Yesterday, I was discharged from the hospital. I spent the last four days in the hospital courtesy of my ulcer. The pain had become so unbearable that I was rushed to a nearby ER. Since I was at work at the time of the pain attack, they had to use an ambulance from the nearby Mimosa Estates. It was kewl riding an ambulance as big as the one I rode in.

Anyway, when I got there (hospital ER) it took two IV doses of different painkillers (Demerol, then eventually Nubain) to alleviate the pain. I had myself admitted, since the doctor on duty said that the gastro-enterologist who would see me would eventually recommend it. I would have to endure another endoscopy, she said. I’ve had this procedure performed on me six years ago. It was anything but pleasant. Try having a probe stuck into your mouth and down to your stomach. It makes your brain conjure up X-Files episodes in your head like viewmaster slides spinning terribly out of control. :::shiver, shiver::: It didn't help that the nurse on duty told me that I was not to be given any food or drink because of the procedure the next day. I was squirming in pain and in tears while she said so. I wouldn't have touched any food, even if I could crawl my way to the bedside table. The nurse shouldn't have said the obvious. It made me feel more tortured to hear her insensitive statement of the facts.

The endoscopy was performed the next day. I spent another three days being observed. I got a room with cable, a ref and a phone. Comfortable accommodations that would have set me back about 11,000 pesos. It’s a good thing I had Medicare and medical insurance. Otherwise, I’d be knee-deep in debt again. I now realize why some people say that they wish they'd never have to use their medical insurance. I kinda feel the same way now. I'm happy just being able to pay for the damn thing.