What would you take to the ER with you?
Well this gives you one hint as to what I took to the urgent care center. Walsh was pretty brave even in a lot of pain.
So we were on top of our day yesterday. The school projects were done. We had been to the conferences. We had bought party supplies for Lilina’s party so I said let’s go to the park and get some exercise.
Walsh rode ahead of me on his bike and headed to his favorite bike trail toward the back of the park. The trail is of course a big windy hill. I was walking behind with the girls. Long story short, he fell and hurt his leg.
Luckily we had several friends at the park who could help me. So one school friend’s dad stayed with Walsh at the bottom of the hill, another friend stayed with the girls on the playground while I ran to get the car. I called the pediatrician while going to get the car and the doctors were all gone but the nurse answered and told me which urgent care place they liked. It was very close, affiliated with the local hospital and they had an X-ray machine.
So I bring the van back and park close to the back fields. I carry Walsh up the hill (I had to stop a couple of times. He was heavy and yelling because it hurt any time the leg got jostled.) The friend’s dad carried his bike and our other friend got the girls to the car for me.
I drove home to get my purse and grabbed just a few things I thought we would need while waiting.
What would you grab heading to the ER or urgent care with kids?
Walsh did end up having a broken leg – a spiral fracture of the tibia. An orthopedist looks at the X-ray from home and doesn’t think he’ll need surgery but he is in a lot of pain. We’re supposed to call them today to find out when they can put a cast on it.
Here’s my list of what I grabbed to go the ER: Tylenol to give to Walsh for the pain and an ice pack, purse with insurance card and money of course, water bottles for all, granola bars because who knows how long you’re going to have to wait and it’s was 5:45 p.m., magazines off the table, iPod and and iPad.
All the items worked out great. They actually took us very fast. He was X-rayed and diagnosed within an hour and they started pain medication right after that. We were home in 2.5 hours, which I thought was pretty darn good.
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89 comments Add your comment
non committal mind reader
February 28th, 2013
10:29 am
Tylenol to give to Walsh for the pain
Well, I would NOT have taken that. If you had been hours from the ER/emergent med facility.. okay. But when you expect to get there pronto, it only serves to complicate their treatment if you have already medicated your child. Consider that if a nurse or doctor failed to ask or record medication, and then gave him ANOTHER dose of acetaminophen, then permanent liver damage/failure could result.
Uh, non committal mind reader...
February 28th, 2013
10:39 am
…”ANOTHER dose of acetaminophen, then permanent liver damage/failure could result” – another dose IS NOT going to cause liver damage or failure – are you Theresa’s sister and getting just as paranoid as her?
Necessities
February 28th, 2013
10:46 am
My child and worry about all that other stuff later. Anyone knows you can’t take personal medication into the ER or the hospital unless directed so by the staff.
Question is why didn’t you have your purse in the van with you? So sorry his leg was actually broken but you were worried about getting a granola bar. Lady, you need therapy.
Orlando
February 28th, 2013
10:49 am
ipad is a must….. also I would take a flask for myself.
Young Lady
February 28th, 2013
10:50 am
I keep a list of medications in my purse for the ER, always carry my insurance card, ID, and that’s really it. They need to know what we’re taking for drug interactions. I also have my parent’s lists in case I have to go with them.
You should /not/ ever feed someone or give them meds in the ER without the doctor giving the okay!
Maude
February 28th, 2013
11:01 am
From my last visit to the ER you need to bring food and water to last 12 hours or more, blankets and pillows and your will. You can die in the waiting room before they ever take you back. I sat in serious pain and extremly high blood pressure for about 12 hours before they ever called me back to see someone. I will NEVER go to the ER again if I am in any control.
DB
February 28th, 2013
11:17 am
T, so sorry about his leg. That sound painful! I would have sent the girls home with your friends and taken Walsh straight to the urgent care facility — they don’t need to be hanging out in a germy doctor’s office, and that way, you could concentrate on Walsh and not be distracted by them, too. And, I’m afraid I must agree with the others — you NEVER give medication before going to the ER (except for an aspirin, in the case of a suspected heart attack – and make sure they chew it before swallowing, to get the aspirin distributed faster. I’ve started carrying a small travel-size container of aspirin in my purse — at my age, my friends and family are getting into risk territory). I, too, carry my insurance card with me in my purse. You might want to consider making a copy to keep in your car for emergencies, too. I know, it’s easy for us to play armchair quarterback after the fact, and I’m sorry for the worry that you had to go through. Sounds like it went as smoothly as it could have, though.
And when he gets out of his cast, please let him tackle that bike path again — I read your comment “The trail is of course a big windy hill.” and thought, “OK, she was already concerned about the hill . . . ” Literally, he needs to get back up on the horse and ride again, you don’t want him to fear a little ol’ bike trail!
Jeff
February 28th, 2013
11:35 am
A charger for for iphone, ipad, etc.
And a copy of your insurance card and divorce agreement.
Two things I definitely...
February 28th, 2013
11:44 am
…would NOT take to the ER are the two sisters…but you covered it fairly well with what TO take…
Just sayin
February 28th, 2013
11:48 am
It sounds like they walked to the park and that is the reason that she had no purse or car. I definitely would take a medicine list or the bottles if they are with me, food, water, and something to distract the other kids.
Busy Mom
February 28th, 2013
12:37 pm
She did have a car at the park, she said she called the doctor on the way to get the van. A park near us had a rash of car break-ins recently because the criminals know that moms don’t take their purse to the playground, they leave it in the car.
Mayhem
February 28th, 2013
12:40 pm
Taking something with us is THE LAST thing on my mind when headed to the ER. I grab the kid and head out. Oh and pack a lunch. LOL
Insurance card and FSA card are always in my wallet, and hubs too. All 3 kids have insurance cards and FSA cards also. If we aren’t around, they have insurance information and can pay for it. Since they are all in their 20’s there’s not much need for me to stop what I’m doing to take them to the ER. I can meet them there if necessary.
Mayhem
February 28th, 2013
12:45 pm
I’d also take an illegal alien with me. They seem to get attention the fastest….
dixie pixie
February 28th, 2013
12:59 pm
Just remember, whatever you take in with you brings all the germs out with you. Hospitals are the worst place to take stuffed animals, bedding of any kind, or electronics. Who _really_ ever cleans their electronics after leaving a hospital?
mom2alex&max
February 28th, 2013
1:21 pm
Insurance card and all the money I have in the world. The only way to get decent medical care in this country is if you are loaded AND have insurance. Otherwise, good luck to you.
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
February 28th, 2013
1:25 pm
We walk to the park so I didn’t have the car or my purse. I had my keys and a phone. I had to go home to get the car and my purse to take him to the doctor.
The pediatrician’s office told me to give him the Tylenol and do the ice so I was following what my peds office told me to do.
I left my 11-year-old at home because I knew Michael would be home soon but I couldn’t leave the 5-year-old with her so I took the 5-year-old with me and Michael picked her up.
I picked up my stuff, dropped off the oldest all in under 5 minutes. It was 6 pm when we got there and immediately the 5-year-old wanted food. I was pretty darn happy I had granola bars and water.
FCM
February 28th, 2013
1:37 pm
# 1 Walsh soak up the attention and heal quickly. Be sure to get him back on the bike as soon as he is able. It’s like a horse, you need to get right back on. We all find that we fall (figuratively & literally) from time to time. Let him take that hill on again too, he needs to see that a set back (major or minor) does not mean give up.
Although I have had both of mine at ER at different times with their sibling in tow, I leave the non-injured party with someone when that option is available.
I do not bring food. Eating can delay certain proceedures and nobody is going to die if they delay their food intake until the injured person can eat too. .
I keep my drivers license & credit card on me even when I don’t have a purse. Also the phone. I can get the insurance information on the smart phone even when I don’t have the card. Yes, ER will accept that, or they did mine. I am going to put a copy in my glove box though
I would not have gone back for iPod, iPad or anything iPaid. Something more children need to learn is how to deal with “dead” time without having to be entertained.
Where was Michael? My mother is of the theory that children figure a way to really injure themselves/get seriously ill when Dad is out of town. Or that is what she said at various times when my brother and I needed medical attention like you describe.
FCM
February 28th, 2013
1:42 pm
TWG I posted before I saw your update above.
I might have done the tylenol too by the way. Just made sure that the hospital knew.
Oh, well he gets a great story to tell at school right?
Kate
February 28th, 2013
1:44 pm
As a veteran of many ER trips, I’d say your list is good. But no medication…that decision needs to be made in the ER.
I’ve been stuck in tiny ER exam rooms for hours, unable to leave and incredibly grateful I brought water and crackers. Phone is critical…it’s your lifeline, especially if your loved one’s condition worsens. I’ve also used my iphone to look up medical stuff. Bring the charger. And a sweater – hospitals are cold. I’ve never wanted a magazine, or needed an ipad. Too much anxiety in an emergency to focus on either, and an ipad is an extra theft risk.
Good choice not to go totally unprepared. If it’s such a life threatening condition that you can’t take two minutes to grab a couple of things, that warrants a 911 call, not driving them.
non committal mind reader
February 28th, 2013
2:04 pm
“…”ANOTHER dose of acetaminophen, then permanent liver damage/failure could result” – another dose IS NOT going to cause liver damage or failure ”
Yes it could. Look it up.
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
February 28th, 2013
2:18 pm
Walsh didn’t eat anything — it was the 5-year-old who was hungry — it was dinner time —
I told the nurse immediately that I had been advised to give him the tylenol and brought the bottle with me so i could show them exactly what I gave — the doctor ended up checking the concentration on it to see what meds they could do next so I was good I brought it in.
I feel good about all my decisions — everyone well taken care of — followed what the peds office told me and the ER folks had no problems with it.
Mayhem
February 28th, 2013
2:19 pm
@non-committal – TWG gives Walsh tylenol. The ER gives Walsh the exact same thing, those two doses will NOT cause permanent liver failure. Don’t get TWG more upset than she already is.
AND if the ped doctor told her to give him tylenol, she should tell them that at the hospital, so THEY don’t give him too much more…..but those two doses will not result in liver failure.
You are going to scare TWG, and we certainly don’t want that!!!
HB
February 28th, 2013
2:27 pm
Yeah, yeah, kids need to learn to deal with dead time and not eating the moment they’re hungry, but who wants to try to teach them that in an already stressful situation? If I could quickly grab easy-to-carry food and entertainment like pre-packaged snacks and a book or tablet, I would since this was not a life-threatening emergency. It’s not like Theresa took the 2 minutes to grab that stuff while he was having a anaphylactic reaction.
FCM
February 28th, 2013
2:33 pm
TWG there was nothing wrong with what you took…you asked what we would take.
I have been in ER where the non-injured party announces they are hungry. I tell them they are not the only one, but since Sally cannot eat we are not eating now either. We can just all wait it out. When they complain again I tell them it builds character and knock it off (they usually stop).
Just because you took food and fed 5 yo doesn’t mean you were wrong. It just means you did something different than I have done in the past.
catlady
February 28th, 2013
3:02 pm
I would try to get someone to take the girls, so dad could be at the hospital with us. If no one willing, I would take the girls along and have dad help with them. I would not worry about anything except the insurance card and my ID. All the others have to buck up until brother is taken care of–no whining!
That is what I have done, except no dad available.
Houston Mom
February 28th, 2013
3:02 pm
You did exactly what we all would have done. Trusted your mom instincts and checked with experts. And your kids are healthy and happy because of it.
catlady
February 28th, 2013
3:05 pm
Mayhem, I take an old white man over 65 who knows what AARP says to do when you go to the ER–claim your heart is hurting! Even if you go for a sprained ankle. Says it gets you to the front of the line fast.
It really pissed me off when I read that several years ago.
xxx
February 28th, 2013
3:25 pm
My kids go to Children’s healthcare of ATL to see real docotrs.-NO doc in the box for us. Remeber the 5 yr old girl with a broken arm the PA put to sleep like a cat last year in Stockbridge by giving her 10x the pain meds he should have?
Techmom
February 28th, 2013
3:41 pm
Poor kiddo! Hope the pain passes soon. What a week for this to happen TWG. Hopefully it will just put some perspective around the important things and you’ll let go of the unimportant stuff.
We’ve only had to make a couple of trips to the ER… once for croup when he was a baby which was a nightmare not b/c he could barely breathe but because there was absolutely no urgency. The 2nd visit came about a year and a half ago just after he started working and he sliced his hand open on a broken plate. I’ve learned that if you’re bleeding, the ER sees you much quicker. He was triaged, we were checked in and back in a room within 20 minutes. Stitches within an hour and THEN we sat for an hour waiting to be discharged. I finally walked out the nurses station and asked what the hold up was. Uh, no one saw his file sitting there waiting on the discharge paperwork to be printed! Thankful I’ve not had to frequent the ER for sure! I do always carry our insurance and FSA cards. The boy also carries an insurance card since he’s of driving age.
And geesh, why are you people so stinking critical about everything? I think you handled everything appropriately TWG but I am a little surprised that the friend’s dad didn’t carry Walsh and let you take the bike. But maybe it was b/c Walsh was in pain and wanted you.
Mayhem
February 28th, 2013
3:49 pm
I will take someone else’s kids in an emergency situation like this, no questions asked. Get the injured kid to ER, I’ve got these kids. Call me when you are home and we’ll bring them home. I’ll even cook you something if it’s around dinner time.
I’ve done it before and I will definately do it again!!!! Isn’t that what friends are for? To help out in an emergency…..I’ve had to call on friends when I’ve taken one of my own kids when they were younger. But thankfully, that was not very often. I can count on one hand how many times all 3 have been to the ER….
My neighbor was out of town for practically the entire month of February. Her brother had severe cancer and they had to do emergency surgery, 16 hours worth of surgery. They had to totallly reconstruct his jaw once the tumor was removed. While he’s in surgery, her other brother, suffered 3 strokes in 24 hours, her aunt got a bladder infection, and my neighbor ended up with a sinus infection. She finally got home last night, and I knew the last thing she wanted to do was go to the grocery store after all that stress. SO all the neighbors pitched in, and one neighbor went to the grocery store, and we stocked up her fridge for her…..THAT’s how we roll in our hood. We help each other, no questions asked. When we get the “Neighbor down” call, we gather in mass and do what we can.
Becky
February 28th, 2013
3:50 pm
Theresa, you did fine.. We aren’t always thinking right when something like this happens..At least, a lot of people aren’t..
I also would of grabbed a snack for the other child if it were dinner time..I always have a book or two in my car, so would of been fine with that for me..As for the child that wasn’t hurt/sick, I also would have grabbed something for them to take if I had to take them with me..Nothing like sitting in the ER for 4-5 hours with a child that doesn’t have a book or something to occupy them..I wouldn’t deal well with that much dead time and would not expect my child to..
Sorry about his leg, hope all goes well with his healing process..
ME
February 28th, 2013
3:59 pm
Although it wasn’t the question, I don’t think you really did anything at all “wrong” — Every one posting an opinion has your actions to use as a baseline followed by having time to think about what they “might” do – not what they, in the heat of the moment, “would” do. As for me, I probably would not have even thought of taking the snacks; I certainly never have before. Otherwise, I would ensure I had ID and insurance cards, HSA cards, etc. And, of course, my phone.
Uh, xxx...
February 28th, 2013
4:51 pm
…like Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta (Scottish Rite, Eggleston and Hughs-Spalding does not have is share of screw-ups by their docs – I remember one case at Scottish Rite where a set of twins had Cystic Fibrosis; the attending “specialist” gave one twin an appropriate dosage of medication while giving the other twin an inappropriate amount of the same med. Now there is only one twin – and I know of MANY similar incidents at all three entities – I used to handle their medical malpractice claims…
And, if the MD at the “doc in a box” has MD or OD after their name, they ARE real doctors…
Becky
February 28th, 2013
5:11 pm
Also at, xxx..I thought that Northside Hospital had “real” doctors also..In April,2000, my nephews wife gave birth to a 6 month term baby..In May, 2000, they gave him the wrong dosage of meds..We buried him about a week later..
Just remember that not all Drs. are first in their class, someone has to be at the bottom, no matter how smart they are..
Georgia
February 28th, 2013
5:30 pm
Hope the little guy is okay. No spring baseball for him, and that’s a tragedy.
FCM
February 28th, 2013
6:00 pm
Yes doctors make mistakes. My Aunt was given some meds and they reacted with her Chemo causing her heart to race and her body to shake. They gave her a blood tranfusion today to see if they can dilute the stuff in her blood.
Last year Dad was back in surgery for his knee(doing well now) and suffered a set back due to the therapist. Had to call his heart doctor in (triple bypass in 2011) due to that set back to see if he could even undergo treatment to rectify the setback (he did). In the course of fixing the set back nobody noticed he had broken his ankle in the fall with the therapist. It went undiagnosed for 2 weeks. His therapists had had him up walking and on it. His doctors are all pointing fingers at each other. My Mom is livid.
You know what they call the guy who graduates last in his class at medical school?
February 28th, 2013
6:06 pm
Doctor…
Techmom
February 28th, 2013
6:08 pm
Speaking of dcotors’ mistakes: Our friends’ 5 year old broke her arm the year before last and they took her to a doc in the box. The PA overdosed her on lidocaine and she died. The PA’s license was taken away for about a week before he was reinstated. She should have been sent to a real hospital if the break was bad enough to require lidocaine, instead she was sent to the morgue. So yes, while I’m all about the quickest method in and out of a doctor’s office, sometimes it’s worth it to take your kid to a children’s hospital where you at least hope they understand the difference between adult and child doses.
Doctor is also...
February 28th, 2013
6:08 pm
….what they call the guy who graduates FIRST in his class at medical school…
Sorry for your friend's loss, Techmom...
February 28th, 2013
6:10 pm
…however, there is a huge difference between a PA and a MD or DO…
Bernie
February 28th, 2013
6:12 pm
For the MILLIONS of uninsured Children of Georgia do not have the luxury of healthcare coverage like your child. Thes children will go to bed in pain and discomfort. They will go to school and quietly endure this discomfort siliently. Many will scream out in dire pain without any relief. Frustrated Mothers and Fathers will trek down to Grady Hospital’s emergency room in quiet desperation. The minium wait time to be seen by a medical professional will be (8) EIGHT HOURS at least. (12) twelve hours or more if its Friday or SAT.
Now for all of the outpouring of words compassion from the many commenters here. It would be nice if ALL and including you would contact the GOVERNOR DEAL of Georgia and request his cooperation and request a reversal of his DENIAL & refusal of CARE in expanding the President’s Medicaid Healthcare Plan. So that NO child in Georgia, would have to endure such an experience as stated here.
Despite the concern of your child, count your Blessings! many children that attend your son’s school do not see a Doctor on a regular basis, even less in an emergency room situation.
over protective much
February 28th, 2013
6:48 pm
Why couldn’t the 11 year old keep the 5year old if your husband would be home soon? That’s right you couldn’t helicopter…….11year olds do babysit you know?????
Sorry for your friend's loss, Techmom...
February 28th, 2013
6:57 pm
Enter your comments here
Cheer up, Bernie...
February 28th, 2013
6:59 pm
…Obumacare is going to take care of all those things of which you vent – that is what it is designed for, isn’t it? Just give it time, bro…
homeschooler
February 28th, 2013
7:09 pm
Bernie, you’re full of crap. Any child in Georgia will be seen at Children’s Health Care, no questions asked if in pain. And at any other hospital for that matter. The only children suffering in pain are doing so because their PARENTS are not taking care of them.
I’m not saying that some parents don’t deny their child treatment because they are afraid of incurring hospital bills but that is a choice. Children will be seen.
I have personally taken numerous kids to the hospital who had no insurance. I have also taken my own children who, of course, have insurance. NO DIFFERENCE. NONE.
homeschooler
February 28th, 2013
7:12 pm
@ Over protective much…I don’t know the laws in Arizona but in GA the recommended age (policy that law enforcement and DFCS follow) is 13 to babysit siblings. Not saying that Theresa would have gotten arrested or had CPS called on her but 11 is just a little young. In my exeperience most people don’t allow their older child to babysit until he/she is at least 12.
Mountain Mom
February 28th, 2013
7:39 pm
Bernie….NO ER is going to refuse to see a child in an emergency and if you can’t afford health care for your children then you can not afford to have children. Get a job with benefits, have fewer toys, eat more mac and cheese….I have been on the $50 a month payment plan with lots of doctors in the past.
Bernie
February 28th, 2013
8:22 pm
Mountain Mom @ 7:39 pm – homeschooler @ 7:09 pm : Despite your misdirected anger and frustrattion with my comment. Does not negate the COLDNESS and the CRUELNESS, along with UNCARING COMPASSION and FEELING of this Governor in denying Millions of Georgia citizens the much needed healthcare they deserve as citizens of theis GREAT NATION!
Many of these citizens whom are Overwhemingly Women,children,seniors,disabled and the mentally handicapped. To withness this process of denial in the year 2013 is UNCONSCIONABLE on every level imaginable, no matter the lens in which it is viewed.
There is NO PRO LIFE movement in REALITY in America……If there was, they would certainly DEMAND a CHANGE!
Anyone that supports his denail of CARE for any of these grouped indivduals are just as MEAN SPIRITED and SINFUL as the Governor. There will be a DAY of explaining to a Higher authority in displaying such wilful self fulfilling ARROGANCE!
motherjanegoose
February 28th, 2013
8:24 pm
TWG…so glad everything is o.k.
Once, my neighbor called me casually and said, ” Are you busy?” I said, “No what is up?’
Her kids were wrestling on the newly acquire bunk beds and the daughter fell off and was unconscious.
I threw on some shoes, grabbed my purse and drove her over to Gwinnett Medical. She said that she thought it would take longer to get an ambulance. She sat in the back seat and held her daughter. I had just had my car detailed and when the daughter came to, she threw up all over the back seat of the car. Oh well… the girl is in middle school now and just fine. Thankfully!
Former History Teacher
February 28th, 2013
8:30 pm
The pediatricians office said to give him Tylenol AND directed you to urgent care? I would question the intelligence of that advice.
Observer
February 28th, 2013
10:46 pm
The best thing I learned to take to the ER, a cool head and calm nerves. Glad Walsh is well and recovering. TWG, best to you as well. You always do your best as a mom and put it all out there. I appreciate and respect that.
ert
March 1st, 2013
8:03 am
The patient, my driver’s license/ID, and my insurance card. What more could you possibly need in an EMERGENCY?????
ert
March 1st, 2013
8:14 am
Oh, yes, and the phone. Every time there’s an emergency, I wonder how we ever handled them before cell phones!
irisheyes
March 1st, 2013
8:34 am
I had to take Baby Girl to CHOA last fall for a broken collarbone. I took lots of snacks, her cup, my phone, and the insurance info, her pacifier, and her stuffed animal. We were in and out in two hours.
FCM
March 1st, 2013
8:38 am
@ homeschooler…I have 13 & 10. I leave them both sometimes to go to the grocery store. They have certain rules (no answering the door/don’t go outside ect) and at least 3 contact numbers to call besides my cell. Of course the overprotective dog is there too.
Now sometimes the 13 wants to go with me but 10 doesn’t. Is 10 ok to stay home for say an hour or less? 10 is a handful b/c of ADHD but is showing responsibility and I need to understand when it would be ok to let her try.
FCM
March 1st, 2013
8:45 am
@ those arguing with Bernine….understand that you are giving LOGIC to someone who wants to deal only with EMOTION.
Thus you will always be at an impass.
catlady
March 1st, 2013
8:52 am
Is Walsh using an ipad in the picture?!?
Uh, catlady...
March 1st, 2013
9:06 am
…T answered your question in her article…”Here’s my list of what I grabbed to go the ER: Tylenol to give to Walsh for the pain and an ice pack, purse with insurance card and money of course, water bottles for all, granola bars because who knows how long you’re going to have to wait and it’s was 5:45 p.m., magazines off the table, iPod and and iPad.”
homeschooler
March 1st, 2013
9:19 am
@ FCM. The “policy” says 9 can stay alone for short periods so I would think you would be fine to leave your 10 yr old and it would be good for her. As long as she knows the rules, knows to dial 911 in an emergency etc.. The police and DFCS try to use common sense in these situations. Parents just need to also. Some will leave a 13 yr old ADD child with severe behavior problems to care for a baby and try to say that the”law” says a 13 yr old can babysit. Sometimes we have 11 yr olds who are incredibly responsible and they might be left alone after school for 30 minutes with a 5 or 6 yr old sibling until a parent gets home. That might be determined to be okay despite it not being within the policy. No one HAS to stick to the guidelines but they are there to help when people are not using common sense.
I have a 12 yr old boy and a 9 yr old girl. I leave them both together for short periods with the idea that each is responsible for him/herself. My family members live on our same property so, that helps. The kids get the “feel” of being alone with me having the comfort of knowing someone is right next door if needed.
The first babysitter...
March 1st, 2013
9:28 am
…for my 4 month old was 12 years old – she is now 39, so that means my baby is now 27 – shoot, that means that I am old…
a_mom
March 1st, 2013
9:28 am
@Mayhem – You are so lucky to live in a neighborhood that pulls together like that. My child was in CHOA with a life-threatening illness for 19 days. I had family fly in to help with my other child while I stayed at the hospital, but she left when we came home. Even after being discharged, we had long months where I woke up every hour or two to make sure she was still breathing through the night. Not a single neighbor – not even the ones whose children played with mine daily, nor the Sunday school teacher next door – not a single one brought over so much as a spaghetti casserole or offered to let my healthy child play at their house so my sick one could nap in quiet. And yes, I’ve always been a friendly neighbor to them and to their kids (they play at my house, I give popsicles, etc.). It was an eye-opener for me about where I live (a nice subdivision). If I wouildn’t lose $60K by selling, I’d move in a heartbeat. The most important thing, though, is that my child recovered and I thank God daily for that!
Becky
March 1st, 2013
9:30 am
@ert..We handled them prior to cell phones with something called a pay phone..You do know what those are don’t you? We had quiet a few of those back in the day..
motherjanegoose
March 1st, 2013
9:46 am
@a_mom…how horrible. We always pull together and help one another. Some people are very self centered. Sad for you.
Bernie
March 1st, 2013
11:32 am
FCM @ 8:45 am – Tell that to ALL of the MILLIONS of Georgia’s Children and their Parents who go to sleep every Night without Healthcare Coverage. To All the MOM’s and Dads who shake in fear at the sign of a sneeze and/or a seeming discomfort of their child, all the time hoping and praying medical attention is not required. those who do not care and have INDIFFERENCE toward this subjet is Hee who is without Compassion or Sound emotion.
Bernie
March 1st, 2013
11:38 am
correction:
FCM @ 8:45 am – Tell that to ALL of the MILLIONS of Georgia’s Children and their Parents who go to sleep every Night without Healthcare Coverage. To All the MOM’s and Dads who shake in fear at the sign of a sneeze and/or a seeming discomfort of their child, all the time hoping and praying medical attention is not required. those who do not care and have INDIFFERENCE toward this subject is He who is without Compassion or Sound emotion.
DH
March 1st, 2013
11:56 am
My kid. That’s it.
catlady
March 1st, 2013
12:52 pm
Uh, “Uh, Catlady” silly me, I thought the technology was to keep the little one quiet. Did not know it was for the injured.
Becky
March 1st, 2013
1:10 pm
@a_mom..Sorry about that..I don’t know all of the people that live in my subdivision, but the ones that I know would help me out in a heart beat..I guess that I am lucky enough that I have a lot of family within a 25 miles radius of me, so I always have someone that can help out..
I am always the one that cooks something and takes to the sick folks.Last year, when out preacher and his wife both had surgery a couple days apart, I cooked for them every other day and took food over.. Some might make fun of me, but for me, this is my southern roots showing..
FCM
March 1st, 2013
4:37 pm
@homeschool thank you I will let her try.
@ Bernie Again you used lots of adjectives that were designed to stir emotions:shake in fear, hoping and praying, INDIFFERENCE, Compassion.
Thus the impass…I can put bold on emotional words too if it helps,, but it won’t.
So for the humor of the regulars:
THEFT from HARD EARNED pay to support EXTRA children (regardless of health) because it is required from a SOULESS government who is 16 Trillion dollars in debt.
COMPASSION,the understanding or empathy for the suffering of others, would get me to HELP or contribute to CHARITABLE organizations to help with the indigent. Those that I know do manage the funds and get the help to people.
I know that many people who work have SCALED BACK their contributions to because the government is FORCING them to pay into the government solutions.
FCM, way...
March 1st, 2013
4:45 pm
…to go, Idaho…
Google "NEA" and "union"
March 1st, 2013
5:28 pm
Well, I guess I’d take a smartphone like most people.
Hey Theresa, hope you won’t mind too much if I park here a comment left earlier on the Get Schooled blog. The moderator there hates dissenting opinions and so often delays or blocks me—as she did today. The issue discussed was state legislation affecting our schools. Anyway here’s the banned comment:
“Do a Google search on “NEA” and “donations” to see which Democrats are receiving money from the anti-reform, anti-choice National Education Association. Or just click on the link below:
ref: http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000000064
Kat
March 1st, 2013
6:53 pm
Sounds like she did the best she could at the time. And, IF something had happened to the five-year-old while in the older child’s care, how bad would that have been to have that worry in your head as well. To all of those who are saying – why did you grab anything and not just get the heck out of there, this is why: 1) Hospital ERs have vending machines with few “good” choices – and usually non-working 2) She called her pediatrician’s office first 3) She picked up things that would make her son feel better during (what can be) an incredible wait in the ER, which forces you to think about pain, discomfort and so on. 4) Doctors will ask what, if anything, the child has taken – such as Tylenol OR the mom would tell him/her
For a broken bone, lightning fast speed is not what is important. Keeping the child calm is. Get his favorite stuff and put your stuffed animals in the wash when you get home. Does anyone think that Theresa would not be conscientious of this? It wasn’t a heart attack or stroke where speed is of the essence.
Bernie
March 2nd, 2013
12:45 am
FCM @ 4:37 pm – To you LITTLE HORN, who prowl around to protect the evil one and spread Death & destruction on the most innocent and defensless ones among us. You have been quite busy in America lately and you managed to reach a lot of powerful and influential people in our Government. I say to you, Your time will not reign for long. The Children, The handicapped, The Shut in and the mentally disabled will recieve the Medical Care they deserve and there is nothing you can do to STOP IT! Nothing at ALL!
Your attempts have failed many times before, despite the gathering of your many soldiers in arms.
Many are praying for your quick demise on behalf of the most innocent among US!
Fred ™
March 2nd, 2013
11:11 am
Bernie: Preach it brother. The over privileged have no clue of concern for those not born with a silver spoon up their ass. Their one size fits all answer: Don’t have kids if you can’t afford them” is as stupid as it is cruel and heartless. Kids don’t have a choice who their parents are and not all kids were smart enough to be born to decent families.
Keep preaching the truth. Just wanted to give you some support on your UNPOPULAR (to the tuppie crowd here) message. Remember, they voter for that thief Nathan Deal and as such they love him. If they can over look his thievery, they can over look everything else. As long as Rush or Herman or FOX say it, it’s truth………
Uh, Fred...
March 2nd, 2013
12:13 pm
…please go back to Jay’s blog where someone might, MIGHT, agree with you…if Jay says it, then you believe it.. and if Obuma says it, you believe it…
Try thinking for yourself sometime – oh, that’s right, you are a moocher who depends on others in order for you to live your miserable life…selah…
Fred ™
March 2nd, 2013
12:25 pm
Hush no name. Adults are talking, not people who lack the courage to even use a screen name.
When you can pay my daughter’s tuition to Woodward, my wife PhD at Vanderbilt and my tax bill THEN speak about moochers.
Why do you have to lie? Is your truth so miserable that all you can do it lie? Liars are so pathetic.
Wow, Fred...
March 2nd, 2013
4:09 pm
…are your mooching feelings hurt? – poor, poor (well, maybe not poor in the money sense, but poor in the sense of knowing anything of real value), pitiful (emphasis on pitiful) Fwed…
And, Fwed...
March 2nd, 2013
4:16 pm
…I don’t have to lie – I am unemployed, have been for the past 2+ years, and have not received one dime from the “guvmint”as I am living off my investments since my two younguns are out of college and in the work force supporting themselves…and I will see your wife’s PhD from Vandy, and your youngun’s Woodward bill, and still call you a moocher since it appears they are supporting you…as usual, one of the moochers with his hand in someone else’s pocket…bet if you put your hand in your own pocket you would feel nuts…
mom2alex&max
March 2nd, 2013
9:34 pm
Bernie, you are wasting your time. The bourgeois will NEVER understand the world the uninsured live in. They cannot comprehend and refuse to believe the very real fact that people in this country surely die due to lack of health insurance. No matter what you tell them, no matter how many facts you show them, they refuse to believe it. They don’t believe that people can and do end up destitute while dealing with a serious illness. They refuse to admit that hospitals deny life-saving procedures every day.
For what it is worth, I know exactly what you mean and I agree with you 100%
The bourgeois?
March 3rd, 2013
10:54 am
Say what?
mom2alex&max
March 3rd, 2013
11:56 am
If you are trolling, it’s not working. If you are not, look it up.
The bourgeois?
March 3rd, 2013
2:46 pm
Already did – and I repeat, Say what? Methinks thou art confusing the bougeois with the peasants…the middle class knows all to well about the struggles – just ask Obuma…
FDNH
March 3rd, 2013
2:53 pm
A note to all: Take your own IV saline solutions, your Band-aids, cotton gauze, alcohol wipes, a bottle of tylenol/aspirin, a tourniquet and a diaper to pee in, because for those things alone, you’re looking at $5,000. Just sayin’.
See First Do No Harm: http://amzn.to/YWSXqa
mom2alex&max
March 3rd, 2013
5:18 pm
“Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well- warmed, and well-fed.”
-Herman Melville, Author of Moby-Dick
See, mom...
March 3rd, 2013
7:39 pm
…you confirmed my question regarding your misunderstanding of what “bourgeois” means…the middle class is far from the “poor”…
Lurkinator
March 3rd, 2013
8:46 pm
TWG, I don’t usually comment on AJC blogs anymore since there are SO many trolls, and those who try to stay on topic get railroaded into tangents, but I felt compelled tonight.
To answer your question, I have gone to the ER a few times, and the only additional things I would have brought are iphone/ipad chargers and a blanket, since ER waiting rooms are so cold year-round. I actually keep copies of my insurance cards in my car, as well as snacks, bottled water, a first aid kit, a phone charger that can plug into the wall or in the car, coloring books and colored pencils, spare clothes (for the kids), my double stroller, and a blanket or two. It’s a lot but with three kids, you embrace the philosophy of being prepared, as I’m sure TWG knows! ;o)
Bernie
March 3rd, 2013
8:46 pm
mom2alex&max @ 5:18 pm – 100% agreed! great quote!
Sharon C
March 5th, 2013
12:15 pm
I question those of you criticizing her decision to grab a few things to take since she had to go home for insurance information….the child wasn’t bleeding, wasn’t unconscious, wasn’t in immediate danger, but had an obvious injury causing him great pain. The decision to stop and grab a couple of things to DISTRACT him from that pain was very wise indeed. AND to stop and grab some granola bars to feed a fussy 5 year old stuck in the emergency room probably saved some frustration as well. Since she had to go home to get her purse anyway, and probably went through the thought process of what she’d need on the way, I applaud her for thinking ahead. Had the purse and information needed been in the car already, then heading straight to the emergency room would have probably been my move. I always have snacks and two bottles of water stashed in the car in case they’re needed.
Not a mom
March 6th, 2013
6:29 pm
I’d give the kid tylenol, too. Poor guy broke his leg! And the snack grab was genius. I would have been in panic mode and forgot about the other kiddos. Well done! These folks are drama queens. “Liver damage,” oh sheesh.