An ER Visit

When we complained about how many doctors we have seen since moving to Princeton, Susan (our daughter-in-law) said that at least we had not been introduced to Princeton Medical Center's ER.  Well, now we have.

We were at the Princeton High School Jazz Cafe Friday night where Michael was playing his trombone with his band.   It was hot, Jim was standing up for an hour and had not removed his coat, he had golfed that day and not remembered his water, and he started to feel bad.   We got him seated but it was clear he was fast fading from us.

Jeff called around for help from a doctor--and a couple of parents who were medical personnel wanted him on the floor in the hall.  At that point, it was very clear he was out of it.  I felt for his pulse on his neck and felt his breath so I knew he didn't need CPR.

Susan was quickly calling 911.   Cathleen, a nurse, asked if I was his wife and told me to try to get him to respond to me.  I sat down next to him and by that time, I think, he was saying that he was feeling better. 

Two EMT fellows came and brought him to the ER over his objections but with our blessing.  Jeff and I followed in his car.  We spent the next 3 1/2 hours there and Jim was admitted, again over his objections, for observation.

All tests--bloodwork, CAT scan, and EKG, were fine.  It's not the first time Jim has fainted when dehydrated--which was probably the cause.  Syncopy for unknown causes--the diagnosis.

I spent the night at Jeff and Susan's lest I need to go back to the hospital.  In the morning, I picked Jim up and we were home by noon.

It was all very frightening and I find that now, almost a week later, I can close my eyes and not see the blank look on his face.  I had a few moments of thinking that it was Good-bye right there in the halls of Princeton High School.

Jim will remember to drink water.  He was told he could add more salt to his diet-while I try to eliminate it from mine!  He doesn't need to see a cardiologist unless it happens again.   Maybe it won't.  But it was pretty scary when it did--for me and for Jeff and Susan. 

Saturday night we sat in our living room, quietly watching football with a fire going in the gas fireplace.

It was time to be treasured--far better than Room 07 in ER or PO 20 in the hospital--even if everyone we met was very kind and competent.