None, they were all miserable. My youngest was in the ER so many times when she was young, when they remodeled our small town hospital, we joke that we funded it.
Have we ever experienced a bomb cyclone? Not until recently.
Am I a mystery? Sometimes I don't understand myself. But I think I give off pretty basic b---- vibes to the rest of the world.
I really enjoy your writing. I hope you feel better soon. ❤️
I’ve spent so many hours in the ER over the years—as a parent and spouse, but never for myself! Unfortunately this has made me super stingy in my decision-making regarding whether an ailment is ER-worthy because I know it will be an all day (or all night!) ordeal. 😂
Most recently, in 2023 Bryan had an exciting visit to the ER when he went into Fred Hutch for a CT scan related to his cancer treatment, and they discovered pulmonary embolisms in both lungs! It was so alarming they didn’t want me driving him to the ER unmonitored, so they transported him there in a non-emergency ambulance (no lights).
But I think my favorite trip was when we were at the UW Medical Center ER one evening and our son walked over from his dorm at UW to watch a show with his dad while we hung out in one of the ER rooms.
Like my children, each urgent care/ER experience is unique, special, and memorable. I cannot pick a favorite. But I have been in a bomb cyclone, an atmospheric river, and at least one snowpocalypse -- can't really pick a favorite there either.
I do not consider myself a mystery at all. My husband begs to differ.
You are amazing! You took a very scary situation and saw some funny things in it and told the story brilliantly. I, on there other hand, was as nervous as hell while you were going through it! So happy you're back to your old, funny self.
My ER experiences are as a carer, not patient. I knew enough previously to set my expectations low, but be as cheery as possible, and try and stay out of the way, but be pushy enough to not get ignored. The lipstick *and* the phone chargers were definitely swoon-worthy! I reckon the "M but not the D" comment may have bumped you up the queue. They didn't get the joke (good one as it was) and probably thought you were delirious, haha!
Thankfully none of our emergencies happened during the Covid years, but I've accompanied every member of my family to the ER at some point, all for different reasons. Broken bones, respiratory problems, Type 1 Diabetes, dizziness and a TIA. It's been a stellar education of the Australian public health system.
We went through same bomb cyclone here. Unlike you, I was tucked away at home by a fire and didn’t lose power. I guess I won that bomb cyclone lottery. This time at least. ER horror stories for miles, best not remembered. So, like you, we avoid ER like the plague. Especially during the plague.
Glad you’re feeling well enough to bring us your funny stories. Xo
You are the best that you can make a funny story out of a horrible ER visit. I can't believe you had Bomb Cyclone and sickness at once🥲. Jeffrey is amazing for packing your lipstick and also being so funny - you two make it seem like a walk in the park to head to ER, which I know it wasn't. Lastly, how unfortunate that Urgent Care and ER can't work together to stop wasting time, resources and money.
Good lord, this is scary, infuriating, mysterious… glad you were finally sent home with some answers! Comedian Mike Birbiglia talks about the uselessness of Urgent Care too, I can’t remember the joke (if I had a dollar for every time I say that!) but I think he generally compared Urgent Care to the fast food version of healthcare. Quick but pointless.
Doh! Omg you will LOVE! He does hour long monologues, all personal, true stories, and often medically related. Watch his Netflix special Swimming Pool.
No longer the Noble Profession, doctors are just providers. And, FYI, the most dangerous time to go to the ER is on July 1, when the new doctors start their first day. (Try to aim for June 30, at the latest!).
I agree 100% about Urgent Care. A total waste of time. My ER experience wasn’t too bad, they say when you’re brought in by ambulance you get seen quicker. I was suffering with serious diarrhea. I was severely dehydrated so yes IV fluids are magical. Turns out it was a diverticulitis flare up. My experience wasn’t too bad but it turned into a 3 day hospital stay. All is well now, I certainly learned a lot. One thing to beware of when ER doctors prescribe medication for you and they don’t read the chart on what you might be allergic to, in my case it was penicillin and they prescribed Amoxicillin. It was the pharmacist who alerted me to it and my doctor said don’t take it. I was so sick I just didn’t think of it, but I shouldn’t have to. Some would say I’m a mystery but aren’t we all in some way😊. Sorry never have experienced a bomb cyclone. Sounds very scary. So glad you got through it all and you’re on the mend.
Yes thank you. It’s a life changing experience. I’m getting used to it. On the plus side I lost 17 pounds, which I needed to lose. Yes Thank God for the pharmacist. Thank you for your kind words.
Great yet sad story CK . Sorry you had to go through all that . Yet look at the bright side . Here in Rochester , You would still be in er . Hugs to you and family
Yes it really can me that busy , wasn’t years ago .We had a few great hospitals that all DRs could work from . Than all of a sudden strong hospital decided their drs were on;y to be used there at strong ,Which made Rochester general do the same thing .Hospitals started closing or being very limited on what they could do . In your case could of had you out in maybe an hour 2 at most . Others like my mom before she passed had four days in strong hallway .
Don't be sorry for my loss CK . Yes I miss my mom , and yes Er did many things wrong . Yet when the whole system changed here after hospitals closed . We all knew there would be problems . So unless you know the hospitals and what they do best , You don't know which way to turn . So if I know anyone coming to Rochester , Will tell them which hospital to go too and what to avoid if possible .
I have been to the ER a couple of times and the last one was for a kidney stone. The initial check was that they decided I did have a kidney stone so they sent me back to the waiting room. I was out there so long I passed the stone.
Sounds like an ordeal but you sound like you had a great partner. I am always relieved that the NCAA maintains good access to IV bags for halftime refreshment so performance doesn't drop off in the 3rd quarter. I fear we are all doomed at some level in late-stage capitalism. Everyone is doomed when they shop for food, self-medicate, follow their health plan. Our sources of information are family, friends, FB & TikTok. All of our needs now have new gatekeepers who did not finish an advanced degree. When I tell people of my current knee troubles I only hope my friend hasn't heard the latest RFK Jr podcast and has become an expert. People at the grocery store pondering whether to buy eggs consider sharing their knowledge of the hen supply chain. Just listen to Jeffrey.
Favorite ER/Urgent Care experience?
None, they were all miserable. My youngest was in the ER so many times when she was young, when they remodeled our small town hospital, we joke that we funded it.
Have we ever experienced a bomb cyclone? Not until recently.
Am I a mystery? Sometimes I don't understand myself. But I think I give off pretty basic b---- vibes to the rest of the world.
I really enjoy your writing. I hope you feel better soon. ❤️
Hi Damaris! So glad to see you here. Thx for subscribing. 🥰🙏👏 You do not give off b— vibes. Hehe.
1) What’s your favorite ER or Urgent Care experience?
Fuckin' urgent care. The last time I was there, I wrote about it. too! https://literallyororo.substack.com/p/when-you-literally-end-up-in-the. Totally feel you about the M and not the D.
2) Have you ever been thru a Bomb Cyclone?
No. I live in AZ. We only have to deal with haboobs and wildfires. LOL
3) Are you a mystery?
No. Not all. LOL
I remember that story. An ER tale you managed to make funny.
What’s a haboob?
A wall of sand similar to that scene from "The Mummy" but without the scary mummy face. LOL. Seriously, it's almost like a sandstorm.
I’ve spent so many hours in the ER over the years—as a parent and spouse, but never for myself! Unfortunately this has made me super stingy in my decision-making regarding whether an ailment is ER-worthy because I know it will be an all day (or all night!) ordeal. 😂
Most recently, in 2023 Bryan had an exciting visit to the ER when he went into Fred Hutch for a CT scan related to his cancer treatment, and they discovered pulmonary embolisms in both lungs! It was so alarming they didn’t want me driving him to the ER unmonitored, so they transported him there in a non-emergency ambulance (no lights).
But I think my favorite trip was when we were at the UW Medical Center ER one evening and our son walked over from his dorm at UW to watch a show with his dad while we hung out in one of the ER rooms.
Dang! Was Bryan having symptoms that made you guys go to the ER?
UW ER-- good times? Were pictures involved?
Yes, he was having symptoms. I misspoke above in that he went in for a CT scan because he was experiencing shortness of breath even after taking antibiotics for pneumonia. I wrote about it here (pics included): https://open.substack.com/pub/jenzug/p/details-about-bryans-bilateral-pulmonary?r=6er4f&utm_medium=ios
I've always wondered about the red switch.....
Like my children, each urgent care/ER experience is unique, special, and memorable. I cannot pick a favorite. But I have been in a bomb cyclone, an atmospheric river, and at least one snowpocalypse -- can't really pick a favorite there either.
I do not consider myself a mystery at all. My husband begs to differ.
Atmospheric River?
It's a SoCal thing....
You are amazing! You took a very scary situation and saw some funny things in it and told the story brilliantly. I, on there other hand, was as nervous as hell while you were going through it! So happy you're back to your old, funny self.
Thx, sistah. 🥰🙏
I’m so glad to hear it wasn’t a long wait 😂
My ER experiences are as a carer, not patient. I knew enough previously to set my expectations low, but be as cheery as possible, and try and stay out of the way, but be pushy enough to not get ignored. The lipstick *and* the phone chargers were definitely swoon-worthy! I reckon the "M but not the D" comment may have bumped you up the queue. They didn't get the joke (good one as it was) and probably thought you were delirious, haha!
Ah, you were on the other side, behind the counter, the mask...?
xoxo
Thankfully none of our emergencies happened during the Covid years, but I've accompanied every member of my family to the ER at some point, all for different reasons. Broken bones, respiratory problems, Type 1 Diabetes, dizziness and a TIA. It's been a stellar education of the Australian public health system.
Glad you are home and hopefully feeling better!
Finally. Yes. Thx. 🙏
We went through same bomb cyclone here. Unlike you, I was tucked away at home by a fire and didn’t lose power. I guess I won that bomb cyclone lottery. This time at least. ER horror stories for miles, best not remembered. So, like you, we avoid ER like the plague. Especially during the plague.
Glad you’re feeling well enough to bring us your funny stories. Xo
The bomb cyclone reached Canada?! That thing traveled.
Thx. 🙏
You are the best that you can make a funny story out of a horrible ER visit. I can't believe you had Bomb Cyclone and sickness at once🥲. Jeffrey is amazing for packing your lipstick and also being so funny - you two make it seem like a walk in the park to head to ER, which I know it wasn't. Lastly, how unfortunate that Urgent Care and ER can't work together to stop wasting time, resources and money.
Get well Hon❤️
Yes! A communication system.
Thx, sweetie. 🥰🙏
Good lord, this is scary, infuriating, mysterious… glad you were finally sent home with some answers! Comedian Mike Birbiglia talks about the uselessness of Urgent Care too, I can’t remember the joke (if I had a dollar for every time I say that!) but I think he generally compared Urgent Care to the fast food version of healthcare. Quick but pointless.
I'll have to look for this comic.
Thx. 🙏
Doh! Omg you will LOVE! He does hour long monologues, all personal, true stories, and often medically related. Watch his Netflix special Swimming Pool.
Oops. “The Old Man and the Pool.”
No longer the Noble Profession, doctors are just providers. And, FYI, the most dangerous time to go to the ER is on July 1, when the new doctors start their first day. (Try to aim for June 30, at the latest!).
Sad but true. It's Big Medicine now.
I didn't know this detail about July 1. THx!
I agree 100% about Urgent Care. A total waste of time. My ER experience wasn’t too bad, they say when you’re brought in by ambulance you get seen quicker. I was suffering with serious diarrhea. I was severely dehydrated so yes IV fluids are magical. Turns out it was a diverticulitis flare up. My experience wasn’t too bad but it turned into a 3 day hospital stay. All is well now, I certainly learned a lot. One thing to beware of when ER doctors prescribe medication for you and they don’t read the chart on what you might be allergic to, in my case it was penicillin and they prescribed Amoxicillin. It was the pharmacist who alerted me to it and my doctor said don’t take it. I was so sick I just didn’t think of it, but I shouldn’t have to. Some would say I’m a mystery but aren’t we all in some way😊. Sorry never have experienced a bomb cyclone. Sounds very scary. So glad you got through it all and you’re on the mend.
Oh Rose. What a scary experience. Hope your diverticulitis is under control.
I'm allergic to penicillin too. Glad the pharmacist caught the detail!
Yes thank you. It’s a life changing experience. I’m getting used to it. On the plus side I lost 17 pounds, which I needed to lose. Yes Thank God for the pharmacist. Thank you for your kind words.
🥰🙏
Great yet sad story CK . Sorry you had to go through all that . Yet look at the bright side . Here in Rochester , You would still be in er . Hugs to you and family
Oh no. The Rochester ER is THAT busy?
Thx. 🙏
Yes it really can me that busy , wasn’t years ago .We had a few great hospitals that all DRs could work from . Than all of a sudden strong hospital decided their drs were on;y to be used there at strong ,Which made Rochester general do the same thing .Hospitals started closing or being very limited on what they could do . In your case could of had you out in maybe an hour 2 at most . Others like my mom before she passed had four days in strong hallway .
4 days in a hallway. Yikes. Sorry for your loss. 😞
Don't be sorry for my loss CK . Yes I miss my mom , and yes Er did many things wrong . Yet when the whole system changed here after hospitals closed . We all knew there would be problems . So unless you know the hospitals and what they do best , You don't know which way to turn . So if I know anyone coming to Rochester , Will tell them which hospital to go too and what to avoid if possible .
I have been to the ER a couple of times and the last one was for a kidney stone. The initial check was that they decided I did have a kidney stone so they sent me back to the waiting room. I was out there so long I passed the stone.
Haha. Funny not funny? Passing a stone is painful.
Sounds like an ordeal but you sound like you had a great partner. I am always relieved that the NCAA maintains good access to IV bags for halftime refreshment so performance doesn't drop off in the 3rd quarter. I fear we are all doomed at some level in late-stage capitalism. Everyone is doomed when they shop for food, self-medicate, follow their health plan. Our sources of information are family, friends, FB & TikTok. All of our needs now have new gatekeepers who did not finish an advanced degree. When I tell people of my current knee troubles I only hope my friend hasn't heard the latest RFK Jr podcast and has become an expert. People at the grocery store pondering whether to buy eggs consider sharing their knowledge of the hen supply chain. Just listen to Jeffrey.
I’m surprised by your response, Mark. You’re usually Mr. Optimistic.
Moderation in all things including moderation!!! I am currently engaged with doctors regarding my knee. You caught me in a lull :)
Oh no. PT is no longer an option?
More complicated unfortunately. Need to find an influencer who knows lots about ligaments, cartilage and lip gloss :)