The Adventures Continue…

On Friday, November 3, Kevin and I left to go back to the Brilliance of the Seas one last time. We left Colorado Springs at 8:40am and flew non-stop to Washington Dulles International (IAD). We arrived at IAD around 2pm and our flight to Rome did not leave until 5:15pm so we went to the United Club to wait out our layover. While in the United Club, we enjoyed some snacks and drinks. Around 4pm, Kevin started to shuffle around a bit. I asked him what was going on and he said his throat felt like it was swelling up and he was having a hard time breathing. He suggested leaving the club and walking a bit before our flight left. Within about 5 minutes he started to have an anxiety attack…in his mind, he was thinking – “what happens if something is really wrong and I am on a plane for 9 hours with no access to medical attention?” or “how difficult will it be to seek medical attention in a foreign country?” With these concerns and many more, Kevin decided to ask a gate agent what his options were. Apparently, there are no medical facilities in that particular airport and the only option was to call the paramedics. So that is what we did. The paramedics (about 8 on them) arrived in about 10 minutes and started examining Kevin (in front of a flight about to board to Montreal). Kevin explained his symptoms and they checked his blood pressure and pulse oxygen. His blood pressure was extremely high because of the panic that had set in. The paramedics didn’t seem to think anything was too urgent, but recommended Kevin go to the Emergency Room to get checked out, and to get his blood pressure under control (apparently the change in altitude and pressure on a plane is not good for a person with high blood pressure). Kevin also thought a trip to the ER was a good idea so we hopped on the ambulance and went on our way. The gate agents re-booked us on the same flight the following night (we were supposed to spend a night in Rome so this didn’t change plans too much) and then we were off to the ER. Kevin rode in the back and I rode shot-gun (I had never ridden in an ambulance before!). Because Kevin’s health was not a dire emergency, we didn’t get to turn on the sirens and lights, but it was still a fun experience (I can say that now that I know Kevin is OK!!!). We got to Reston Hospital and Kevin was triaged because the emergency room was full and his case was not urgent. We waited about 45 minutes before getting a room and then waited another ½ hour or so before the doctor came in. The doctor asked some questions, did a brief work up, and then ordered an x-ray. Another 30-45 minutes later, Kevin was taken to get x-rays and then we waited even longer to get the results. The doctor wasn’t able to find anything obstructing Kevin’s breathing and gave us the go ahead to travel, but to check-up with an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor when we got home. Kevin was still not feeling normal and started to panic again when we were released with no answers, so the doctor prescribed some Ativan (anti-anxiety pill) to take if needed. We took a taxi to a nearby Walgreens to get the prescription filled, booked a room at a Holiday Inn near the airport, and checked-in to the hotel without luggage (our luggage flew to Rome that night without us). We had a small dinner at the hotel, Kevin took his meds, and we called it a day!

Now that some time has passed, we are starting to believe that Kevin may have been having an allergic reaction to carrots. The possibility of an allergic reaction never really crossed our minds in the heat of the moment, because before that day, Kevin was not allergic to any foods. He is doing much better now – although getting over the nasty cold going around – and now we have another interesting story to add to our book of life!