Time

This week’s article will be very short.  The past weekend, my path was to be in our local hospital.  Apparently, nothing very serious, but I spent from Saturday at 4 am to Sunday noon with the health care specialists trying to figure out what was going on.

Awakened at 3 am on Saturday morning, I thought it might be the result of having an AFIB event.  But, no.  The meter readings for my oximeter were normal.  The feeling of pressure in my chest, however, caused me enough concern that by 4 am, I decided it was time to ask for help from a neighbor who was kind enough to drive me to our local ER, where he stayed with me until Daughter #1 had time to get to the ER from her home.

The ER folks were very efficient.  I told the admitting person that I thought I might be having a heart event (I don’t have a clue what a heart attack feels like).  I was taken immediately into an ER room, where for the first time in my life, I was given a tiny nitroglycerin tablet (to dissolve under the tongue) and four chewable baby aspirin (81 mg tablets).  I remember thinking that they tasted really good.

With efficient use of their time, the ER staff set an IV and performed the first of many tests that I would have during the weekend.  Because the result of Saturday’s test was somewhat different than the result of the same test performed when I was last in the ER, it was decided that I would be moved to a room on the cardiac floor as soon as one was available.

My plan for that Sunday was to attend a friend’s wedding.  I knew, then, that I would not be going to any wedding on Sunday!

During the time waiting for the room, a second IV was installed; the thinking at that time was that if I would be going to the cath lab, those folks liked to have a second IV already installed.  Ouch!

The time came when a room was available, and I was wheeled upstairs to the cardiac unit.  Almost immediately, more tests were conducted.  Blood work, etc.   Unit staff were very efficient.  They wasted no time getting the procedures accomplished.

I had not eaten anything since the evening meal on Friday night.  Neither had I had any morning medications.  Time came when lunch was ordered and delivered.  The dining hall produced a meal of salmon with a spectacular sauce, mashed potatoes, and a green salad.  When ordering a meal, the estimated time given for delivery is always forty-five minutes.  But, it never takes that long.  The meal was so good that I ordered the same meal a second time while spending in the hospital.

Test after test gave no indication of what had occurred.  EKG results were negative.  All blood work (taken throughout the day and night) was negative.  No visit to the cath lab was ordered.  And, discharge orders were prepared.

By the time noon came around, I was ready to leave the hospital.  Discharge orders were for me to see both my own cardiologist and primary care physician within six days.  A slight change in one of my meds was also ordered, but my cardiologist reversed that order when I saw her two days after leaving the hospital.

I told a couple of friends that I felt that this hospital visit seemed like a waste of time – for me and the hospital staff.  But, they encouraged me not to think that way.  That if I thought I should be there for that time, that’s where I needed to be. In these situations, time is of the essence.

So, here I am at home.  I’ve spent Monday and Tuesday playing catch up.  Appointment times were either kept or changed.  More time was spent at home and at doctor offices making sure that the next appointments were accurate.

My cardiologist told me that in the event this happened another time, I should use one of those tiny nitro tablets that I always carry in my wallet.  I remember when I first had those tablets (which I keep in their sealed, glass container because air makes them deteriorate), I asked my PCP at that time, how would I know if I needed to use one.  He told me that I would definitely know.  I assumed that this meant there would be some form of extreme pain in my chest and/or arm.  I have never had such pain, so I didn’t think that Saturday morning was the time to put one under my tongue.

Once again, I know that I am blessed by having neighbors willing to help in times of need.  Blessed that Daughter #1 could and would be at the hospital – in the ER and on the cardiac unit.  Blessed that I have a local hospital staffed by such knowledgeable and professional people.  I AM BLESSED!
Be Safe and Be Well
The Cranky Crone
Thoughtful comments are appreciated.