Hospital

Well a trip to hospital was not on my “to do” list.  But I guess that is one of the joys of getting older.  It is too easy to forget things I need to do.  Things ain’t what they used to be.
Once upon a time I could work for days with no ill effect.  This time it was two days.  I was actually more bone weary after the first day.  The second had felt like a breeze, but little did I know.
Tests done at the hospital revealed it was dehydration I was suffering from.  I know I had not been drinking enough water.  It really needs to be done whether I feel like it or not.
I got head spins when I got out of my chair.  Since the stroke I am used to head spins.  I made it down the hall before I collapsed.  Really the collapse was worthy of an academy award.  I did not mean to puncture the plasterboard wall with my head but did.
Poor Merril.  She heard the noise and found me lying unconscious in the hall.  Apparently, I had no pulse and looked very grey.  I can only tell you this as it is what I heard later.  I was unconscious and totally unaware of my surroundings.
At that point triple 000 was called.  I passed out three times it seems.  I was on the floor when the ambulance people arrived.  They were really good.  They did all these initial tests and took me to an emergency ward.  How they manipulated the trolley bed in the home was a wonder to behold.
I was cold and asked for a blanket.  The guy said no wonder I was cold with the air con straight on me.  He gave me a blanket.  It looked like one folded in half unopened.  It was only in hospital when they gave me the same sort of blanket and I tried but could not open it I realized this was how the blankets were.
In the hospital it was the not knowing what was going on that got to me.  Was I waiting for a bed to become available or were they doing tests to determine if I would go home or not?  I did not know.  I was hoping I could go home.  Never has my own bed seemed so appealing.
I was really uncomfortable.  I could not get warm.  I had all sorts of things attached to me.  I could not roll on my side without effecting some tube.  I was thankful though when the doctor brought me a cup of water, as I was really thirsty.  They had me on fluids.  That really was a key.  I needed more liquid.
I was totally wondering if I would ever get to sleep when close to three am the doctor woke me to say the tests showed I could go home.  I rang Merril.  Her sister was with her and they came and got me.
Strangely (or so I like to make out) I was not believed when I said to Merril I would need a bell to be able to summons her anytime or that the doctor suggested Merril’s response needed to be one of “your every wish is my command.”  Still, I can only try.
Merril is very relieved as are a number of others.  I am not allowed to do anything for a few days.  Here I was on a roll to.  I am chafing at the bit, but I reckon this is one of those times others know best.