Saturday, November 6, 2010

some days are like that

Yesterday, the fifth of November 2010 started out as a normal day, almost.

I was up a little bit earlier then nommal because I was fasting and had to go have some blood drawn for labs. Made it to the VA clinic on time, got done with the blood draw early so I signed up for my flu shot. All in all it was all over in no time and in less then at hour I was on the way home.

I remembered reading that the Air Force Thunderbirds were in town for a show next week. Veterans Day is next Friday and they will be performing. The runway is about a mile from my house and I could hear then flying over and practicing their moves. I went out side and watched them for a little while. Sure looks nice to see them flying so close and fast. It will be a loud weekend for us.

Then the phone rang. 3:30 PM, I answered the call because it said U. S Goverment and I wondered what they wanted. I only voted once, don't recall not paying taxes, I stand when the flag goes by. Well, it was the VA. The words I heard changed my day.

"Mr. Rivera," the voice said, " you need to get to an ER as soon as you can." "Your labs just came back and your potassium is very high and has to be treated right now, you are in danger of a major heart attack." Well, that got my attention! He told me the numbers and asked for my doctors name. Told him I would go to my doctors office and seek treatment there. He told me either way, but go.

I called my doctor but he was gone for the the day. I told them what I had been told and they told me to come in, someone else would see me. I went and after a short wait (Hate being a walk in) I was seen by what seemed to be a young man. I told him what my potassium lever were reported to be and his eyes opened as wide as I have ever seen eyes open. He asked "what?" I told him again and he said, there is nothing we can do here, you need to go to the ER as fast as you can. I asked " The hospital accross the street?" and he answered "Go to the nearest ER" and I said, " that's across the street".

Being me I went home, parked my car and called my brother in law for a ride. I didn't want my old van sitting in a parking lot at the hospital for who knew how long.

I walked into the ER, no one was in the waiting room so I walked up to the window and signed myself in for treatment. After taking my information I was taken to the back, given the hated hospital gown, told to put that on and lie down on the table. Soon a doctor came in, heard my story and asked some questions. Told me if that was correct I would receive some medication and after some time would be retested. But he said I didn't act or sound as if I was in trouble. My EKG was normal, BP was high but that was understandable and most likely stress related. He ordered another blood test before doing anything else which sounded like a good idea to me.

Then I lied there and waited. About an hour later, after being checked on every few mins. the doctor came in and told me my level of potissium was just a tad over normal. Not anywhere near the numbers I had given him. Gave me a copy of the test results to give to my doctor and told me to see my PCP Monday. Told me I could get dressed and the nurse would come and remove my IV. He left and my son Robert and his wife walked in to see me. Told them they were just in time to give me a ride home. Nurse came in , took out the IV, which still hurts alittle today, if I touch it. Answer to that, don't touch it!

So Monday I call my doctor and Friday I have an appointmet with my VA doctor. Will be good to hear what he has to say.

So what have I learned? Sometime it pays to have your normal checkups. They may find something that needs attention. Even if it is wrong, better to check things out, just case. Took a long time for my BP to return to normal but I did learn one inportant thing.

I had been wondering if life was really worth living, if I was of any use to anyone. If fact I was wondering if I should just give up. Last night I thought of my sons, my grandkids, and life. I would like to see Robert's kids, I love seeing Lianna and Sophie growing up. They spent the night away last night. This morning about 8:30 I heard the front door open and I heard Sophie holloring "Ganpa, where are you?" Maybe I am still needed and loved. I believe I am.