More than a paramedic

Every nautical mile closer to the harbour, brought a break in the weather and by time we docked, you would have never known we had experienced an intense storm.  

After such an emotion-filled ride, passengers extended their well wishes as they scattered to go about the rest of their day; and the captain and his crew began their routine process of shutting down the boat.  And there I sat.  Unable to move, because any movement created an avalanche of feelings - nausea, dizziness, slurred speech, double vision and overall weakness.  Finally, after much persuasion, I took steps to get off of the boat. None were successful. Every step was filled with anguish as it became more of a reality something was genuinely wrong.  

Slowly and methodically, we walked a few steps and then stopped for me to sit down as I was so weak and relentlessly vomiting.  Eventually, we got to where the captain and his wife had an office for her real estate business and his deep sea excursions.  She encouraged us to come in out of the heat and rest until I felt stronger.  

Nelson got me as far as the first chair at a desk positioned in front of large glass doors. I continued to be sick and it became more apparent my speech was impaired as well as my vision. Of course, all along believing I was just dehydrated from the continual vomiting caused by the seasickness.

And then, someone passing by saw how sick I was.  He turned around. Opened the door and said, “I’m a paramedic and I was wondering how I could help.”  Immediately, he began asking us questions and then, I heard him say, “Give me a minute.  I’m going to run to the pharmacy.”  

Everything inside me wanted to scream .... “Don’t leave me.”  For a moment, I thought, he is more than just a paramedic, he is the answer.  He’s going to figure out what exactly is wrong with me and I’ll make it through this unbelievable nightmare.  

Well, as fast as he left, he returned carrying with him an arsenal of medications for nausea and vomiting.  Declaring, “this medication should bring you relief in minutes,” I took it; and yet, there was no change.  Convinced he had done all he could, he said, “I hope you get better and if you don’t see some relief soon, you really should consider going to the hospital.”  And without hesitation, I mumbled to Nelson, “Please, please don’t take me to the hospital.”  

By now, hours had passed and there was no sign of relief. The muscles in my body had become fatigued and it was next to impossible for me to walk; however, the captain and his wife offered us a ride back to our hotel.  So, slowly and gradually - with the help of my husband, we made it to the car.  And with every bump on those nostalgic cobblestone roads of Puerto Vallarta, I was reminded of how much pain I was in.  

In route to our hotel, we passed two hospitals and again, we were encouraged to go to one of them, if I didn’t feel better in a few hours.  Softly, I whispered to Nelson, “Please, don’t take me to a hospital.”