7/13/22

The ride into the city was pretty uneventful this morning. I was feeling a little sick to my stomach. Ethan said he was feeling tightness in his chest and it hurt to breathe a little. Just walking in and seeing the familiar faces, walls and smelling the hospital, it is hard to believe we spent so many months here.

Avery stayed behind to attend to the hotel room. She was resting up for her big drive back. After this 24 hour period I know she has gained great driving experience. I am glad that we could kill two birds with one stone.

I had reserved hesitation about how things would go. I don’t know how to make the uneasy feelings stop besides declaring war against them (Hell). I know Hell is causing these feelings. So, with the advice of a great friend, I am going “to make today my bitch”, and kick Hell in the balls.

It is just one day. We can forge our way through. We get bonus points if we smile and laugh. I like over achieving. My downfall is that Ethan does not like my jokes….so I might be the only one laughing.

Ethan went and got his lab work done. We then headed to the cardiac cath floor. Ethan was recognized by his nurse right away. She has transferred from 9Tower to the cardiac cath floor. She never was assigned to Ethan, but helped move him and was in our room from time to time. She remembered what rooms he was in. 

We saw a few familiar faces which puts us at ease.

As I left Ethan in the cath lab, I went to my little hiding corner on a different floor. I often go there to wait and used to go there to make phone calls. There was a couple, probably in their 30’s, there eating.

This couple was the noisiest, lip smacking, crackling and popping, mouthed open and food flying type eaters. I was at a safe distance away, but the noises were so gross but intriguing. How can they make SO much noise and not correct one another?

The noise must have alerted security…..no joke, security showed up and told them if they didn’t have a child admitted on that floor, to leave. Oops. I also didn’t have a child admitted currently on the floor. I did my introvert thing of not making eye contact, looking small and minding my own business. They didn’t even look in my direction. phew.

The couple then started to pack their things up. They both went into the bathroom. What? It’s a one stalker. They were in their quietly, together for about 5 minutes. The security guard came and checked to see if they had left (they were in the bathroom) and he went away. The couple came out and sat back down and started eating sloppily and noisily.

I was impressed by how they eluded security. This was not their first rodeo. English was not their first language, so I couldn’t understand what they were saying. I was really trying though. I was being very nosey. A little while later, a hospital employee came in. She went up one side of them and down the other. She was telling them they couldn’t eat there. They couldn’t be on that floor unless their child was there. I recognized her right away. She worked with Ethan and I for several months. I didn’t love her and neither did Ethan. She glanced in my direction and said nothing. Security came back and escorted them away.  I am so curious about the drama. It was clear, this wasn’t the first time it had happened.

I then guessed that they weren’t big fans of the tables and chairs in the lobby. They are scarce and uncomfortable. Other than that, there is no place to sit. The lobby has seating for maybe 10 people. I wouldn’t wait there. I would have to stand in the middle of a lobby where there are so many noisy people. No thanks. 

I am even more curious how any of their family members don’t say anything about the way they eat. That was award worthy.

We picked away at our list of appointments and tests. After the heart cath, we learned that Ethan’s heart is functioning normally. We still have to wait for results from the biopsy. His lung pressures are finally low enough to start the weaning process off his lung pressure medication. That will begin now and he will be off of it by his next appointment in October. Progress. Then, every 3 months he will be required to have an echo. I hardcore lobbied to have the echo locally and zoom with the transplant team. They seemed ok with this, thankfully.

We met with nephrology. Ethan’s kidney values are still elevated. Because they are elevated, they want to move forward with the kidney biopsy. We compromised on running bloodwork next month and using that number to determine if the biopsy is needed. If Ethan’s urine concentration is lower than a certain number, they will hold off on the biopsy. If it isn’t, we will do the biopsy….under anesthesia…..with the 4 hour recovery.

Ethan had his echo. That takes about an hour. We watched the carbonara effect on tv. We laughed several times. Take than, Hell! 

We ubered back to the hotel and I drove us away from the traffically chaotic city, with the intent to stop and get gas and eat. Then I could switch seats with Avery. 

Traffic was horrific. I was HANGRY. We ended up driving a bit west into NJ before heading north. I very much dislike gas stations that pump your gas for you. It’s the introvert in me. Then I have to exchange pleasantries and I wasn’t feeling very pleasant. So I didn’t pull over until we crossed into Pennsylvania. I know, I have an intovert problem.

Finally we get into Pennsylvania. Avery wanted to try sonic for lunch. We pull off into the pull up ordering. The first one didn’t have a menu. The second one didn’t hav an order button that worked. The third one, I pushed the button to order and was told they are only doing the drive through.They also didn’t have a bathroom which pissed me off. 

We wait in line, crossing my legs so I don’t pee myself. Finally we order. We wait 15 minutes in line and FINALLY get our food. They forgot my tater tots. I was really looking forward to them too.

I just took the loss rather than trying to get them. We then go to the gas station. They also don’t have a bathroom. Are you kidding me?

I had to go into the grocery store right next to the gas station. I go in the bathroom and some lady is going number two while grunting and groaning. Come on! If you are trying that hard, it’s not time…..

I grabbed something to replace my missing tots. It was clear it was “everyone ride a motor scooter” day at the local chain. Not sure if they had a 50% off coupon for anyone that owned a scooter or what. 

There was a cloud of urine scented cotton. The urine smell was bad enough that I went to the other end of the check out lanes to avoid smelling it. I was almost run over by a few scooters. It was quite dramatic.

We get on the road and Avery hates how much traffic is present. People were driving erratically all around us. Is there a full moon? She was feeling stressed when she had to drive with a tractor trailer truck on one side of her and a cement wall on the other. “Ugh! I hate driving with cars around me!” I laughed. This is why it is good we live in the country and have to only worry about the farming equipment that we have to yield to now and again.

We didn’t arrive home until close to 8 pm. It was a long exhausting day. 

Avery was my bright spot as she was so helpful. She even packed the van for me.  Good kid. I think she is ready enough to take the test cross your fingers for us.