Let's hear it for hospitals with free wireless! (Yes, I brought my laptop with me, because I assumed they'd have wifi, and I figured being able to talk to my invisible friends might help me from having a heart attack of my own.)
So I'm in the ER, sitting by my Dad's bed, and he's muttering about the weather, as is his wont. I figure that's a good sign.
His primary symptom is that his left arm is very pins-and-needles numb, and kind of painful. Now, any left arm issues in a heart patient with a 13-year history of heart problems (4 heart attacks and counting) is definitely cause for concern, and I totally believe that coming to the hospital was the right thing to do. 100%.
But he said that, in the past, when he's had a heart attack, he's had some arm pain, but not total numbness, and he's also had crushing chest pain and difficulty breathing. This time, he says, he doesn't have any chest pain, and he's having no trouble breathing.
Of course, not every heart attack is the same, and, again, coming to the ER is totally the right thing to do.
He's had an EKG and blood tests to measure his cardiac enzymes, which will show whether or not he's had a heart attack. While we're waiting for the test results, the ER doctor came in and talked to Dad and said that his symptoms sound very atypical for a heart attack, and that it's likely the arm numbness is a nerve thing. Which would actually be good.
Batman Returns
is on ABC Family now, and I'm trying to educate Dad in the ways of the Bat.
More info as I know it.
I'm really really really tired (I got to bed at 7 a.m. -- yes, 7 a.m.) and really really really edgy, and I haven't eaten anything other than a popsicle and 3 cups of black coffee. And I have stuff at home that I really need to do (like laundry for Vermont, since I'm leaving in 3 days, damn it) and I can't stand being my Dad's caretaker. I hate it so much.
This sucks ass.
Oh Lilty, I am so sorry.
Heart~ma for your dad Steph, and getting to the church on time so he can see his son get married~ma too.
Heh. Try being on a naval base in the middle of the Indian Ocean when the ship's store runs out of feminine hygiene products.
Noooooo. Oh wow, beyond that whole not having clearance thing it is a good thing I didn't decide to go the Diego Garcia route.
Condoms are a more clear indication of having a someone.
But still a clear indication of having Teh Sex. Or being optomistic.
I am watching tv live as too many things were conflicting. Commercials and not being able to skip back and rewatch are annoying. I am really spoiled tv-wise apparently.
And my back hurts. A lot.
t edit
Sorry to whine so much about something that's probably going to turn out to be nothing.
Aw, Teppy, sounds horrendous. Get some protein in ya, stat, so you don't collapse. See if they have a turkey wrap or something in the Caf or even grab a zone bar in the gift shop.
and I totally believe that coming to the hospital was the right thing to do. 100%.
Very much so.
Can you get some food at least? It might help.
Yikes! I am molting. Guess that sunburn from two weeks ago that I thought might not peel, it's peeling. It's like being a lizard.
I'm sorry, Tep. Are you obliged to keep him company all day? I sure wouldn't expect that of my kids.
But at least it doesn't sound so dangerous this time.
I'm sorry, Tep. Are you obliged to keep him company all day?
Well, I drove him up here, and until we know if they're going to release him or keep him, I can't go anywhere. I'm 20-25 minutes away from my apartment, so I can't just zip home and zip back (there's an excellent heart hospital 5 minutes from my apartment, and I couldn't talk him into going there; I know it was selfish of me to try, but now I'm just stuck here and I'm starving and I'm so fucking tired and my back hurts and I really really just want to cry and I can't).
Oh, sweetheart. I wish I could help.
Let's hear it for hospitals with free wireless
Wow, I had no idea hospitals would have that. Huh.
Cautious yay for it probably not being a heart attack, but definitely sounds like a good idea to take him to the ER in any case! Here's hoping he gets let go soon so you can go get shit done!!
Erika, these boys would've been cute on two legs or with wheels. The bulging upper arms helped, though. :)
