ER: Glimpse behind scenes

After 9 hours in the ER with a glowing EKG and clear chest X-ray, it was obvious I was too sick to call it a cold. The doctor ordered a CT scan which showed pneumonia.

Six hours into it, I was so anxious to just get out of there, nothing happening, (yakkity yak) and when they wheeled me down to scan, there were people in beds all along the corridors.

I was embarrassed at myself and glad I’d kept quiet. I was able to thank the doctor for the excellent care provided to me especially under such stressful circumstances. It may seem like nothing’s happening but they are swamped, overwhelmed, staying focused, calm and doing their jobs!

I have learned two things: Don’t count on a chest X-ray to see pneumonia AND if going to the ER, take your Clorox wipes. You’ll be there awhile and every time you’re moved for any reason you’re in a new field. We were masked and distanced but there’s no way to continually wipe things down.

Again, KUDOS to the entire KOOTENAI MEDICAL TEAM! They’ve stayed in the trenches for US, certainly not for the beating they’re taking. We owe them big time! Let it begin with PRAYERS, RESPECT and GRATITUDE.

GENIE WOOD

Coeur d’Alene