Update on Bernie
Dear Friends near and far,
Your comments, texts and even phone calls yesterday were such a support to us. It was a long grueling day spent mostly at the Urgence or emergency room at the American Hospital of Paris. It’s way the heck on the other side of Paris so the round trip cab fare was 80 euros. When we checked in around 2pm, they asked Bernie if he had ever been there before. I spoke up to say this was our fourth time but for my health situations, not for Bernie’s.
What can I say? An ER is an ER, always slow with hours of waiting plus vending machines that don’t work! However, there were a few very pleasant differences: they were playing soft classical music the entire time; check-in was by a pager which you picked up at the entrance; it was extremely clean; they made both flat and sparkling water available at no charge, and no one spoke above a whisper.
The end result was good news. Bernie was tested for flu, Covid, and RSV which I feared but was negative on all. He just has a very bad cold. The chest X-ray was clear but the doctor gave him antibiotics in case of a forthcoming infection. His fever surprisingly was 101. He was shocked because he had insisted to me that he had none! He is exhausted and very tired and did admit that perhaps he had underestimated the physical toll Paris would have on us. I agree. But, guess what, no mention about the need to wear a hat…ha!
By the time we finished getting his meds at the pharmacy back here near St. Paul metro, it was almost 9pm. He coughed all night until about 4:30am. I made him take a stick of spearmint gum under protest. He immediately went to sleep for four hours.
A tip to would-be travelers if you get sick in Paris: Get to the ER by 10am. It will save significantly on your cab ride and decrease your wait time. Paris doesn’t really get going until around 10:30 on most days.
Yesterday morning I had stripped the bed and washed all the linens in very hot water. I ran to the dryer but had no time to make up the bed. So that was waiting on me last night after we ate a carry-out quiche from Miss Manon. If you’ve never made up a European bed with a duvet, you haven’t lived. It is truly like fighting a bear. After all of these years, however, I’m a little better at it.
There aren’t many photos from yesterday but I’ll share what I have. I tried to take some lights on Les Champs Elysées from the cab but alas, not very good ones.
Today looms as a very gray day so we’ll see what photos it may bring.
A bientôt
L & B
December 19, 2024 @ 10:16 am
Oh Linda you are both heroic and you must be as exhausted as Bernie, especially after that long day yesterday.
I know I join L&B fans the world over in being so thankful Bernie is clear of infection or anything more serious. But please take care, Bernie!
And oh, to arrive home to not only a bed needing clean sheets but also a duvet needing a clean cover oh la la la la la la la!!!!! I would have struggled to muster one more speck of energy but you are Paris EB #2 and *superwoman* for sure.
And you even helped ease Bernie’s cough w a stick of spearmint gum. That’s new to me!
love and prayers that you both get some well-deserved rest today,
bon courage 💗
December 19, 2024 @ 12:09 pm
Prayers for restoration for for you both…
December 19, 2024 @ 12:10 pm
Prayers for restoration for you both…
December 19, 2024 @ 12:13 pm
We were worriedly waiting for the news, and it’s the first thing Marlyn told me when I got up this morning: “Bernie is okay!” I love Carolyn (above)’s comment about “L&B fans.” That’s a lot of us!
The Comments button seems to be working again. We hope for rest and warmth for you both today, only no fever!
December 19, 2024 @ 12:26 pm
So glad to hear you got Bernie to the Doctor and he has some meds. Your time in Paris is precious and you both deserve to feel as well as possible. My prayer is that Linda stays healthy and doesn’t get a cold also.
I loved the Notre Dame’s windows yesterday.! Thanks Linda
December 19, 2024 @ 12:28 pm
Oh Linda! What a day!!! Sending you and Bernie much love and prayers for health and recovery. Please take care of you too!
December 19, 2024 @ 12:29 pm
And agree…putting a duvet on IS like wrestling a bear! haha!
December 19, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
Hope Bernie is on a rapid mend and will be back on top of his game soon. Hang in there, kid.
Thanks for keeping us posted.
December 19, 2024 @ 2:10 pm
Good news on Bernie! You did well. I’m still impressed by the cobblestone streets.
Thank you for the photos
December 19, 2024 @ 2:12 pm
I am happy to hear that all serious illnesses were ruled out for Bernie and, hopefully, he will be on the mend. Rest, chicken soup and your wonderful care should do the trick!
December 19, 2024 @ 2:30 pm
Dear Linda, Thanks be to God that it’s a cold and not worse. What a positive attitude you have and it served you both well. I’m so glad and relieved for you both. Rest up and get better soon.
Sending prayers and positive thoughts.
December 19, 2024 @ 2:50 pm
So glad Bernie is better and hope you stay well!
Thanks for letting everyone know.
Best to you,
Beth
December 19, 2024 @ 3:22 pm
Such good news. I worried about him all day yesterday! It think it is extra stressful to be sick traveling. Sounds like you handled it like a champ. Hope he bounces back quickly with or without a hat!
Nancy
December 19, 2024 @ 9:44 pm
Linda, I’m so sorry Bernie is not feeling well. I hope he recovers soon. I have been enjoying all of your pictures!
December 19, 2024 @ 10:03 pm
I am so glad Bernie finally got some care. What a terrible day for you both! We’ve been to the American hospital and it is such a contrast to hospitals over here. Take a few days to just relax and be Parisians. You’ve both earned it.
December 19, 2024 @ 10:23 pm
Prayers for Bernie and you!! Praying you stay well!!!
December 20, 2024 @ 4:44 pm
Soo happy to hear that Bernie’s cold is not too serious just not pleasant to deal with in the cold winter Paris environment. Hoping that his coughing goes away and y’all are able to get some decent sleep.
maybe the plan is plenty of hot tea with some honey & spirits while you both put your feet up -relax, cat nap and enjoy the view of Paris from your apartment windows for a day or so.
my mom and I continue to enjoy all your photos ( please don’t be hard on yourself they’re always very nice!) and your postings of Parisian life.
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
December 20, 2024 @ 8:01 pm
Thanks, Karen, same to you!
December 20, 2024 @ 6:58 pm
Thinking about both of you and hoping for good health!
December 20, 2024 @ 10:41 pm
Linda,
Tell Bernie that Coach Saban is wearing a hat in college game day this afternoon. Tonight’s game is at Notre Dame! I hope he is much better today.
December 21, 2024 @ 7:03 am
Great news about Bernie. I pray for rapid healing and that you remain well. As usual your pictures are so interesting and beautiful Stay well my friend.