Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

 Life is unpredictable.  This Mother's Day brought me to the emergency room at Baptist Health.  What started as a mild posterior headache turned into a raging monster on a fast forward tilt-a-whirl going in reverse.  Oh yeah a monster that vomits too.

The EMS guys were awesome (except the driver who turned corners on two wheels and hit every bump!  Do they get extra points for that?).  They managed an EKG, IV line, vitals, history and report to the ER all while I was dry heaving with my eyes closed.

The ER staff had me on a stretcher, medicated for the vomiting and in CT scan in minutes.  The nurse practitioner stayed with me the whole time and was the first to reassure me the CT scan was normal.  The rest of the night blurs since they medicated me with something really effective.  IVs and lab draws were a problem causing bruises like I was beaten (I wasn't).  MRI at 2 am was also normal.  More labs, IV fluids, neuro checks to identify stroke symptoms (smiling and raising my limbs were my favorite) and an inner ear problem is the prevailing diagnosis.  Great - I live on a boat.

I am back home on the boat now with minimal discomfort but I will be medicating appropriately now that I know the problem is in my head (inner ears not my mind!).  I am hoping this is a short term issue brought on by swimming multiple days in the ocean being tossed around by waves.  (Oh, but it was fun!)

What I learned:

    This 600 bed hospital employs staff that is happy and invested in their jobs.  Without telling anyone I was a nurse in a previous life, each and every one explained each step, medication, lab draw and test.  Staff went out of their way to provide Paul with directions to find me on the neuro floor.  They are a true example of what health care should be!

    That the staff there are proud of where they work and it shows in a pristine environment where everyone is responsible for helping.  From admitting personnel to the physical therapist to case management, each staff member left me with a positive vibe.

    That while on the boat we need a medical plan at each stop so we do not waste time circling and googling.  I do have a significant first aid kit on the boat and I will familiarize Paul with the contents.  He will learn how to take vital signs.  

   That I probably should have sought help when the pain was worsening (instead I tried to sleep it away) and not wait until I thought I was critical.

    That when I miss a blog post, people notice.  I enjoy sharing our stories and hope that as we learn and share, others can be inspired.  Inspired to live their dream.  Because life is unpredictable.  If my CT scan had turned out different, I would have few regrets.  But alas, I get to continue on this journey with Paul and find new experiences!