...and, then my mom got sick and had to be admitted to the hospital.
First thing of note: If you're in a foreign country and have to go to the hospital, go strait to the American hospital (if there is one) no matter how far away it is. If you're in a socialist country, local people may think the American Hospital is very expensive, but there's a good chance it will be significantly cheaper than healthcare in America. It will also likely house the top doctors/surgeons in the region, most people in the hospital will speak at least a little English, and it'll be an all around nicer facility than the public hospital.
Second thing of note: If you end up in a public hospital but want to transfer to the American hospital, the public hospital can provide you with all of the information, tests, scans, etc. they've done for you to take to the American hospital (as to not have to do them all over again). Do not hesitate to move if you think you should.
My mom has severe digestive issues, meaning occasionally her intestines twist up and she is unable to pass anything. When this happens, she can't eat or drink without vomiting and needs to receive fluids and nutrients intravenously. It's very hard on her and we're unclear on what triggers the problem. Mom's intestines twisted at the beginning of our 4th day in Paris.
I don't think it's worth going into all of the details as some can be assumed from the things of note above and I'm not sure I'm up for re-living the rest of it -- but, what I would like to say is how grateful I am for the amazing and generous people in my life.
Joanna: a friend from my old soccer team who relocated to Paris. Joanna came to the public hospital with a cell phone charger adapter and food, and then translated for us with the doctor, ultimately ensuring a very smooth transition from the public hospital to the American hospital. She stayed with us from about 10pm to about 3:30am and kept me sane until my mom was comfortably settled.
Mel: my dear friend who invited us to Paris to celebrate her 60th birthday! Mel was there for a month and let us stay in the airbnb she rented for much longer than we had intended, making sure I had a comfortable place to come home to and a place to bring my mom when she was released from the hospital. She was also an amazing emotional support throughout the whole thing, checking in, letting me talk and cry, and making sure I just knew she was there for me in whatever way I needed (in the middle of her birthday vacation!!!).
Vasilia: a friend who was also on the trip for Mel's birthday. Aside from being another amazing emotional support, Vasilia made sure that I ate -- giving me gifts of energy bars and snacks with sweet notes to cheer me up.
Jassara and Nancy: friends also there for Mel's birthday. Jassara and Nancy helped with food, smokes, hugs, and good energy.
Remi and Hasna: the night nurses at the hospital. Both Remi and Hasna were competent and capable, allowing me to feel comfortable leaving my mom for the night.
Dr. Gueroult: the doctor. Dr. Gueroult was intelligent, empathetic, and professional (even with the colorful purses and printed pants). She listened intently and instilled confidence immediately.
Anne: my boss. Anne told me to not worry about work and stay with my mom as long as I needed.
Kathy: my cat sitter. Kathy stayed for a week longer than booked without blinking an eye.
I also had other friends and family checking in throughout the process and it all meant so much!
We were in the hospital for 7 days, managed to avoid surgery twice, I learned the train systems quickly, and properly greeting and asking if someone spoke English became second nature. It was a difficult week, but we couldn't have asked for better circumstances.
Au revoir, Paris. Merci.
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