2012 is already off to a start. Just that, a start.
I found myself having to deal with some unexpected things, including a visit to a place I had not been to in awhile. It does have to do with the title of this blog.
And no, it is not a strip club!
A couple of days into the new year, a year I had decided was going to be a good one, I ended up sick. So sick that I was admitted to the hospital for medical care. Way to start off the new year, Melissa. Way to go.
Wanna hear the best part? THEY HAVE NO CLUE WHAT WAS WRONG. So I've been at home, for the last 5 days, not leaving the house to do anything. I've been a lazy bum because I've been weak and just praying the pain and discomfort go away. Yesterday was the first good day, until the late morning. Then the afternoon got better. I was excited I was feeling better. Until this morning. I woke up to a swollen and painful throat. Now is NOT a good time for any type of cold to come my way. I have to work on Monday and cannot call in. Lets add another day of praying that this too, will go away.
I'd like to recap my hospital visit. Upon entering the ER via wheelchair, the ER staff was great. I was greeted immediately, vitals done, IV started, fluid bolus going, pain medication given, anti-nausea medication given. Turns out, it was a VERY good thing I went to the ER. My heart was racing in the 140s upon admission, my blood pressure low enough to need 2 fluid boluses to help raise it. No wonder I was passing out. I had a fever over 103 degrees F. They decided to keep me for observation and assigned me to a room.
I was admitted to the floor I work on, which was great. I felt comfortable with my care because my floor has some amazing nurses on it. It was also a little awkward. They probably saw more of me than they ever imagined they would in their lifetime, found out my extensive health history that some of my coworkers had no clue about, yet always came in with a smile and my drugs to make the pain go away. And for that, I am eternally grateful for. The pain was bad.
During my stay, I tried my absolute best to avoid using the call light. I didn't want to be a burden to my coworkers. And of course the two times I used it, the secretary answered it and the speaker was in my ear and it was loud. Oh, I had a headache.
I have not been on the patient side of things in over 4 years. And although I wish it could have been longer, I have a new perspective on my job. I noticed the nurses are very busy (well, this I already know, I am one and I am always busy) and they don't come into the rooms as often as I thought they would. This had me thinking... am I there for my patients? Don't get me wrong, my coworkers were awesome! They let me sleep a little longer than most, were extremely polite and understanding, and answered all of my questions. I received great care.
The hospital is a very lonely and scary place. You have no privacy, people you only know as strangers are poking and prodding at you. You are sick, have no clue what is going on and have your very life in these strangers hands. You pray you get better to go home. The thought of sleeping in your own bed haunts your mind. It's loud at times, you don't get good sleep, and are all around miserable.
So, while I'm not usually one to make any new years resolutions, I have decided that I am going to be better at my job. These patients need compassionate care and I know I give it. I just want to do better!
I would like to thank my place of employment for being so kind and caring during my time of need. It brings this huge sense of pride to work for this facility and I am thankful to have the opportunity to do so. :-)
