Friday, March 20, 2009

Sleepless in Las Vegas

If you’re on Facebook you’ll know that I’ve spent the last 6 days in Las Vegas. Unfortunately it wasn’t for fun. The closest I got to any casino was driving past the strip going from one hospital to another. My sister, Tiffany was in the hospital in major pain. She has been sick for a long time and it was her boss that made her go into the hospital.

I got the call Saturday afternoon, right after my shift at work that she was in the hospital and not doing well. So I got packed up and headed towards Vegas. When I got the hospital I saw Tiff lying there in major pain and it broke my heart.

To make a long week short here is the low down:

~ Tiff has pinched nerves and collapsed discs, basically causing her to have a slow and very painful way that could eventually lead to paralysis. Because she can still feel pain and her legs still spasm, the doctors feel that it wasn’t a cause for an emergency surgery, even though she needs surgery big time.

~ Because of the way the doctors have put in her I.V. and left it in she has an infection (cellulitious) that she’s now fighting off.

~ There was only one hospital in the area that surgeons do back surgery at, and it wasn’t the one that she was at and because insurance is a joke, they wouldn’t pay for the transfer, so we got her discharged and had to transfer her ourselves to another hospital out in Henderson. Here is where we sat for hours in the E.R. with a bunch of sickos. Listening to other’s issues, seeing other’s infections and the smell and sounds of others vomiting…who knows what we might of caught ourselves.

~ So now we wait for 10 days when Tiff can actually go in a see the specialists about surgery.

In the time that I was there, I got very little sleep and what sleep I did get was in the hospital chair and I got to shower only twice. Gross I know, but comfort was not a top priority while there. I did get to meet a couple of Tiff’s friends who are nurses so they’ll be able to look after her until her appointment time, so that’s a great comfort.

I know it sounds like I’m rambling, because most likely I am. Lack of sleep will do that. I just ask that everyone keep Tiff in your thoughts and prayers as she goes through this difficult time.

The view outside the hospital window that we came to know well. If you look if the very far off distance you can see the strip.

5 comments:

Debra said...

You, Tiff, and the rest of your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer said...

Nic, I just want to say that you are all in my prayers. Hang in there. Keep us posted on how things are going.

Roberta said...

OH MY WORD! This is all very very serious! Your sister is in my thoughts and sincere prayer. Keep us posted! How are your mom and dad? Remember to take good care of you too!

Jason said...

Best of luck to your sister and major props to you for being there for her.

orangemily said...

I'm so sorry about your sister! I hope things get better!