When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You pass out (lose consciousness)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Call as soon as you lose...
I just saw this on the paper I was given at the hospital:
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Vehicle Restoration: Part II
(...continued from Part I)
Finally the watch commander, Sergeant Pessis, arrived on the scene. He quickly identified our situation. He could see the fees were paid, and that it would be a great inconvenience for me to return to the Bay Area without my truck. He phoned the antagonist, Ronny, and told him to release the vehicle. When grumpy Ronny restated his reasons for keeping the vehicle our hero said, "I'm the main guy here. Put it on me." We liked Sergeant Pessis.
We returned to the yard where Ronny still made us a wait for a while. Eventually, I paid a ridiculous fee to reacquire my own automobile, because someone else stole it from me. Finally, it was towed to a nearby spot on the street. Now we had my vehicle, but no key.
Earlier in the tow yard I learned from a friendly employee, not named Ronny, that old trucks like mine were often easy to steal. The ignition can be worn down enough a key from another truck of the same model would often work in either automobile.
We called a few different locksmiths until we were quoted a price of $80 to make a new key. The locksmith said he would be arriving in a green Mustang in 45 minutes. He showed up over an hour later, but in the Mustang as promised. The driver was a large white guy wearing a wife-beater displaying his heavily tattooed arms. His sidekick, an even larger black guy, remained in the passenger seat talking on his cell phone. Their appearance led you to believe they may have been late because they stopped to buy some marijuana on the way.
After we explained the situation to him he returned from the Mustang with a key and file. He then proceeded, by hand, to file the key down until it would open my truck. The process took about 45 minutes. I asked our "locksmith" if he knew if it was easy to steal a car like mine. The white guy, in his wife-beater, who was filing a key by hand, looked straight at me and said, "I don't know nothin' about stealin' cars." I accepted his answer and didn't inquire as to how he got into the trade.
Finally, with the process nearing an end, his black counterpart finished the cell phone conversation and emerged from the Mustang. Upon their arrival I expected him to have some part in the process, but I observed no participation. So I said to the well-built black guy, that was twice my size, "So what do you do here? Nothing?" The good-humored gentleman responded, "I'm security. I got people all around here surrounding this place. You're lucky I didn't wear my hat today, because if I turn it backwards they shoot." We all laughed. I don't know if Mark was more amused from his answer or that I was willing to ask that guy the question.
The two-sided key only worked one way, but it would get us home. We paid our $80, and after I requested it, we received a makeshift receipt with a couple things scribbled on it. So I finally had my truck back and it felt great. I was so happy to see it. I wanted to give my truck a hug, but I don't really know how one would hug an automobile. I also wanted to give Sergeant Pessis a hug, but didn't know how that would be received. We dropped the rental at the Enterprise near LAX, and with my new key, old truck, a gallon of water, and three people, we joyfully headed north to the Bay Area.
Finally the watch commander, Sergeant Pessis, arrived on the scene. He quickly identified our situation. He could see the fees were paid, and that it would be a great inconvenience for me to return to the Bay Area without my truck. He phoned the antagonist, Ronny, and told him to release the vehicle. When grumpy Ronny restated his reasons for keeping the vehicle our hero said, "I'm the main guy here. Put it on me." We liked Sergeant Pessis.
We returned to the yard where Ronny still made us a wait for a while. Eventually, I paid a ridiculous fee to reacquire my own automobile, because someone else stole it from me. Finally, it was towed to a nearby spot on the street. Now we had my vehicle, but no key.
Earlier in the tow yard I learned from a friendly employee, not named Ronny, that old trucks like mine were often easy to steal. The ignition can be worn down enough a key from another truck of the same model would often work in either automobile.
We called a few different locksmiths until we were quoted a price of $80 to make a new key. The locksmith said he would be arriving in a green Mustang in 45 minutes. He showed up over an hour later, but in the Mustang as promised. The driver was a large white guy wearing a wife-beater displaying his heavily tattooed arms. His sidekick, an even larger black guy, remained in the passenger seat talking on his cell phone. Their appearance led you to believe they may have been late because they stopped to buy some marijuana on the way.
After we explained the situation to him he returned from the Mustang with a key and file. He then proceeded, by hand, to file the key down until it would open my truck. The process took about 45 minutes. I asked our "locksmith" if he knew if it was easy to steal a car like mine. The white guy, in his wife-beater, who was filing a key by hand, looked straight at me and said, "I don't know nothin' about stealin' cars." I accepted his answer and didn't inquire as to how he got into the trade.
Finally, with the process nearing an end, his black counterpart finished the cell phone conversation and emerged from the Mustang. Upon their arrival I expected him to have some part in the process, but I observed no participation. So I said to the well-built black guy, that was twice my size, "So what do you do here? Nothing?" The good-humored gentleman responded, "I'm security. I got people all around here surrounding this place. You're lucky I didn't wear my hat today, because if I turn it backwards they shoot." We all laughed. I don't know if Mark was more amused from his answer or that I was willing to ask that guy the question.
The two-sided key only worked one way, but it would get us home. We paid our $80, and after I requested it, we received a makeshift receipt with a couple things scribbled on it. So I finally had my truck back and it felt great. I was so happy to see it. I wanted to give my truck a hug, but I don't really know how one would hug an automobile. I also wanted to give Sergeant Pessis a hug, but didn't know how that would be received. We dropped the rental at the Enterprise near LAX, and with my new key, old truck, a gallon of water, and three people, we joyfully headed north to the Bay Area.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Hospitality
Both of my nurses yesterday were a little older than me. My nurse in the pre-operation room was extremely attractive. They made me take my contacts out during the surgery so the nurse I had in recovery I didn't get a good look at for a while, but I think he was pretty attractive too. They were both very friendly, like the type of people I would enjoy hanging out with outside of the hospital.
However, when I asked him out he didn't seem interested.
I plan to resume tomorrow with my regular column. But if you would like to read mundane details about my life and recovering from surgery I plan to post that on my other blog.
However, when I asked him out he didn't seem interested.
I plan to resume tomorrow with my regular column. But if you would like to read mundane details about my life and recovering from surgery I plan to post that on my other blog.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Last Night
Last night in my twenties. Last night with my gall bladder. Its been a busy week.
I'm not 24 anymore; I guess its about time I had an organ removed.
I'm not 24 anymore; I guess its about time I had an organ removed.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
One-stop Shopping
Need a hammer, two pillows, a toaster, and a gallon of milk?
Target.
Beautiful. It's like one-stop shopping. Some people would go to four stores to get those things.
That's how I'm starting to feel about the ER. Need a blood sample, urine sample, x-ray, ultrasound, and intravenous medicines?
I did. Monday Morning.
Emergency room.
Beautiful. It's like one-stop shopping. Some people would go all over the hospital to get those things.
Plus the hours are great. You don't have to schedule an appointment in advance. And, similar to the gym, if you go at certain hours (like 3am) there is a lot of availability and not a lot of distractions. It only costs me $35 too. (which is $35 more than my regular doctor co-pay.) However, if you consider the convenience and benefits I think $35 is a bargain.
I landed in Sacramento Sunday night at 6:30pm. At the Dallas airport I enjoyed a meaty burger with fries from TGIF. Also, I had a small snack on the plane. By the time I was home I wasn't that hungry. About 8:30pm I decided instead of having an actual dinner I would just fry up a couple eggs before bed. Two fried eggs with salt and pepper. That's it. That's all I ate. Within 30 minutes I had bad stomach pains. I managed to fall asleep before ten, but when I woke up at 12:30 the pains were still there. Sharp. Constant. I called the advice nurse and described the situation. She asked if I had anyone that could drive me to the emergency room. Not really. It's 12:30. Then she said she wanted to talk a doctor and get back to me. After consulting one of the docs in ER she came back and said because I wasn't throwing-up, or having diarrhea, or other symptoms I didn't need to come in. Just take some Tums and Tylenol.
I wish I was throwing up or having diarrhea. Then I at least would know my body was doing something about it. Instead, I was just in pain. Sharp. Constant.
Tylenol and Tums. I dug through the medicine cabinet, but found neither. Drove to Safeway. At 1am. As I'm buying only two things: Tyenol and Tums, the cashier scans my items and politely asks, "How are you doing tonight?" Several possible responses enter my mind.
"Could be better," was my response.
That was the truth. For some reason I didn't think those drugs would help. I didn't feel upset to my stomach. This was different. I had packed a backpack for the ER even before the trip to Safeway. Finally, around 3am I caved and drove the emergency room.
I got my own room this time. Room 11. The doctor asked me some questions. One of them involved ulcers. That sounded like a good lead. I asked him if that was what he was thinking. He said he was thinking about 28 different things. He didn't elaborate on the other 27.
Later I was rolled to x-rays. This was a new ER treatment for me. I felt pretty special being pushed through the hall. At least until I heard them talking about me.
"Take room 11 to x-rays."
Then upon arrival, "Room 11. Here for x-rays."
The x-ray lady said, "You Kevin?"
"Yes, but room 11 is fine. That's what they're calling me now."
They pushed me back to my room. Nobody ever mentioned the results of my stomach x-rays. Later the doctor came back with an ultrasound machine. He rolled it on my stomach. He even let me see the picture.
I have gallstones. Lots of them.
He made an appointment for me to see the surgeon, and gave me some drugs to take until then. Told me to eat a low-fat diet. Stay away from things like milk, foods that are high in fat, and fried eggs.
I asked him for a drug to help me sleep. He said he would get me something. I was thinking for right now, but he thought I meant to take home. I'm very thankful for the misunderstanding.
After some commotion it was agreed I wouldn't drive home (I believe it was just after 5am) until I took a nap. I slept until about the time half of Sacramento showed up (around 8am). A few of the loudest residents were assigned to room 12.
When I woke at 8am I unhooked several things from my body. Two on my chest, one on my stomach, and one on my finger. Once free from the chords I walked down the hall to use the bathroom. Came back to room 11 and got dressed and ready to go.
I asked the nurse some dietary questions, and she came back with a paper saying stuff I should and should not eat. She checked my vitals and said I could go. I asked where to pay and she directed me to lady at the desk in the middle.
I paid. $35.
Target.
Beautiful. It's like one-stop shopping. Some people would go to four stores to get those things.
That's how I'm starting to feel about the ER. Need a blood sample, urine sample, x-ray, ultrasound, and intravenous medicines?
I did. Monday Morning.
Emergency room.
Beautiful. It's like one-stop shopping. Some people would go all over the hospital to get those things.
Plus the hours are great. You don't have to schedule an appointment in advance. And, similar to the gym, if you go at certain hours (like 3am) there is a lot of availability and not a lot of distractions. It only costs me $35 too. (which is $35 more than my regular doctor co-pay.) However, if you consider the convenience and benefits I think $35 is a bargain.
I landed in Sacramento Sunday night at 6:30pm. At the Dallas airport I enjoyed a meaty burger with fries from TGIF. Also, I had a small snack on the plane. By the time I was home I wasn't that hungry. About 8:30pm I decided instead of having an actual dinner I would just fry up a couple eggs before bed. Two fried eggs with salt and pepper. That's it. That's all I ate. Within 30 minutes I had bad stomach pains. I managed to fall asleep before ten, but when I woke up at 12:30 the pains were still there. Sharp. Constant. I called the advice nurse and described the situation. She asked if I had anyone that could drive me to the emergency room. Not really. It's 12:30. Then she said she wanted to talk a doctor and get back to me. After consulting one of the docs in ER she came back and said because I wasn't throwing-up, or having diarrhea, or other symptoms I didn't need to come in. Just take some Tums and Tylenol.
I wish I was throwing up or having diarrhea. Then I at least would know my body was doing something about it. Instead, I was just in pain. Sharp. Constant.
Tylenol and Tums. I dug through the medicine cabinet, but found neither. Drove to Safeway. At 1am. As I'm buying only two things: Tyenol and Tums, the cashier scans my items and politely asks, "How are you doing tonight?" Several possible responses enter my mind.
"Could be better," was my response.
That was the truth. For some reason I didn't think those drugs would help. I didn't feel upset to my stomach. This was different. I had packed a backpack for the ER even before the trip to Safeway. Finally, around 3am I caved and drove the emergency room.
I got my own room this time. Room 11. The doctor asked me some questions. One of them involved ulcers. That sounded like a good lead. I asked him if that was what he was thinking. He said he was thinking about 28 different things. He didn't elaborate on the other 27.
Later I was rolled to x-rays. This was a new ER treatment for me. I felt pretty special being pushed through the hall. At least until I heard them talking about me.
"Take room 11 to x-rays."
Then upon arrival, "Room 11. Here for x-rays."
The x-ray lady said, "You Kevin?"
"Yes, but room 11 is fine. That's what they're calling me now."
They pushed me back to my room. Nobody ever mentioned the results of my stomach x-rays. Later the doctor came back with an ultrasound machine. He rolled it on my stomach. He even let me see the picture.
I have gallstones. Lots of them.
He made an appointment for me to see the surgeon, and gave me some drugs to take until then. Told me to eat a low-fat diet. Stay away from things like milk, foods that are high in fat, and fried eggs.
I asked him for a drug to help me sleep. He said he would get me something. I was thinking for right now, but he thought I meant to take home. I'm very thankful for the misunderstanding.
After some commotion it was agreed I wouldn't drive home (I believe it was just after 5am) until I took a nap. I slept until about the time half of Sacramento showed up (around 8am). A few of the loudest residents were assigned to room 12.
When I woke at 8am I unhooked several things from my body. Two on my chest, one on my stomach, and one on my finger. Once free from the chords I walked down the hall to use the bathroom. Came back to room 11 and got dressed and ready to go.
I asked the nurse some dietary questions, and she came back with a paper saying stuff I should and should not eat. She checked my vitals and said I could go. I asked where to pay and she directed me to lady at the desk in the middle.
I paid. $35.
Thought of the Week
If you’re flammable and have legs, you’re never blocking a fire exit.
- Mitch Hedberg
- Mitch Hedberg
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