Never Say "Never," Happens to Us All

“ Emergency Room ”

Well, that's me under that blanket photographing the Emergency Room of the Jerusalem hospital Shaare Tzedek. That's the same hospital where I gave birth to all of my Israeli born kids. OK to be more accurate, the two eldest were born in the old building on Yaffa Street between Machane Yehuda and the Central Bus Station. 

For years I'd been bragging that I subsidize most everyone else in terms of health spending. As a senior citizen, the government pays for basic healthcare, and in addition for more services we pay extra each month. Rarely do we use any of them.

Besides getting a hefty subsidy on my hearing aids, just a few months ago and basic periodic tests and vaccines, I've had no need to take advantage of Israel's excellent healthcare. Think of me as a "cheap date." That is until barely a couple of months ago...

My chronic cough suddenly morphed from a bad cold, runny nose to breathing problems. I began to panic and contacted a daughter who lives just a quarter hour away. She took me to our local clinic where suddenly the entire staff joined in to get me ready, with IV port in my hand in case needed, for an ambulance ride to Shaare Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem. Strapped into the wheeled stretcher, breathing oxygen and Ventolin, watching a screen showing my "vitals" I hadn't a clue as to what awaited me. 

Three days of rest and tests, extra oxygen plus...

Each night I slept in a different room- first a "private room" in the Emergency Room "annex." Just a year or two earlier these rooms were for isolating COVID patients. Now lucky patients like me waiting for space in the wards are assigned rooms. Doctors and nurses visited from the various wards.

Second night I was in the "Waiting Room" of "Internal Medicine." My daughter managed to convince them to give me a window spot in the six-patient "holding area." From the looks of the other patients, I was in some advanced Geriatrics ward. This was reinforced when the following morning an aid asked if I needed a "diaper change." Really, I couldn't have made such a thing up! It didn't help that I was given a "soft meal," as if toothless. Considering that I love the crust of bakery bread and still chew bones...

Dawn from my window in 
Shaare Tzedek Hospital, Jerusalem

Thankfully, that afternoon I was transferred to a nice room for two with a roommate younger than most of my children. Soon after that, a lung specialist MD came in and told me that my oxygen levels were acceptable and I no longer needed to be "hooked up."

"Get up, and walk around" she ordered. That was really good news.

After that I couldn't be kept down, thank Gd. But I had been  labeled "asthmatic," and the staff kept asking me about my oxygen supply/equipment at home. They had taken for granted that I have a history of asthma, which I don't. 

Finally, three days after entering Shaare Tzedek I was released, though with a supply of inhalers plus some fizzy pill to attack that cough. I think that my return home is best posted as Baile Rochel. So stay tuned...

Finally leaving Shaare Tzedek thanks to their great care and 
also my local Kupat Cholim Leumit Clinic 

COVID Corona Vaccine #2, Real Life Lockdown Adventures

Last Monday I received my second COVID Corona Vaccine. Just like with the first one, I went to Ariel, and the care by Kupat Cholim Leumit was great. I arrived over an hour early, and it didn't bother them at all. They took me immediately. 
 

I handed over my card, then it "went through the system," was returned to me, and I was sent to the next clerk who swiped it yet again and sent me off to a nice lady who got ready to vaccinate me.

"Is there anyone who can take my picture?" I asked, hoping the smile showed through my triple-layer mask.

Before I knew it, someone had volunteered, took my phone and snapped a few photos.  I was told that it's good to have proof of shot in case there's a computer glitch.

I hope you like this T-Shirt. It's pretty old, but the message is still relevant:

"THE LAND OF ISRAEL IS NOT FOR SALE!"

ארץ ישראל לא למכירה!

In a few days Gd willing my COVID Corona antibodies should be strong enough to keep me relatively safe.

Recent statistics here in Israel show that a very very very low percentage of those vaccinated are catching the coronavirus.

Here I am with my post shot "smiley." Apparently they ran out of the official "WE'VE BEEN VACCINATED" stickers. I was looking for one and got the 😀 instead.

If you want Gd to keep you healthy, you have to take some steps, make an effort. Gd goes for the "matching funds" principle. That's why I'm strict about masking, keeping my distance from people and get vaccinated.

Our Local Kupat Cholim Leumit Clinic

As you can see it's large, lovely and pleasant.  The Kupat Cholim Leumit Clinic is located in the center of Shiloh, near the supermarket, clothing/toy store and library. Across the street there's a pizza place, dairy restaurant, special "soldiers nosh place" and a bus stop.

The Kupat Cholim Leumit Clinic has a nurse, baby care clinic and hours for all sorts of doctors, plus lab tests, "alternative" medicine, a pharmacy and other services. Most things nowadays are by appointment which can be done by phone or on the internet.

Shiloh also has a Kupat Cholim Clallit Clinic in my neighborhood. So for people who want their basic medical care locally, there's a choice.