Travel Adventures/Suggestions for an Unexpected Trip to the ER

Last week, after returning from a fun vacation to see family, I headed out to travel for work. My cousin started getting sick the day before we left but I felt fine. Late Monday night I started to cough a little. By Tuesday evening, when I reached my hotel in Knoxville, TN, I asked the hotel shuttle driver to take me to the nearest ER. God bless the Hilton chain as they are always so helpful.

To get there to Tennessee, I had flown from Las Vegas to Houston, Houston to Knoxville. Long day and I was feeling worse by the hour.

Got to the ER, sure enough, fever, shortness of breath and coughing that sounded like a seal barking. The one smile highlight was trying to explain to the triage nurse and ER doc what FSGS was. Now I did not expect them to understand it well as even the specialists are still trying at times. Their computer did not of course recognize this disease so they entered kidney disease. Five hours later, after oxygen, IV antibiotic, IV steroid, breathing treatment, inhaler and labs and xray, the ER doc told me I had pneumonia although the radiologist said no pneumonia. Hmmmm. They wanted me to stay overnight but I preferred to go back to the hotel.
Having been an ER nurse for many years, in large busy hospitals, I can tell you I was not impressed with their care. I do understand busy but not why it would take almost 2 hours to get discharged and almost 2 hours to end up with some graham crackers and soda after explaining I am diabetic and had not eaten dinner. The other smile highlight was seeing that I had an initial oxygen saturation of 9%. Hardly compatible with life. It was actually 97% and I have certainly done my share of typos so let that one go. I am so hoping they send me a survey. I do try to maintain a sense of humor at all times, although it does not always work.

I did do one of my two appointments in Tennesee on Wednesday and then flew home. My manager could not believe I even got on a plane on Tuesday. I had to remind her that as I am not a good morning person I do not expect to feel really spiffy at 4:30 in the morning which I when I headed to the airport for the first leg of my trip. By Houston, I was feeling worse and taking Tylenol. I do feel bad now knowing that I may have exposed others. I did wear a mask at my appointment.

Thursday I ended up seeing my doctor and finding out I have asthmatic bronchitis rather than pneumonia. Again, hmmm. Am finally starting to feel a little better. But being sick is something I have no time or patience for. This has all played havoc with my blood sugar levels and BP as well. My hands and body are very shaky from the medicine to help keep my lung passages open so I can hardly write and sleeping for more than an hour or two at a time continues to elude me. Ok, enough whining, I am alive. I am sure you have figured out by now that patience is not always one of my virtues.

So here are some suggestions. If you find yourself in need of medical treatment and are away from home. try to find the largest hospital that is within reasonable distance from where you are. A teaching hospital is good as you have a better chance of having specialists on staff. Make sure you know all of your meds, doses and time of last dose so you can let the staff know. If the time of day is good, ask them to call your doctor to discuss. Make sure you get copies of all the ER records. You have a right to get them and they may be helpful to your doctor. Be prepared to explain your kidney disease. You will possibly understand it better than them. Try to be reasonable and patient if they are busy but do not let them just ignore you if you really need something. Someone having a heart attack or bleeding from a major injury will and should take priority for a time but they should not just forget about you either. Be your own advocate. It is always nice to have someone with you but not always possible if you are traveling for work. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you are on a clinical trial make sure you take you medication with you so they can at least get the name.

If you are going to be somewhere for a while on vacation, check out what is available for hospital ahead of time. The internet can be very helpful, as can your doctor or family.

Life is always an adventure but there is not guarentee that it will always be fun.

Take care and be well. Have a wonderful week.

Cheri