Chapter 2

Leaving work

Keep in mind that I have been in my current position for less than 90 days. It felt more than a little awkward informing my boss I need to go to the ER…and asking for a ride. Not only was one of my colleagues willing to chauffeur me, but intended to stay with me at the hospital. Welcome to the crazy train!

I decide to go to Beaumont in Royal Oak. It is the closest hospital to our home and Keith’s office.  (As you can see, I am focused on making this whole encounter less cumbersome for when I am released - as I surely will be later that day). 

I hate to admit that I decided to drop my car off at home before heading to the emergency room. It’s technically "on the way" and it eliminated the logistics of getting it home later. Clearly, I am still functioning under the delusion that I am going to the hospital simply as a precaution.  Unbeknown to me, my brother-in-law is conferring with colleagues about my symptoms and all are in agreement before I arrive at the hospital that the situation is dire; I am likely in serious trouble.

Arrival at Beaumont

Eventually, I am taken in back, seen by an ER physician and informed that I will be given a CAT scan now that my headache (which is definitely worse) is accompanied by vertigo.  The detail I am most interested in is the promise of some drugs other than the over-the-counter variety since they might finally address my headache. 

At this point, my CAT scan is not a priority because shockingly, I am still not presenting any symptoms of any kind that would indicate any immediate danger. At least that anyone at the hospital is observing. I recently found out from my co-worker that when we were walking to the café, I was beginning to weave and she had to steer  me back to a center forward walk.

The other complication is due to the fact that I have an extremely high tolerance for pain (how else could I walk around with a headache for 2 months?). For example, in 2001, I tore my trapezius muscle when moving Melissa (again) from one apartment to another. I waited until we finished settling in before heading to the emergency room. This time, my ability to ‘gut it out’ was working against me on a dangerous level.

Around 5 PM, my co-worker Jackie indicates she needs to head home (think mother of 3 young boys).  They come to take me for my CAT scan, so the timing seems perfect.  I assure her I have sent Keith a text message, so he will be present when I return to the ER.  Little do I know that none of my texts are going through and Keith is completely clueless. At this point, I am starting to get confused but I am unaware that I am beginning to lose touch with reality.