I think this is the appropriate place for updates.
Yesterday, I was put through to the ICU each time I called, and on one occasion was able to speak to a doctor, and on another, to a kind and helpful nurse who was taking care of Edwarda personally. Today, though, the operator says no one can be put through to the ICU-- "I don't know who put you through to ICU yesterday, but we are not supposed to do that. We are only supposed to give you her status."
Which remains "critical."
I told the operator (who was not being mean, she was just following her instructions) that the reason it was important that I be put through was that if there was a family member there, I might be able to speak to them.
She then called the ICU herself to ask if anyone was there, and there wasn't at this time. She agreed to take my name and phone number, though, and pass it on to the ICU staff, and ask them to give it to any family member or visitor with the request that they phone me.
Edwarda is still unconscious, but the word "coma" was used by a poster on feelies, and if there is a distinction between "coma" and "unconscious" I want to mention that "coma" has never been a word used to me.
I want to say also that the nurse I spoke to yesterday said that although, according to the doctor, the prognosis was "poor," that did not mean there was no hope.
Is there anyone reading these words who lives not too far from Hicks Street in Brooklyn? I feel very bad about this, but I am not going to be able to get to the hospital, which is about two hours from me, today-- and tomorrow morning, I leave town until late Monday night. If one of Edwarda's many SI friends would go to the hospital, find out what they can with a personal visit, and report back here, it would be a great favor. Visiting hours for the ICU are from 11:00am to 8:00pm.
Please PM me if you want the address of the hospital. If you know the phone number of any member of Edwarda's family, I would greatly appreciate receiving that, or having you speak to the family, who will have more detail than the hospital will give to non family members. |
