Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Two in the Hospital- and a Happy Birthday Wish


Hey, Y'all,

Yep, you are not imagining the title of today's blog. Gramps has been feeling more out of kilter the last few days. I called our dr's office in Jefferson City and was going to set up an appointment for him to be fully checked over on Monday. I told the person on the other end of the line about his symptoms (forgetting where he is, difficulty with walking, pain in the head, neck, hip, etc.) She said, "Honey, if he were my husband, I would take him to the emergency room where ever you are staying". So I said, "Okay, I will".


So, after breakfast (at Bob Evans) which he ate of very well, we went to the hospital. I dropped Hugh and Imazo off at the front of the hospital. Then I drove around to the emergency room parking lot, and we got out of the car. I had difficulty getting Gramps out of the car. We started walking up the ramp, with me telling him to move the right foot, then the left foot, and him using his cane in one hand and leaning on me with the other one. A very kind elderly gentleman saw our difficult process and came to help me with him, by helping on the other side of Gramps. We got inside the doors and a nurse saw us heading down the hall and said, "would you like a wheelchair?" I said, "yes, if you have one". So she ran and got one for us. We thanked the gentleman and he said, "no problem. you're welcome."
We and spent about 7 hours in that area. After answering the same questions over and over, he was given a CT scan, x-rays, MRI, and asked the same questions again. They finally admitted him and put him in a room where he will be at least until sometime tomorrow, maybe longer. Of course, we again answered the same questions again. Anyway, we will no doubt be here in Springfield at least through tomorrow night.


I am hoping they will give him something for the pain in his head. (they can't give him anything to stop the pain in his neck - me. ha.) I also am hoping that he will remember to press the little red button on the gizmo that they attach to the bed for help. I hope he won't wake up and try to get up out of bed. He gets confused when he gets up even at home.


Lois (Imazo's sister) seems to be doing fairly well. Lois had had a heart attack that put her there. She had had a panic attack about a week ago,when she realized that she would be alone sometimes. So she had called 911 in a panic. Then a few days later it was that she had the heart attack. She had an MRI today. I happened to see her in the hall today at the elevators when I was going up to Gramps' room, and wasn't really sure it was her, since I had only ever seen her yesterday. I walked over to her and said "Lois?". She opened her eyes and said, "yes". I said, "hello, Lois", and she said, "Hi". That was all.


Fortunately, I had a book to read while I was at the hospital, so I was not sitting around biting my nails or fretting. Anyone who knows me, knows that I always carry a book with me. It is the most portable kind of entertainment that one can have. My sister-in-law, Johnnie (now deceased) used to joke about my calmness in waiting in stressful situations by reading a book.


Lois' daughter, Sandy, (who has beautiful curly hair that I would pay money to have, -in fact, I have paid to have beautiful curly hair) took Hugh, Imazo and I out for some lunch today. We really enjoyed the time that we had with her today. We are enjoying getting to spend time with Lois' daughters. We are planning to get together with them tomorrow evening.


We definitely do not plan to leave here before Friday.


Gramps has been treated wonderfully well at the hospital today. All the people working there are really good and kind. One of them told me when we left to go to the room upstairs that I was a gem. I thanked her and said, "My name is Ruby". ha.


His doctor was really nice, too, and very thorough. I am sure they will find what ever is wrong with him. They took five vials of blood and installed a needle thingy in his arm (can't remember what they call them) to give him and IV if he needs it. They also put a portable heart monitor on him (which he can't understand why it is there). They had difficulty getting a vein, and when I told them he never has trouble with veins, they said sometimes older people's veins can collapse.


After we left the hospital this evening, we stopped at Bob Evans and had some dessert. Now it is almost time for bed. Thanks to those of you who are praying for Lois and Gramps and for us as we are here and later traveling. Also for praying for my brother, John, who is back in the hospital since Monday. You are most appreciated and loved. John seems to be convinced he will not make it through Christmas of this year. Please continue to pray for him and that he will not be consumed by a feeling of depression. Thank you so very much.


Now a special wish to our son-in-law in Texas, Daryl: Happy Birthday tomorrow, Son!Thank you for all the years that you have made our daughter, Carol, happy and fulfilled! We love you more than words can ever say. Daryl and Carol's picture is at the top of today's blog.
Thought for today: "Thank you. Lord, for friends and loved ones and for those who gift us with kindness"
Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Rest well, friends. Thank you to those who take the time to leave a comment to let me know what you are thinking; and also to those who take the time to read an old lady's blog. I love you.


3 comments:

Daniel Bennett said...

Thanks for keeping us posted! We'll be praying for everyone, especially Grandpa!

Judy said...

Happy Birthday to your son-in-law and I am so sorry to hear about Gramps going into the hospital. You are a gem. I think your parents must have realized that and named you Ruby! I will be thinking of you and praying also.

Clara....in TN said...

I am so sorry you are having to go through this... Are you tired? I will say a special prayer for you and all the people in your life that aren't feeling well. Take care of yourself. I hope tomorrow and the next few days find everyone getting well and on the road to recovery. Love, Clara