Fun at the ER

This morning, after yet another night of no sleep and gasping for air, I decided we should go to the ER and have them check it out. Kelly called and conferred with the ENT on call at OHSU, who agreed this would be a good plan, based on symptoms.

I don't know that I've ever been to an ER with no one sitting in the waiting room or waiting for Triage. Come right this way.  You don't have to take too much a look at me to know I've had some stuff going on. They are always really friendly when you tell them you are allergic to opiates. No chance you are there trying to scam drugs.

Wonderful nurse took notes and vitals and whisked in doctor, who asked lots of questions and listened. I got a chest x-ray, which ruled out pneumonia. I got a heavy duty breathing treatment, which helped some, but since none of this actually has anything to do with my lungs, not that much. And they drew some blood and put in an IV. Ugh, although he was good.

After all that, I seem stable. All the wheezy noises associated with my breathing are all coming from my throat as would be expected. I don't need a trach today, but I will need one "sooner probably rather than later." At this point, I'd take it. I am tired of spending every night gasping for air.

Three hours and I can't imagine the charges, and they sent us on our way. Do you know that I've never ridden a wheel chair out of the hospital, ever? Maybe when Karina was born, I can't remember.  But never after any of these big ugly surgeries. Or stop overs in ER.

Kelly and I went for a walk. I thought it was an hour. No, fifteen minutes.  Based on that, I've been trying to get up and move around somehow for fifteen minutes every hours. Perhaps the swelling will go down if I move more.

I have had NO voice since late Friday, not so much as a squeak. Back to note pads and dynavox for me. Breathing is a job.  Swelling continues and continues. My face is starting to resemble Aunt Marge again. My neck is tight and will not allow me to lift my head up to see where I am going. I am worried there is not room for a trach tube between my swolleness and stiffness.  Trying not to borrow trouble and failing, you see.

Where were my darling daughters during these adventures?  Karissa was enjoying the Purim Carnival with Angie and Hannah, followed by an outing to Mt. Pigsah and dinner.  Karina was out and about with Nathan, but came home to study for her math final with Dad.

I watched two really mediocre movies on the afternoon movie, getting up to move around and distracting myself with the tablet. It isn't like you are going to miss key points in the plot line. Thousands of classic movies I've never seen and I wasted my afternoon on Good Luck, Chuck and My Mother's New Boyfriend. I wouldn't be looking for them on TMC.

Tomorrow is wonderful St. Patrick's Day. Yay! Also radiation, meeting with the chemo oncologist, Mia (Yay!) and riding. I'm tired just thinking about it.  And getting up and moving around more.

Fingers crossed for a modicom of sleep tonight and that we can come to some agreement about my radiation mask that doesn't make me totally flip out.  I'll be taking the sedative earlier, as well.

Questions? Concerns? Comments?  Hopefully all good news tomorrow.

:)