Getty images
You wake up the morning, thinking of the plans
for the day. It is a day off from work, and a full ten hours of
daylight lie before you. Movies? Go shopping? Visit
friends or relatives? Go out for lunch?
But, no. A migraine has woken you up, sends you to the emergency
room. The ER is packed with people elbow to elbow, jockeying for a
spare chair. It is a holiday and all the doctors’ offices are closed. Everyone in a city of 130,000 is lined up to get help for something.
I was there, oh yes, I was there. A migraine had emptied me out and left me a dried up worm of a person in agonizing pain.
During eight of those ten daylight hours, an appreciation for the plights of man swept over me.
When a gurney surrounded by curtains became available, I finally was allowed to lie down. In the bright cubicle with my eyes covered, my super hearing kicked in, and unwillingly, I became part of the drama* taking place on either side of me.
To my left? Oh, man.
On the other side of the curtain a young
man (early twenties, maybe) had come in with chest pains. Thinking it
was the remnant of bronchitis from weeks ago, the man/boy talked with
the doctor. His answers to standard questions rang an alarm in my own
chest. Drugs? Uh, not for a couple of weeks, only ‘coke and some weed. Drinking binge? Uh, only a few beers.
His answers were always followed by a silence
Each question was asked in different ways.
Tests were run, more questions asked. Then the man/boy was left
alone. No friends or family brought him in; no one sat holding his
hand.
Doctors came in, one after another, to talk
with him. Each time the questions were the same, but the answers came
closer and closer to the truth.
Ultimately, the cardiologist came in; he had the results of a Cardio-Ultrasound, which he showed to the man/boy. Enlarged heart. Stroke level blood pressure. Tell me again…drugs…?
The truth came out in almost inaudible
whispers. The next words from the doctor were that this man/boy was
being admitted to cardiac care unit, and then if there was any family to
be called.
His gurney with all its attached IVs and monitors were wheeled away with the young man/boy in stunned silence.
The ‘mom’ in me wanted to go with him, hold
his hand, pray with/for him. The first two I couldn’t do, but prayer
was what I could manage.
Then I was released after getting a ton of drugs that would kill the monster migraine and restore me.
 |
...and the curtains come down.... This happened to me back in 2023, and it was something I will always remember. I posted this because I have experienced many curtain events in the past 3 years. Those are stories for another day. |
Wow. First, sorry a migraine sent you to the ER. Second, how sad someone that young could be so hooked on drugs that he'd already destroyed his heart...
ReplyDeleteIt was incredible to hear the silence .
DeletePraying for you.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Much appreciated.
DeleteYou can hear a lot in the ER.
ReplyDeleteWhen i was in for pneumonia, the girl in the next room was there because a lawyer was too busy and too important to stop for the school bus. Her leg had a compound/complex fracture of the femur and the poor child was screaming.
Her mom came in to apologize to us for the screaming, and I was in tears telling her not to worry, I have kids, I get it. My husband met the mom about a year later, the girl had fully recovered. Most of the time you never know what happened.
Poor girl. I am glad to know that the girl recovered.
DeleteSorry about your migraine. Must have been horrible to send you to the ER. At least you got some "entertainment".
ReplyDeleteA whole world of experiences played outl
DeleteAfter a car accident my son and I were in different emergency areas. I was suddenly overwhelmed and started to cry. "I want my kids." Once they got to the hospital I was comforted.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine how he felt and what happened next. You son was blessed that you were close.
DeleteI have been blessed to avoid this so far, by God's grace...
ReplyDeleteYes, I hope you and others never find themselves in that position. It was heart breaking.
DeleteI have never had a migraine so bad it took me to hospital. I have heard a "behind the curtain" incident though, many years ago now I saw a young girl, (maybe 18) brought in handcuffed to the rails, ankles cuffed too, then the curtain was drawn and I only heard the rest as she screamed with rage and verbally abused all who came near while two police officers stood nearby. I don't even remember why I was there, since I so rarely go to any hospital.
ReplyDeleteI am astonished to read ALL the doctors offices were closed because of a public holiday. Not even an "urgent care" clinic available?
It was New Year's Day, and most of the doctors were gone. It was really busy.
DeleteI have a few curtain stories too and all the many times I have sat in those curtains on a hard chair beside Bob on the gurney, I have heard every word said on both sides. I often sat and wondered how these ER rooms adhere to the strict HIPPA LAWS. I once entertained myself by seeing how much I could learn about the woman next to me..
ReplyDeleteI heard every question from name/address/phone/SS number/her insurance name with that insurance #. I also her what was wrong, how they would treat it, and even what room they were putting her in as they took her away. I worked ER admitting clerk for 2 years in a county hospital, the 11 to 7 pm on Saturday/Sundays. Holidays and full moon nights were crazy.. I would have felt the same as you If I had overheard the boy next to you.....
No privacy at all in those little places.
Delete