A New Year's update on Dr. O'Neal and our life

We have officially survived the 6 month mark with intern year- Hallelujah. It is a wonderful feeling to know that we’re half way through surviving the most brutal year of Richard’s residency.  Since the beginning of residency, Richard has come home with both wonderful and sad stories, my favorite ones being where he did something incredible on the patients behalf. He has such a wonderful passion for helping people and doing what is right for both the patient and family. I love seeing him passionate about things and passionate about his work at the hospital. If he was not in love with his work, then being a resident spouse would be a much harder job.  The long hours plus the limited time that he and I get together is emotionally exhausting at times. 

For example, yesterday Richard left the house at 4:30 am and he walked in the door at 9. After eating together for 15/20 minutes he spent the next 1.5 – 2 hours doing dictations.  At 11:30 he finally came to bed and left the house at the same time again today. Days or weeks where this is the norm become frustrating and emotionally draining.  I am amazed that his body allows him to keep functioning. I’ll be honest that we are both counting down the days until this insane rotation is over.  February will be a wonderful respite after 2 insane months with limited quality time together (with the exception of Christmas week).

Richard and I had the opportunity to spend some of the holidays with family. We ventured up to Rock Hill for Thanksgiving and spent a week on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai with my family for Christmas. Hawaii was the first time in December that we had spent any amount of time together and we truly haven’t had that since. The other week I was able to sneak away from the office to do computer work at home and it happened that Richard had a lighter caseload too. I was able to meet him at the hospital for some Chick-fil-A.  Like a flash he came whirling into the dining area. I swear it was like a superhero with a cape how quickly he was moving and how his white coat flew in the air behind him.  It was remarkable to see my Doctor in his work environment and see how much he thrives in it. It was so fun and I loved every minute we spent together during that little lunch date.

Other than Richard’s 90 hour weeks at the hospital and lack of sleep, he is doing wonderfully. He is loved by everyone at the hospital and he makes me so proud everyday.  Our pup, Luka is doing very well. His doggy rest was lifted right after Christmas and in May they will do blood tests to make sure that his heart worms are officially gone. While on bed rest and prednisone, he put on a bit of weight. He loves having the freedom to run around again and is slimming down. My work is really keeping me busy (2 of the upstate social workers have left the company) and I feel like I’m running around with my head cut off. Over the past few months I have started getting out and doing more things. I find that it’s healthier for me as a spouse to get out and do things that keep me busy. Instead of sitting at home pining for my sweet husband. I’ve become an advisor for my college sorority and am so happy to have Delta Zeta back in my life.  The girls are wonderful to work with, it’s fun and it keeps me busy. I have been going to church more (sans Richard) and have signed up to join a dinner group through church. I spend time with a couple of the residents wives and have enjoyed developing friendships with women who understand the challenges associated with being married to a resident.  

The past 6 months have been an incredible growing time for him, for me and for us as a couple. Everyday has its challenges but who doesn’t face those in life? In marriage? In work?  I am so happy to support him and see him take more steps towards becoming an incredible physician. Thank you for all of those who support us , think about us and love us.  Please come visit us in our awesome city (we have a guest room). We are both confident that 2015 has a lot in store for us.