Sunday, April 23, 2017

Sunday's Seven Snapshots: Tales from the E/R

Other things happened this week, but I can barely remember them.  A kidney stone took over my life mid-week, and I'm still recuperating.

I've had a kidney stone once before about 5 or 6 years ago.  When I started experiencing pain this week, I wasn't sure what was happening.  I even googled "appendix burst" to know what side the appendix is on.  Later that night, as I was describing the pain that was intensifying, my guy and I looked at each other and wondered "is this another kidney stone?"

I went to take a hot bath.  Pain was still increasing, and I don't know, maybe it was from the heat of the bath as well, but I began to vomit.  I had no appetite so I hadn't eaten all day, but my body still found plenty to vomit.  A decision was made to go to the E/R.  This was about 10:00pm on Thursday night.

I got in the car, ready to go, drove down the block, only to realize I didn't have my purse.  Oops.  Turn around to get it, because, you know, and i.d. and medicare card are important to have.  My guy goes into the house to retrieve the forgotten purse while I puke out the side of the car into our grass.


We get to the E/R.  I go directly to the toilet to puke some more while my guy explains to the situation to the triage nurse.  They got to work immediately.  One dose morphine.  Nothing.  Second dose of morphine.  Still, nothing.  I can't remember what the third attempt to pain relief was, but I know it didn't work.  There was blood work and an urinalysis plus a decision to transfer me to a larger hospital.  Yep, got an ambulance ride out of this "fun" night too.  Finally, a super strong dose of oxy was given and pain started to subside but nausea increased.

A CT scan determined, yes, there was a kidney stone.  E/R decided that they wanted me to transfer to urology.  So, I spent several hours waiting for a bed there.  In the meantime, I got to listen to the sounds of an E/R.  I just remembering trying to crawl up into a little ball. 

I was transferred to urology.  While being wheeled into my room, I grasped the barf bag and gave a treat to my new nurse.  She was so wonderful.  She was everything you'd want from a nurse, compassionate, knowledgeable, and efficient.  I saw doctors, nurses, had more blood work, and urine tests.  Most importantly, they were trying to get the pain and nausea under control while pumping as many fluids in me as they could.

Twenty hours later...no stone had passed...but I was home drinking lots and lots of fluids and drugged up.  Sweet baby Ricky knew his mama was not feeling her best.

Another day passed and so did that kidney stone!  Thank goodness.  I gotta admit it.  I looked at that thing and was dumbfounded by such a little stone causing so much havoc.  I'm still achy, nauseous, and woozy, but that will pass too. 

I've been resting this weekend with my guy, my kitties, and my little penguin, Penelope.

I wasn't even going to post a "Sunday's Seven Snapshots" today, but I felt alright enough to post this tonight, so I'd say that I am well on my way to feeling much, much better.

A friend of mine is a sportswriter, and he shared this story of his with me

Have you ever experienced kidney stones?  Aren't they the worst??

17 comments:

  1. yikes! i haven't had them but i do hope you make a speedy recovery.

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  2. I haven't experienced them ( knock on wood) but I can't believe you were taking any photos through that. I wouldn't be able to focus on anything.
    Prayers for a speedy recovery!

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  3. i've not experienced stones, but i had a godawful infection a decade or so ago. felt like someone was cutting me back to front with a sword. i think i stayed in bed for two days. i never want to have one of those again.

    two doses of morphine didn't do the trick? GODDAMN.

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  4. Yikes. That was really horrible. Be careful with the drugs though.

    There's a Seinfeld episode in which Kramer has one.

    Anyway, the madre came down to visit yesterday and brought Kill Your Friends and a kangaroo. Thank you.

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  5. I haven't ever (and hope to ever) had kidney stones.
    Get well soon and I hope you're feeling yourself real, real soon, love. xoxox

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  6. Oh no! A friend of mine has had a kidney stone in the past and she's told me how much it hurts! I'm glad your back home and starting to feel better 😊
    Lianne | Makes, Bakes and Decor

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  7. Ouch, you poor thing! I have never had a kidney stone and definitely do not ever want to experience one! I hope you're on the mend now.

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  8. So sorry to hear this! I hope you are feeling better!

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  9. omg when i saw your post initially i knew you must be in hell. I've had a couple friends who had one and that pain i have heard is just like nothing else. now i'm going to go chug a gallon of water. you poor thing. glad you've passed it and you're on the mend!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  10. Whoa - what a week, Erin! Ugh I'm sorry that you had endure such pain and nausea but I'm glad you're on the road to recovery. And that Ricky knew to take care of his Mama. :D

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  11. Oh my! That sounds AWFUL!! I hope that you are still feeling better. :( I have never had a kidney stone, and I hope that I never do! OUCH! Glad you had a great nurse and snuggly animals though! Hope this week/weekend is SIGNIFICANTLY better! XO - Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

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  12. A kidney stone is like a fear of mine - that something so small can cause so much havoc & pain... I just dont want to ever have that happen in my world. Hopefully this is it for you & no more!

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  13. Oh Erin, I am so sorry you had to go through that, friend! I am so glad you are on the road to recovery,

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  14. I can't even imagine all of the pain that you were in! I've heard that it's some of the most intense pain like childbirth, so I'm glad that it passed and that you're on the mend!

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  15. No, I've been lucky and have never experienced a kidney stone. Several friends of mine have, as well as an old boyfriend. They sound like pure hell. Glad it has passed. Feel better soon.

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  16. Talk about epic blogger. You took selfies while you were practically dying. You win the internets.

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  17. Oh my goodness... I've never experienced a kidney stone but I've had friends that have. That sounds excruciating! I'm glad it finally passed and you're on the mend! Crazy how one little thing can totally throw our body off!

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