I remember the last two New Year’s Eves as I had so much fun bar tending at Key City Theatre for their opening night gala. Sweet memories…
Last night I went to bed and immediately broke out in chills. I was shivering so hard I couldn’t even bear to get up and get another blanket. Wasn’t long before I was up vomiting and needing to have. A bowel movement. This went on most of the night with tossing sleep in between. Come morning I was barely functional. Tried to have water and it made me nauseated so I talked to Rae and she convinced me to phone the clinic. They were full up and agreed I should go to the hospital. The Culligan man, Daniel was at my place proceeding with the installation of my softener and drinking water system. I was on the couch moaning when I started reaching out for a ride to the Hospital. That was complicated by who coud bring me in their vehicle. Ashlée left work to drop me there and we rode masked and with all the windows open just in case.
It didn’t take too long before I was in a bed with an IV of anti-nauseate meds. I had bloodwork, urine, x-rays and a CT scan. Eventually it all came back that I have and Illeus, a portion of my bowel that is paralyzed. The Dr doesn’t understand how it could have happened. I do like baffling professionals. He said I would hav to be admitted and be on IV saline, not eat or drink anything and they would rerun the tests in the morning.
The second Dr who came in was a surgeon although he quickly clarified that I don’t need surgery he wanted to let me know more about it. The only thing that causes it that could relate is dehydration. I know I fall in and out of the habit of drinking water. He spent an inordinate amount of time asking family history as well.
The third Dr was the one who is covering for my family one. Dr MacGyver is very kind and took time to explain things but it got super uncomfortable when he had to ask me the level of care questions. What would be my ultimate, for example intubation and electrical shock or just intubation, feeding tube or not, etc. I used to have a DNR but this was much more complicated and I barely had time to process. All I could see was my grandkids faces as he was talking and I just said do whatever is necessary at the time. I will have to revisit the options. They were also all very interested in what other abdominal surgery I have had. Seems they think they saw a cyst or something as well in the X-ray and want to do an ultrasound tomorrow. That was all a bit much.
Ashlée and Ken went to my place and fed Missy, gathered my CPAP machine, iPad and a few toiletries. Rae-Anne lent a coloring book and earbuds. I was very grateful for it all. I watched 54-40 New Years and felt happy seeing friends doing what they do best. I miss Matt, the drummer. I first met him when our kids were at the same day care 25 or so years ago on Salt Spring Island. Jake and I would joke whenever we would see Matt’s name come up on call display ‘oh excuse me I have to take this it’s the drummer from 54-40 calling.
I have tried to make the best of this by being open on Facebook to a degree and enjoying all the comments. I doubt I will make it to midnight as I had so little sleep last night. The staff here at East Kootenay Regional Hospital are really lovely. I even have a free TV thanks to Covid. It was already here and I get to use it. Don’t really love my party dress though
My friend Mark is quite the punster and enjoyed my predicament immensely. He sent me many options for my blog title tonight. I almost used our favourite Happy Poo Year!!
It was not the day I expected but it wasn’t the year we all expected either. Things could be worse, that is a guarantee. I am in good hands but I sure am hungry.
triumphgal 