:30 p.m.
Today’s weather was perfect! Sunny, but not too hot, and cool in the shade but not chilled. I’m fairly confident about finding a parking place in the front lot, but still leaving enough time to walk in to the hospital from the van if I should happen to have to park in the far side lot. I just have to remember how to find the van again since I can’t text Linda to find out where she parked!
The third-floor receptionist seemed less than thrilled to have to check in a patient who came 10 minutes early to the first after-lunch appointment (at 1:30 p.m.). However, I filled out the routine form and waited for Lisa Galen.
I had not remembered that she wore a white coat last time. I still remember my first visit with her when she came out in a long skirt, flat shoes, and her shoulder-length salt-and-pepper hair. I knew I would tell her about the cruise, and I knew she was seeing me with a definitely more relaxed attitude than what I had started with. I never even thought about telling her about Emily, as if it were something shameful.
My total focus for this half-hour was to explore the possibilities of getting into a support group for old people. Something like “Aging Gracefully” or some such euphemism. She spent a lot of time looking through available classes but couldn’t seem to find much that matched my criteria: San Leandro facility, only Monday or Thursday.
She always manages to get in a comment about anti-depressant medication. Today it was something to the effect of “intervention may be working” (with my wanting to find a group) so that “medication is not needed. Yet.” Well, I don’t remember if she actually used the word “yet” but that’s how I interpreted what she said.
It’s like how Dr. Chan harassed me about not taking statins at every office visit I had with her. She probably mentioned it in phone appointments, too.
We ended the session with her strongly encouraging me to visit the San Leandro Health & Wellness Center to find out for sure what classes/groups would be available and suitable for my needs.
Update:
LISA GALAN-DE MARTINEZ LCSW
Received: 11/07/2019
To Jacqueline Hegarty VHi Jackie,
I just got word that you are placed on a wait list for sixty plus group. Unfortunately, it looks like there will not be an opening until Summer of 2020. You may want to explore community senior centers for resources close to your home. Dr. Jenkins, who runs the group, will let you know when there is an opening.
The number, if you would like to call, is 510-675-3080.
I am also waiting to see if Positive Aging class opens up.
Regards,
Lisa Galán de Martinez, LCSW
Behavioral Medicine Specialist
Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Medical Center, Station 304
2500 Merced Street
San Leandro, CA 94577510-454-2325
I’m really ready to give up on finding an adequate solution to this depression thing!
