the view from the hospital

the view from the hospital, originally uploaded by carolyn_in_oregon.

Elaine and I had just crossed the Hood River Bridge and were about to turn up to Trout Lake when we heard a message on Elaine's phone saying that our friend Dave (who was in Trout Lake) had had two grand mal seizures that day and was en route to the White Salmon hospital in an ambulance. We turned around and went east towards White Salmon where we actually beat Dave's ambulance to the ER.

Dave was dehydrated, exhausted and had missed a dose of his medication (which prevents seizures). He was given fluids, a big dose of his medication and a Vicodin for the muscle pain (two seizure will do that). We drove him back up to Trout Lake where he proceeded to sleep and sleep and sleep. I drove him back to Portland Sunday night as he was not allowed to drive.

Dave was the victim of a random act of violence 12 years ago, attacked by teenagers with baseball bats. Over time he has to switch medication as they lose efficacy. It's a frustrating and scary experience but he's going to be okay. There was lots of love and hugs and kisses. We love Dave!