So Friday afternoon, Hubby goes to the doctor for a check-up (because we finally have health insurance again, did I mention that?). We expect that he will get a long lecture about his blood pressure and a couple of prescriptions.
Instead, I get a phone call from the perky receptionist. “Mrs.Jerseygirl? Your husband wanted me to call you and let you know that he’s on his way to the emergency room”
Me: “What? Why? “
Receptionist, in an upbeat voice that should be used to sell juicers on late night infomercials: ” Well, he had very high blood pressure when he came in and his EKG was abnormal so an ambulance is taking him to the ER at Valley. He wanted me to let you know that your car is still at the doctor’s office. But you can meet him at the ER, if you want.”
So for a little while, I just stand in my kitchen. Then I realize I can’t erase the past few minutes, so I call my parents.
They rush up here so that my mom can stay with the kids, who are napping, and my dad can take me to our car. The doctor calls while they are on the way to explain things a bit better but all I really remember about that is that he says Hubby will be fine. And that some big shot cardiologist will be seeing him at the hospital.
It feels like forever until I get to the ER and the sullen guy in reception directs me to Hubby. Hubby is alone and loopy looking. I want to cry, but I don’t. I don’t think that will help. Various doctors come in and chat as we hold hands. An ultradsound tech comes in to do an ultrasound of his heart. I babble.
The cardiologist tells us that Hubby did not have a heart attack, but he is concerned. Between the super high blood pressure and something off about the left side of his heart, they are keeping him over night.
My parents keep the kids and I stay with Hubby until is settled in his room and feeling less loopy - many hours later.
That night, I drive home sobbing.
Even though it is now Monday, Hubby is still in the hospital.
They’ve been concerned about his potassium levels. They’re trying to figure out what’s wrong with his heart. They’re trying to find the best drugs for keeping his blood pressure down. At least, that’s what I think. There have been so many doctors, and a lot of them have very thick accents. It’s hard to follow.
Hubby is stir crazy and stressing about all of the work he is missing. I feel like I will break if one thing goes wrong. And by wrong, I mean if I drop a plate. Ironflower and Lovebug seem to be handling things okay - provided I don’t scar them with my short temper.
So, I apologize for not reading your blog or answering your comments lately. I’ll be back soon.
On a brighter note, the houseguests have left.
26 responses so far ↓
Marjorie // April 7, 2008 at 9:24 am
I wish you and your husband well. Thank God for modern technology and medicine. Take care of yourself as well
Karly // April 7, 2008 at 10:00 am
Oh, thank goodness he went to the doctor on Friday. I’ll be praying for you and hubby. Hang in there.
Becky // April 7, 2008 at 10:04 am
Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry. It’s so scary.
Let me know if you need anything. Give your husband a big assed hug from me.
Cass // April 7, 2008 at 10:31 am
How scary! Well thank goodness you have health insurance now and he’s getting the medicine he needs to get better. Saying a prayer for you all.
AndreAnna // April 7, 2008 at 10:53 am
Very scary! Hope they figure it out and get him busted out of there soon. I send my best good voodoo vibes.
Meredith // April 7, 2008 at 11:01 am
That is so scary! I hope he’s ok and gets to come home soon! You’ll be in my prayers.
Thalia's Child // April 7, 2008 at 11:21 am
Oh my god, honey, do *not* apologize for not reading blogs. My thoughts and prayers are headed straight to Mr. Jerseygirl and you and the kids.
Also, thank god the houseguests are gone. Like you really needed all that stress on top of everything else.
Much love!!
Mama DB // April 7, 2008 at 11:58 am
Good grief, girl. At the very least I’m glad the houseguests are gone. I’m also glad you have family close by to swoop in and give you a hand.
matteroffactmommy // April 7, 2008 at 1:11 pm
CRIPES! thanks for taking the time to let us know what’s going on… best of luck to you and the family…
keep us posted.
Jen // April 7, 2008 at 1:44 pm
In situations like this I don’t think you’re allowed to apologize for not reading blogs and answering comments. I hope your husband is feeling better very soon and that everything gets back on track.
Lottifish // April 7, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Hang in there. I can only imagine how hard this is on the whole family but you’ll feel so much better when your hubby is back up and you KNOW he’s fine.
LunaNik // April 7, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Oh sweetpea, I hope everything is ok with your Hubby. Sending lots of healing and calming vibes thru the blogosphere.
And, hooray for your houseguest leaving!
Kathryn // April 7, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I was thinking as I read this that if the houseguests have not left already now would be the time to kick them out.
I’m so sorry for your stressful weekend. I hope everything is fine with your husband. Please keep us informed if you have a sec.
Prayers for your hubby and you.
feener // April 7, 2008 at 5:24 pm
holy cow !! sounds like it was a good thing he went in and now they can find the problem and correct it. i am sure it will all be fine. hang in there
Leslie // April 7, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I’ve been behind on blogs, so I didn’t read this until now…so the e-mail I sent you this morning asking you to do me a favor is going to seem super-insensitive. I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize all of this was going on!
You and your family are in my thoughts. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
silken // April 7, 2008 at 8:36 pm
hope all is improving. I will keep you and hubby in my prayers!
Cris // April 7, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Oh Jerseygirl…I will keep you and your family in my thoughts. Take care of yourself during all this - expecially with your precious cargo!
Jenni // April 7, 2008 at 8:57 pm
I will be praying for you all!
anglophilefootballfanatic // April 7, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Oh, goodness J. I’m praying for your sanity & his tests to come back normal. Thank the Lord, the house guests vacated! Keep us posted.
Reiza // April 7, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Oh, I hope you get good news and quickly. You’ll be in my thoughts.
so tired // April 7, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Wow, hubby sure went pretty far just to get rid of those house guests.
Just kidding, of course. That insurance came at just the right time. I hope everything works out for him. Try not to stress yourself out too much. I’d rather he stay in the hospital until they know for sure everything is a ok, than come home prematurely.
Jess // April 7, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Oh, Mama. I am thinking of you right now and really, really, really sending some serious prayers (or chants or meditations, whatever you prefer…
.
You are so strong, and so wonderful. Keep strong.
mkate // April 8, 2008 at 10:37 am
I am sorry to hear about your husband– but glad that you have health insurance and that he went to the doctor.
I hope that they have figured out what it going on with him and that he will be home soon.
Please let me know if there is anyway I can help.
irishsof // April 8, 2008 at 1:07 pm
My thoughts are with you guys right now. *sneds you hugs across jersey*
HRH // April 8, 2008 at 1:25 pm
How awful! You must be frantic with worry. So sorry. Glad you have help with the kids and really, really glad you are home without guests. Sending hugs and prayers…
Merry // April 8, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Only you would end a post like this with the line like, “On a brighter note, the houseguests are gone.” You’re my hero
Take care of you and try not to worry (I know it’s impossible but try it anyway) - many hugs hopes and prayers… let us know how you’re doing when you can.
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