Listen to the Gut: UC ER Diary

It was my plan to stay at home and just rest up. But I did not seem to get any better and so my mom told me I needed to see a doctor. At Hope clinic they were very concerned and instructed me to go to the Emergency room. I am one of those people that will avoid seeing a doctor if possible and disliked others for exaggerating their symptoms. Hearing from a doctor telling me I needed to go to the emergency room was surprising. I always thought the ER was reserved for those who really needed help. I was still able to walk, was the ER really necessary I thought.

I was told my hemoglobin count was really low which I already knew because I was taking iron supplements. What I didn't know was that it was to the point that blood transfusion was necessary. My body was somehow able to compensate for my lack of blood all this time but I was really not at a healthy place. Through the blood transfusion, I finally knew I was blood type A+. The bloody diarrhea meant I was quarantined and could not use the hospital washrooms. Preparation for the colonoscopy and the procedure itself was unpleasant, but they were able to find my entire large intestine was inflamed. The good news was my small intestines were fine. The doctors were able to reduce my inflammation and provide me with nutrients via IV through my 7 day stay at the hospital.

Below are some notes from my stay. I found it pretty ironic there was a snow storm the day I was admitted, and it was bright and sunny when I was discharged :)

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Apr 15: Admitted to the hospital through the ER

急救室不是一个不好玩儿的地方。
Gravol, tylenol, advil are commonly used medicine in the emergency room.
There was a women who was ignored all night in the ER because of her pain. I could clearly hear the annoyed undertone of "How can I help you?" and "what do you need?" from the nurses.
Another women was kicked out of the emergency room in the middle of the night. The staff kept wondering why she was there. Hmmm you'd think they will have an idea since a patient can't exactly steal a bed for a nap.
The mess I made in the bathroom.
The difference b.w. a lady nurse and a non lazy nurse.
The gossip from the staff during the night.

Apr 16: Colonoscopy and Transfusion

Triage, charted, form terms used in a hospital
4 xray
Blood samples, 83 hemoglobin
Antibiotics, night and morning
Stool samples
Enema for colonoscopy: hot, pain, hold
IV fluids
Tb skin test and chest xray
Entire colon inflamed
Blood transfusion 2 bags, 6hrs
Calcium
Stat check every hour
Salofalk
Prednisone steroid
Antibiotics

Apr 17: Visit from Mom's friends

3 poops liquid bloody
Stomach Shot?
The toilets are better for visitors
Room toilet smells soo bad
2 meals a day
PB&J never tasted so good
Advanced diet, no more liquids.

Apr 18: Yas visits

Poop bf antibiotics
Toast, cheerio, poop
Steriods, salofalk
Congee, tuna sandwich, apple sauce, poop
Fish, mashed potatoes, poop more blood
What is considered remission? What are mild, moderate, severe symptoms?
Dr Bachaus and son
Lovely video and books from guys at work

Apr 19: Can't we all just get along?

Poop 3am, 8am
Oatmeal, peanut butter toast, lactaid milk, tea
Poop 10am
Egg, mixed veggie, chicken noodle, banana
Poop 5pm
Minced beef, rice, carrots
Poop 8pm
Calcium iv
Solumedro
Prenisone
Antibiotics
Constance aka connie gave me some wisdom. Dominant mom results in a weak son.
Margaret showed me that when you are old, not a lot of ppl will care.
Nurses are hard workers, and you will see them so much more than doctors
Connie and Margaret could not find a way to get along. One wanted the bathroom door opened. One constantly talked on the phone.