Angels in Scrubs
Two weeks before our 52 wedding anniversary I almost lost Thad. We didn’t even see the signs. The shortness of breath we attributed to his hiatal hernia. His upset stomach, nausea, intermittent low pulse and blood pressure we thought we due to a flu bug I had earlier in the week and he was now experiencing. It wasn’t until he woke up and found his chest incision was oozing blood and serum flowing like lava out of a volcano that we realized he needed emergency help.
In the ER they quickly assessed his symptoms with a plethora of tests and deduced that he had congestive heart failure, fluid around his pleural cavity, massive infection in his chest, and cellulitis/sepsis. He was moved into ICU where I was told if we had not gotten to the hospital when we did He would have died.
With all our experience working in the medical field, and living a life of medical mayhem; we had no idea of the seriousness of the situation. And that is what is so frightening. We were so clueless. Being clueless can sometimes be a blessing in itself because it kept us in the present and not thinking “What if’s” or “Is this the end?”
I am not relaying this for sympathy but to share that though there was fear and uncertainty there were blessings amidst the medical mayhem. And it started with the oozing that morning. Had it not been for the lava that spilled forth from Thad’s chest we might not have chosen to go to the ER. He would have died.
When we got to the ER we were immediately met with a nurse who helped my “oozing, weakened husband” back into a room. Within one minute another nurse were there and began to determine and assess his symptoms. When Thad mentioned that he felt thirsty they started IV fluids and brought him water. They brought me a cup filled with ice and a bottle of water as well. The PA came in and explained clearly what was happening to his body and what tests were being ordered to confirm and direct treatment. We realized the quick and amazing care he was receiving. They checked in on us repeatedly, kept us informed, told us the steps needed to be performed: the drawing of blood, Covid testing, initiating Lasix and multiple antibiotics, ordering a CT scan. Within a few hours, diagnosis’s were made and confirmed. We were told that he would be transported to the downtown Orlando Health Hospital where his surgeon was located but not until they have secured a bed for him. That same day he was transported down town by three kind, professional yet personal EMS Technicians.
Doctors, technicians, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Physicians Assistants to Security were the Lord’s angels disguised as Healthcare Professionals! Even the nurse that helped me get Thad in came by to see how he was doing! But care was extended not only to Thad but to me. While Thad was getting his CT scan, I went to the cafeteria to grab lunch. While I am comfortable weighing and scanning my lunch, for some reason it would not take my payment. After several attempts I noticed a group of nurses at a table close by and asked if they could help me. One of nurses happily came over and walked me through it stating that she had had problems with the very same issue. She explained that each area of the cafeteria is set up as a kiosk and has its own scanner so that items in each area are scanned separately. Because of that I decided I would eat my salad first and then get something to drink on the way back to the ICU. As I sat at a table near the window she came over to me with a plastic cup filled with ice water. She was getting ready to go back to work and filling up her water bottle when she noticed I hadn’t gotten myself something to drink.
Even at the downtown hospital, care was expertly, and compassionately given. Thad did have to be surgically opened up though not stable enough to withstand anesthesia, it was done in the ICU. Each step of the way was explained to us both. A wound vac was “installed” to help the wound heal from the inside out. A wound VAC (Vacuum-Assisted Closure) is a medical device used in wound care that applies negative pressure to promote healing in complex wounds. This therapy involves placing a foam or gauze dressing in the wound, which is then sealed with an adhesive drape. A vacuum pump creates controlled sub-atmospheric pressure, helping to remove excess fluid, reduce swelling, and stimulate tissue growth. It is particularly effective for hard-to-heal wounds, such as those resulting from surgery, trauma, or chronic conditions.
Its bandages are changed three times a week and thank heavens by another angel and not me. The Home Health Nurses and the Surgeon’s Nurse Practitioner continue to change the wound vac bandages and provide not just healthcare support but emotional and spiritual support as well. They are all strong in their Faith and it shows!
Thad’s sternum is not fully healed but we have found a way to hook the wound vac onto his walker so as not to carry the weight. He is able to ambulate out of the house for dinner, church and appointments. The wound vac can be annoying sometimes because it will sound like a percolator perking coffee and now and again will even blow a “raspberry” when it is maintaining suction. We have named it “perky” and even gotten a few chuckles because of it. While getting into an elevator with a lovely family it chose to blow a “raspberry”. Thad explained it was the wound vac, though the three kids looked like they didn’t believe this old man and couldn’t wait to exit the elevator in case an “aroma” might follow.
My dear readers, it is not just the medical advances that save lives but the people that provide the quality of care that makes all the difference. The environment, the culture and its people is what creates good, compassionate and efficacious medical care.
While a bit tattered and with “Perky” the wound vac in tow, it is because of these angels in scrubs that Thad and I spent a wonderful repast at Ford’s Garage celebrating our 52 anniversary and Thad’s 77 birthday with our daughter, son-in-love, and two grandsons. Blessings abound!
Are you are in a stressful medical situation? Can’t find the angels present? Take a step back or find a quiet corner and ask God to show you those that make a difference. This can be very hard to see but if you can keep fear at bay; the blessings become like the seeds that sprout from the good soil along the path. Take notice and purposely look for the angels because they are the ones that answered God’s call to care for you in your time of need. And it is the awareness of the good that strengthens your faith and helps you persevere through the mayhem in your life.
I know it has helped me. And I thank God for it.
“For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” – Psalm 91:11
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” – Exodus 23:20
Thank you for reading my post. If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it. Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!
I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts. To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com
Blessings for Health & Wellness.