(9/14/08 - 7:57am - Missed Call)
(9/14/08 - 8:13am - Missed Call)
(9/14/08 - 8:14am - Missed Call)
(9/14/08 - 8:15am - Missed Call)
(9/14/08 - 8:38am - Missed Call)
At 9:07 am I finally wake up and check my voicemail. There was a message stating that my brother was in a car accident and was flown by helicopter to the hospital. A million thoughts run through my mind and as optimistic as I am, I prepare for the worst. In the bathroom brushing my teeth, tears begin to roll down my face.
(pause - take a deep breath - must be strong)
At approximately 9:40 am I arrive at the hospital. Quick stop at the front desk, fast paced walk to the elevator, the adrenaline continues to build.
Now standing in front of the door, I do not want to walk in, but I must. Slowly opening I see him in the bed. His face is swollen, eyes slowly open, but there is no more than an IV connected to his arm. Confused I ask how he is doing. He states that he is OK, just really sore.
The doctor comes in to check on him and I walk outside with her. I ask for the “bad news”. She states that he is doing well and has no broken bones or severe injuries. Just scrapes, bruises, and a slight concussion.
(No way - they do not fly people to the hospital unless it is serious)
A few hours later he is released from the hospital. The doctor just stated that they would keep him overnight for observation. After talking with an “administrator” about his lack of insurance they decide to release him. He is still complaining of tightness in his chest so they must have missed something. After finding out he has no insurance the doctors and nurse did not seem too interested in helping him. My belief is with insurance they would definitely treat the situation different otherwise. We decide to take him to another hospital.
I call Mommy who is at another hospital with my stepfather. A few days prior it was discovered that he had a bad heart valve that needed to be repaired. She talks to a nurse at the hospital who says to bring him even though he does not have insurance. A few hours later he is released again and finally I am at ease. The doctors and nurses at Hospital #2 really took the time to explain what was happening, the tests they were running, and assuring us that he was OK. Everyone went above and beyond to help us.
Hospital #1 treated us as if we were criminals because of his lack of insurance. I thought people who worked in hospitals had a genuine interest in helping people. I guess for some it is just a job and nothing more.
(11:12pm - Finally arrive home)
The day has been exhausting but it has ended on a good note. Five missed calls and two hospital visits later I am ready to go to bed with a big smile on my face.
