Tuesday night I had to rush Theo to the Emergency Room because he had a fever of 103.1 and he vomited so much that I was literally soaked through with it. With this rash of Swine Flu victims I just couldn't take the chance on playing it low-key and staying home. So I peeled myself out of my puke-drenched clothes and sneakers, got a washcloth and cleaned myself up as best as I could, get my poor baby out of his clothes and cleaned him up, then got us both dressed again. My little guy is crying hysterically and he is not usually a crier, so I know it's really bad. I get a diaper bag together, get him in his carrier and strap him tight against my body, and go outside to hail a cab to the Emergency Room. Once I get there I rush to the Triage Nurse and tell her that he has a fever of 103.1 and flu-like symptoms, and expect to get the slightest reaction from her as to the importance of what I had just told her. "So do the 2 kids in front of you", she says, in a tone that screams of disinterest. "Just have a seat."
I wanted to slap the mascara off her face. No, I really, really did.
When the doctor finally saw him, Theo was given a prescription for an anti-viral medication and I was told that with the medication he would be just fine. Suffice it to say it was a long night, and the many hours later we arrived back at home found me getting Theo back to sleep on my bed, just so that I could go into his room and clean up the copious amounts of vomit on what seemed like everything. The clothes, the floor, the rocking chair, his crib -- ugh. As I eventually climbed into bed I didn't yet realize that the following day would find me just as exhausted, since as soon as my mother came over I had to literally go on a man-hunt to 5 different pharmacies in my neighborhood for the anti-viral medication, go to the supermarket for groceries since we would be housebound once my mom went back to PA, and then I had to carry three heavy grocery bags and an umbrella back in the pouring rain. At one point I had the single mother twitch - "WHY THE HELL DO I HAVE TO DO ALL OF THIS BY MYSELF?!?!?!" Almost immediately though, I realized that it was better to do it all alone than it was to have a husband/partner that doesn't do his share. And I know waaay too many women who have husbands/partners that don't do their share. That's worse. At least to me it is. So I told myself to get over the drama, and I did. I was there for my son when he needed me and I got everything done and I didn't even cry in the Emergency Room although at one point I came dangerously close. Swine Flu (and single mom meltdown) averted.
I still kinda want to slap the mascara off that nurse though.
3 comments:
I've been there, too. And it stinks. I totally agree with you on the single mom versus one that has an inactive partner. I am thankful to have one, but I've always said it'd be easier to go it alone (I think it has to do with the mindset that it's ALL on you and so you push through) than to have him doing nothing (because if he's there, I'd EXPECT some help). You are strong, and your baby is thankful too. :) Of that I'm certain.
I can't believe I missed this post. Ugh! I'm so sorry. I hate it when the people at hospitals helping you are so damn unkind and unconcerned. Also, I wanted to tell you that my brother and I were raised by a single mother. I know it's hard work that sometimes takes superhuman strength, but it sounds like you are doing an awesome job and you son will grow up knowing what a strong woman you are and respecting the reserve of strength that all women have. You are doing a great job!!! You might not get the accolades that you deserve, but please know that there is someone on the West Coast who admires you for your dedication and a job well done.
Thank you so much, Unknown Mami. That means a great deal to me. ♥
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