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“Caitlyn?!”
Caitlyn opened her eyes and moved her head from side to side. Then she blinked a few times and rubbed her eyes so she could clear her fuzzy vision. She heard Janet approaching the guest room, and it almost sounded like she was running.
Why am I on the floor? she asked herself. Why does Mom sound so worried?
She mentally searched for answers, recalling that she and Janet had just gotten back from a shopping trip. Caitlyn had been feeling tired and weak and asked Janet to make some coffee while she took a few minutes to put her bags away and relax. She had tried to get up after about 10 minutes, believing she was OK, but she felt dizzy and immediately sat back down. The last thing she remembered was trying to stand up for a second time and feeling a rush of blood to her head.
“Caitlyn?” Janet called her name again, this time with more urgency, and knelt down by her side. “Come on, sweetie; talk to me.” She pressed her fingers into Caitlyn’s neck to feel her pulse. “Your pulse is weak and thready. What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know? Well, something is wrong because you’re lying on the floor and you look pale. I really think we should call 911 so we can get you to the hospital and see what’s going on, so anything you can tell me will help the ER doctor.”
“No, don’t!” Caitlyn panicked at the thought of possibly being transported to County. “I mean, you know it started at the mall when I just thought it was too hot and I got tired. When I came in here, I sat on the bed to compose myself, but I felt dizzy when I first stood up, and eventually it felt like I was fading away. The last thing I remember was trying to get up again.” She tried to sit up but moaned when she realized she was still woozy. Janet helped her lie back down and grabbed pillows to support her head and elevate her legs.
“It’s only today you’ve been feeling bad, right?” Janet asked.
“Yeah, just today. Remember I gave blood this morning and--”
“Did you eat afterward?”
“I had the snack and juice they usually give out. I think the snack was like…what is it? A pack of cookies or something? Maybe fruit. I can’t remember.”
“It’s not important what the snack was, sweetie. Did you have any other snacks or lunch at home? Or did you stop for something before you came here?”
“I had a protein shake at home; I wasn’t up to eating anything big. Do you think I’m in bad shape, or will I be OK? This is a little unsettling.”
“You will survive,” Janet rubbed her forehead and pushed her hair back. “You were already awake when I walked in. And besides, it’s not unheard of for people to faint after blood donation if they don’t eat enough.”
“I’ll tell you what. I won’t call the paramedics, but I do want to check you out and make sure you seem OK otherwise. So why don’t you take a few more minutes to lie down and then you can get in bed. If I think something might be off, we’ll go to the hospital. If not and it just seems like you have low blood sugar, you can take some time to relax and recover here, and I’ll keep you comfortable. How’s that?”
“OK. Sounds good.”
Caitlyn was settled into bed and waiting for Janet to bring her something to eat and drink. Janet had just finished taking her vitals and listening to her heart and lungs, as well as checking for any injuries from the faint. She didn’t seem to have any other health issues or be seriously hurt, but her mom wanted to check her blood pressure and pulse again after she ate and digested to make sure everything had stabilized.
Janet first dropped off some peanut butter crackers and a glass of apple juice, and then she went to the bathroom and returned with a damp, cool washcloth.
“We know I’m a good doctor but let’s see how I do as a nurse,” Janet joked as she dabbed the washcloth on Caitlyn’s forehead. “You can even rate my performance on a scale of 1-10.”
“I’ll start you at a 10 and deduct points from there,” Caitlyn giggled and sat up in bed. “You did give me extra pillows and adjust my blanket, so, so far no complaints on the patient satisfaction survey. And the cold water feels so nice.”
“I’m happy to hear that. But I do want to add that any complaints about your food should be directed to the cafeteria, not the nursing staff.”
She rubbed Caitlyn’s arm and then sat at the foot of the bed. “What a day, huh?”
“I don’t know. I feel like no good deed goes unpunished. I was trying to save a life and help relieve a blood shortage and now look at me. But I guess this situation is kind of my fault.”
“You shouldn’t think like that. Your blood will still help someone; maybe even one of yours or my patients. I’m very proud of you. Not to mention I’ve never donated. Maybe I should.”
“I hope you do. It feels good to help someone. And really, even being stuck with the needle isn’t that bad. If you’re nervous the staff is usually pretty nice and puts you at ease. I chatted with the phlebotomist when she was setting me up and then again when she checked on me.”
“Oh, and thanks for not forcing me to go to the hospital.”
“Believe me, when I first came into the room, my instinct was to call the ambulance. Some of it was just as much a mother’s worry as it was me knowing everything that could be wrong. But since we likely know what caused it and there wasn’t anything complicated or unusual about the faint, I’m happy to let you stay here.”
“Better you than sitting around waiting for a doctor anyway,” Caitlyn pointed out, still sounding a little weak. She took a sip of her apple juice.
“You sure? I caught your eye roll when I put in my stethoscope.”
“I did not…” Caitlyn started to say before she noticed Janet glancing at her with raised eyebrows.
“OK fine. I’m sorry.”
“Please. I deal with worse than eye rolling on a daily basis. No need to apologize, dear.”
“Now, call your doctor on Monday to tell her what happened and see if she wants you to come in for a follow up. I can’t say whether she’ll ask you to or not, but you may have to have some tests and a checkup, so just be prepared.”
“You’ve got it,” Caitlyn gave her a thumbs up.
She sighed and shifted on the bed again. “I’m really sore now.”
“Yeah, I felt the same way after I fainted,” Janet told her. “And I bruised a rib, so I had a hard time for a couple weeks while it healed even though I was otherwise functioning. I didn’t see any bumps or bruises on your back or sides when I was listening to your lungs, but I can check your arms and legs if you want.”
“I’m a little achy up by my shoulders, so yeah.” She inched forward for Janet to look. “Can you just look at my lower legs? I’m sure you know how to be discreet, but I don’t want to feel too close for comfort.”
“Understood. No worries.” Janet rolled up Caitlyn’s sleeves after she looked at her shoulders. “I don’t see anything. Do either of your wrists hurt or feel swollen? Like maybe you fell at an angle where you could have sprained something?”
“Nah. Was there anything near where I’m sore?”
“Not that I saw. Ooh, there we go.” She pointed out a bruise on Caitlyn’s left leg. “There’s one close to your ankle. I can get you some ice, but make sure you can walk on it later.”
“Shoot. That’s the ankle I injured in dance when I was in college. It still bothers me sometimes. I had to sit down at work a couple weeks ago while doing blood draws. The kids were all excited to hear how Nurse Caitlyn hurt herself, though.”
“Making yourself more relatable. I like that approach. Well, the next time any kids ask if you’ve been sick or hurt, you’ll have a whole new adventure to share with them. Do you want that ice pack?”
“Eh, I’ll be OK for now since I’m mostly sitting around. I think I’m going to eat some of these crackers.” Caitlyn picked one up and started to eat happily. “Oh, that’s better already.”
“Well, I’m happy to see you’re willing to eat, and make sure to share your feedback with the cafeteria. Did I mention that in addition to being your nurse I am also running the kitchen? I guess you have to give me two 10-point scores.”
“You’re almost too confident in yourself.” She reached out to hug Janet. “Seriously, though, thanks for taking care of me. Maybe I could get out of bed soon and we could watch some movies. If that’s OK with the doctor, of course.”
“Damn, that’s me too,” Janet laughed and stood up by Caitlyn. “So, you’re recovering well…vitals were a little low, but not to worry; they should improve once you’ve eaten and rested more. Heart and lungs were clear and you’re oriented…yeah, I think we can discharge you to the couch once you’re ready.”
“Thanks. By the way, how did you get so many skills? All of this and you’re a mom too.”
“Many years of hard work, and a lot of prayers. Glad it all paid off, though. Education and parenting are expensive.”
“Now, why don’t you finish eating and drinking and we’ll settle on a movie list?”
“I think that sounds like a good idea,” Caitlyn replied. “And by the way…you get a perfect score all around. I’m very happy with the care I've received at Coburn General Hospital.”
“You’re not such a bad patient yourself.” Janet rejoined Caitlyn on the bed, and they started debating what movies to watch to pass the rest of the day.