A Day at RVEEH - Nurse Thea [long post]

Papa's eye has been red and hurting for a week, so we took him to see our family GP today.  After a few minutes with our GP, he gave us a referral - advised my Papa to see an eye specialist immediately.  He said that there was no point in delaying the visit to the specialist.

So my brother Paolo took Papa and I to RVEEH so we can see the eye specialist.  We started waiting for Papa's name to be called at around 2PM.  A couple of hours had passed, and we were still waiting.  Good thing I had my DS with me, so that kept me occupied for a bit.  Another hour had passed and we were still waiting, so I purchased some snacks from the nearby vending machine (a packet of Burger Rings and a bottle of Pepsi, then a packet of Cheetos and a bottle of Nestea Peach later).

We paid attention to the people going in and out of the hospital, with the attempt of "diagnosing" the patients.  It kept us busy for a little bit.

By 6PM we were still in the waiting area (quite exhausted from waiting), so we decided to leave.  On our way out of the waiting area, we decided to ask the desk where we are in the queue.  Luckily, we were next in line.  So we went back to our seats and waited once more.

Around 6:30PM we were called by Dr. R to proceed to his office.  After a few minutes, Dr. R had diagnosed Papa.  The pupil needed to be dilated so Dr. R placed some drops in his eyes (he had to put quite a few coz the pupil won't dilate).  After an hour or so, the pupil still won't dilate so Dr. R had to place an eye heater to help.  Time had passed and it was time to remove the eye heater - no luck, the pupil was still the same.  So Dr. R said that the pupil had to be injected - ouch.

I stayed outside the office while Dr. R injected Papa's eye.  I knew it was painful coz I can hear Papa from outside, but I just couldn't bear to watch.  When it was done, Dr. R called me into the office and I stayed beside Papa (it was quite scary coz he had chills right after).  I was surprised by how brave I was, considering that I am a wimp.  I guess the sight of someone you love in pain gives you the extra courage you need to help ease your loved one's pain.

Papa was on the bed for more than an hour, allowing the injection to takes it effect.  When Dr. R checked on Papa's eye again, the pupil had dilated (not much, but enough).  Relief poured over me.

Papa was given two sets of drops for his eye - one needs to be dropped three times a day, and the other one needs to be dropped EVERY HOUR!  We were then sent home, with the instruction to return for a follow up on Tuesday.

We were home a little bit past 10PM - exhausted and starving.  Luckily, we had nilagang lechon waiting for us at home.  Not only that, but we had family and relatives waiting at home for Papa's arrival.  It was very heartwarming.

The 10 hours at the hospital?  Definitely worth it.  I'm glad that a specialist was able to see Papa, and I'm also glad that Dr. R was very nice.

The next 24 hours or so will be tiring, because we will have to put the drops in Papa's eye (even throughout the entire evening).  But since it will help Papa, I am willing to do it.

I will be Nurse Thea for a few days.  :)