A Day of Firsts...

Actually I wasn't looking this
calm at the time and I
definitely wasn't sitting up.

First time to ever call 911 in an emergency.

First time to ever to be hauled out of my house on a gurney. (So embarrassing.)

First time to ride in an ambulance.

First time to ever go to a hospital's emergency room.

First time to reach my insurance deductible. (Ouch!)

First time to ever ride in a police car.

It also felt like the first time I realized my friends suck, however, I already knew that. My friends deserted me a long time ago when I first became chemically sensitive. So I replaced them with people who I had hoped were better. Some of them are even fragrance-free which even makes them safe, but in a crisis, no one is available. No one is there to help. No one is there for support. It's very humbling.

I kept thinking if I ever got a text or call from a friend who is in the hospital and clearly crying, I'd be putting on my coat and running out the door before the conversation was over. But most of my friends are married. They aren't going to call me first. Or second. Or a week later. They might not call me at all. I am a non-entity which is probably why when I called them the crisis didn't even register. However, I don't use phones so getting a call from me should have been a huge red flag. My friends are colorblind. I also realize living in the middle of no where is not helpful if you are in need of support.

It makes me think those of us who are chemically sensitive need to organize and support each other better. We need to be advocates for each other in emergency situations when the doctor is so incompetent someone with a clear head can ask questions and demand action. We need to help each other when the going gets tough or someone needs assistance. Not sure how to do that since we are spread out all over the world and hiding in isolation, but I'm thinking on it.

Any ideas?

I am happy to report only one person in the whole ER stunk. One of the radiology technicians was bathed in some kind of scented lotion. Everyone else was fragrance-free and the rooms didn't stink of chemicals. That was really helpful. My stress level was already high, but I can't imagine how the day would have gone if I were poisoned as well.

Now I'm going to go binge watch Game of Thrones. I deserve it.