This is beginning to be so unfunny.
My husband gives platelets regularly. He has a high platelet count and is a universal donor. He does it just because and has only used his accrued point one time to get a fleece that advertises the Blood Center. H e went mid July but they couldn’t do it as his blood pressure and pulse were too high. H e’d had a steak dinner the night before and had taken his blood pressure meds too late. Two weeks ago, his pressure was alright but his pulse was still high. We started to monitor it but it didn’t go down. In the middle of the night he told me his heart was racing. I made him call the doctor yesterday and she said ER. We called urgent care, same answer ER.
We went. By the time, we arrived, parked and he helped me struggle over, his BP and pulse were catastrophic. Of course, I walked for crap because I was so nervous. Now going to the ER here is not a new experience for me. My first time was 11 years ago, when Justin’s SUV was totaled. He called to say that the driver’s side was destroyed. OMG! You weren’t driving? No, when I saw the truck coming at me, I jumped into the passenger side. I had to take that call as Tom went completely white. So, the evil stepmother, aka me, insisted on ER. He walked out but ended up there 2 days later anyway.
My next visit was 7 or 8 years ago. I had a restraining order against him for drinking and he was seriously out of control. I locked him out and he went to his sister’s. He wanted help but was drinking even more there. I walked out of work in NYC, dragged him into the car, held onto him as he tried to jump out while it was moving and dragged him into ER. I can’t remember his blood level alcohol at the time except that it was astronomical. There was a warrant out for his arrest but he was able to get into rehab. It was not successful. Other visits ensued. One time, they had to guard him and put him in restraints. Another time, I just checked him in and left. Twice, after his cancer operation, I had to take him to Stony Brook ER.
All of these times, I wasn’t scared. Ok, 2nd Stony Brook ER, I was. However, throughout all of these and his cancer operation and his hernia operation, I worked. I had that laptop and kept on going. I can be a monster in that regard. We needed the money and I needed the distraction.
The difference last night was that he was conscious and aware. I wasn’t working either. The other times, we pretty much knew what was wrong. Last night they did not. And before, I could always walk.
Alright, for his hernia operation in 2015, my brother-in-law helped. At the hospital, they thought I was the patient. A friend of mine was in the ER a few weeks ago and again, everyone thought I was the patient. Last night, they gave him the visitor pass.
They announced at 7 pm that all family members/visitors had to leave the ER. This was going to be extremely difficult for me. I knew I couldn’t make it to the car at all by myself. They told me they could not release him. We thought someone could just give me their arm and I would go and wait for Justin. No Security was hell bent on getting me out of there. They provided a wheelchair even though I explained I had only been in one twice before. The guard even asked me if I could move my feet. Uh, that is the problem. I protested as I didn’t want Justin to see me like that. The guard literally left me in the waiting room. Luckily, I was able to navigate out of the chair just before the kids came.
They took me home. I am appalled at my deterioration.
Apparently, Tom may be operated on today. It’s a simple procedure. At least, that’s what they tell me. Hopefully, I will be able to get help there and back.
I am so scared this time.
Tomorrow is our 13th wedding anniversary, Recently, I was contemplating life without him. I realize that no longer is an option.