"This is the only time in a year that we can all get together."My daughter said, referring to her cousins, a serious look on her face.
"So?" I asked, half wondering how big a budget she was referring to.
"So we ought to go to a special place for two days at least."She said. And with that began a series of discussions, map searching, references and what not. Her cousins arrived, the discussions continued and tickets were bought.
But after the initial celebrations,she lay down with a fever on Christmas day. We waited for it to pass but the time came for them to leave and she didn't get up.On the third day we went in for a blood test fearing the dreadful typhoid but were in for a shock. Her blood report said negative for typhoid but her platelet count was way below normal.
We were frightened but anyway decided to go for a blood test the next day at a more recognised lab.Meanwhile our doctor gave her a small intra- venous drip.
That lab test showed a much lesser platelet count. With time running out our doctors advised us to get her admitted in one of the famous hospitals at Madurai where they would have advanced facilities to treat her.
So we started the morning of 31st December in the neat room of a well maintained hospital. And began a series of blood tests and to await the result of each test.For my daughter there was the additional fear/anger at seeing so much blood drained out of her.
When some tests were being done or she was being examined by the doctors, we had to wait outside her room, the last on that floor and overlooking a beautiful lake. The mornings were the most special.. with the breeze and the birds. We couldn't have chosen a more beautiful place for a holiday. Was fate teasing us - or trying to comfort us? Luckily we had started the treatment right at the beginning. So she was actually very stable compared to others who suffered from the dreadful 'Dengue'. And hoped that the doctor would send us home for the new year celebrations. But it was not to be.
We were awake as the clock struck twelve, watching the drops of the drip that took its own time to fall.I was tempted to help it hurry but was advised against it. Neither could we close our eyes, for fear that blood might go up the empty bottle if not stopped in time. So when the sweet smiling nurse came in and wished us a happy new year, our response was almost half hearted, angry that we were not amidst the usual cheers, smiles,prayers and crackers to encourage us about the new year.
But her platelet count began to rise and in two days we were discharged from the hospital.Only as we shared our experiences with others, they told us how lucky we were. Usually the mild symptoms are ignored and people are caught unawares with sudden vomiting of blood, swelling of the eyes and other frightening symptoms.
So began the rest of our journey with thankfulness for being alive and for
my daughter's speedy recovery.
I pray for those who are held up longer.
free digital photos.net
"So?" I asked, half wondering how big a budget she was referring to.
"So we ought to go to a special place for two days at least."She said. And with that began a series of discussions, map searching, references and what not. Her cousins arrived, the discussions continued and tickets were bought.
But after the initial celebrations,she lay down with a fever on Christmas day. We waited for it to pass but the time came for them to leave and she didn't get up.On the third day we went in for a blood test fearing the dreadful typhoid but were in for a shock. Her blood report said negative for typhoid but her platelet count was way below normal.
We were frightened but anyway decided to go for a blood test the next day at a more recognised lab.Meanwhile our doctor gave her a small intra- venous drip.
That lab test showed a much lesser platelet count. With time running out our doctors advised us to get her admitted in one of the famous hospitals at Madurai where they would have advanced facilities to treat her.
So we started the morning of 31st December in the neat room of a well maintained hospital. And began a series of blood tests and to await the result of each test.For my daughter there was the additional fear/anger at seeing so much blood drained out of her.
When some tests were being done or she was being examined by the doctors, we had to wait outside her room, the last on that floor and overlooking a beautiful lake. The mornings were the most special.. with the breeze and the birds. We couldn't have chosen a more beautiful place for a holiday. Was fate teasing us - or trying to comfort us? Luckily we had started the treatment right at the beginning. So she was actually very stable compared to others who suffered from the dreadful 'Dengue'. And hoped that the doctor would send us home for the new year celebrations. But it was not to be.
We were awake as the clock struck twelve, watching the drops of the drip that took its own time to fall.I was tempted to help it hurry but was advised against it. Neither could we close our eyes, for fear that blood might go up the empty bottle if not stopped in time. So when the sweet smiling nurse came in and wished us a happy new year, our response was almost half hearted, angry that we were not amidst the usual cheers, smiles,prayers and crackers to encourage us about the new year.
But her platelet count began to rise and in two days we were discharged from the hospital.Only as we shared our experiences with others, they told us how lucky we were. Usually the mild symptoms are ignored and people are caught unawares with sudden vomiting of blood, swelling of the eyes and other frightening symptoms.
So began the rest of our journey with thankfulness for being alive and for
my daughter's speedy recovery.
I pray for those who are held up longer.
free digital photos.net
