Tales From The E.D.

We spent two nights during this past holiday weekend in the Emergency Department at our local hospital. My MIL, who's been recovering since November from the effects of a congestive heart had recently come down with a persistent, bothersome cough which only became progressively worse. On the advice of a home-health nurse we took her to the E.D. for breathing-mist therapy on Saturday night. My husband accompanied his mother back into the treatment area, which left me to experience all the sights and commotion that only an E.D. waiting room can provide. In a few short hours I witnessed a woman come in suffering from what appeared to be the worst migraine headache imaginable, a child with pink eye, an elderly lady with high blood pressure, a woman who needed plastic surgery after a dog had bitten the end of her nose, a frightened couple about to become first time parents, two men who were either drunk or high on drugs and were brought there in handcuffs by police officers and a young woman who committed herself for psychiatric care. Those are the highlights. All the while an old and frail, seemingly homeless woman, wandered about the captive audience asking for either money or food; she was escorted out several times but kept reappearing through a back entrance. I couldn't work in an environment such as that day in and day out; I know that much about myself. I am so thankful that there are those who can! The endless parade of pain and desperate helplessness walking through those sliding doors is overwhelming. It was a happy moment when Mom was released back home at 2 AM. Our happiness was short-lived. New Year's Eve found us back in the E.D. once again, Mom hadn't improved as hoped; and was now retaining fluid, her latest nemesis. Luckily, I was allowed to escape the waiting room this time and followed her back. I couldn't have endured another evening of such high-level drama. New Year's Eve was spent (watching Auburn beat Clemson in the Peach Bowl~ War Eagle!!) beside her bed in a tiny, curtained room with the only midnight 'cocktails' being delivered by I.V. She was admitted this time, in the wee morning hours of New Years Day, for what the doctors termed a "tune up". She seems to be doing well, although she's unhappy to be where she is. The cough was better yesterday and she was free from all IV's. Progress by inches. I hope that wherever you spent New Year's Eve you were surrounded with loved ones, or beloved memories. I wish you a sense of peace, purpose and happiness for this year and only as much drama as you're able to handle.

Life is Good!
...prayers are welcomed...