@colleenyoung and all -- I wrote a reply which "disappeared" in thin air ... Operator error I would guess, but really frustrating!
I apologize for my "lack of presence" but have been very ill with severe dehydration brought on by a viral gastroenteritis. Was in the hospital, but was dismissed as soon as I could stand up! I didn't know you could have such terrible labs, EKG, CT scans, etc. and still be alive!

I was, and I am. Take heart everyone; there is light at the end of this, and many other tunnels!

Colleen, you are right, at least in Virginia, NO VISITORS in any hospital or surgery center is the mantra. My husband had to leave me at the front entrance of the ER and picked me up at the Hospital Main Entrance when I was dismissed, 2 days later! It makes for a VERY lonely experience. Of course, most of us don't go to a hospital ER unless it is an emergency. Still, though happy they could try to make me feel better, finding yourself "totally" alone is not a great feeling.

We need to consider perhaps how to discuss this particular aspect of going to any ER or any hospital and being psychologically prepared to be alone, for hours and/or days. It's a new experience for most everyone. I am not one requiring a lot of company at all; I had my cell (with my charger) and kept in touch with my family. BUT it was a psychological challenge.

Particularly so when suddenly, every cell phone in the ER, and every speaker began to blare out the strident sound of an alert. I just happened to have a doctor by my side ... The looks of fear and confusion I saw in her eyes were unmistakable ... I quickly looked at my phone and it did not show the usual "This is a Test of ...". It was THE real thing. The Governor had just ORDERED the entire Commonwhealth's (non-emergency essential) population to stay home and all medical facilities and personnel to prepare for a ramp up of COVID-19 patients. I felt I was stopping traffic!

Again, I apologize for being "absent" in the past few days. I couldn't control nausea or vomiting and reading made it worse, of course. Before I try to post this, I also wanted to add that I am going to have a series of tests for "potential" bone cancer ... All of which will be postponed for a while, given the situation we are in. So, I am not going to be terribly useful at present. That said, I send my best wishes to @wolfhound1966 and anyone else who may be struggling with a bone cancer diagnosis.

I have taken another nausea pill ... but it is best if I stop reading, writing, and even "thinking" and take another nap.

Stay in the game. Don't panic, it is going to get better in a few weeks.

-- Dee