Well, "the tomato" is gone, thank God. Dave had it removed yesterday morning, but not without some confusion. We went to the hospital at 8 a.m. or so, armed with the discharge letter that told us to be there that day. We went to the emergency room, which is where we were told to go. And of course no one there expected us and they looked at the letter like it was written by an ancient race in an incomprehensible cuneiform script.
We sat down in the waiting room. And waited. And waited some more.
Finally the nurses called Dave back and said the doctors wanted a blood test first, and both Dave and I got a bit cranky about not being told what's going on. We did not want to be delayed by a blood test, the results of which might not be available for hours. So they called the doctor to come and speak to us, and meanwhile we were sent back to the waiting room, where we waited some more.
Finally they suggested drawing the blood anyway, just to get things moving until the doctor appeared. Dave consented and that was done and not too much later, we were called back. The drain was removed, Dave spoke to the doctor about his healing, expectations for his movement and diet, and how to get his surgical staples removed in about a week. (It never ends!) We told the doctor we planned a Christmas trip to Whitstable and the doctor didn't seem fazed by that at all, so I took that as a good sign -- I was afraid he'd gasp, "Why, you can't travel NOW!"
Then we were back in an Uber headed for home, and I got myself to work by 11 a.m. or so, managing to salvage most of a very busy workday.
Last night, prompted by a comment on yesterday's post by Ms. Moon, we watched another Christmas movie -- "The Family Stone." I think I've seen it before, many years ago, because I remembered the gay son with hearing loss. But I remembered nothing and no one else, which is odd because it's a very good movie with an illustrious cast. We both enjoyed it a lot and of course we teared up in all the right places. I haven't cried at a movie in a long time but that one made it happen.
(Photo: Christmas decorations at a nursing home in St. John's Wood. It looks like work is being done on the facade which is why there's also a scaffold. Clearly they don't use that main door!)
It sounds like you and Dave had quite the adventure at the hospital! Navigating the healthcare system can definitely be a test of patience, especially when you're left in the dark about what's happening next. I'm glad to hear that "the tomato" has finally been removed and that Dave is on the road to recovery. The confusion and waiting must have been frustrating, but it seems like you both handled it well.
ReplyDeleteI hope all goes well in Whitstable and the drain removal proves to be ok.
ReplyDeleteThat tree at the door is a great way of saying “Do not use this door.” So glad the tomato is gone. Sounds like, all told, a pretty lousy medical experience. But just having that done will surely help with Dave’s recovery. What a time you’ve both had.
ReplyDeleteDid you get any pictures of the "tomato"? Please don't share them on "Shadows and Light" as some people can be pretty squeamish about such things. I hope the doctor confirmed that the new, stronger netting is working well. Whitstable here we come!
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