—A Bachelors Christmas Part 2—
I woke up as the EMTs were taking me out of the Ambulance and taking me into the Hospital.
In the Hospital, the Doctors and Nurses attended to me immediately.
An X-ray was taken, as well as Urine and Blood.
Talking required oxygen, and my oxygen was so poor at this point that I could no longer speak.
The Nurses had me write down names and phone numbers for my emergency contacts.
I gave them Papa’s Cell Phone Number.
After all the tests were performed, I waited in an E.R. Room.
I was at a Hospital in Huntsville instead of my usual Hospital in Birmingham. Mom and Papa had to drive to Huntsville to get to me.
They rush into the room to see me.
Mom immediately comes to me and hugs me.
She asks me what’s wrong.
By this time, the nurses have brought me a Dry Erase Board and Marker for me to write on. I can only guess that these items are kept on hand for times such as this. They must be able to communicate with the patient.
I write down, “I can’t breathe well enough to speak. Have to write on board.”
I then let them know that I am awaiting results and waiting on the Doctor(s).
Next, the Doctor comes in, “We have a very sick patient here today,” he says as he listens to my Heart and Lungs with his Stethoscope.
“You have several infections in your body. Your White Blood Cell Count is high, and if that weren’t enough, you have Double Pneumonia.”
I asked if I did right by calling 911.
“Oh yes. You did right. You will spend at least a week with us in the Hospital. It’s not going to be fun, and it is very serious. We’re getting you a room ready right now, and the nurse will hook Medicines into your I.V. within a few minutes. Okay?”
I shook my head “Yes.”
I’ll never forget the following questions: “Now, you have Spina Bifida, Correct?”
I shook my head “Yes.”
“And you live alone?”
“Yes.”
“You have no Home Healthcare coming out to see you or anything?”
“No.”
And those were the questions he asked me.
My Mother began asking the Doctor questions, but I was paying no attention. I was tired, aching, sweating, getting choked on my saliva, and couldn’t breathe.
I closed my eyes and tried to rest.
Soon, I got wheeled to my room, where I would spend the next Seven Nights and Eight Days.
