Our First ER Visit

Sorry my post is late today. I'm writing you from the comfort of Mo, where I've been for quite some time - and plan to be for most of today!

I went to work yesterday morning feeling absolutely fine. Had a whole list of things to do, including our BLT show that Lynne and I do every Thursday. When I arrived at work, I started eating breakfast, just like I do every day, and about 8:15, this {familiar} excruciating pain settled into my stomach.

I struggled with this pain quite a bit back in 2000 right after I graduated from college. A couple of ER visits and some doctor appointments later, they determined I had acid reflux and I needed to watch my citric acid intake. Over the years, I've learned that if I manage my stress well and don't overdo acidic foods, I am okay. I haven't had pain like this in YEARS!!!

A couple of weeks ago, I had a couple minor run-ins with it, but nothing long lasting, so I ignored it. There was no ignoring yesterday. Lynne sent me home immediately, and it was the longest commute EVER. I was in so much pain, my lips and hands went numb. It was awful. I called Ryan to tell him I was sick, and he had a really low patient day, so he was able to come home. I hated it that he had to miss work, but I was so glad he was there with me. I'll admit it: I was scared!

We rested at home for a bit and when Lynne called to check on me, she told me she didn't want to see me again until I had been checked out. Well...I kinda can't NOT go to work, so we packed up and headed out of town to an ER. {I refuse to go to the one here after my last visit turned into a debacle you would not believe.}

I was actually feeling better by the time I got there, but we went on in anyway. SUPER nice people in that ER. They gave me a little bracelet and had me wait on the nurse.

I was so thankful to have Ryan there. He can make the worst place a measure of fun:

The nurse came for me and put me in an exam room, asked some questions, and gave me THE most slimming gown.

{I posted this picture on Facebook and someone asked if I was in the maternity ward. NO!!!! NO NO NO!!!! Although I confess it crossed my mind....am I gonna be one of those people who comes in for random abdominal pain and is told she's in labor? Am I gonna be on that TLC show???} Whew. It didn't happen.

All the people in the ER were super nice. When the guy came in to diagnose me, he said my symptoms were consistent with either an ulcer or my galbladder acting up. {Both were things I had been quasi-tested for back in 2000, but nothing definitive.} He said there was no way to know for sure without either a scope or an ultrasound, but I would need to work my way through a family doctor for those.

Meanwhile, he said he would test me for general stuff just to rule out anything major. You know. Like pregnancy. He didn't say that out loud, but that's what I heard.

First up? Had to drink lots of water for the dreaded pee sample.

Ryan tied up my gown and I went to the bathroom down the hall as instructed. Problem. COULDN'T FIND THE CUPS. This is when a health care husband is handy. I motioned him in and said, "I can't find the cups!" HE handed me this mixing bowl looking thing and said "This is it." SERIOUSLY? At the little clinic I go to now and then, it's literally a Dixie cup size thing. Not a mixing bowl!! Oh good grief.

So with that out of the way, it was time for blood tests. I do not fare well with needles, so I just closed my eyes and willed it done. The lady was AMAZING. She got the vein on the first try and was in and out in no time.

After this part, we waited for what seemed forever. I started to get REALLY nervous that they'd found something and were out there doing rock, paper, scissors to see who had to tell me. {I watched ER and Grey's for a while. I know how that goes. People come in for something tiny and find out they're dying.}

Ryan scooted up next to me and held my hand while we waited. He was so reassuring!

After a bit, they came in and said I passed all the blood tests. Liver and kidneys and pancreas were all good, and they mentioned nothing about a baby. They sent me home with instructions to have a doctor work with me on more conclusive testing options.

Unfortunately, when I got home, the pain got much worse, and from 6 to midnight, I was so sick to my stomach and in ridiculous amounts of pain. I was finally able to sit down and fall asleep, and when I woke up at 2 this morning, the pain was gone.

I'm pretty wiped out from all the pain of yesterday, hence the late blog. And you've already been texting to check on me, so I know you're worried!! Thanks for sending such love my way and for the prayers I know many of you prayed. You all are THE BEST.