A night in the ED!

Story time!!

Last weekend (2/16/24), I had some symptoms like a little nausea and whatnot-- honestly, I assumed I was catching one of the many stomach bugs floating around the school. I made it through Tuesday (2/20/24), but that night I had some serious pain. It woke me up at 3am and I couldn't move. Because I am me, and I have a strong history of underreporting (despite being called "dramatic" and a "whiner" for my first 29 years), I chalked it up to gas. 

In the morning, I still had pain, but it was not as intense. When Chris was about to leave for school, he suggested that I stay home; and, to his surprise, I said "yeah." 

I finally got up and showered. I called the Oncology Clinic to report the pain. I told them that I have an appointment on campus at 3pm for pulmonology (I have had a gross cough for ages and I need a new inhaler). They scheduled an appointment and labs for after my appointment. 

I called Chris to see if he could join because I didn't feel like driving. 

As we are walking to pulmonology, I noticed that it hurt even more when I walked. The appointment went well. (My lung function has improved, but I am super wheezy.) She prescribed antibiotics because I might have walking pneumonia. Cool. 

We went for labs on the 14th floor, and then headed down to the oncology clinic. 

With Dr. Stein and Tira, we discussed getting some IV fluids and antinausea meds. I chimed in "as long as you don't think it is appendicitis..." and then the conversation changed to "... wellllllll it might be..." Ultimately, we decided to go get fluids and see how we do.

While in the waiting room, Tira came to visit and says that there is a change of plans. We will be going straight to the ER for a CT scan to rule out appendicitis. 

I am wheeled to the ED, and admitted immediately. We were impressed with how smoothly it was going....and that is where it ended.

Dr. E was approximately 26-- he was very kind and sweet. He performed many maneuvers to check my pain, and definitely did not think I had appendicitis.

I drank the oral contrast, which always upsets my stomach. Well, it was VERY upset stomach given I was already not well from the appendicitis... and that resulted in me wearing the disposible pants and undies for the rest of the night. TMI? sorry.  Just know that I have washed over many other unsavory details. 

Around midnight, I was wheeled over to CT are and parked there for a long while, eventually I was scanned, re-parked for a long while, and then wheeled back.

Around 3am, we received the news that I did indeed have appendicitis from Good Doctor (this guy seemed to have some level of experience). Good Doctor calls it "Baby Appendicitis" because it is in early stages and not super inflamed. Good Doctor tells us that he will send over the surgeons to talk to me about my options.  

At this point...maybe earlier, we decide that Chris should go home. He can always come back, but that he deserves sleep if this is going to take forever.  Soon after, we learned an important lesson-- the valet garage closes at 10pm. So, Chris returned and got to enjoy the cramped, loud, unrestful night ahead.

Surgeon #1 in a very intense lady who is also about 25 years old. She says the appendicitis can be treated either surgically or medically. I choose surgically because I know me, and I know that if there is a chance for this to come back it will 100% come back. I have no intention of spending another night in the ED ever.

Around 4:45am, Chris goes to try and get the car. He makes it home around 6am.

Surgeon #2 came by and announced that I don't have a choice and that I need to treat it medically because I would have to go off of my chemo drugs. 

OK. Then the good doctor comes over with food and says "if you eat this and don't puke, you can go home." 

"In how long?" I ask? 

"About an hour."  

I ate. Didn't puke. Called Chris. 

Chris said he will come back. 

Then an attending surgeon came by. She is clearly much older and more experienced and said "I hear you choose surgery." "Well yes... but I was told I was not going to have it, and so they gave me food. I just ate." I never see her again.

Chris comes back. It is NYC so, he is like "Do you want me to circle the block"

I still had an IV in my arm and had not heard from anyone in ages. 

"Park and come in." I said.

Eventually, I am told that I can go home on three antibiotics. 

On the way home, I am texted by Dr. Stein 

"Awww how sweet! Dr. Stein texted me! I wonder if the notes aren't updated because he is asking me if I will do surgery or meds. "

Chris remarked "Nah, he just didn't want to read Dr. E's My First Doctor's Notes. Robin has been a human longer than Dr. E has been a doctor.  But it's ok, Dr. E. will land on his feet. He went to the University of Chicago and has an MBA and an MD."

"How do you know this?"

"I googled him of course!"

Of course. 

I slept the rest of the day, and then through my alarms the next day. I did go to work, which was a questionable decision, but I felt OK enough.

Being on three antibiotics did not feel amazing.  It gave me a gross taste in my mouth-- which I guess kept me drinking fluids. 

I had follow up calls from a surgeon who works with Dr. Stein, and we ultimately decided that if I made it through the antibiotics, I will be ok. 

I am, indeed, OK. :)