Global and Body Warming – 2 stories

First, on Global warming, I have liked Mr. Al Gore from the beginning of his work on global warming.  Now, he has updated his works and has a very positive note to share:

Secondly,  Body warming…ME.

A few days ago, I went to the Anderson St. Vincent Hospital to see my Heart Dr.  This was a pre-surgery check and I passed it with flying colors.  He told me I was doing wonderfully in the heart department (always nice to hear).

I decided that, since I was already, at the hospital, I would go to the testing building (Erskine Center).  I drove the 2 blocks over and sat in my car for a time.  I know I napped a bit.  I heard a noise and woke up.  Looking around, I saw nothing; then I heard something louder.  I shut off the engine to the car and steam began pouring from a corner of the hood.  I got out and, when it had stopped steaming, I opened the hood.  I went to the reservoir tank and very slowly opened the cap.  Suddenly, the cap blew from my hand and I say greenish (water and anti-freeze) mixture spout up.  I threw my hand up in front of my face and felt a terrible pain on my hand.  I stepped away from the car and raised my hand to look at it.  This, I think, allowed the hot liquid to pour down my arm.  I knew I was burned, burning.  I put my hand on top of the car roof (It was cold out).  I decided this wasn’t enough and put my hand into the snow that was left on the trunk.  I used my right hand (I am a lefty) to scoop the snow on top of my hand and wrist.  Looking back, I should have ripped my coat off and put my entire left arm into the snow.  As it was, my arm from my wrist to about 1/2 way to my elbow took the worst of the burn.  I got my chair walker out of the back seat and began heading to the ER 2 blocks away.  Within seconds I knew I couldn’t make it there and headed into the Erskine Center.

The woman at the reception desk in the test area asked me if it was raining.  I said “no” and told her what happened.  She gasped and said she would call 911.  I told her that I did not want to pay $2000 for a 2-block trip.  She said she would call security.  He arrived a few minutes later and we got into the vehicle.

When we arrived at the ER, it took me, him, and the valet to get my walker back open so I could go in.  They got me straight in and I began the wait.  I finally saw an NP (Nurse Practitioner).  I did not like the way she came across nor the way she handled the situation.  I told this to a survey person that next day.  Regardless, the regular nurse (who was excellent), used water to clean the area and put on a silver solution (good stuff), then dressed the wound.  We made an appointment next day with my new primary physician.  I was told that a burn can take 24 hours to let you know how bad it is going to be.  I was told to change the dressing that evening.

Here is what I found when I took off the bandages:

KODAK Digital Still Camera

KODAK Digital Still Camera

Yeah, bad…Today, 4 days later, I have changed the dressings almost 6 times.  The blisters have either ruptured or been absorbed, the burned area is larger, the color of the skin under the dead skin is very red.  I feel some pain and itching.  I am told that is good because no pain can mean nerve damage.  It is healing.  I am healing.  I go to the Wound Center in Anderson on Tuesday.  I will know more then, though I know they will “debris”(?) the wound – remove the skin and clean it thoroughly – that’s gonna hurt!

I am learning to use my right hand more and deal with pain even better.  I was already good at that, but this raised the bar.  I am still on schedule for my hip surgery soon.

Namaste,

Scott