A thread for waiting outside hospitals

[DamsonInGin]

Entertain/distract me!

I've been waiting in the car park for 1.5 hours now. My DM is81 and lives with us. She felt dizzy for the second time recently, went grey. Her BP went up and heart rate down to 45bpm and 999 advised A&E (wait v long for ambulance) . So here we are: 40 minute drive and she's in A&E and I'm waiting in the car park.

Aside from worry about her I'm cold and bored. They let me into Costa and I've had some Monster Munch and a mince pie as that's what I grabbed on the way out . Were tier three here so takeaway coffee is about as glitzy as it gets.

I just called and apparently 'call back in an hour' as it's busy. She can't really see and I wish she wasn't on her own :-(

Oh no - scary for you :( I did several stints in A&E with my elderly dad so my heart goes out to you not knowing what's happening. I hope it's nothing to worry about and they give you some good news or reassurance soon. Holding your hand from afar while you wait.

Honestly OP, go home. You're no good freezing in the car park! You can call for updates from home

So sorry that you can't be with her, that sucks. Put radio 4 on - it's quite distracting.

I can't go home - it's 40 mins and I'm not going to leav her here until I know if she's staying or not!

The radio 4 play is shit today. Sorry Radio 4 you have got me through many things in the past!

Tell me your worst hurried food combinations or something MNers..

Monster Munch and mince pies are repeating on me

My toddler ate custard mixed with baked beans the other day. And seemed to enjoy it. Bet your combo doesn’t sound so bad now!

Oh DownWhich ergh! As a student we are many, many toasted cheese and baked bean sandwiches and I am craving one now

My DH once put pesto in his porridge. On purpose.

Ooh! Now that does sound tasty. Is there anywhere locally you can drive to? Or get out and stretch your legs? Find some Xmas lights to look at? Alternatively, do some online Xmas shopping?

Argh! X-post there. Pesto in porridge?!

I do have a relative who arrived late for Christmas lunch once (unavoidably and expectedly ) and picked up a dirty plate, put Christmas pudding on it, and poured gravy on top.

If you are still waiting. Go and sit in the canteen. I've discovered the o e at my work is the
Only place you can sit indoors and drink coffee!

Cucumber and ketchup is a particular favourite of mine

When pregnant with DS I enjoyed raspberry jam and pickle sandwiches.

Echoing others though, go home - you will be there for hours, and it will take at least 40 mins (probs much longer) to get the discharge paperwork done.

I was in exactly the same boat last week but couldn't find a park (city centre hospital) so spent ages loitering on double yellows trying not to wet myself.

I'd totally advise going home... There's a fair chance with those symptoms they'll want to keep her in for observation and even if she's discharged it takes AGES.

Hope she's OK, my mum was similar... Was a TIA and she's fine now but was in overnight.

Home now. Surprising how tiring sitting in a car for five hours can be. Obviously the cost of a cab would have been worth not spending this time in the car, but when you're worried about something serious you don't want to go do you? I had an overnight bag for her in the car because I thought they'd say they were keeping her in after a couple of hours and go.

Anyways she's ok for the moment - begins another health problem to add to the list and blood pressure arrhythmia medications to deal with.

My Ds loves peanut butter and chocolate spread sandwiches. I'm guessing it's like having a snickers but as a sandwich???? Looks a bit gross to me.

Hospitals so complicated with Covid.

Glad she's OK and enjoy the 🍷

@DamsonInGin - glad to hear your mum is doing reasonably well. I hope you had a restful night.

Glad she's home. I hope you've both had a good night.

One more weird food combo, courtesy of my awesome Uncle Geoff, but this one actually works: slice up a banana and put pepper and vinegar on it. Surprisingly nice!