Before you start reading I must warn you, if your modesty is real high or you have a very weak stomach, don’t read this column!
At our Albert Lea house this last fall the water drains decided to be plugged. After a telephone call to Christianson Plumbing and Heating, Master Plumber Mark got the drain unplugged with a snake and Roto-Rooter system. This took about 30 minutes.
After a light meal of chili before a Lenten service at our church, I had a very upset stomach. This resulted in a major eruption from both ends of my body. My personal registered nurse (Genie) gave the order: “You’re going to the emergency room at the emergency room. This is lasting too long.” I was admitted and put in Room 260 of the Albert Lea hospital. After ultra-sounds, vision tests, blood samples, CT scans plus other tests, it was decided, just like our house, my plumbing system was plugged (bowel obstruction).
The treatment then started. A tube went through my nose into my plugged plumbing with alternation suction to remove the plugged material. An IV was given plus injections and various other medications.
After a liquid diet on Friday, I knew I was going to survive. They let me go to the bathroom with my friendly IV pole on wheels. I was concerned a spark might cause an explosion when I was in the bathroom; the air was heavy with gas.
Saturday was time for a soft, low-fiber diet with coffee. Wow! I was told it was time to shower after breakfast under the supervision of a young nursing assistant. That was just fine until she took me into a room with two chairs attached to each other under a shower. Panic time! She explained how the shower worked and showed me a cord to pull when I was done as she was leaving. Relief was enjoyed with a nice long shower.
Along the way I was given my private urinal. I recalled that my fishing buddy Paul had his own autographed urinal from a hospital stay. I now have my own left-handed urinal with the title, “It’s Time To Go,” autographed by Sam, Maddali, Judi, Sue, Pat, Diane, Julie, Lacey, Deb, Brittany, Mark, Amanda, Star, Donna, Sabrina, Tara, Peggy, Alward and Jana.
I was discharged with more medications as the only change in my lifestyle.
In looking back at the three-day stay, one thing really stood out: “They work together as a team.” I didn’t hear, “No, it’s not my job. Let someone else do it.” There were no slackers! They were a team of individuals working together to do what only a unified team can accomplish.
In closing, thanks to the team.
P.S. I purposely didn’t mention my daily apparel was a robe open on the back side plus a warm sock on each foot. Hopefully, no reader of this column has a modesty problem.
My reason for mentioning unplugged pipes in our house was to ease a stomach problem of any reader.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.