The Story is Out….

So here is the story.

Monday, I went to the hospital with abdominal pain. I thought to myself several times, “Go home, you are fine. Seriously, the emergency room? Are you really in that much pain?” But I stayed.

I was sitting in the waiting area when John walked in after dropping kids off at my sisters. John looked at me and said, “You don’t look so good.” It didn’t help that the lady right in front of me was throwing up in a CLEAR blue bag.

Dear Centennial Hospital  - Please start buying barf bags that are not clear. Thank you! Love, Kathy Room#213

I heard my name being called for a blood draw and I jumped up quickly before I barfed on the lady with the barf bag. The spring in my step quickly brought on the head rush. I started to stagger. I got my balance, and walked proudly to the blood draw room. I sat in the chair and the needle lady said, “You don’t look so good. Are you all right?” I think I answered, but then passed out.

I woke to a woman in my face yelling my name. My first words, “Oh no! Did I pass out?”

“Yes.” said the Needle Lady

“I AM SO SORRY!!” Me

Dear Needle Lady – I really am sorry I passed out on you. You were innocently just trying to draw blood and I fell asleep on you. I promise it wasn’t because you were boring or anything, apparently, I really wasn’t doing so good. Sorry! Love, Kathy Room#213

What once was one person in the room, now had seven people in this 10x10 room and a GERNY. I quickly asked my husband, “How long was I out?” He responded, “For about a minute.” Me, “Did I scare you?” John, “Yes!” Me, “I am really sorry!”

From there, the decision was made that now I was priority number one in the ER. I felt special and kind of bad that I was taking someone’s place. I am sure they were all waiting hours and I just jumped the line. I really did feel bad.

Dear Waiting Patient’s – I promise I wasn’t faking and I have the five inch scar to prove it. However, I am really sorry! Especially to the barf lady, I hope you are not still sitting there barfing! Love, Kathy Room#213

In the few minutes that I was behind the curtain in the ER, I was given two different IV entrances (one in the left hand, one in the right arm), heart probes, oxygen, blood draws. I was starting to think that maybe something was wrong with me. Then I started to pass out again. Blood pressure was 70/54. IV’s were pumped into my blood. Now the doctor was in the room with an ultra sound machine.

The bad news: “Kathrine, you have blood on both sides of your abdomen. You will need surgery. We have ordered a more extensive ultra sound test, and she should be here in a few minute to take you back. The minute we have the results we will let you know.” Oh and somewhere in there he told me I tested positive for pregnancy.

Dear ER Doctor – Thank you for giving it to me straight. Yes, I was finally worried! Love, Kathy Room #213

I turned to John and said, “I need a blessing!” John didn’t hesitate to make a phone call.

I was quickly taken away to the ultrasound room. The tech made it clear that she could not talk or let me look at the monitor while she conducted her test. 10 minutes later, I was done.

Dear Ultrasound Lady – YOU HURT ME!! Love, Kathy Room#213

I was back behind the curtain and greeted by my husband and Ken. A blessing was given.

Dear Ken – I would refer to you as bishop, but it wasn’t an errand of a bishop that we called for you but as our friend. Thank you!! Love, Kathy Room#213

ER doctor came in and delivered the bad news. I had a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and was bleeding internally. He also told me I was going to need a blood transfusion. I smiled. It was for John, who was not smiling. Apparently, I was losing a lot of blood and I almost passed out two more times. The nurse rushed to my side every time and gave me a new bag of IV fluid. It always worked.

Dear ER Nurse – You are so stinkin’ adorable! I think you are the best ER nurse ever. I wanted to send you a thank you note but they wouldn’t give me your name. I find that odd. When I feel up to it, you bet I will get that thank you note to you. Thanks for the reality check! Love, Kathy Room#213

Within 30 minutes, I was being wheeled to the OR. During the ride to the OR, the OR ladies were freely filling my IV with something amazing.

Dear OR persons – I keep telling my husband that we had to take an elevator. He stands firm that I never once was on any elevator. Can you please solve the dispute and let me know. Thanks! Love, Kathy Room#213

I woke in the recovery room. Within 30 minutes, I was with my husband again. John bent over the side of the bed and kissed me. It was so good to see his face. Doctor Tuggle walked in to give us the update on the surgery.

“You had a nodule (yes, he said nodule) about an inch around. We have sent it to the lab to have it looked at. You also lost a liter of blood so we will have to give you a blood transfusion, two units of blood. Everything went well and I will check back with you in the morning.”

Dear Doctor Tuggle – Sorry I kept calling you Doctor Tittle, I really did think that was your name. After all the giggles, I realized I was wrong. I was thrilled to know it was Tuggle though. Love, Kathy Room#213

The next morning, my mom and sister came into town.

Dear Sister’s, Dad, and Mom – Words aren’t enough to express my thanks for coming on such short notice. I’m glad you were there to make me laugh and take my mind off of things. Love, Kathy Room#213

My kids were with my nieces.

Dear nieces – I’m wondering what yummy treats you fed my kids. Where are the left overs? They talk of a giant Oreo cookie, the size of their hand. I heard my kids had a blast with you guys! Thanks! Love, Kathy Room#213

John was by my side. All seemed normal. Until the blood transfusion. I noticed I started to get a little grumpy with one of the units. So anytime I would get grumpy my family quickly pointed out it must be the angry blood.

Dear Blood Donors – Please don’t take it personal! I don’t blame the grouchy blood. I am sure as you were donating it wasn’t the most pleasant time of your life. I hope you enjoyed your cookie and juice after your donation, you deserved it. Thank you! Love, Kathy Room#213 

I was lucky enough to have visitors to keep me sane on my four day stay in a hospital room.

Dear visitors – I know I was pretty adamant with my spouse that I did not want visitors but I LOVED your visits. It was so good to laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh some more. I loved that you traveled miles to be with me. I loved the blanket. I love Lucy! I loved the peanut butter balls. I loved the games. I love Track. I also felt loved. Love was in the air. I do apologize, however, that some of you didn’t get to see me clean/showered. They made me wait. I was embarrassed by my greasy appearance but I assure you lots of showers have been taken since then, DAILY. Love, Kathy Room#213

Well, I am now a tube short. I have three units of someone’s blood, one unit made me angry. I have a five inch scar. Several bruises from all the blood draws. A two week strict bed rest order from the doctor. An antibiotic that I can add to my allergy resume. A six week take-it-easy order to ensure the healing happens. I also gained a testimony and a whole lot of gratitude.

In the middle of the night, after the experience, John and I talked openly about our feelings. We both saw the Lords hand in every minute and every step we made to ensure that I was in good care and  to get the treatment I needed. We saw how timely certain events happened. We saw a closeness to one another that we took for granted. We were both confident that the Lord was aware of us through that experience and always.

I have a lot of gratitude for the people I am surrounded by; family, friends, and professionals (mainly doctors and nurses for this post). I am grateful for the power of prayer from us, the blessing, family, and friends. I appreciate the awareness to our family and the many willing people ready to help.

Dear John – Just a few things I want to tell you. 1. Sorry I scared you, not intentionally you know. 2. I appreciate that you were there and insisting I go to the hospital. You listened to the strong impression to get me help and I appreciate that you listened and never doubted. 3. Thanks for helping me get out of my clothes and into the stiff hospital gown. 4.  I am so glad you never screamed. 5. I am glad you called my mom and told her to get her fanny in Nevada. 6. I loved how you insisted on being with me every night I laid in that horribly uncomfortable bed. I really didn’t mind the snoring either. 7. I loved that when I asked you to bring me my white shirt you brought them all to ensure you had the right one. 8. I am glad you stopped by Einstein's Bagels and got me my absolute favorite bagel (chocolate chip with strawberry cream cheese). 9. I am so glad I married YOU! 10. I absolutely love everything about you!!

Love, Kathy Room#213