Since getting a trach, every day seems to be a new adventure. The other day, I was having trouble breathing and coughing a lot. I had an appointment scheduled to see my cardiologist. I hoped he could tell me if my symptoms were anything serious. Upon seeing the doctor, I was amazed at how concerned the doctor was about my coughing and shortness of breath. After examining my lungs, the cardiologist asked me who my pulmonologist was. He immediately pulled out his mobile phone and called my pulmonologist. (I have the feeling my cardiologist knows my pulmonologist because the cardiologist called the pulmonologist's personal mobile phone (and not his office number).) The two doctors chatted briefly. When the cardiologist got off the phone, he asked me which hospital I wanted to go to. My pulmonologist wanted me to go to the emergency department. The cardiologist said the pulmonologist would get all the orders together and have them waiting for me at the emergency department.
Upon leaving the doctor's office, I went home. I had made soup and other food before going to the doctor. It was too hot to put in the fridge before my appointment. Although the cardiologist did not say I was going to be admitted to the hospital, I had a feeling a hospital stay was in my future. I did not want all my food to spoil. Moreover, I was very tired from going to the doctor. I needed time to decide if I was going to go to the hospital. Although I was grateful my cardiologist called my pulmonologist, I was also very angry. Now my pulmonologist knew I was sick. I see that doctor quite frequently. If I did not show up at the emergency department, my pulmonologist would be very angry with me for disobeying his instructions. Reluctantly, I resolved to go to the hospital.
When I arrived at the emergency department (ED), I was shocked to see no one in the waiting room. Immediately the woman at the desk helped me, and I was taken immediately back to triage. The triage nurse was quite concerned about my condition. I was quickly taken back and given a room. Things moved very fast. I had a chest x-ray and multiple blood draws done within a half hour of arriving. During this whole time, I was becoming very agitated. I did not want to be back at the hospital. Moreover, it was Shabbat. Every week, I patiently wait for Friday evening. I then eagerly go to bed and watch the evening Shabbat services. The Shabbat music soothes my soul and calms my breathing. Watching the evening services is absolutely my favorite part of every week! Although I did have my iPad with me, I was unable to watch the live streaming video of the services because people were constantly in and out of my room. I wanted to cry. I did not want to be here and now my Shabbat was ruined too!
When the ED doctor came in, he explained my pulmonologist had talked with the ED doctor earlier in the day. Although there had been a shift change, this new ED doctor had been filled in by the previous ED doctor on my case. The doctor said my pulmonologist wanted me admitted to the hospital. Thankfully, the ED doctor was very chatty. We quickly discovered I went to college very near where he used to live. In fact, his daughter was competing that very day at a track competition at my alma mater! This comforted my soul for a while.
About three hours after arriving at the ED, I was wheeled up to the ICU. When I arrived in my room, I was nearly crying. After spending so much time here after my tracheostomy surgery, this was the very last place I wanted to be! (It was amusing to have almost everyone working in the ICU stop and say, "Hi!") In my despair and doing everything possible to suppress the tears which were pressing hard against my eyelids, trying to escape down my cheeks, I opened my Bible. As I read the Book of James, I suddenly knew God had been hearing all my pleas and prayers throughout the day. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials; knowing this, that the trying of your faith develops patience" (James 1:2-3).
As if a tremendous burden had been lifted off my shoulders, I suddenly stopped being sad and started seeing all God's abundant blessings. There was no wait to get in to the ED. My pulmonologist had left detailed orders for my case which greatly expedited my transfer to the ICU and my treatment plan. I was back in the caring hands of so many talented medical personnel who already were familiar with my medical history. The ED doctor and I shared a common place of residence. Yes, God was showering me with abundant blessings all day long, but I had been in a foul mood to appreciate His abundant kindnesses. Thankfully, reading His word helped me see His great mercies and allowed me to glorify Him.
You are truly a remarkable young lady Tracy.. praying!
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