Where It Began
May 28, 2023
Since starting the ‘Hospital Chronicles’ series, I’ve been asked several times what lead up to the procedures and surgery. Actually, I had been posting about my health issues on both Facebook and Instagram for family and friends. But hadn’t incorporated them into the blog as this website wasn’t created yet. I jumped right into the appointments and hospital procedures in real time, rather than back tracking to their onset.
Here’s the beginning.
February 27, 2023: It was rainy and a Monday. I was feeling down and attributed it to stress from a relationship with a dear friend that was going sour. I wasn’t sleeping well and when I did it was in the afternoon. I felt just like the song.
I had posted this short video to social media that day. Not reaching out but as a release for my feelings and emotions.
If you’re unaware, I’m currently on my fourth Implantable Cardiac Device (ICD.) A defibrillator. Like any other device, its battery doesn’t last forever and a changeout was coming due. Its status is checked every three or so months during office visits and both my cardiologist and I were well aware of its impending change, as the last checkup estimated six months at best and that was three months prior.
I was scheduled to have a prostate biopsy the following week and was verifying when to stop taking blood thinners with the cardiologist’s office, while grocery shopping, on the phone. The devices alarm went off while talking, not a jolt, just a vibration. I knew what was up immediately and the office manager checked the status of the device on her end and sure enough. It was time for a changeout. I’d have to reschedule the biopsy as this was obviously more important. An appointment was made.
This was March 1, 2023: Later that day while outside, the device actually discharged causing a jolt. More like being hit with a two-by-four but without the pain. I had felt a previous device go off and wasn’t concerned. However, this one did concern me because of its timing so soon after the alarm earlier that morning.
I checked into the closest hospital, figuring they’d just check it. Big surprise, they wanted to admit me. I was having none of that as my cardiologist doesn’t have privileges there. I eventually, spent the night in the hallway after they had checked the device and ran some tests.
Another video I made that night that went on my sites.
About 7:30 I was moved to a room. Finally.
Short lived visit in this room.
I wouldn’t just walkout, but for hours had been trying to leave, and was repletely talked into staying until the hospital’s cardiologist seen me. I know him, have seen him before. Nothing personal. I just preferred my cardiologist.
About a half hour later I was moved once again. This time to an old room resembling that of an x-ray room. No windows, just a door. That’s when I started to insist. But the male nurse just walked out, after I told him their doctor just left and was discharging me. He really had.
Shortly after, my primary walked in with her coat on and had heard most of our exchange.
The added stress that nurse caused me was about to be relieved as he walked back in not knowing who my primary was, and asked her rudely, “Who are you?”
I wish I had been videoing the event. She tells him very politely, “I’m his friend, and he’s going home.” “Not yet he’s not,” replied the nurse. My primary turns her head slowly my way and winks, while proceeding to remove her coat. It was then, he seen her stethoscope and staff credentials. Oh, that boy’s face turned beat red and within five minutes I was out the door.
Me waiting outside for a ride home.
The preceding Sunday the device discharged once more. This time I didn’t go anywhere.
Wednesday the 8th I seen my cardiologist and he scheduled Friday to change the device out. But the battery wasn’t the cause of its discharges. That was my heart acting up and would be addressed afterwards.
This is where my blog at rickollie.com begins.
Thank you to those that have inquired about my health. I’m as well as can be expected. And appreciate the continued well wishes.
Now let’s all have a great summer and get ready for my #BirthdayMonth adventures!
‘Stay Tuned for June’
#whynotsmile
#blogger
#foreverfriends
#memorialdayweekend
#hospitalchronicles
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