Weekend Thriller: A Visit to the ER–the Good, the Bad, the Ugly, the Funky, and the Funny
AKA looking at an experience from all angles
I could just rave about the good or rant about the bad.
But many experiences are mixed blessings. The treatment that makes us deathly ill but saves our lives. A misunderstanding with a friend that gets us to speak our truth as well own our insensitivities. The mean boss who taught us how to survive in a competitive workplace.
So this is our Middle-Pause Pump-Priming Prompt: Describe an experience from as many angles are you can — the good, the bad, the ugly, the funky, or the funny just to name a few.
Okay, I can go first.
The good:
The Emergency Room is the most efficient place to get many tests done in a relatively short time. Lots of blood work, multiple EKGs, a CT scan, chest X-ray, and last but not least, the stress test, convinced the doctors and technicians that I did not have a heart attack, or dangerous blood clots or blockages.
I passed my stress test! Even though the worst part of it was sucky, I bounced back fairly quickly and shortly got the good news I passed–no heart blockages!
The stress test doctor, Will Nottingham was kind and considerate. Explained everything and practically held my hand during the rough part. Even though things were hectic for him, he acted like he had all the time I needed to stabilize after the test.
Once a bed opened up, they put me in the observation section, which was quieter and had a real bed with controls for the head and feet. I was eons more comfortable. And Saturday night I slept for 8.5 hours which is unheard of for me.
Kudos to the ER staff
All the medical staff was fantastic–warm, friendly, informative, and very helpful. They did not mind all the creature comfort requests I made, like getting stuff out of my tote bag and helping me up to the bathroom a bazillion times. Every time I put on my call light, folks came right away.
My favorite was Dr. Robert James Knight, who was easy-going and easy to joke with. He took the time to explain things and sat down level with me. He also made a point to say goodbye when his shift was over.
When I expressed my fears about taking Lipitor, he had a brilliant idea. He gave me my first dose so that if I had any reactions, I’d already be in a place that could help me. So I did, and so far, so good.
Even though there was no wifi, I was able to attend my church service via Zoom on my cell phone. t felt good to be prayed and fussed over. And to add my prayers for another friend in another hospital in far worse shape.
During fellowship, I got to Face-time with friends and it felt like I was there. It also made me deeply appreciate how we’re able to have in-person services, even though it’s a lot more work than just Zooming.
And the dear support of my roommate,Aikya Param, who got dressed in the middle of the night to take me to the ER, kept tabs on me, and brought me home today. Read her experience below.
The not-so-good:
In my case, getting all the tests done over the time intervals needed took 41 hours, mainly because they were short-handed in nuclear medicine when they ordered a stress test.
I got to spend all of Friday night on a gurney with a funky pillow and I maybe got one hour total of sleep. There was lots of noise, including a baby crying on and off. I can’t imagine what that must be like for a new mom.
Because they thought I was going for the stress test on Saturday, I did not get any food until it was clear I wouldn’t be tested till the next day. At 5:30 pm they said I could eat. At 7:30 they finally brought the tray.
It was not worth waiting for. But I took a few bites of everything and ate all of the dinner roll.
All the stuff I did not get done! All the Zoom calls I missed.
The ugly:
The stress test takes about 90 minutes. Five of them are grueling. They inject stuff to simulate rigorous exercise and see how your heart responds. In my case, my blood pressure tanked, I was dizzy, my tummy hurt, and my head pounded. They had to lower my head and raise my feet.
The funky:
The mashed potatoes and Salisbury steak they sent me for dinner. I thought it was inedible until I tasted the pulverized scrambled eggs I had for breakfast.
Not having a change of socks, undies, or a toothbrush for two days. Of course, if you’re not eating, and only drinking water, it’s not as bad. But still…
The funny (either ironic or ha-ha):
After my stress test, they had me drink caffeine to re-constrict blood vessels that the rev-up medicine dilated. Never thought I’d hear that recommendation from doctors!
The nurse who came to draw blood at 4 am this morning had to wake me. When I didn’t open my eyes but shot my right arm out from under the covers, she laughed. Little did she know until I told her, that I didn’t mind cause I needed to pee anyway.
Nurses and doctors would go home and come back the next day, see me and say, You’re still here! Yep, I was still there. By then it felt like they were my friends.
So that’s me. Now it’s your turn.
Again the pump-priming prompt: Describe an experience from as many angles are you can — the good, the bad, the ugly, the funky, or the funny just to name a few.
Any experience you like, within reason. Keep it clean. We look forward to hearing from you!
This piece was first published on Medium.com as a Middle-Pause prompt. Feel free to share your experience story right here in the comments or, if you’re a writer for the ‘Pause, over there. OR both!
Marilyn Flower writes humor to laugh the changes she wants to see and make. She’s the author of Creative Blogging: Ninja Writers Guide to Character Development and Bucket Listers, Get Your Brave On. Clowning and improvisation strengthen her resolve during these crazy times. Stay in touch!