Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Scare

My brother Jerry is in the hospital.

If you knew Jerry, you would know that he pretty much keeps on keeping on. He tends to downplay things, even when they're important. He also likes to talk to people.

One day, he called Dad at work. Dad, anticipating a long conversation in the middle of a busy workday, told Jerry to make it quick - he was in the middle of something. Jerry then asked if Dad knew any good doctors. Somewhat exasperated, Dad said Sure. Why? Jerry had just been hit by lightning and needed medical care. Of course, Dad dropped everything and took Jerry to the hospital.

That's just the way he is. No muss, no fuss.

He hasn't been feeling well lately. Finally, he went to one of those walk-in clinics to see about getting some antibiotics or something so he could feel better. They called the hospital and sent Jerry off in an ambulance.

Jerry called Dad as he was being carted out. Dad drove to the hospital to see what was what.

There were tests. LOTS of tests. When someone comes in with pneumonia as bad as Jerry's, the doctors check to make sure there isn't some underlying cause - like a pulmonary embolism. That was the fear. And Jerry fits the profile. They're extremely common in over-the-road truckers because they spend so much time sitting and so little moving about. A clot forms in the leg and travels. He's not an OTR trucker, but he's a tow truck driver. He spends a lot of time in his truck.

Fortunately, he turns out to only have pneumonia. No embolism. They're keeping him for observation, but he will probably be released tomorrow or the day after. Depends on how he responds to treatment.

And so it begins. The perils of middle-age. I've had my share of health issues and have worked them out with my doctor to the point where I'm pretty healthy these days. I hope that Jerry is able to turn his own health around. We need him here for a good long while longer!

9 comments:

PinkPiddyPaws said...

Oh sweetie!! I'm so sorry to hear! Please give my well wishes and warm thoughts to the Fam!!!! xoxxoxooxox

Anonymous said...

Give him a hug from M and me. Tell him to get better so he can come visit.
DotnFL

Trixie Twatwaffle said...

hugs and heres' to him feeling better soon!

And seriously? Struck by lightening and just called your dad.... wow.

Jan said...

I'll keep Jerry in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Give Jerry a big hug for me and tell him I am thinking of him. Pneumonia is tough on the body.
Stephanie

Anonymous said...

Scary!! I'm glad it wasn't worse. Hope he feels better soon.

Patience said...

Poor fella! Hope he gets better really, really, soon!

Anonymous said...

Update on the bro' please.
DotnFL

Anonymous said...

Oh wow. Good thing it wasnt the other thing but Pnuemonia STINKS. I had it. This winter has been horrible for me with colds and coughs, ongoing. It's tough. I hope he is better soon!