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To go or not to go...????

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Posted 1/8/2008 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Well,  I went to the ER Sunday.  Spent the day.  I was running fever and vomiting and feeling short of breath and coughing.  I just never really know when I really need to go or not.  Does anybody else struggle with this?   The crazy thing is I'm a Nurse!!!  I so do not want to abuse the ER,  but everytime I decide i'll "ride it out" through the weekend it's usually worse than I thought and I end up in the hospital.  My family usually decides when i'm going for me.  I just HATE the ER!  I highly respect the medical field (for the most part) but the ER is just no place to try to deal with chronically ill people.  I find my doc has to review everything anyway (as she is now doing)  Anyway,  i'm just ranting and wondering if anybody beside me has trouble making these kinds of decisions.  One major factor is I can't stand for someone to think i'm drug seeking or a hypochondriac!  ANyway...is anybody as crazy as me?  Judy
Posted 1/8/2008 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
I know how you feel!!! My Rhumey told me one time with my chest pain that I need to go no matter what, because some day I will be looking down on myself going "hmm should have gone this time"
so I guess we go and hope for the best!!!!!
Posted 1/8/2008 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
I know what you mean.  It's horrible going to the ER with  chronic illness.  They don't know what to do w/you and end up consulting with my RA anyway.  ((HUGS)) I hope you feel better soon.
Posted 1/8/2008 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
Judy . . . YES!! it is hard to make that decision. And given my recent ER experiences with other family members, where I was the one who insisted that they go . . . I was sorely disappointed. But I've been rethinking my stand on this . . . when I am in extreme pain, I can't stand for ANYone to see me grimace, grunt, groan or moan . . . so I go hide. The thought of going to the ER where you are being talked at while you are in pain is hard for me to cope with . . . but I don't want to be stupid about it either. For me, its been my bowel issues (ewwww). But am seeing a specialist in a week . . . Judy . . . this is a good topic because we really need to put all the excuses aside and get in to the ER when things get really bad. Its advice that you and I give people here all the time. I guess we should follow our own advice. Blessings!
Posted 1/8/2008 11:56 AM (GMT 0)
Judy, You are absolutly right --- I too battle with the ER issue. I have chest pain here & there, my Rhumy & family doc both tell me to go to the ER each time that happens. The problem is I'd be in the ER at least once a month! :) Make sure to keep your docs updated and, when in doubt, go to the ER.
Posted 1/8/2008 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
Judy, I also really struggle with when to go in too - it looks like a lot of us struggle with it. I hate the ER too, especially since the closest one is a little rural hospital and it always feels like a complete waste of time when I go in. Last time I went in in severe pain and feeling so sick that I was worried, they just stared at me and said, "what do you want us to do about it?" I was just stunned because it is very rare that I go to the ER. As much as we all hate it though, Rosie is right about going in when things get really bad. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially if you are really sick or are having new symptoms. It always seems that these things happen at night or on the weekends.
Posted 1/8/2008 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Lynnwood, I actually had the same experience. When I went throught the ER and ended up having to have a pacemaker. The doc actually looked at me and said, "What do you want me to do?" It really freaked me out. I figured I wasn't the only one battling this issue. I'm like you too Rosie in that I don't want people over me when i'm in pain or really sick. I appreciate compassion and concern, but not sympathy. I guess it's just pride!! I'm just trying to hang on to my last shred of dignity! Love y'all Judy
Posted 1/8/2008 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
Judy, Are you talking to me? I don't have ER experiance -- maybe you meant to address hippimom?
Posted 1/8/2008 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
I hate the ER either they freak or do nothing no matter what is wrong. Being pregnant they will now send me to L & D no matter what is wrong- idiots. L & D is a little better when it is a pregnancy related problem.
Posted 1/8/2008 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry Lynnwood/hippimom!
Posted 1/10/2008 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
Ok...so I'm a bit late to join the conversation, but I relate soooo much I just had to give support! I too am a Nurse and I know how the staff on my floor deal with those they see as drug seekers when they come and it's relentless. Until I read this post I thought I was the only one who waited until my husband pulls me out the door to the ER. One thing I do know about the ER is that if it's not life threatening at that particular moment in time they will blow you off in a second. Not that they aren't "good" but they are in to treat and go, not treatment if that makes sense? Last time I went to the ER I ended up staying for 9 days in the hospital due to meningitis. I guess I always reflect back to ...if a friend (or patient) felt like this, what would I suggest?

Thanks for sharing this, it helped me!
Posted 1/11/2008 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Add me to the "avoid the ER at all costs" list. Unfortunately, I've had a couple of chest pain/breathing difficulty issues in the past year and they've both resulted in ER visits. I try every trick I can think of at home first, the ER is absolutely the last resort. I know this will sound ridiculous - but the ER is full of sick people! And being exposed to sick people is the last thing I need! But, in the end, you do what you have to do!
Take care, everyone.
Fran
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