Catherine-Ann / Pure-Grace
Sep. 18, 2022
COMING UP FOR AIR (09.17.22)
Hello, thanks for joining us!
I approached the hospitalist (medical doctor) about the conflict in her saying that doctors have no say over admin decisions & admin saying that it's the doctors who decide that a patient is no longer in need of the unit's special care. What the doctor explained is that she has to make out a report that basically ticks off a list of medical issues that no longer need to be met by them, that the 'stroke' issues are under control. I asked what she thought of the harm to Larry's rehab progress by needing to be transferred 3 X a week from Maple Ridge to RCH for dialysis. She said that the answer to that is not something she is asked to report on, but "Personally..." then she shook her head.
I went in early, as I was concerned that Larry might be sent off to another hospital, after the fiasco of conflicting messages yesterday. That really was a day we never want to repeat again. The morning was quiet & Larry was sleepy. The speech therapist who first saw him came by to say she'd see him later in the day. It's Saturday & I wasn't expecting any therapy today, so that was a welcome surprise.
When the speech therapist came, Larry was ready. She is so encouraging & lovely in her manner. (Trivia: Her mom worked at GF Strong when Larry was there. They know each other!) She came to talk about swallowing. She gave Larry a few spoons of (slightly thickened) apple juice. He said it was the best. She said they'll gradually try more things. Also, she plans to do a procedure by putting a camera through his nose & down his throat to have a look around to have a look at his throat muscles & vocal cords. She is very optimistic, so the words of the doctor that said, "He'll never eat again!" Ugh! Enough already!!!! Larry mentioned throughout the day that he was going to do everything he can to get better. He continually does various exercises from his bed and for his speech & swallowing.
The social worker came to see me in Larry's room. He heard all that was shared between us. I ran over a list of our concerns. She apologized for the lack of proper procedures regarding the sudden transfer (that is on hold for a few days). She will organize a meeting for Monday according to the window of time I give her. I'm not sure who will be at the meeting, but the new hospitalist begins his week, a few hours before the meeting, not having met Larry. So that's enough of that for now.
Larry was being Mr. Funny & cute before I left. Erin was staying with him for a couple of hours more. I've just finished my sister's delicious borscht; I'm writing now to you & I think I'll be sawing logs before too long. I'm so grateful for the turn-around today. I've been praying for the team/family meeting, that all involved exercise knowledge, understanding, wisdom & compassion. May we all be 'heard' & be addressed for Larry's best interest. He will be in the meeting too!
Larry asked about some of what he'd been through. When I told him the really rough parts, I asked him if he ever thought he was dying. What he told me was beautiful & he gave me permission to share it. When my sister Erin came, I asked him to tell her. She suggested I record it for you to hear for yourselves. I will!
Good night, God bless you. If you are not catching the beautiful sunsets each evening, make a point to try. Each one is a masterpiece, changing every 5 minutes for a good hour. It's usually when I'm on the way home. What a gift!