BS: Curmudgeon's Medical Woes - Winter 2010

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:53 AM

My post was SUPPOSED TO READ:

<<>>

so Ill hug you again:

<<>>

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:45 AM

Tom can't remember the name of the nursing home -- it's just sort of up around the corner from the hospital. He tried to explain where it was, too, but I'll get that info probably Monday when they move him there. I just hope he'll have internet access. I also wish I knew EXACTLY when they'll turn him loose -- next Friday? Saturday? We head to Boston on Monday (Jan. 25).

My breakfast didn't sit well; I'm not feeling particularly wonderful. No chance, though, of curling up in the fetal position and sucking my thumb. Sigh.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:31 AM

Sorry Mary, some anonymous guest, posted 200, it has since been deleted.
As if I needed any help to make myself look silly, some kind clone has given me a hand ☺

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charmion
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:27 AM

A folkie-friendly nursing home would have a big room with plenty of chairs, including several without arms for people who play guitar. It would also have a nice big keg o beer set up on a conveniently located table with lots of nice big mugs ...

And the nursing staff would know all the choruses.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:13 AM

Geez John. That was a hug. Animaterra and Curmudgeon and Linn go way back.
Or did I miss something?
Tom,
As frustrated as you are, they actually do want to help you. Stay calm; breathe deep; it will help you heal and get you home faster.
Still no word on which nursing home?
I have to laugh. The thought of Tom in a nursing home brings all sorts of hilarious images. Sorry Tom. A nursing home is just not your setting unless they manage to provide one on board the Adventure.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Janie
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 09:03 AM

...(in between updating everyone individually and eating supper and getting a bunch o' hugs -- I need hugs) ....


{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} !!!

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 08:48 AM

I see that even on a thread with a serious subject, some dickhead claimed the 200th post.
What is the mental age of someone like that?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 07:13 AM

<<>>

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 06:45 AM

No good deed goes unpunished -- I threw a couple of Tom's things in the wash last night. Turns out there was a Kleenex in the pocket of Tom's apron. Sigh.

Just made myself some cheesy (not cream cheese, alas) scrambled eggs -- I'm awake way too early.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 09:39 PM

Linn-

Thanks for taking the time to provide us another update.

We're all hoping for the best.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 09:27 PM

Just got home a bit ago. When I got to the hospital around 7:30, Tom still hadn't been allowed up following the angiogram (6 hours horizonal and without moving a heck of a lot). The nurse was just explaining that she had to attend to several others before she got back at 7:45 (when I left a bit after 8 she hadn't been back) when she could get him up.

He was frustrated, annoyed at several instances of incompetence today -- he really wants out.

Meanwhile, this morning I spoke to the doctor overseeing his care and she said she still hadn't spoken with Dr. Zeitels, but she had with his assistant, and everything seems to be on track for Tom's next vocal cord procedure on the 26th. He won't be moved to the nursing facility until Monday, and he should be released from there before the end of the week.

I can't wait to get him out of their clutches (remember, he probably picked up this blood infection at Wentworth-Douglass during one of his diagnostic procedures of the past couple weeks) and safe home and on to the next stage in his cancer treatment and vocal cord restoration.

I'm tired. Need to get a couple loads of wood in, but it's comparatively mild today, so just need a bit so I don't have to go out first thing in the morning. There was a lot of melting today, too.

Sang a couple things at The Press Room tonight (in between updating everyone individually and eating supper and getting a bunch o' hugs -- I need hugs) but had to leave around 7 to go see Tom. Saved at least one request to sing at tomorrow's shanty session.

G'night, all!
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 05:15 PM

Good to hear from Tom... Glad Linn is feeling a bit of relief.

Mudcat Recovery is defo the place to be if you are sick, injured or just plain exhausted.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 04:10 PM

Go, Jeri!

Linn, thanks for posting the update and good news!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 08:36 AM

Just put the finishin touches on Tom's room in the Mudcat Recovery Ward. I think the peacock feathers are a nice touch. See you there.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 08:18 AM

Good news, Linn. Now if we can get Michelle and Kendall sorted out...

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 07:57 AM

Shall we send a puncture repair outfit, to mend all the holes they are making in his skin?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 07:53 AM

Oh, good, Linn- just hearing your relief is a relief to me! Wish I could help Jeri prime the furnace, but I'm grateful to Jeri for that.

When you can, let us know where Tom will be for the week, ok?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 07:36 AM

Thanks for posting Linn, it's good to hear the news. Give him our love and a big kiss.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 06:34 AM

I was too tired to post last night, but I did read the thread before I talked to Tom again.

Yesterday, and especially last night, was nutzoid at work. I never got a lunch break (not a problem because I had ducked out earlier for a quick cheeseburger) -- you can't exactly leave when there are customers in the shop waving money. And they all bought multiple pairs of glasses (and NOT of the 2 for $99 sale, either!). Couldn't call Tom until almost 8 and knew I'd be there awhile doing paperwork after closing. Tom suggested I not come and visit him in Dover after leaving work and I, reluctantly but realistically, agreed with him.

As it was, it was going on 10 before I could call him. He'd gotten some more or less good news, too.

First off, he's having the several days postponed carotid angiogram today (Friday). And he'll probably be moved to the nursing home on Saturday. AND, most importantly, he will probably only be spending a week in the nursing home.

He's already had a week's worth of the ultra heavy duty round of antibiotics. The infectious disease head honcho who ordered the ultra strength antibiotics said he chose that regimen so that Tom would be able to have his vocal cord surgery on Jan. 26th.

The doctor in overall charge of his care hasn't been able to talk to Dr. Zeitels, but Tom has talked to Kim who runs the office and she says Dr. Z. will indeed talk to Dr. K. and it looks like there's no problem with having the surgery as planned.

Already I feel more relieved than I have in a week.

I can cope with Tom not being home for another week. I might even be able to get some cleaning stuff done that I can't do when he's here. (But he adamantly WON'T let me throw out the pair of falling apart shoes that he won't be parted from. I tried...) Jeri's coming over to prime the furnace, so that will take some of the pressure off (so maybe I can get other things done), and I've gotten into a nice rhythm on other things. (It'll be nice to have Tom back, though!)

Okay, gotta go do some other stuff and maybe steal a bit of time for a quiet sit down with a cup of tea and my famous zucchini bread.

I'll be going to The Press Room session after work to fill everyone in, etc. and then probably leaving early to go visit Tom. I hadn't been feeling much like singing, but I think I do now.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST,winterbright
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 08:42 PM

Love to you both, Linn!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 06:15 PM

This, doesn't mention Curmudgeon Fell. maybe we should have him put on the map?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: maeve
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:44 PM

Stopping by to catch up with your updates, Tom and Linn- I'm happy to read posts by each of you.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:00 PM

Whereas most people try to put programs together on a "Win-Win" basis, here's another example of one that is more of a "Lose-Totally Fuckedover" sort of thing.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 04:59 PM

He's getting IV bags full of antibiotics now. Also, he's getting a steady drip of it, as opposed to occasional dosings in the form of shots.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: gnu
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 04:47 PM

Oh... so, where he is going, the meds will be paid for. Thank goodness! I was a tad distraught.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 04:36 PM

Some of you misunderstood my post which was badly phrased. Sorry.
Medicare pays for Tom's meds in the nursing and/or at home. In order to get coverage for intravenous antibiotics while living AT HOME, through Medicare, the maximum allowed dosage is three shots per week. And that has to be administered in a "medical" setting.

Tom requires six per day. The only way Medicare will pay for that is if he is in a nursing home. The link I posted takes you to several sites discussing the merits (or lack of)of this rule.

If he had Supplemental Insurance, there would be no question. So it is not related to quality of care and since it costs much more it is not a savings for Medicare. In short, it makes no sense.

But it is a "rule" so it appears Tom is stuck. We'll see.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 03:18 PM

And a banjo player. I'll bring a shaky egg and my whale tambourine.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 03:16 PM

I called. He sounds perkier. Of course, Frost (a friend) visited and Mark (another friend) was there at the time I called.

I know how to prime their furnace now. (Sounds like a great blues song "I can prime your furnace, baby...")

I told him if he got his concertina when he moved, and his stay might be shorter. Maybe find a bagpiper for duet.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 11:48 AM

I'm so sorry to hear all of this happened but glad he's beginning to do better. Good thoughts are coming from Pennsylvania.

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 11:32 AM

Medicare WILL cover up to three doses per week of amblatory intravenous antibiotics but they have to be administered in a doctor's office or hospital.
Tom needs six per day.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 11:30 AM

Lots of articles on Medicare's intravenous guidelines:
http://www.google.com/search?q=medicare+guidelines+antibiotics&rls=com.microsoft:*&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1


If Tom had supplemenatary insurance, it would be covered. Medicare however mandates a medical site. Patients, doctors and bean counters all disagree but it is the policy guideline. Wastes over a billion per year in Medicare dollars.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 11:13 AM

Don't know yet where they're sending him -- he's still trying to talk to the head honcho about why this time the antibiotics have to be administered in a medical setting.

I'll talk to him tonight then head over there after work at 8.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Nancy King
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 11:08 AM

"Amusements" from Sinsull?? Watch out!

Oh, and keep mending, please, Tom! You're gonna have to be in tip-top shape to tackle the to-do list Linn is compiling...

Love and good luck to both of you!

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 09:38 AM

Which nursing home is Tom going into, Linn?We can start sending cards and amusements so that they arrive when he does.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 09:14 AM

OR my man Hoyt Axton wrote:


Rain's a comin' down and the roof won't hold 'er
Lost my job and I feel a little older
Car won't run and our love's grown colder
But maybe things'll get a little better, in the mornin'
Maybe things'll get a little better.

Oh! the clothes need washin' and the fire won't start
Kids all cryin' and you're breakin' my heart
Whole darn place is fallin' apart
Maybe things'll get a little better, in the mornin'
Maybe things'll get a little better.

Refrain:
Work your fingers to the bone - whadda ya get?
( Whoo-whoo ) Boney Fingers - Boney Fing-gers.

Yea! I've been broke as long as I remember
Get a little money and I gotta run and spend 'er
When I try to save it, pretty woman come and take it
Sayin' maybe things'll get a little better, in the mornin'
Maybe things'll get a little better.

Refrain:

Yea! the grass won't grow and the sun's too hot
The whole darn world is goin' to pot
Might as well like it 'cause you're all that I've got
But, maybe things'll get a little better, in the mornin'
Maybe things'll get a little better.

Refrain:


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 09:09 AM

As Dino and many others sang:

The faucet it is dripping and the fence is falling down
My pocket needs some money so I can't go into town
My brother he ain't working and my sister doesn't care
The car it needs a motor so I can't go anywhere
Manana manana manana is soon enough for me

Once I had some money but I gave it to a friend
He said he'd pay me double he was only for a lend
But he said a little later that the horse it was so slow
Why he gave the horse my money is something I don't know
Manana manana manana is soon enough for me

My brother took his suitcase and he went away to school
My father said he only learned to be a silly fool
My father said that I should learn to make a chili pot
But then I burned the house down the chili was too hot
Manana manana manana is soon enough for me

The window it is busted and the rain is coming in
If someone doesn't fix it I'll be soaking to my skin
But if we wait a day or two the rain may go away
And we don't need a window on such a lovely day
Manana manana manana is soon enough for me
Manana manana manana is soon enough for me


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Micca
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 08:58 AM

John,some one was telling me about the Western Islesmans ability and talent for proceastination he said, I quote, " There is nothing so urgent to an Islesman that the Spanish word "Manana" would cover"

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 07:41 AM

Never put off till tomorrow, the things you can put off till next year.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 07:36 AM

I'm also venting some of my frustration by making a list of "Things I Am Seriously Tired Of" -- this is an "around the house" list, so it's aimed mostly at my darlin' but seriously procrastination-prone husband.

Reminds me of a card my mother gave my father years ago --
Outside: "To my husband on Father's Day, Some wives try to change their husbands, but I wouldn't do that. I love you just the way you are."
Inside: "But don't get any worse."

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 07:10 AM

Yeah, John. I discovered a looong time ago that you not only have to take responsibility for taking care of your own heath -- by educating yourself, etc. -- because the medical community certainly doesn't seem to want to do that.

And, especially with Tom's health, the more one knows -- not only about his immediate conditions, but POTENTIAL conditions and how everything works together towards his overall health -- the better one can get USEFUL information from the doctors, make sense of their plans, maybe point out to them things they need to know to get Tom back to optimal health. And Tom has to work at it, too.

Me? My job is research and nagging (both the docs and Tom).

The cat alarm clock was set a couple hours early this morning. Rufus woke me by standing on top of the humidifier and bashing away at the portal where the mist comes out -- he wants to remove it so he can reach his paw down inside & lick the water off. (Yes, he has PLENTY of water in the water dish -- he also wants attention and he like this because it's fun.) Then Sabine came up & curled up on top of me and purred loudly in my ear.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 06:52 AM

If it helps Tom, I can think up some very rude thoughts for you - I'm supposed to be on a course today that will teach me how to do the job I've been doing for 10 years, and how to draw a boat in 'join the dots' - yes folks of the UK - your taxes at work!

Anyway... I couldn't go to that because I got hauled back from the station as Limpit had slipped on compacted ice and came home in a state - because the local council won't grit pavements even if they are on a steep hill leading to both the school and the hospital.. so rude thoughts are my forte today! (She's fine by the way, hot bath got her over the shock and showed up the strained muscles...)

Now... you concentrate on getting yourself up and running properly (or at least jogging gently) because we don't want to have to open up the Mudcat Recovery Ward again - Nurse Ratched had a particularly bad experience at the Christmas party, involving some fruit punch, some mistletoe and that strange looking guy from Radiology.... she's been in one foul mood ever since so you REALLY don't want her doing the bedbath.

(((hugs to both of you)))

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:25 AM

Sheesh, hospitals! When will they start treating people like responsible adults?
Nurses changing meds, hospita; acquired infections, laptops available, nobody says they are there when you are admitted!! Grrrr.
Medical knowledge is to be shared, not treated like the tenets of a secret society.
The fact that the doctor asked Linn if she had medical training, indicates the mind set of so many medicos. They are under the delusion that only they know anything about it.
Anyway, rant over.
Tom, keep on keeping on my friend, and thank the lord, for such a capable wife.
Regards
John

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: My guru always said
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 05:08 AM

Well done for finding out most of what's going on Linn. Keep looking after yourself, eating & sleeping, you're obviously getting plenty of exercise!!!

Gnu, I thought that was an excellent plan, talking someone on the inside into helping you fight your corner.

Tom, lovely to see you here, positive thoughts still flowing to you & Linn. Love & Hugs,
Hil x

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: KathWestra
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 10:29 PM

Just visiting this thread for the first time on one of my very occasional visits to Mudcat, and sending you both love and wishes for a speedy, uncomplicated recovery for Tom.

Linn, try to get some rest. You're being a wonderful advocate for Tom. He's lucky to have you asking all those questions and generally raising hell on his behalf. Big hugs from D.C. Kathy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: jacqui.c
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 07:46 PM

Good to hear from you Tom.

We're off down to Boston tomorrow for Kendall's operation on Friday. We'll wave as we go past on the coach.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 07:45 PM

Good to see you, Tom.

Linn, is there no one who can come prime the furnace for you?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 07:40 PM

more positives coming your way

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: GUEST,curmudgeon
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 07:13 PM

Greetings and gratitude to comrades all for the well wishes and hopes for my recovwry. I must also add my pleasure at the levityb afforded some of you possessed of a particlar twist of humour. However, I must be brief.The light here is less than ideal; I have an eye irritation (minor), and I need to generate rude thoughts about the origin of my afflictions.

Keep p the positives! Thanks - Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 06:52 PM

It is well known that hospitals are no place for sick people. Good luck with all of this, you two.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon Fell -- On Way to Hospital
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 06:18 PM

Just got home, but stopped and saw friends after I left Tom and stopped at the grocery store.

Talked (on the phone, so we haven't yet me face-to-face) with the doctor who is supposed to be coordinating his care. The major thing right now is they will be moving him to a nursing facility on Friday (they'll do the planned carotid angiogram tomorrow, I think). The ONLY reason for sending him to a nursing facility (for 3+ weeks!!!) is his insurance co/Medicare won't pay for the 6-times a day antibiotics (through the PICC) at home having him do it himself (with startup assistance from Visiting Nurses) as he did the last time he had a blood infection.

She also said the infection is a common one (I didn't have a chance to write it down) that is usually picked up in the hospital. ARGHHHHHHH!!!! Sigh. After all, he's had several recent vascular diagnostic procedures lately.

And, no, he can't come home for a few hours and take care of a few things around here to simplify life a bit in between hospital and nursing facility because the facility will only accept him directly from the hospital.

#@%#ING BUREAUCRACIES!!!!

His COPD was probably a temporary flare-up.

I still have some questions, but I have her name & phone number. She asked if I had a medical background because of what I was asking, what I knew, and how often I brought up things like exercise to work with meds -- trying to be proactive since I have my doubts at how proactive his primary care doctor is. And the specialists only seem to be interested in the aspect of Tom that relates to their specialty -- as if cardiac, vascular and pulmonary don't interact with each other! You can't ignore any aspect of that equation!

He said he had a heart racing problem the other day caused by the fact they didn't give him his evening pills -- the nurse said they'd given him stronger ones earlier. He had to make a ruckus about that -- you don't change heart meds that have been working for 6 years, fer-pete's-sake!

This afternoon, too, we set up what we've basically ignored way too long -- durable medical power of attorney and Living Will -- because in New Hampshire the spouse doesn't automatically have that power. The hospital makes it very easy to do, so we BOTH signed the papers. Don't know why we didn't do this six years ago.

Then, just before I left, someone finally pointed out that the hospital makes available laptops with internet connections that patients can borrow. And he got one. I know he's read this thread -- he didn't post because (he just told me when I called him) it's difficult for him to see the keyboard in the low light of his room.

That's the news for now, folks!

Linn