A First - and a Vocabulary Lesson

Every day is an adventure as the mother of four.  You would think with the oldest almost 15 and the youngest just 7 years behind that we would have had a visit to the "real" ER  by now (vs. the walk-in clinic variety of ER closer to home - which we have gone to twice, but those weren't "real" emergencies... just after hours stuff that couldn't wait for the pediatrician the next day.)  I'm not even sure **I** have ever been to the "real" ER personally and I definitely don't remember ever riding in an ambulance. 

Well, as of today, the title for my oldest daughter's "What I did Over the Summer" essay would officially be "My First Trip in an Ambulance".  And yes, she did think it was fun.  Oh, and she's fine now, lest anyone be concerned.  But I'm not going to write that essay.  I'm going to write about learning new vocabulary.

I learned the phrase Vasovagal Syncope today.  Yeah.  What's that?  Well, it basically has something to do with a nerve and you faint.  Long and short, Patience was supposed to have a fasting blood draw this morning, it didn't go smoothly (and they didn't get any blood) and then she fainted, looked kind of like she was having a seizure, and well, we called 9-1-1 and she got a ride to the hospital since she was pretty wobbly afterward and we thought it better than checking in w/her pediatrician later in the day (his office still wasn't open even after all the excitement... we started our day kind of early).  Really, she thought it was fun, though it did kind of mess with her day and we still have to go back for the blood draw tomorrow (take 2?).

Me, I'm still kind of figuring it all out.  And anytime you go to the ER is an adventure.  Of course I drive the car over (after ensuring the other kids were deposited safely elsewhere) so we could get home after, and joined up w/her there.  It was weird.  Today was a "mass casualty drill" day at the hospital, so the commentary upon entering was kind of funny... Patience said there were tons of people everywhere and they kept asking "Is this one real?" or "Is she real?" and finally someone called out "This one is real!"... When I got there (a little disoriented since I came thru the main hospital and had to be "escorted" thru a certain corridor  - I learned that the ER has its own parking so now I know in case I ever need to again.), they asked me "Are you a guest?" and I had no idea what to answer....   I just said something like "My daughter came in an ambulance and I was told to ask what room she's in...." and they took care of me. 

Back to my new vocabulary.  I read about it online.  Wikipedia was helpful, as was this site.  It's basically a loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, usually preceded by light-headedness and nausea (both of which she had, and often has when she has to get blood tests). She's fine.  She didn't have a seizure, which was very encouraging, but with diabetes, I was very glad to have her checked rather thoroughly.   I didn't enjoy watching her pass out and shake at all.  It was very disconcerting.  The whole reaction to blood does run in the family, and her father knew the term and said it had happened to him!  We were only at the hospital for an hour total and while rattled and shaky, she had no residual issues so if it ever happens again (like tomorrow), we probably wouldn't call 9-1-1 unless something was significantly different.  Some of the information was scary, but I think the knowledge will be helpful in the long run, and we've learned some things that will hopefully help avoid it happening again in the future.  We really would rather this be our LAST ride in the ambulance, at least for a good long while.

All in all, I felt very cared for even in the little things.  God's word about the weak being strong and trusting in him were very present and real to me in the moment, despite being shaken up.  A friend (or at least a familiar face - from baseball of course!) worked at the lab where it all happened and she arrived just as Patience regained consciousness.  She said she would do the blood draw tomorrow, and the familiar face will be reassuring.  The EMTs were wonderful.  And frankly Patience really (really) enjoyed the experience of riding in the ambulance. The doctor and resident and everyone at the hospital were all very positive and we were able to ask all the questions we felt we needed to.  She's also fine - nothing new wrong with her.  And we ran into a dear friend and former teacher on our way out of the hospital (she volunteers there), and she gave us both a big hug of encouragement.  Our friends who took the kids did so quickly and happily.  The kids had a great time (and it was a playdate we'd been wanting to arrange - just not exactly the timing!)  And though it wasn't the day we planned, and Patience is definitely a little worse for the wear, it's temporary.  We're all "ok" in the end, more aware of potential issues as well as how to prepare for them, we're healthy, and even happy to boot.  Sometimes we just have to work (and depend on God!) to keep that perspective and I'm thankful God helped me to see that - and his hand - in the midst of it.   

UPDATE 8/22 - Successful blood draw this morning.  Yay.  Celebrated w/treats at Panera Bread.  The phlebotomist was wonderful and took her time to make sure it all went smoothly.  Thankful for the Lord's grace in the little things - and his strength in our weakness and the wisdom to perservere and not give up.  Done.  Check.  Moving on to the next thing as we prepare for the start of the school year.