Dec.30.MS
I had two trips to the ER today. Late this morning for
a dilaudid injection (I had had a standing order that included toredol but when it was brought to my doctor’s attention that I had been receiving it for more than 5 days he removed it from the order) which after I had the opportunity to rest a bit, worked quite well.
I even went skating for an hour with Emeraude which was great fun! I opted to get a ride from Mom & Dad who had come to watch us immediately after but that did not turn out very well. The emergency was occupied with something quite serious which had all the nurses busy and after an hour and a half, one of them offered that if I was more comfortable waiting at home, they would most likely have the situation well under hand within an hour.
Mom dropped Emeraude & I off at home where we prepared supper and at 18:30 Mom was back to bring me to the ER once again (if I would’ve had to take a taxi for all the rides she & Dad have given me lately it would’ve broken my budget by a mile) and as the nurse predicted, it was now empty.
**Unfortunately the hospital protocol insits that people receiving opioids not drive themselves when leaving. This is a little too encompassing unfortunately, I have been receiving a variety of opioid injections. at least monthly, for about 2 years now when experiencing severe muscle/bone pain. In my experience the opioids do not cause any drowsiness (I take oral opioids as well and there are no driving limitations on these) and feel quite confident that my driving abilities are not impaired. Gravol however, which to my knowledge there is no protocol for, does when received as an injection cause me to be drowzy, dizzy, and have at times blurred vision – I NEVER drive after receiving an injection which includes gravol. This means that if I do not have anyone available, which is quite typical when it is not a holiday, I have to take a taxi. At night when the ER is quiet this is not too bad as the nurses are very quick if they are aware I have a taxi waiting. Unfortunately, if there is any one else at the ER, the taxi will usually not wait which means I have to call it again when finished, costing an additional $8.00 (+$8.00 originally to get me there). As you can imagine, this adds up in a hurry!**
I spoke with the nurse on duty while there the 2nd time, asking if I could begin my steroid treatment, 1500mg IV solumedrol for 3 days, (for which Dr.Crawford had left an open, standing order) on Friday. She said it was no problem and advised that 10am would be the best time to come in so I’m all set to start then.
I will receive my treatments Fri, Sat, & Sunday and will be finished when Lloyd goes back to school Monday morning. I am nervous about getting the IV (can’t wait until my port-a-cath is fixed!!!) and hope that if I decide it needs to be antecubital my choice will be respected without to much argument (I am the one being used as a pin cushion afterall and it is also me who will have to deal with any infections that result from this IV.
