So how did I get here? Sitting in a room in the emergency department of Fremantle Hospital at 5:30 a.m. on a Friday, tapping out this stream of consciousness, or perhaps I should say semi-conciousness.
Thursday had its ups and downs. My rear dérailleur cable snapped on the way to work, presenting challenges of its own, but thanks to a very accomplished bike mechanic the bike was fixed in time to give me a great ride home.
Once I got home life was pretty normal. That was until we got the call. Our daughter, Emily, was experiencing sharp pains and needed to be picked up from her part time job. Pauline headed out to get her and soon realised this was more than a tummy ache. After dropping home so that Emily couple change they headed out again to the after hours GP. The doctor suspected appendicitis so we all headed for Armadale Hospital where we waited about three hours for Emily to be seen by a doctor. After some initial treatment it was suggested we drive Emily to Fremantle where she could be seen by a surgeon.
That was many hours ago. Emily has been looked after very well by some lovely staff but the surgeon has had to go to theatre so we’re waiting again. Thankfully Emily’s now quite comfortable but Pauline and I could do with a bed and some sleep … and for that matter the dinner we missed out on last night.
Seeing an emergency department go about their business in the wee small hours is quite an experience. Doctors, nurses and support staff all go about their business, never knowing what the next moment will bring.
Just a short while ago a patient was wheeled past the room where Emily is resting. The patient was in a bed surrounded by medical staff, blood across their face. I caught just a snatch of the conversation as they passed. “Yep, passenger.” The victim of a road accident no doubt. Right now there are two police officers exchanging information on a crash with the emergency department staff.
There’s a lot of waiting for us here this morning but there’s also a sense that our girl is in very good, caring hands. Hands that will be called upon to patch up people from a variety of circumstances. I’ve only caught a snapshot of what goes on here but it’s enough to give me great respect for those who day after day care for those who come through the door marked ‘EMERGENCY’.
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Praying that the day will hold solutions and answers for Emily. That all will go well and that you and your wife will be blessed with some sleep , oh and food. Blessings to you and family.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate it.
I second what my Mum said. Rough night, hang in there!
Thanks Andrew. Very much appreciated.
I hope and pray all goes well and she is soon on the road to recovery!
Thanks Steph. We value your prayers.
I hope by now she’s at home and sleeping soundly under mum and dad’s watchful eye?
I have had a few stints in Emergency with my daughter’s asthma that flares up especially on winter nights and with ICU when little man was a baby. Sure have my share of respect to all Dr’s and nurses that’s for sure.
Not home yet but we’re hoping it won’t be too much longer. Emily’s getting an ultrasound to confirm a diagnosis right now.
Maybe it is a cultural difference but did you mean the doctor went to a theater and couldn’t see to Emilly? That was more important? I am writing this Saturday morning (ET in the US). Hoping Emily has been taken care of by now.
Thankfully Emily is much better now. She’s still quite sore but on the mend.
There’s obviously a slight difference in terminology. The ‘theatre’ is the operating theatre or what you’d probably call the operating room.
That sure makes me feel much better about the doctor. 🙂 Glad she is on the mend.
How is Emily now? Praying for a continued recovery.