If you follow me on Instagram, you probably already know what’s going on but this is for those who don’t.
As you know, I look forward to the first week of September all summer. I had so many plans and events on my schedule. But right now, I can’t help but think about that line, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.”
On Labor Day, I ended up in the Lenox Hill ER with a gallbladder attack. After an ultrasound and CAT scan, they said I didn’t need emergency surgery to remove it but it would have to come out at some point and sent me home. On Thursday, I had an appointment with gastroenterologist Dr. Jeffrey Loria and nothing seemed immediate then either. I felt pretty good most of the day but things went steadily downhill that night.
The pain was severe enough to have me concerned the next day and luckily surgeon Dr. Valery Dronsky could fit me in for an immediate appointment. Every time I say his name, all I can think of is Vronsky. Count Vronsky in Anna Karenina. He was worried enough by the tenderness to send me right back to the ER which was conveniently located a block and a half away. I had met him for maybe 10 minutes and he was already texting someone at the hospital to look out for me. He also met me in the hospital after my ultrasound to discuss the plan. If you have to gallbladder issues in NYC, these are the people you want on the case.
The worst part is that I packed a bag for my Monday visit to the ER in case I had to stay and have emergency surgery. Of course, the day I actually had to stay overnight, I was completely unprepared. Thank goodness for my sweet friend Marguerite who is a literal angel and went to my apartment twice to get necessities for me.
Along the way, I’ve met some lovely people. The ultrasound technician on Monday had such beautiful skin that I had to ask her what she used. She said she does the sandwich method with CeraVe moisturizer, then prescription Arazlo cream, topped with La Roche Posay Cicaplast which I already own. I’m mad I didn’t ask the name of her dermatologist.
The morphine they gave me Friday, made me realize why people do drugs. Apparently, pain meds also put me in a really good mood. One guy who talked to me about my condition in the ER looked so young that I actually couldn’t help but tell him so. He said he was a med student and that he looks younger than he is but he was actually 25. I’m glad I didn’t make a Doogie Hauser reference because I quick Google search today revealed that the show aired before he was even born.
The only time I had a breakdown was one of the sweet doctors told me that I was not leaving this hospital with my gallbladder. I mostly broke down because I was prepared on Monday and not prepared on Friday. He was incredibly kind and patted my shoulder. For some reason, I asked him where he went to med school. It was Tulane so we discussed the humidity in New Orleans which is why he’s in New York. I’m not saying you want to get sick but if you do, Lenox Hill has some very handsome doctors and incredibly kind nurses.
So, now I’m just waiting to have my gallbladder removed on Monday. I’m less nervous for that since it will a laparoscopic procedure than the MRI. I’ve had to tell them that I’m extremely claustrophobic so I will be medicated to the hilt. The fact that Lenox Hill doesn’t have an open MRI is shocking so I hope someone reading this with deep pockets donates one to them. Maybe we can appeal to Beyonce who had a bruhaha over giving birth in a chic private here.
I’m also not allowed to eat or drink anything until after my surgery. I’ve essentially been on an unplanned cleanse this week. I would have preferred to do this at Canyon Ranch or Lanserhof but I’m not completely upset with the weight loss. Everyone who’s had the surgery says they felt so much better afterward. I’ll just be on a restricted diet for a little while. I was planning to make some diet and lifestyle changes this fall so now I won’t be able to halfheartedly do them.
My hair stylist of 19 years called me after I was moved into my room and said I sounded good. Pain medication will do that to you but I also know that I’m in the best possible hands. I can only be positive and look forward from here. But my takeaway advice would be to think about the things you would want to take to the hospital in case of an emergency and have a plan in place because life comes pretty fast at you sometimes.
XOXO,
HC
They don’t make my long sleeve version of these short-sleeve pajama pant set in dreamy cotton blend but they are the same soft fabric. You won’t be able to wear the tops, but I’m so glad I packed the bottoms to wear while I’m waiting for my surgery and walking around the halls.
I’ve been warm in my room but I brought cashmere socks just in case.
The grippy socks they give you are not chic so I’m glad my friend brought me my Charvet Slippers from Paris.
I wish I had brought a D. Porthault pillow with me because the pillows here are an abomination but other people recommended bringing cheap pillows you can leave at the hospital.
One thing I really wish I had is a travel mirror so I could do my skincare routine and makeup easier in bed. If you think I’m going to walk around this hospital looking anything but my best, think again.
I’m glad I also brought Laneige Lip Glowy Balm and Weleda Skin Food Ultra Rich Skin Cream.
I packed a cosmetic bag from Paris but I love this Liberty print Soft Small Cosmetic Bag too.
You had me at “ If you think I’m going to walk around this hospital looking anything but my best, think again” !!! Enjoy the morphine cute staff and the weight loss - any silver lining. Please keep us posted - just a note about YOU…stop working!!!
I'm so sorry this happened! I love how you've kept yourself amused with the young interns, and I appreciate you sharing those hospital essentials. There’s one more item I always make sure to have when visiting or being admitted: my "White and Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap." It’s a lifesaver!
Also, after visiting my son at Cedars Sinai, I thought a portable white noise device would be perfect—just like the one we use for my granddaughter. Hospitals can be so noisy, and some calming background noise would really help create a more peaceful environment.