Sunday, October 12, 2008

Room 650, after 40 hours

The first things you notice are that it is small and painted industrial yellow. Not a pleasing color but not offensive enough to really matter. There is the usual sink and WC with shower. There are some odd angles and then you notice that there are two doors. Once ensconced, the main door is sealed with tape and nurses and visitors enter through an anteroom to get washed, gloved, masked, and in some cases robed. Believe it or not, this is not for my protection. I am being tested for every known infectious disease, from TB to hanta virus. So far, no signs of TB, or any other dangerous infection except a modicum of staph, for which I have already received a single heavy dose of a medicine that I cannot pronounce. Nondescript linoleum, a hole in the wall from a door handle, shelves, television, telephone, clock, medical equipment, two chairs, bed, and a window overlooking a parking lot and some Perimeter style office buildings complete the scene. The smell, which started out as inoffensive, is working its way to the other side. I am wondering how to fix this without violating any rules.

I am receiving very little treatment, or attention from doctors and nurses. My fever continues, so I wait, usually patiently, as this chapter continues to unfold. I am certainly not going home today, and I would not take any bets on tomorrow.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

ok no philosophy just thoughts love hugs prayers and some humor for you today...

Everyone is talking about how boring the debate was the other night. Experts say neither candidate scored a knockout punch. But I don’t know about that — after about 10 minutes, I was out like a light.

Obama says there’s nothing to the accusation of a friendship with ‘60s radical Bill Ayers. He says Ayers was a person he knew early in his career, but now plays no role in his campaign. Kind of like the Clintons.

In describing her beautiful home, Sarah Palin says that when she stands on her porch she can see the moon. You know what that means — she’s now qualified to be an astronaut.

AIG executives asked for and got another $37 billion. Earlier this week, they announced they are going on another retreat. This time with golf and massages at the Ritz Carlton. You know, instead of a bailout, how about locking these guys up with no bail?

Beautiful day in New York City: 72 and sunny. John McCain? Seventy-three and cranky.

I like John McCain. He looks like the guy at Home Depot who mixes paint.

At the debate, John McCain referred to Barack Obama as “that one.” McCain later apologized. He got confused — he thought he was at the bakery.

President Bush announced he’s taking over the banks. Well . . . crisis over!

Today is Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. Or as we call it the O’Brien house, Thursday.

On Saturday night, Sarah Palin is going to drop the first puck at the Philadelphia Flyers’ hockey game. Then Palin will spend the rest of the game trying to keep the hockey players out of her daughter’s penalty box.

This week, independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader announced that he is opening up 22 campaign offices nationwide. Which means that every Nader supporter will get his or her own office.

Madonna started her new tour in New York. At the concert, she said she is going to kick Sarah Palin’s ass. That would be one sexy underpants pillow fight.

Madonna and Sarah Plain are very different, of course. One is an insane celebrity who has no business discussing politics, and the other one is Madonna.

It’s Leif Ericson Day — the anniversary of the Viking Leif Ericson landing in the North American continent a thousand years ago. Ericson was a long-haired warrior from the icy north who liked to kill things. He was the Sarah Palin of his time.

He probably read more newspapers, though.

Anonymous said...

Hey Cuz...

I just read your blog after a few days. Didn't know about your fever. I'm thinking of you here in the Arctic North in Churchill, Manitoba.

I've seen a few polar bears already. Those might sea bears are something else!

You're here in spirit with me.
Michael

Anonymous said...

I wanted to come visit but they wouldn't let me in! Oh well, I'll wait until you come home. If they can't figure out what is "buggin" you call Dr. House!
Hope to see you soon. This too shall pass. Keep good thoughts.
XXXXOOO
Roberto

Lenore and Scott said...

Isolation SUCKS. Now you can make an awful movie called "Room 650" :(
I am so sorry you are STUCK there. I hope they determine you are no longer a danger to society and allow you to at least walk down the hall (gloved, masked and gowned, of course). Hang in there I know cabin fever is setting in.
Love,
L.
P.S. Maybe if you mask, glove and gown the 4Ds they can come in and visit.

Terri Meeks said...

Elyse,

All I have to say is, if you are going to be held prisoner in isolation, you need to ask for some good drugs to pass the time. Tell them you need a tranquilizer because you are claustrophobic and some Ambien to sleep the time away.
Hopefully, this will pass soon. I gave your dogs a few massages yesterday.They are shameless! The guys did their business and Dash and the white one went right back in. Blue eyes took alittle longer, but I was able to put a leash on him and he went back in. Dot ran off and I could hear her barking in the woods. I left and came back one hour later and I could not hear her, so I was worried. At 5 PM I went back and she was in the yard so I grabbed her and put her in the house. She is a mess! Next time I will use a leash on her to make sure she stays around. She is so tiny! They send their love.I do too! Terri

Unknown said...

Hi Elyse. Many years ago my ex Debbie somehow became infected with sepsis. Very very bad but the IV antibotics were able to get it. Good people win these battles. We all know what type of person you are and this is just a small bump in your on going road. Thinking abot you and sending good Karma. Bruce M.

Anonymous said...

For Pete's sake! With my laptop returned to Gateway for its own surgical repair, I didn't have computer access over the weekend, so had no idea you were in the hospital. Someone should have called me. :( Ok, heavier-than-usual healing thoughts flowing your way...

Anonymous said...

Hey Elyse,

Just learned you have been inpatient for a fever. Bummer! But, at least those drugs that we cannot pronounce do their jobs pretty darn well.
We took Dakota on a hike yesterday, and I was thinking of you and hoping you were out with your doggies. Soon! And the weather will be nicer when they spring you from confines.

Big hugs and lots of love and prayers,
Lorie

Unknown said...

Dear Elyse,

If you are still getting an IV, I hope you can feel with each drip, drip, drip all the love and caring coming your way and pouring into your system.

Just visualize that love like WWF Smackdown kicking the crap out of whatever germ had the chutzpah to invade your body.

Good things coming your way.

Linda from Houston

Anonymous said...

I called your mobile to offer a break in the monotony. No answer, hope they haven't restricted you from all outside connections!! Any way hang in there and let me know if I can do anything for ya. As Palin would say "ya know I betcha you'll be out of there in a flash!" Betsy

Anonymous said...

Hey Elyse,
I hope they let you go home soon so you can continue your recovery. There are always bumps in the road, but I know you will get over this one quickly and be up and fever free soon. Take care and know you have many well wishes and prayers heading your way.
Love,
Angie

Anonymous said...

Elyse is hot blooded, check it and see
She's got a fever of a hundred and three
Come on baby, do you do more than dance?
She's hot blooded, hot blooded

You don't have to read my mind to know what I have in mind
Honey, you oughtta know
Now you move so fine, let me lay it on the line
I wanna know what you're doing after the hospital

Now it's up to you, we can make a secret rendezvous
Just you and me, I'll show you lovin' like you never knew

Lenore and Scott said...

Congratulations on getting sprung. Did John finally post bail? I experienced it for one hour - I can't imagine being confined to that room for 72 hours AND that food! SO GLAD you are free.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear you had to return to the hospital. I hope it is a short stay and your recovery continues on schedule. Prayers and best wishes.