Day 1

I don't really know how to start this. I won't be putting any pictures up for a few days as I am in pretty bad shape. I am fortunately feeling better this morning, as I was sure I was going to die last night. Thankfully, Fion was here or else I don't think I would have survived the night. She really has been amazing.

Having your mouth wired shut, you really appreciate how vulnerable you are to a stuffy nose. My nose got plugged up this morning and I about had a panic attack. It took me an hour to calm down as I was sure I was going to suffocate. I also had an insane amount of congestion in my lungs and I couldn't cough to get it out. In hindsight, I would live with the damn pain of my jaw to have not gone through that.

The incompetence of the staff here at Sharp Memorial is maddening. Last night I needed a nurse as I was starting to feel nauseous. I pushed the "nurse" button on my bed and shortly thereafter, someone says, "hello...hello?...hello?" over the speaker on the bed. Obviously I can't reply. I push the button two more times and get a different person....same response. I am freaking out at this point and finally someone came in the room. Mind you I could have choked on my own vomit and been long dead by now.,....

All this happened in the hour that Fion was gone. I don't think I had ever been so relieved to see her. It was also great to have the laptop at this point so I could communicate. Writing down everything on a sheet of paper is not the way to go.

I am going to spend an extra night here in the hospital. I don't feel like going home yet even though the staff here is probably worse than having no one at all. Thank God for Fion.....