Wizard's Blog
What it's like to have a heart attack, ride an ambulance and live to tell about it.
The following is my father's heart attack story. You may wish to read this before eating at the Heart Attack Grill.-----------------------
At about 4 AM on March 14, 2012, I awoke with a feeling of heavy pressure on my left side, and numbness extending from my waist to my cheek and along my arm on that side. My wife Christa, a former RN, recognized possible heart attack symptoms and persuaded me to call let her call 911. After about ten minutes, with the pain not going away and feeling rather faint, I said OK and she made the call. They arrived in ten minutes, and in ten more minutes (or less) I was whisked away.
I decided to avoid the nearest hospital with emergency capability (Los Alamitos), and having to deal with later transfer and paperwork, and asked instead to be taken to the nearest hospital of my HMO provider, Kaiser Permanente, about 12 miles away in Downey. During the ambulance ride to that hospital, they contacted the hospital by radio, followed instructions, gave me aspirin to chew, nitroglycerine drops on the tongue to relieve pain, EKG tests, blood oxygen level measurement and a blood test for troponin. At the two different hospitals, I had what seemed like twenty tubes and wires connected to me to monitor vital signs, as well as to drip in IV fluids like saline, sedative and "Integrilin", a blood thinner. There were frequent blood withdrawals for troponin. Troponin is produced by the body when heart attack damage is being repaired. The level peaks a day or more after the attack and somehow tells how much heart damage occurred. There was apparently a lot of damage in my case, but I have not seen the numbers.
After about 28 hours at Kaiser/Downey hospital for observation, and being given the bad news and a stern temperance lecture by cardiologists, I was transferred to another new, large, Kaiser hospital in Hollywood for the actual operation and recovery. I spend a total of only two nights in hospitals.
Automated testing included blood pressure, O2 level in the blood, blood sugar and EKG. It seemed I was being poked several times an hour, day and night for additional blood tests. Those levels seemed rather nominal. There was a tangled mess of wires and tubes hanging from a "tree" on wheels that had to be unplugged, and taken from the bed to the bathroom when going to the toilet. Half the time, I was not allowed to go there and I had to pee in a weird shaped jar while lying horizontal. Sometimes I needed assistance for that, and that was not fun at all. There were many interruptions to take pills.
The actual angiogram and stent installation was the easy part, except for the last six hours after I was unhooked from the monitors and IV. The operation took just one hour, performed by two surgeons and an assistant, during which time I was fully conscious.
The worst part was having to lie almost motionless on an uncomfortable horizontal bed, without a pillow, in a chilly room during a pre-op and post-op period that lasted about ten hours. Blankets were provided on demand (preheated!), but there was a shortage of them. They said it was important that there be no body motion while the thinned blood resealed the femoral artery, where the catheter and the stent were inserted. A pressure pad with belt wrapped about the hips sealed the wound, after a skilled female technician withdrew the catheter and applied manual pressure to the groin area. I referred to this period and "being water boarded without the water". She was not amused. When I was finally allowed to eat, after 24 hours of fasting, I still had to remain horizontal for the first "meal" (apple juice through a straw and a small turkey sandwich). It tasted good.
Following discharge, I now have to take about ten kinds of pills per day (previously about six) , including Plavix,which (without medical insurance coverage) would cost $7 per pill. Fortunately, my retiree-benefit Medicare-plus insurance covers the lion's share of that, and all hospital charges. The Plavix is supposed to keep the stented artery area clear, and will have to be taken for six months. I will also need to take a larger daily dose of Lipitor and aspirin daily.
After the operation, for six hours, they would not let me use a pillow until after midnight. I could not sleep without a sleeping pill, so one was brought in a matter of minutes. Then, after midnight, I had a half-awake panic attack and tore off my wires and tubes to escape the bed. The on-duty male nurse thought I had gone crazy, and started asking me from a list of sanity/senility questions. He seemed to take it in stride however, made the bed, and hooked me up again, and let me sleep in a more comfortable position. I slept well after that.
The whole process was not fun, but the people were very courteous, professional and my life was probably saved and extended as a result. When I needed nurse assistance, which was often, I never had to wait more than one minute. I am indebted to both Kaiser and the 911 ambulance crew for the excellent care I was given. (This was my first time in an ambulance.) My wonderful wife Christa comforted me, dialed 911 and visited me often during this ordeal, fighting horrible LA County traffic. William Jr. also took time off work to visit.
I expect to get much more serious about weight reduction and limiting alcohol consumption to less than 1/3 the previous level. I now have a strong incentive to do so. Perhaps the attack was a "blessing in disguise". After about two weeks there will be followup visits to a cardiologist who was part of the Kaiser team, and to my "regular" Kaiser personal physician.
Math Tutor
Long before I became the Wizard I did math tutoring for extra money. I was just looking through my file cabinet for something and found this old flyer I used to put up at UMBC (Univ of Maryland, Baltimore County). The cartoon is one of my favorites from the Far Side. Click on the image for a larger version.
Comments
If I'm understanding the cartoon right, it's true, women LOVE a smart man!!
"Intregal"??????????????????????????????
DYSLEXICS OF THE WORLD UNTIE!!!!!!!!!!!!
My father had a heart attack this morning.
Pi day is off to a bad start. My mother told me my father suffered a pretty big heart attack this morning. He complained of chest pain, so my mother called 911 and the paramedics rushed him to the hospital. They gave him a lot of morphine to control the pain. I spoke to my father briefly and he is coherent. At this point I'm waiting to hear what happens next.My father is 74 and about 100 pounds overweight, so I was already braced for something like this to happen. Still, I hope to have him around for a while longer. I keep telling him to hold out for the total eclipse through the US on August 21, 2017. We're both eclipse chasers, and was hoping to enjoy that one with him.
When I have more information I'll provide an update.
Comments
You will be in my thoughts, All the best Michael.
Sorry to hear that, Mike. Where does he live? No matter where
it is its a good idea to go and see him as soon as you can.
Hope your father makes a full recovery. Best wishes.
Very sorry to hear this news. Know that modern medicine is on his side.
We'll keep your family in our thoughts and pray for a speedy recovery.
I will add your father to my prayer list. The really bad things about dads are they one come one to a customer. SIGH
I'm praying for his full recovery. It was nice having his expert knowledge of astrophysics on the board, and I look forward to more of his input in the future.
Not that you asked, but I think it would probably be good for your mom (and you), if you took some time to visit with them both right away. I don't know about taking the kids right away though. Maybe wait until he is stronger. When my Grandfather was hospitalized, I think it was better for my kids to wait to visit him when he was better, than to see him still connected to all the machines in the hospital.
Michael, my prayers are with your father for a speedy recovery and a return to normal.
So sorry to hear this Michael - I'll be saying a prayer for him.
Thanks for all the kind words and prayers everybody. You probably know I'm not a praying man, but I appreciate the sentiment. Who knows, you might even be right.
Nothing new to report at this time. I called my dad's cell phone, which my mom called me from, but it went to voice mail. This has me worried. Then again, maybe she was talking with one of my brothers.
Indeed, I should go down and visit with them both. However, I'm supposed to do my radio show tomorrow evening. On Friday afternoon we're going to prerecord the March 29 show, because Bob will be out of town. If I hear things are really serious I'll go down anyway. He lives in the Los Angeles, by the way, about 300 miles from here.
Sorry to hear that, Mike. You can take solace that the treatment for heart attacks is very advanced these days. My dad had a heart-valve replacement some years ago and everything turned out fine.
My thoughts are with you, Mike.
Thoughts and prayers to you and yours Wizard.
I echo what Nareed said. I've both lost relatives to heart attacks and had them see full recoveries. The most crucial time seems to be the first few minutes, so hopefully the fact that he was treated and stabilized means he'll make a full recovery.
I spoke with my mother this evening. They gave my dad a bunch of tests and are moving him to a hospital in Hollywood tomorrow. I'm don't know what happened or what will happen. Currently he is in one in Downey. My wife, who is a nurse, is not happy about the care he has received so far. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for all the kind words.
I was a medic during Vietnam War and wife was a CNA for several years. Scary how incompetent and/or uncaring professionals can be in the medical profession.
Just wanted to add my prayers to the litany of concern and care for your dad, you, and your whole family. May the Holy Spirit guide the hands of his doctors and nurses.
I don't pray much either but my thoughts are definitely with you Mike. Hoping for the best.
My thoughts are with you, Wiz. Be glad your mother made the call. That is so important and the person having the attack is usually the last who wants to call. Both my dad and my best friend in college dad had heart attacks and just felt "tired." In both cases a family member with some medical training said it was serious and both forced them to go to the hospital--and both were told this action saved their lives!
Progress report: My father is on his way to a surgical hospital in Hollywood. It is my understanding they will do an angiogram at 2:00. If it looks bad, they will do whatever operation needs to be done on the spot. He seems to be taking it all in stride and looks forward to seeing me and the family over spring break.
Thanks for the progress reports. You and him are both in my thoughts.
I've been through this myself. The #1 best thing is that he's currently alive. Seriously, not meant as "so obvious". Most people who die from heart attacks just flat out die from them; most of the rest who die, don't die immediately, but also don't really recover to the point where they can be in any kind of spirits.
I had a heart attack and bypass surgery 20 years ago, and I'm still around (and about 100lbs overweight). My dad had bypass surgery in '08, when he was 80; he's still around, and he had a stent put in a couple months ago. People die from it, sure. But they also survive.
Thanks for keeping us updated Mike. Again we are all pulling for your dad to make a quick recovery. Say goodbye to pasta and fried anything at your folk's place, you won't be having it there anymore...
I sincerely hope this turns out well for you, your father and your entire family. My thoughts are with you.
Hoping all turns out well for your dad.
Hi there. Just read your blog here. Hopefully everything went well today. Let me know if you come down this way. I wish your dad all the best.
Progress report: My dad had a stent put in yesterday and it went normally from what I hear, and he should be released today or tomorrow. Thanks again for all the kind words.
Great news, Michael!
I'm glad to hear he's on the mend. My father had stents, bypass surgery, a pacemaker and a defibrillator starting at age 50 and he lived well into his 80's. He was a tough guy who never complained. When WWII started, he joined the Navy and severed on a UDT for the duration.
Great news! I'm encouraged to hear that just one stent was required. All our best to him and your mom on a smooth recovery.
Thanks again. Hopefully the doctor will give him a stern lecture about losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle. He was a ticking time bomb.
I don't regularly read the blogs, so I am three days late noticing this topic. Sorry, to hear of your Dad's episode, and I hope he recovers quickly. I doubt my "prayers" would be very effective, but I am wishing the best for your entire family. Wishing, hoping, praying ... I'm not really sure of the differences, but maybe the united interest in your family's well being can sway the Jedi Force or whatever.
I - apparently - don't check the blog section often enough.
Glad to see that he's doing OK.
Best wishes.
Las Vegas Marathon
Yesterday I participated in the Las Vegas Half Marathon. Before I describe the event, here are some facts and figures from the Washington' rel='nofollow' target='_blank'>http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/peter-omae-wins-as-las-vegas-marathon-finishes-under-lights-for-first-time/2011/12/04/gIQArZHZUO_story.html]Washington Post:- Entrants: 44,000 (6,000 Marathon, 38,000 Half Marathon)
- Winnings times: Marathon 2:28:58, Half Marathon 1:03:12
- Spectators: 100,000
- Bands: 32
- Marathon start time: 4 p.m.
- Half marathon start time: 5:30 p.m.
- Map: See link
Before yesterday I did the full Las Vegas marathon in 2005 and the half marathon last year, which I wrote about in another blog entry. My time last year was 2:02:12. The main difference this year was the time. Last year it started at 7 a.m. This year the half marathon didn't start until 5:30 p.m., which is already at night. This is a change I applaud.
Unlike last year I got to leave home at a reasonable hour. To say parking is difficult would be an understatement. I did the same thing I did last year. Hopefully not too many people will read this to ruin the idea. I parked at the executive airport, which is where people go for helicopter tours and those fortunate enough to travel by private jet. It would be about a 20-minute walk to the Mandalay Bay, but I did it by bicycle, locking my bike to a lamp post in the island in the middle of Las Vegas Blvd..
As usual with me, I arrived early. I can't stand people who are habitually late. In an effort not to be them, I always assume I will arrive three standard deviations more than the mean travel time. Of course I'm usually early, which gives me a little free time. I used the time to say hi to some old familiar faces from the Mandalay Bay from when I used to play there a lot. I also had the displeasure to watch the Giants lose to the Packers in the Mandalay sports book. I had a pretty big bet on the Giants on the money line.
At about 5:10 p.m. I left the Mandalay to find my corral. My bib number was 7342, which put me in corral number 7. It was not easy getting there. By the time I arrived to the right general area the course was already full of runners. So I waited with many others outside the railings for the race to start, to have room to squeeze in. There is no reason to rush, because every runner has a timing chip on their shoelaces, recording their own personal starting and ending times.
Due to the 38,000 people running the half marathon the runners were stacked up quite a ways. The organizers did a good job in avoiding a stampede by leading the corrals up one at a time. When any given corral reached the start line they got out of the way and let them run. While the official start time was 5:30 I cross the start line at 5:37.
At first the course was crowded. When signing up they ask you to estimate your time. I put 2:00. It was clear that the vast majority of people in my corral, who would have put about the same thing, were not in 2:00 shape. I was passing about ten people for every one who passed me. It was not easy passing anybody at all at first, due to overcrowding. However, I did my best to look for openings and must confess I used the marathon lane as a passing lane quite a bit.
Given the huge number of participants one has to expect a certain degree of crowding. However, what was unnecessarily contributed to the problem was groups of 3 or 4 people running side by side, and not keeping up with the general pace for where they were at. Those impeding traffic in such a way were women -- 100% of the time. Gals, how about running single file next time?
It was not until about the Stratosphere when the crowd thinned out enough to be able to run more or less straight ahead and not having to weave around people. Based on my experience I think most runners were less than truthful in putting down their estimated time. I admit that I overestimated my time. Still, I think the median time for those estimating 2:00 was probably about 2:20.
Another annoyance, although this one was justifiable, where the marathon people sharing the course, who had started earlier. They put up cones to give them a special lane, but the half marathon runners often spilled over into it. I was running amongst some fast marathon runners, with times around the 3:15 point. They were constantly yelling "Half marathon, stay to the right!" I'm sure if they were pretty livid about it.
In retrospect, I think the way they did it last year was better, where everybody started at the same time and the marathon runners added their additional 13 miles at the end. This way runners were more headed together by speed level, and you didn't mix together fast marathon runners with slow half runners.
While I complain a lot about the congestion, a big turnout also makes for a fun race. Anything seems to be more fun if others are enjoying the same thing with you. There is definitely a contact euphoria in running a race with 44,000 other people, with 100,000 watching. I'd also like to say a good word for the planning. This year there were lots of refreshment stands and bathrooms didn't seem to be an issue.
This year the course went down the Strip, turned onto Main Street by the Stratosphere, and then made lots of turns in downtown Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the course didn't go through Fremont street this year. Actually, we did run along it for a short while, but not the part with the canopy. The closest we came was running down Fremont from the El Cortez to the Western.
I was feeling good and had no aches or pains slowing me down. When we crossed the half way point downtown I felt as if I was being too conservative with my energy so ramped up my speed a bit. Through the second half I felt that I had plenty of energy but I can only run so fast. Unlike last year where I was running low on steam towards the end, I kept increasing mine.
To backtrack, I have maintained half-marathon condition since the previous half marathon. With some exceptions, I have run a half marathon on my own on a weekly basis ever since. So, I was definitely in better shape and had more energy than last time.
As I got to about the New York New York I went into almost a sprint to burn off as much energy as I could. This was the moment I had trained a whole year for, so I was going to give it my best shot. At this point it seemed the general pace of where I was at unraveled. Some people evidently ran out of steam and were walking while others like me finished off with a bang.
So, how did I do? My time was 1:49:37. I'm sure that means nothing to those who don't run, so let's put that in perspective.
For my age and gender group (men, age 45-49) I finished in 186th place out of 1,566. So, I beat 88.2% of men my age. The range for my group was 1:15:18-4:29:40.
For all men, I finished 1,670th out of 10,725. So, I beat 84.4% of all men. Not bad, eh?!
Overall I had a great time and am happy I did it. I could just run 13 miles on my own for free anytime, but it is just exciting and fun to do it in a huge group. I'm sure I'll do it again next year.
Comments
Great job Wizard! If you could have started with the elites, and did not have to deal with weaving around the slow packs, what would you have estimated as your "true" time? Did the cold affect you?
I've done a couple of larger runs (not as big as this one) and I wish there was some sort of lane discipline/ettitquette where if you decide to slow down/walk you move over to the left/right. But it is fun to run in a big group and it seems to drag out the best times.
As for your time... nice work.
I can't imagine being able to run 21k, and not at 5m15 pace. I can't even run 1 km at that pace. My own personal goal is to do 10k in under an hour at the big 10k race here.
Q: Great job Wizard! If you could have started with the elites, and did not have to deal with weaving around the slow packs, what would you have estimated as your "true" time? Did the cold affect you?
A: Thanks! Not that you suggested it, but I oppose lying too excessively to be among faster runners. I wouldn't feel badly about estimate 5-10 minutes less, which should put you in about the right pace group, due to everybody else underestimating their time. If you overdo it then YOU will get in other people's way. If I was truly unencumbered by other runners, then I could have probably shaved off another three minutes or so. Despite all my complaining, I was still going at my desired speed most of the time, I just had to weave around people and sometimes slow down around due to a slow cluster. Also, the more people, the more of a "contact high" you get, which improves speed. On my weekly practice runs my time tended to be right around 2:00.
Nice job. And great report.
It's weird that I never bothered to wonder how cars get around when other marathons take place (although living in northern NJ, I know enough to avoid New York City when they have theirs). But my heart is so much into Vegas, looking at the route map caused me to wonder how much of a hastle is it for cars to get around. Since you were running, I don't expect you to know....
Also, I notice on the map, two spots labeled "GU Energy Station." What's that?
There was signage all weekend about the Strip shutdown during the marathon. I think most people knew about it and just avoided the Strip during those hours. For those who had to get to or leave a Strip hotel, there are back entrances, like on Industrial and Audrie.
When I ran the whole marathon in 2005, which made a huge rectangle, one could overhear drivers at stop points furious about it. At that time the LV Marathon was not a regular thing, and it evidently caught a lot of drivers by surprise. Those who had to travel from or to the enclosed rectangle pretty much had to use the 95 as the only way in and out.
I think it is getting to be like New Years Eve, where Las Vegas is just expecting to not use the Strip for driving during marathon hours.
The Wizard is Awesome! In spite of your very nice description of the event, I am totally floored about your stat: 10,725 men total? Does that mean there were 27, 275 women? That is wacky!! No wonder they were all clumped together, blocking your passage. (And I am female and DON'T run in a clump, that sounds really annoying.)
@DJTeddyBear: Although I didn't run this race, a GU station is where they give you free GU, the electrolyte/carb/protein gel that many runners like to take during longer races. I personally am not a huge fan of the stuff, but it is very easy to digest, so it does help you keep your energy high if you are running more than 90 minutes.
Thanks for the kind words Amy. Good question about the number of women. I checked the results and in the half marathon 12,072 men finished and 21,051 women. So, it would seem that 4,877 people didn't show up or finish. Still, 64% of people who finished were women. Good job ladies! Thanks for not chastising me over my remark about the ones who run side by side.
I'm hoping you'll make a pledge to run next year, so we can all bet on how you'll do.
Be advised: One group of runners complained of severe cramps after ingesting event-provided drinking water, sought ambulance transport to hospital but were told to either use the portapotties or keep running. Drinking water was from the fire hydrant (routine practice at such events) into a large plastic container into which dozens of people later dipped drinking cups by hand. The large plastic container evolves a substance the first time it gets wet but this appears not to have been placarded. LVRJ does not seem to be pressing the matter or seeking identity of specific chemicals involved.
Buenos Aires
I was in Buenos Aires for five days earlier this month. My report has just been posted on my new Odds site: Buenos Aires trip report. These trip reports take a long time to put together so I hope you'll have a look. I welcome all comments and questions.Comments
Great report, and very useful! I look forward to the Igazu Falls episode.
Argentinia calls the Falklands Islas Malvinas. Maldives are something else entirely.
Thanks for that spelling correction. Yes, Iguzau Falls, as well as Punta del Este (Uruguay) and a separate page on casinos are coming next. These things take a while to put together, so be patient.
Thanks, Wiz. My daughter is there right now with some of her friends, it gives me some idea of where she is.
And apparently neither one of us can spell Iguazu correctly :)
You forgot the accent ;-). It should be Iguazú. Never mind the spelling on the Brazil side.
Thanks for that Wizard. I enjoyed it very much. You have a great "voice" when it comes to describing your adventures and observations, that I can really relate to.
I note that there is a reference to an image of a form for refunding the VAT, but no image, nor link.
The guy in the picture at the airport looks like Argentine tennis pro Agustin Calleri. Argentina is playing in the Davis Cup. I'm not sure though, since Calleri is retired, and not on their current Davis Cup team roster.
Quote:I don't think many Americans make it down to Buenos Aires to cause a bad reputation
should be "I don't think many Americans make it down"
Quote:I don't think many Americans make it down to Buenos Aires to cause a bad reputation
should be "I don't think many enough Americans make it down to Buenos Aires to cause a bad reputation" ?
Very entertaining article.
As to your comment about white people, Argentines are more white than Americans. Argentina had a very small indigenous population at the time of conquest. In addition, in the Argentina was second only to the US in the numbers of European immigrants received in the 19th century (mostly Italy and Spain).About 86% of Argentina's population self-identify as being of European descent while only 64% of American describe themselves as white, not hispanic. While the overwhelming majority of Mexicans think of themselves as Mestizo, only 1 in 12 Argentines are Mestizo.
My understanding is that only about 1/3 million Americans go to Argentina in a year. Since you went through Mexico City, did you fly Aeromexico?
sorry about posting before getting it right. BTW at your WoO site, I suggest that instead of a non-working search section that you have a box suggesting people use google. In the google search, simply add 'wizard of odds' to the item you are looking for. This will bring it up every time.
I don't think enough Americans make it down to Buenos Aires to cause a bad reputation
I think that Americans are extremely aware of the stereotype of the "Ugly American" traveler, which actually dates back to the late '40s. Many of them go out of their way to be culturally sensitive and polite. In my experience, the Germans are the worst, followed by Russians. Of course, being from the USA in Latin America will set some people on edge. But in general, I assume that Americans are much better behaved than decades ago.
In Oaxaca I thought people were very sensitive about class and race than about nationality. A political protest picture would invariably show the white President of Mexico shaking hands with the white President of the USA or Canada. They would go out of their way to photo shop them so that they look similar.
Thanks for all the additional comments. Juan Ignacio Chela does seem like a good guess.
I can say that the man was tall. Argentine men I think average a bit shorter than American men, and this guy definitely towered over the reporters, some of whom were women. Wikipedia says Chela is 6'3", which sounds about right for whoever I saw.
I agree, most American travelers are well behaved. Personally, I behave better when overseas, wanting to project a good image for my country. A friend of mine said he overheard somebody telling a Montreal hostess (in French, I presume), "Please sit me away from the Americans."
Congratulations for the fair review on Buenos Aires! it was a pretty dense and complete one, and I must say it witt the autority of someone who lived in BsAs for almost two months! You picked up the nice spots to show everyone, that was great. I think that it might be said that Puerto Madero gathers the most famous restaurants in town, including Cabaña las Lilas that is known as the best bife de chorizo of the whole world. I am glad you also had the opportunity to go to Puerto Iguazu and Punta del Este. They both have amazing casinos, Casino Iguazu is the one that I go the most since there are no casinos in Brazil. They comp me a room and BF about three times an year. In Punta Conrad is much more upscale, but still a nice choice! I am waiting on the next part!
Btw, in Brazil, our border city is called Foz do Iguaçu. But I guess you guys do not have the 'ç' .
In Argentina it is Iguazú.
Comments
Thank you for the write up Bill (or is it better to call you Wizard's Dad?). You gave us quite a scare. We are all relieved that you are still here to tell the tale. I enjoyed your input on the board before, and look forward to more in the future.
Glad to hear that you are alright. To your continued good health and long life.
Glad to hear you're doing OK.
I sought no treatment for my first heart attack but I recently went to the local ER for what I thought was COPD exacerbation. I too had the angiogram and stent procedure but was knocked out on versed at the time and later the femoral artery was plugged by a bio-absorbable wedge. Ambulance ride was fun, I offered to drive but assured them I would stop at every donut and liquor store enroute. The medic was actually an air-evacuation medic and so we discussed some aviation issues. I had just come off a wide-open flow of heparin so my brain was having fun with images and associations. I hate that plastic jug too but sometimes they need to know the volume of urine output.
Nurses were generally nice in my situation but initially I was in a semi private room and the other guy was a lying jerk who made their jobs rough on them. I always pity the nurses who work night shifts, despite their differentials. Nurses didn't like my correcting their pronunciation of some of the drugs or asking how they calculated that dosage. One very young nurse asked why I used "medspeak" terms such as glucose, ambulatory, etc. I laughed at the low quantity and low quality meals, woke up just prior to 4am blood draw and snuck a smuggled tangerine or two and then they would get my glucose results and wonder about me. Protocols be damned!
I'm on various cardiac pills and get a lung function test soon. Generally pleasant memories, but I sure wish they wouldn't always give me a box of tissues. I happen to know its billed out at 1,200.00, even if its half empty.
And why do we need those wires hooked up ALL the time, can't we just unsnap them, have a shower, and then re-snap the wires?
Dr. Shackleford, from one ME+Physics guy to another, it's good to hear that you made it through and have a path to recovery. Mike needs you around not just as a father but as a resource for this site -- he has too many cases of geeks and making-it-up-as-they-go-along experts telling everyone what's up, but they seem to fall in line when he cites you as his reference/arbitrator on matters of physics. Best of luck (i.e., hi positive EV and low variance) for the future.