Spryte Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 Our hospitals are full of Covid patients plus the everyday stuff. It’s too much for our local hospitals to handle both. This is a nightmare. My mom fell, and has probably broken some bones (shoulder, elbow, needs CT of head, and hip hurts, too). EMTs carried her down the stairs and the ambulance was rerouted because the hospital close to us is not taking patients. There’s no room at the hospital where they brought us either, so she’s (uncomfortably) in a wheelchair. We are in a packed waiting room with about 80 people. There is a Covid waiting room, but triage nurse advised us that many in ours also have Covid. It’s impossible to distance. We are masked, and just … waiting. Nurse said the patient that’s been here longest has been waiting for 6.5 hours. Most people are masked. A few are not. The kids and babies are not. Its such a nightmare. And I can’t do a thing to help her pain. Or confusion. Going to be a long night. 79 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 Oh, Spryte. That's awful. Your poor Mom. And you. I'm sorry. I hope she is seen ASAP and that everything turns out OK. 😢😢 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewnameC Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 I’m so sorry to hear this. I hope that she (and you) will be moved to imaging soon. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 Oh no! I’m so sorry this is happening to you and your mom!!! 😢 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 My sister had slurred speech, difficulty speaking and made the mistake of going to a standalone ER. They didn't have the equipment to do a MRI and no hospital with the ability was taking transfers. She was speaking clearly and had no risk factors for a stroke So they went home with the diagnosis that it was NOT a stroke and to follow up with their doctors. Finally, on Friday, they got in with a MRI and found out she HAD had a stroke. 1 34 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkTulip Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 I’m so sorry! I’m sure that is so frustrating and infuriating. Hoping she can get the care she needs quickly and that all of you can stay Covid-free. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 @Spryte I'm so sorry. Best wishes to you and your whole family. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 I'm so sorry! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 So sad for your mum Hugs 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted September 2, 2021 Author Share Posted September 2, 2021 Thanks for the good thoughts. It’s a horror show. The Covid waiting room has overflowed, and the main room has some of the sickest people I’ve ever seen. One woman in particular is terribly ill, constant coughing and vomiting. Obviously she’s not masking. I feel so badly for her, but worried for everyone else here. Trusting my mask and vaccine. 32 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa Louise Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 I'm so sorry. That is a nightmare. Sending good thoughts that your mom gets seen soon. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 Ugh! That sounds horrible! I wish they could at least find a bed for the woman who is vomiting -- both for her comfort and for others' safety. I hope your masks protect you and your mom and that your vaccines are effective. I wish you were able to wait in the car and be called when they are ready to see your mom. It is ridiculous that people have to sit in a crowded waiting room with contagious patients!!! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted September 2, 2021 Author Share Posted September 2, 2021 (edited) 17 minutes ago, Catwoman said: Ugh! That sounds horrible! I wish they could at least find a bed for the woman who is vomiting -- both for her comfort and for others' safety. I hope your masks protect you and your mom and that your vaccines are effective. I wish you were able to wait in the car and be called when they are ready to see your mom. It is ridiculous that people have to sit in a crowded waiting room with contagious patients!!! I wish we could wait elsewhere, too. We came by ambulance, and then got dumped in the waiting room, or I would try for the car. The poor woman has an unbelievable cough, and vomiting every twenty minutes. She’s crying for help, and it’s killing me not to get her help. What a horrible situation. This has really enlightened me about what it truly means to have overcrowded hospitals. Edited September 2, 2021 by Spryte 24 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted September 2, 2021 Author Share Posted September 2, 2021 Tiny update: we are in a curtained area! My mom is already in a CT scan. And they have ordered some pain meds for her, thank goodness. 35 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted September 2, 2021 Author Share Posted September 2, 2021 Oh my, though, the Very Ill woman is now two curtains down. Poor thing. I hope they give her something soon. 15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 (((Spryte))) I'm just now seeing this -- up in the middle of the night with insomnia and hoping to get to sleep soon. But I wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you and your mom. I'm so sorry. How scary that the ERs are so full. I hope that your mom gets good care. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted September 2, 2021 Author Share Posted September 2, 2021 1 minute ago, Junie said: (((Spryte))) I'm just now seeing this -- up in the middle of the night with insomnia and hoping to get to sleep soon. But I wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you and your mom. I'm so sorry. How scary that the ERs are so full. I hope that your mom gets good care. Thanks. You’ll know the hospitals … S is full, rerouting patients. MW is a madhouse. I hope you can sleep soon! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 I tried to send you a PM, but it didn't go through. Trying to not get into too many details on the public board. Hoping that you and your mom can get some sleep tonight. 😞 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted September 2, 2021 Author Share Posted September 2, 2021 I’ll clear out my box. Thanks, and hoping you get some sleep! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 (edited) 3 minutes ago, Spryte said: Thanks. You’ll know the hospitals … I hope you can sleep soon! Yes, I'm familiar with the madhouse. Years ago I had to take my ds to the ER during the Swine Flu. He was exhibiting similar symptoms that turned out to be a ruptured appendix. But, yes, I've seen how crazy it can get there. 😞 Edited September 2, 2021 by Junie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSera Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 I’m so sorry. This is truly awful. I’m so glad she is being seen now and hope you two don’t have to be there much longer, and that your masks have kept you protected. It shouldn’t be like this 😥 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 (edited) 36 minutes ago, Spryte said: Tiny update: we are in a curtained area! My mom is already in a CT scan. And they have ordered some pain meds for her, thank goodness. I was coming by to check in on you both. I have had some very, very long nights in ERs, it is so miserable. I am sorry you are having to wait so long, and that your mama is hurt. I hope they can get you both feeling better and on your way home for some sweet dreams soon. ((((hugs for you)))) and ( ( ( super soft air hugs for her) ) ) Edited September 2, 2021 by Tap 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 Oh, that sounds so awful. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted September 2, 2021 Author Share Posted September 2, 2021 Broken arm. Still waiting on hip X-ray and CT of head. Sigh. 20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 I’m sorry. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa Louise Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 Just checking in to see how it's going. Hope you get other results quickly. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted September 2, 2021 Author Share Posted September 2, 2021 1 minute ago, Melissa Louise said: Just checking in to see how it's going. Hope you get other results quickly. Thanks. Still waiting on more results. They decided to X-ray lower back and the other hip. Just waiting. Feeling pretty traumatized listening to the cries for help from the other curtain. It’s rough. Hopefully we will go home soon. 29 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa Louise Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 1 minute ago, Spryte said: Thanks. Still waiting on more results. They decided to X-ray lower back and the other hip. Just waiting. Feeling pretty traumatized listening to the cries for help from the other curtain. It’s rough. Hopefully we will go home soon. I hope so. That's very tough; caring and advocating for your own person, but witnessing others suffer too. ED truly is hell-like at times. Hope you can find some inner respite. Sending hugs and hopes that you've left for home soon xx 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 I am so sorry. I hope you’re out of there soon and mom is on the road to recovery. I wish I had something helpful to say about processing that whole experience. 😔 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted September 2, 2021 Author Share Posted September 2, 2021 Thanks for all the support! Next set of X-rays were fine. I think they will discharge her soon, just ordering a few things (sling, different walker). Woman across the hall is awaiting Covid results, and I can’t wait to get out of this place. 25 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eos Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 So so sorry. Holding you both in the light, and the woman across the hall too. Hope you can get some rest soon. Can you get an Uber or a friend to take you home? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Innisfree Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 I'm so sorry, the whole experience sounds harrowing. Hope you'll be home soon and able to rest, and your mom more comfortable. Gentle hugs to both of you. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 That is a nightmare. I am so sorry. I hope you are home and getting some sleep now. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 ugh. One more thing that people need to think about, when they say they aren't worried about Covid because they personally have very little exposure. People on this board have said they don't worry about it because they work from home, etc. Ok...but what if you break an arm or are in a car accident and end up in the hospital waiting room! As you are describing, it is a very high risk environment. People who are unvaccinated are going to be in trouble. And a LOT of hospitals are overwhelmed like this. I know ours are. My husband won a crazy 1 wheel skateboard thing, which we nicknamed the death scooter, and we purposely are not letting anyone ride it except during ours the orthopedic walk in clinic is open. That way if someone falls and gets hurt they can go there, not the ER. (and helmets, pads, etc - when they tried it the first time I yelled, "no head injuries!!!! Ortho won't treat those and I'm not taking y'all to the ER!!!) 16 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEmama Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 I’m just seeing all this now… @Spryte I’m so so sorry for your poor mother and that you all had to endure such a hellish night. I fear for everyone in that ER, and in hospitals everywhere in this country. I’m glad to hear she is getting discharged; I wish her well and I hope you all stayed HEALTHY. Keeping you in my thoughts. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Tiggywinkle Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 My local ER has been averaging a 7 hour wait and we’ve been the busiest on the ambulance that we’ve ever been. We’re still seeing only a small number of Covid patients compared to the overall numbers, but I swear there’s something in the air. We are seeing huge numbers of RSV in adults though. 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted September 2, 2021 Author Share Posted September 2, 2021 Well, you won’t believe this. We are back at another ER. With much help, we got her into the car from the wheelchair to bring her home. A security guard lifted her in. Arrived home and she is absolutely unable to walk. I can’t tell if it’s pain, fear, or that she has forgotten how, but she cannot lift either foot even a tad bit. Stands only with assistance. She never made it even a step past where we helped put her feet down out of the car. Her feet would not move. It feels like she’s had a stroke. DH called the closer hospital to see if they were taking patients. They said to bring her in. We couldn’t get her back in the car, so it was another ambulance ride. But we are in a room with a door. She is sleeping in a bed. And it’s so much cleaner at this hospital. Feels less harrowing. I honestly don’t know what’s going on or what to do with this inability to walk. It’s out of the blue. She doesn’t even use a cane normally. So please … Wish us luck again! 1 54 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drama Llama Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 (edited) ... Edited October 28, 2021 by Nothingtoseehere 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 Oh I’m so sorry! How awful to get through it just to have to go right back. I hope everything is ok. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoo Keeper Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 Praying for you and your mom right now.., 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
historically accurate Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 I hope you are home and resting. What a traumatizing night for you and your mother. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasProud Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 Oh Spryte. Praying! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 (((Spryte))) I'm so sorry. 😞 Praying still. Did you get any sleep at all? And your poor mom... Hoping that there is an easy explanation/solution to her not being able to walk. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acadie Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 Sending all good energy and prayers for your mom and you, @Spryte, and for your sister, @vonfirmath. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indigo Blue Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 So sorry, Spryte. My thoughts are with you and your mom. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted September 2, 2021 Author Share Posted September 2, 2021 38 minutes ago, Junie said: (((Spryte))) I'm so sorry. 😞 Praying still. Did you get any sleep at all? And your poor mom... Hoping that there is an easy explanation/solution to her not being able to walk. No sleep yet. We are now at S hospital, I just couldn’t face the other one again. Update: Doc has ordered a CT of the pelvis. And he just about made me cry when he said, “if she can’t walk, I won’t send her home, even if I don’t figure out why.” They will get her a caseworker and rehab if needed. Thank goodness. I had a real panic attack when she couldn’t walk at all, in our driveway. So hopefully we will get answers, and it will be fixable, and she will recover quickly. At least it feels like she’s in good hands. 40 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted September 2, 2021 Author Share Posted September 2, 2021 1 hour ago, BaseballandHockey said: When RSV is high in your community, do you typically see a lot of it in adults in the ER? I feel as though this year I am hearing a lot about RSV and adults, whereas my understanding in the past was that healthy older children and adults generally didn't exhibit enough symptoms that they got tested (e.g. they presented like a cold). We were told that one of the reasons RSV is such a risk to kids like my middle kid is that people who have it think they have a regular cold and don't stay home. This year, I'm hearing so many reports of RSV in adults, if perhaps covid is making people's lungs more vulnerable? Does that match with what you're seeing? Or is it just that rates overall are much higher than during RSV season in other years, or you're referring to elderly medically vulnerable patients? I am wondering the same about RSV. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 1 minute ago, Spryte said: No sleep yet. We are now at S hospital, I just couldn’t face the other one again. Update: Doc has ordered a CT of the pelvis. And he just about made me cry when he said, “if she can’t walk, I won’t send her home, even if I don’t figure out why.” They will get her a caseworker and rehab if needed. Thank goodness. I had a real panic attack when she couldn’t walk at all, in our driveway. So hopefully we will get answers, and it will be fixable, and she will recover quickly. At least it feels like she’s in good hands. Oh, this is so good that the doctor isn't just going to give up and send her home! Sending hugs. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HS Mom in NC Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 Sorry you're going through all that. Your poor mom. Here in Raleigh the wait, as of last week, was 12+ hours to be seen. Neighbor is an ER nurse at a major medical center. They had 142 people waiting in the ER then. People have thrown punches at him and accused him of not caring about their wait. 90% are unvaccinated. They expect it to peak at the end of this month. There are smaller towns on the SE coast are a 3 day wait for a room. 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted September 2, 2021 Share Posted September 2, 2021 2 hours ago, ktgrok said: ugh. One more thing that people need to think about, when they say they aren't worried about Covid because they personally have very little exposure. People on this board have said they don't worry about it because they work from home, etc. Ok...but what if you break an arm or are in a car accident and end up in the hospital waiting room! As you are describing, it is a very high risk environment. People who are unvaccinated are going to be in trouble. And a LOT of hospitals are overwhelmed like this. I know ours are. My husband won a crazy 1 wheel skateboard thing, which we nicknamed the death scooter, and we purposely are not letting anyone ride it except during ours the orthopedic walk in clinic is open. That way if someone falls and gets hurt they can go there, not the ER. (and helmets, pads, etc - when they tried it the first time I yelled, "no head injuries!!!! Ortho won't treat those and I'm not taking y'all to the ER!!!) This is so funny......I don't know how many times during this Pandemic I have said 'be careful, we can't go to the ER.' It was a concern to me from the beginning and I can imagine it would be compounded if I had small children. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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