Amsterdam and the Very Angry Esophagus
Well hello again, dear folks! It has indeed been an interesting time since our last blog, but I'm glad to report things are returning back to "normal" finally. Here's the lowdown on recent events:
After leaving our peaceful and idyllic anchorage along the Mohawk River/Erie Canal on Saturday morning (June 10), we headed westward through a few more locks (getting pretty proficient at the locks, if I do say so myself) and stopped at the scenic Riverlink Park in Amsterdam, NY.
Mark realized after we had tied up that there was a leak in the cooling water pump for the starboard engine (nothing too major but clearly needed fixed). Amazingly enough, Amazon again came through and had an entire replacement pump available for next day delivery; we ordered and prepared to wait a day or so for the pump and the subsequent installation. We were even treated to some live music at the park's restaurant that night; however, that's when the fun/relaxation decided to take a major detour.
During dinner Saturday evening, the grilled chicken DID NOT agree with Sheryl, and triggered a bout of nausea/vomiting that did not want to stop no matter what we tried (sorry for the unpleasantness). After continuing to struggle overnight, it was decided that a visit to the local hospital was warranted, as Sheryl was unable to keep anything (even water) down and was starting to feel dehydrated (in addition to still nauseated). Sounds simple right?
Apparently, Amsterdam, NY, while a pleasant city, is not large enough to offer convenient amenities such as Uber or Lyft. While there is a limited public bus system, there wasn't a bus within at least the next hour, and calling an ambulance seemed unnecessary. After finding the phone number to the one available cab service in the city, no one answered when we called. Incredibly frustrated, we decided to head back to the boat to come up with a new game plan. As we turned the corner to head home, believe it or not, there was an honest-to-goodness taxi sitting in a convenience store parking lot. Miraculous!!!
After various medications were not helpful in abating the nausea and some further testing, the ER doctor decided to admit Sheryl with a plan to bring in GI specialists the next day. After the gastroscopy, it was determined that the problems were caused by an Extremely Inflamed Esophagus (and thankfully nothing more serious). Apparently it's not uncommon for parts of the esophagus to become less flexible over time and cause constriction; it is also relatively easily treatable (with preventive medication and possibly an outpatient "expansion" procedure). And also apparently, the Very Chewy Chicken had just made Sheryl's esophagus quite angry. After a "restful" stay at the St. Mary's Hospital/Resort, Sheryl was finally released from captivity on Tuesday, June 13, feeling greatly improved, very relieved, and ENORMOUSLY GRATEFUL!
We'd like to take a minute to send our thanks and appreciation to Mike and Tracy, who were incredibly supportive and ready and willing to help however they could (and if you remember from the last blog, live near Waterford, NY). They were indeed going to be our "backup plan" if we were unsuccessful in getting ourselves to the hospital. Thank you Mike and Tracy for being the awesome people you are - we are so lucky to have met you! We'd also like to give a shoutout to the wonderful care we received at the St. Mary's Hospital; the ER and nursing staff was truly amazing. Special thanks to Abby, RN (who granted permission to post her picture) who helped make the discharge happen as quickly and smoothly as possible despite the challenges (which were no match for her determination and skill). Abby, it was great to meet you, and we wish you many happy travels and adventures of your own down the road!!!
Well folks, we are very ready to keep on going with the Triangle Loop plan first thing tomorrow morning. Westward, ho!
If you'd like to track us anytime, you can check out this link:
Be well, dear friends - we'll "talk" to y'all again soon!
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