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Open Poetry #49
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Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere

0 posted 2015-05-02 09:24 AM



It was only a matter of time
before I ended up in the ER
(the Expensive Room)
What with what they tell you these days
about women and subtle symptoms,
I didn’t have much of a choice
after two hours of that
scary squeezing sensation
on the left side of my chest.
Maybe it was just the anxiety
making me feel a little light headed
and COPD keeping me just a tich short of breath…
The guilt alone,
from uncontrolled
blood pressure and blood sugars
should have dropped me on the spot.
So, it really came as no surprise.
I called my Doctor hoping she would see me,
but she sent me to the ER instead.
I didn’t want to go.
What if it was nothing?
But I obeyed
and off I went
to seek my fate.
When I arrived I was gently reprimanded
for driving myself…
Then I was inducted
full force into protocol.
Hook up the electrodes.
Get blood pressure
Put in the IV’s.
What?
Blew my vein?
Take some blood for the lab.
Nitro tablets under the tongue
and endless repetitions of
my name and birthdate.
What?
Take more blood?
Waiting on results;
listening to the machine beeping,
the blood pressure cuff inflating,
bits and pieces of conversations.
Dr. comes in to tell me
he doesn’t think it’s my heart.
It is probably just spasms in my esophagus.
Blood tests will tell for sure.
What?
Take more blood?
A guy from the lab comes to get it personally.
Waiting with my eyes closed,
I do that well.
What?
Results?
I’m okay?
(well, until I get the bill)

LGR©5/1/15


© Copyright 2015 Lori Grosser Rhoden - All Rights Reserved
JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
1 posted 2015-05-02 10:28 AM


I know all about that "scary squeezing sensation," my friend, but I don't have that pain around my heart as you did. When I get to sneezing I go on for ten to fifteen time before it stops. Good that they could find nothing bad . . . Very good.

~*~ When they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
2 posted 2015-05-02 10:35 AM


Well...So the ER DR. told my Dr. I need a stress test. So I called my Dr. and said put me back on the BP med. so I don't stroke out in the middle of it. And yes, I tested my blood sugar this morning and behaved myself at dinner last night. ~L
JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
3 posted 2015-05-02 10:48 AM


Hopefully this little scare will help you to keep behaving yourself at dinner full time.

~*~ When they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~

Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
4 posted 2015-05-02 06:00 PM


Expensive is right.  I got the limousine... err, ambulance ride to my treatment on Monday, can't wait to see the cost of that.  But hey, all things considered, I would much rather be  around to feel the discomfort of such bills.  Some of the alternatives just aren't that appetizing.


Michael

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
5 posted 2015-05-02 06:48 PM


Logically I know that is right. But some goofy women from my generation have a real hard time with that costing money thing. I know...taking care of myself is cheaper than the meds...already said I was goofy. ~L
devina
Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539
Cali
6 posted 2015-05-04 12:52 PM


Hugs and understanding, that hospital is an albatross an hour.

and Lori, I'm not sneakin' you cookies into ER anymore lady...gotta keep to the path ok?

stay well!
more hugs
~d

Open arms can be the most fragile in the world...



Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
7 posted 2015-05-04 03:47 PM


Yes, I know. Water is my best friend now. Everything else healthy is an aquaintance and the good stuff is my mortal enemy. sigh.
~L

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