[DancesWithCats]

Snugs I am so sorry. Even though it is a relief when someone passes who has been ill for so long, it's still such a hurtful time. And to have happened at Christmas? Oh gosh. Painful beyond belief. My lil Irish gramma, who I loved so much, passed on Mother's Day so I understand fully. I miss her so much, God she was adorable and so good-hearted and giving and loving and ... just so cute. I'll be looking forward to that major HUG when that day comes!

As far as NOT going in to the ER? Oh brother. The worst of it is the wait. Last time it was SEVEN hours sitting in a hard chair (and with a fractured hip that ain't no picnic, let me tell you), listening to all the screaming, crying children ... imagining the germs that are being spread all over the place that I DON'T need to be picking up ... LOL ... the staff are wonderful. The nurses, the doctors, they are so very good. I have no complaints there. BUT the hours and hours of waiting and then when you do get a bed? More hours and hours of waiting to get the tests arranged, etc. etc. and with my hip? I needed the air mattress. The doctor ordered it. It never came. So, by the time I got out of there, I felt as if I'd been run over by the Hogwarts Express. I won't do it again. Not this little kitty. Thank you for understanding!

[DollyCali]

I am like you. I avoid ER, hospitals, etc like the plague. Just like a prison is seething with criminals , a medical “HELP” facility is seething wtih germs.

good luck to you. - your ER waiting room experience sounds like a nightmare.. but unfortunately a common one.