BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 08:01 AM

Hope so too Maggie.....

Jeri might recall back in '99 when, after just going through the hospitalization for the aortic dissection, I went straight back the next day for an intestinal bleed that took a couple of days (and a load of blood) to find. I had two of everything but on the second barium x-ray they saw an irregularity in my small bowel which turned out to be a carcinoid tumor. They took out about a foot of small intestine and all has been fine since.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 08:13 AM

Spaw-

"an irregularity in my small bowel which turned out to be a carcinoid tumor."

In your case they got it right in time. That would have been easy to miss.

Some day you should send those medical folks a thank-you, if you haven't already done so.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 10:18 AM

I have Charley and I have with most of those who have been involved in my numerous "near death" experiences over the pastdozen years......and I have aalways tried to thank the many nurses who are the heart and soul of the medical world.

I have also been lucky except for one disastrous problem in 2010 to have had many fine docs including one of the foremost heart surgeons in the country and two PHP's that have both been there through it all.

With the exception of the botched surgery, partially the responsibility of a jackass anesthesiologist, I have been on the very best end of the medical profession.........and I am indeed grateful and have let them know it.


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 11:12 AM

I hope I've tricked my body and brain into thinking I've had some rest while lolling in bed with a cup of tea and a book this morning (and a cat! Don't forget the cat!) while I was also on the phone with Tom's nurse (Cindi! Cindi's back!), Tom, Dr. Blitzer's office, Dr. Thompson's office, making an appointment for an oil change for my car and letting Jim, who used to teach with Tom, know about the situation, etcet.

Despite my bagel and tea earlier, I'm famished. Maybe because I rather forgot to eat anything last night. So now I'm cooking up something immediate as well as planning another multi-meal cookup for later.

Thanking those people who often have thankless jobs IS important! Besides thanking Kathleen (Tom's day nurse at Clipper Harbor on Tuesday) over the phone for getting Tom to the ER on Tuesday, I made a point of seeing her personally after I collected Tom's stuff. That being said, I also let everybody there know that I don't think very highly of their tame doctor who refused to check anything important on Tom's condition on Tuesday (after almost 4 days of it not being addressed).

Anywho, Tom -- first talked to Cindi this morning who reported that James, his night nurse (also familiar from Tom's last stay there), reported that Tom got through the colonoscopy prep last night in record time. I asked Cindi if he got a certificate and she said she'd make him one. Fastest time on record , in their experience. Tom was sleeping, but I talked to him a bit later. He asked what the game plan was and sounded not completely on top of things as I had thought (which is totally understandable), so I went through everything in detail that has happened since Tuesday (and this weekend) and what is being planned -- including the colonoscopy that he has by now had. And that I had a few things to wrap up around the house this morning and would be over to see him early afternoon.

Now I should call work and reassure them that I will be there tomorrow from 10-3. I'm pretty sure I'll be alone in the shop, so taking the day off would be very problematic.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 11:56 AM

Ach! Just started to do some cleaning things around here and have realized exactly how PHYSICALLY tired I am, too. Thought it was just my overloaded brain.

Still, I need to clean out the blue cabinet so I can restore it to its place between the wall and the post -- moved yesterday to replace part of the deteriorated subflooring. Probably a bunch of the stuff inside can be taken to Goodwill...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 01:04 PM

I just called the ICU to talk to Tom (it's 1 p.m.) but they've JUST brought him back and are getting him settled.

His nurse, Cindi, will call me when she can.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 02:23 PM

Just talked to him on the phone and I'm almost out the door -- heading over to see him.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 06:11 PM

Yeehah! Good news!

Tom was sitting up and very alert when I got there -- quite a change from Saturday through yesterday. And he not only had already had some physical therapy, he was ready to move out of the ICU to a real room on the 3rd floor. He had told them he didn't want to be moved until after I got there.

Got a full report from his nurse -- they found three polyps this morning and snipped them off. Only one needed to be cauterized. They didn't find anything that was bleeding and figure the blood may have been from the gastritis they found yesterday (which no one told me about).

Anyway, it looks as if he may be coming home soon -- from the hospital without going back to rehab.

He's now in room 353 at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, NH -- the phone right to him is 603-609-6353. Hey! And no roommate!

Tom, I think, has more energy right now than I have -- I've been absolutely wiped out all day. Somebody turned the gravity way up. Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's the hectic schedule I've had lately, maybe it's the relief...

I'm again going to be fairly early -- besides, I have to work tomorrow. Then check in at The Press Room and relay the news to those not on Facebook or Mudcat. And THEN I can go see Tom. (And maybe get to bed early again, too.)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 06:12 PM

Good thing I copied that last post -- it didn't "take" and I had to post it again. I wouldn't have had the energy to rewrite it...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: gnu
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 06:32 PM

Tom home... that sounds good.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: maeve
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 06:52 PM

Yippee! Go read yourself to sleep, Linn. Love to Tom.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 07:02 PM

Linn, you've been running on adrenaline, and I hope you get a chance to really rest soon. I'm glad things are starting to look better... BOY am I glad!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 08:00 PM

applause from here too......

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Celtaddict
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 08:11 PM

Great to hear!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 09:08 PM

Indeed it is!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Apr 12 - 12:05 AM

Giving thanks for the improvements and Tom home, as well as Linn getting time to just collapse in a heap and restore herself.:-)Oh, joy!!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Apr 12 - 06:07 AM

Well, the next few days are going to be interesting and I still have stuff to juggle... Now, if only the hospital will let me in on THEIR plans...

I don't know when Tom is being released. I don't know whether that will be to home or to rehab.

I still don't know if Tom can get in and out of my car...in and out of the house.

I work today, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Today and Sunday I work alone -- I can't just up and not be there.

And there's still some work to be done on the floor, although that can be worked around even if Tom is home. It just complicates it a bit.

At least I don't have to worry about his health! Yesterday truly he sound better than he has since he broke the fibula in the first place. I wonder, too, how long the bleeding had been taking place.

Linn

At least I

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Apr 12 - 06:15 AM

good to have good news about Tom, now all we need is news is that you are well rested.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: mouldy
Date: 13 Apr 12 - 07:15 AM

Brilliant news! Now take care of yourself so that you can continue to take care of Tom

Andrea xx

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Apr 12 - 08:28 AM

Good news. Tom must be exhausted by all this too.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Apr 12 - 08:36 AM

Sounds like a long weekend but hang in there.

Judy is stressed out herself today, it being the last day of the current legislative session. No one really knows what the final endgame will be for the supplemental budget. And we do need to focus on our current draft of taxes, and do a recording session with a friend this evening, and I need to get a new replacement window installed upstairs, and a cat's so hungry or bored right now!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Apr 12 - 08:40 AM

When I called this morning he was in the middle of having the cast changed. And then he decided he needed the shoe and the sweat pants that I have in my car (after picking them up at Clipper Harbor) NOW.

I explained he can't have them now, or even before I get there probably around 6 tonight. Even if I left the house right now (and I can't because I have things like packing my lunch and finishing getting ready) I couldn't get to the hospital and then to work on time -- and I'm opening and working alone today until I'm relieved at 3, so I just can't.

And, believe me, he CAN live until late this afternoon without his moccasin...and they're not going to be releasing him today.

Ach!

Mary, Tom doesn't seem exhausted at all. He's got way more energy than I have, maybe even more than he usually has. Definitely way more than he's had since he broke his ankle.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Apr 12 - 06:43 PM

Well, yes...they DID release him today -- back to rehab. I didn't find this out, of course, until after I had been at work for a couple hours. Fortunately it was a quiet day (the doctor was off at her other office at the other end of the mall where they were having an "Eyeglass Extravaganza" this weekend), so I was able to spend as much time on the phone as I had to.

Okay, folks, new phone number -- 603-749-2936, room 504 at Langdon Place at Dover. I made them promise not to try to kill him...

The good news is that I transported him there -- he got into my car with minimal difficulty at Wentworth-Douglass and the most significant problem he had in getting out at Langdon Place was the wheelchair there didn't have feet supports and Tom had trouble keeping his feet off the ground. That was quickly taken care of and he was wheeled into a very pleasant, well-designed double room where he had the choice of beds -- he may be alone all weekend.

The other good news is I was able to borrow a very nice "rollator" (rolling walker with a seat) for him to use when he gets home. And his goal is to be home by this time next week. He REALLY wants to be home and in familiar surroundings.

Langdon Place is a bit more convenient for me to get to after work, less than 4 miles from Rte. 4. It seems like a nice place -- physical therapy facilities, and I really like how the rooms are laid out. Less people in wheelchairs parked in the halls, too. Perhaps a bit less understaffed?

Way too tired to go back to Portsmouth to the Press Room session -- I'd let some of the other principals know I probably wouldn't make it and to let those not following here or Facebook what's happening.

I probably won't stay here at the computer any longer than it takes to eat supper. I'll call Tom in about 45 minutes to say goodnight, then probably turn in early myself.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Apr 12 - 07:31 PM

Linn-

Nice to hear that things are moving along at a less frantic pace, and with the promise of better times to come.

Did they ever determine the source of the internal bleeding, or did I miss that report.

Judy is still hostage to the Legislature until about 10 pm this evening. We decided, sanely, to postpone our recording session with our friend. She's a storyteller and she's created some great Downeast stories.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Apr 12 - 09:01 PM

Tom must have really been hitting the rehab if he was able to get in and out of a car. So good to hear he is feeling better. Maybe by July he can join us for Jed's concert and a some music later. Tom's concertina, Kendall's mandolin, Jed's banjo. Jeri on fiddle. Could be like old times.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 13 Apr 12 - 09:43 PM

I, too, think it is great that Tom was able to get in and out of the car. I'm glad you were able to get the rollator, too. Progress!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Apr 12 - 10:09 PM

I worry...and I'm sure YOU do, about how it will go when Tom IS home, and you have to go off to work. I know many things will be easier when he is where he knows where things are...etc. But full mobility is quite a ways off. Is there anyone who can be there...even part of the days when you are gone?

(I read regularly, but don't say much.....)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Apr 12 - 09:02 AM

I hate it when I've composed the perfect lead in my head and when I sit here to start writing the post it's just gone...

Charlie -- upper GI gastritis (which they didn't tell me about at the time) and 3 polyps in the bowel which were taken care of. No sign of bleeding -- they seem to think the blood came from the gastritis. Took a bunch o' blood to fill him back up again.

Mary, he was doing great with his physical therapy when this problem hit and stole a week away from rehab. It was just so damned unnecessary!

When I talked to Tom before bedtime last night, he was very unhappy. His dinner was less than optimal (granted they'd thrown something together for him because he'd just gotten there) and, after the "evaluation" he suspected some of what they are doing or have planned for him is more concerned with sucking money from Medicare than helping get Tom on his feet again (literally).

I slept disjointedly last night, but I may have actually worked some stuff out while I was lying there awake (with a purring cat in my face and another on top of me). One is that I can't let things get out of our control like last week. If that means I have to be rude, forceful and aggressive, so be it. I cannot assume that just because they are medical people that they know what they are doing and that it is best for Tom. Second is I need answers, a plan, more information and I NEED IT NOW!!!

Tom's problems of the past four weeks are not the result of his broken ankle but of the medical/rehab system. (ICU psychosis, his internal bleeding setback of the past week and the time it took to address it). He needs to get HOME where he can sleep well and eat well (bad food and lack of dentures has taken its toll -- he's lost 15 pounds) and be in familiar surroundings. He needs to be able to get to the dentist and get the new dentures in the works.

What he does NOT need is an open-ended plan with no goal set for release and the establishment not communicating their plans with either of us. I am fucking fed up!!! Even when I ask, I've not been given answers. Nobody seems to actually KNOW anything.

I've got to call NH ServiceLink for advice on Monday -- and Tom's primary care, and the social worker at Clipper Harbor and whoever else I can think of. (Again, I'll be working Monday, but I won't be alone, so it's do-able.)

I've got to find out who, exactly, I have to talk to at Langdon Place today. And I'm laying down the law -- Tom polishes the skills he needs to get in and out of the house and car THIS WEEK. And he's released to home by the end of the week. Or I want some pretty strong reasons why not.

Now that he's not losing blood hand over fist, his energy and outlook are still very good and he desperately wants to get on with life. He has plans to work on the writing projects he's got going and other things that need to be done. He needs to be at home with me and I need him to be home with me.

You know, I've been with Tom through a lot of medical stuff. This has been by far the worst. Much worse than his heart surgery (replaced aortic valve, repaired tricuspid, double bypass, defibrillator installation -- valve job, tune-up and some electrical work and now he'll never play football again). Far, far worse than the cancer surgery, the loss of his voice, his vision loss and vascular adventures. I can handle a lot, but it's the unnecessary bullshit that's really getting to me.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Apr 12 - 09:21 AM

I am seconding your frustration sister. my daughter Hil has been getting the same sort of run around, wrong diagnoses and questionable care that's causing more problems than it fixes. The US healthcare industry is in it for the bottom line.   At least you are there to play advocate for Tom.   Wish I could be for Hilary.


Here's me hoping that it all get's sorted pronto and that you really give em what for!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Apr 12 - 11:00 AM

More than anyone needs to know about gastritis:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/gastritis/page8_em.htm

Apparently it is common in surgery patients over 65. Stress, meds,smoking,coffee/caffeine and alcohol are key triggers. Hopefully, Tom's caretakers are paying close attention looking for symptoms of internal bleeding so they can avoid last week's drama.

Like Bill, I wonder if Tom will be able to function safely when he first gets home. Something to add to the list, Linn.
M

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Apr 12 - 11:55 AM

Linn-

Thanks for the further update, and give them Hell if you think it's appropriate, and flowers when they do good.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Apr 12 - 12:36 PM

Mary, Bill -- Tom will NOT be going upstairs to the bedrooms and bathroom for some time. Not until he can safely negotiate those stairs.

By the time he's home, he won't need someone constantly there. He'll be able to maneuver between bed (the couch), the commode, the table, the computer...even stand in the kitchen and fix some food. (Though I'll relieve him of everyday cooking for awhile.)

And I only work approximately 18 hours a week as it is -- that's the major reason why I need to find another job, but haven't been able to do much in that line while Tom needs so much and so much attention.

Just driving everywhere to and from Tom, and everywhere else I need to go is so time-consuming. EVERYTHING takes so much more time than you think and it just nibbles away at the day. I'm driving about 3 times my normal daily miles -- that's expensive both in time AND gas.

I'm looking forward to sometime again being able to eat a normal meal -- mostly I'm shovelling something in my mouth while I'm here at the computer (as I am right now). And a few minutes later I can neither remember what I ate or even that I DID eat. And every time I ask Tom about his meals (except in the hospital) he says, "Well I had some wonderful [whatever] but I couldn't eat it because it had toxic levels or sodium" or it would tear up his denture-less mouth to eat it.

I just talked to him again a little while ago and he's changed his mind about wanting to leave immediately. He had a good-tasting breakfast and the coffee, while not up to his standards (or as good as the k-cups he could have anytime at Clipper Harbor) is passable. He still wants to be home SOON.

Ach! Just threw out a bunch of stuff that was in the blue cabinet. That SHOULD make me feel good (but it's just not as satisfying as it should be). Laundry drying, dishes dealt with, information located, car emptied (while still in my nightshirt -- good thing we're not right on the road).

It's only noon and I'm (still) exhausted.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: gnu
Date: 14 Apr 12 - 02:43 PM

"Stress, meds,smoking,coffee/caffeine and alcohol are key triggers."

I don't drink coffee so I should be just fine.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Apr 12 - 06:26 PM

Stress, meds, coffee...three out of five, not bad.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: GUEST,Weaver
Date: 15 Apr 12 - 02:41 AM

Hey Linn,
Glad Tom is doing better. He will improve quickly oce he gets home. You sound so tired and frustrated, no wonder why what with all the bull*****.
Thinking of you both.
Dianne

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 15 Apr 12 - 07:07 AM

Strange dreams last night...Bill Shatner...Nancy Reagan... Nancy Reagan?!?

Well, fell asleep last night after watching about four episodes of "Boston Legal", drinking a couple glasses of port and eating a couple cream horns...

Was too tired to post yesterday when I got home from Langdon Place. He's settled in, the food isn't that bad and he's worked out alternatives when the scheduled meal is disagreeable or too hard on his mouth. His room is much more quiet than Clipper Harbor and organized in a more comfortable plan. The halls are quieter, too. I talked to his nurse earlier and found out the name of the person who will oversee Tom's progress and I'll talk to her on Monday. And I met his therapist today. She's only there on Saturdays, but she'll pass information on to the others. She's aware he wants to concentrate on stairs and other things to get him home, that he's aiming for next weekend.

He spends his time in a chair, not in bed -- that's a major improvement over last weekend. I brought him the phone number of the dentist who did his dentures and Tom will call him on Monday and get that in the works.

After work today, I'll swing over to Clipper Harbor and pick up the clothes that were in the laundry when I picked up Tom's things the other day. Then, of course, I'll go over to see Tom.

Another busy day...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Ebbie
Date: 15 Apr 12 - 12:08 PM

Perhaps I missed it - is there a GOOD reason that Tom's dentures can't be found?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 15 Apr 12 - 07:32 PM

Ebbie, the "good" reason that Tom's dentures can't be found is that Wentworth-Douglass Hospital will pay for a complete new set. Haven't a clue as to how they got lost in the first place -- they were in a plastic container with Tom's name on the top and in a drawer under the sink in ICU room 6. You would THINK they would try to find the proper owner before they threw them out...or maybe they went home with the next occupant of the room, and they didn't contact the hospital when they were discovered. Who knows. But Tom will get a new set out of it, though nothing for the discomfort and inconvenience and limitation on what he can eat until the new set is ready.

I realized this morning exactly how FRIED I am after this busy and nerve-wracking week. I'm physically very, very tired. Gravity is turned way up. But my mind must be frazzled, too. I had to pick up some necessities on the way to work this morning, and when I was backing out of the parking place, a person suddenly appeared behind my car. I slammed on the brakes...but missed and hit the gas. He managed to dodge out of the way, but it scare the bejaysus out of me! Shook me up quite a bit. God definitely was looking out for both of us. Made it to work otherwise uneventfully. (I couldn't have quite taken anything else...) And, while there were a few clumps of people who all decided to come in at once, it wasn't a half bad day.

Picked up Tom's clothes at Clipper Harbor (and talked to the nurse who actually wanted to get him to the ER last Saturday or Sunday) and then ping-ponged back the other direction to see Tom. Langdon Place is only about 6 miles longer than my regular commute home.

Just couldn't deal with fixing a proper supper tonight, but I found enough stuff to nibble on that didn't take any real prep time. (Well, maybe I should cook up a couple eggs...nah, takes too much time.)

Early to bed, I think.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 15 Apr 12 - 07:46 PM

Tomorrow is another day, and hopefully one with continued improvement. Sleep well.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Apr 12 - 11:28 AM

Happy Patriot's Day, Linn.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Apr 12 - 06:10 PM

Well, I sort of took today off. Realized on my way to work how gravity was cranked up to high, and, if I could, I'd fall asleep behind the wheel. The rollercoasterness of last week really dragged me out. Originally thought I'd stick it out at work til four, but my co-worker suggested I go home and take care of myself.

Left work after about an hour (but not until I made a sale -- 2 pair -- right off the bat). Checked in with Tom on the way home. He's in a pretty good mood -- he'd had good physical therapy before I got there and the promise of more in the afternoon.

Got home and didn't even turn on the computer, just went upstairs and took a nap. And when I woke, I read...with a cat on my shoulder purring in my ear and another at my feet. I'm just refusing to think about all those things I'm juggling right now in my head and life. I took today off. And it will be another early night. And tomorrow is another day.

Made myself the supper I didn't have the energy to make last night. Talked to Tom and he's pleased with the physical therapy plan that he discussed with the therapist this afternoon. No, he might not be home this weekend. But probably by the next weekend after his cast is changed again. The really GOOD thing is that there IS a plan. I think it was the previous open-endedness that was so wearing on both of us. And he's being encouraged to get out and move around in the wheelchair. There's a computer down the hall and he may be checking in here sometime soon. (!!!) Tom talked today with the dentist that did his dentures, so that's in the works (and I didn't have to do it!). He did manage to destroy another pair of the yellow goggles that help him see in interior daylight. He's exceptionally hard on them -- that's three pair now, two from the NH department for the blind and this pair that I bought about a month ago (for twenty bucks). Ach!

Nope. I didn't make any of my planned phone calls today (except for a couple to track down where a wheelchair might be rented -- and now Tom tells me he probably won't need one by the time he comes home). And, other than visiting Tom (and posting here and Facebook), I didn't think about ANY of this whole thing all day.

I think tonight's another early night. Maybe I'll be back to whatever passes as normal by tomorrow.

Tomorrow's another day...
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Apr 12 - 07:35 PM

Linn-

Sounds like a very worth while day. There's a lot to be said for stepping back and recharging one's batteries.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 16 Apr 12 - 08:13 PM

Sheesh! Considering that last night I wrote, "Sleep well," I'm especially glad that you did not fall asleep at the wheel this morning!

I'm glad to hear that there is a physical therapy plan.

Get plenty of rest. At home. In bed!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 Apr 12 - 09:07 PM

I'll second that!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Apr 12 - 09:09 AM

Ah! Good morning! Talked to Tom and, besides dealing with his dentist so I don't have to, he's asked me to bring his insurance card info enlarged so he can call them. That's two things I don't have to do...

Got a couple phone calls to make before I head to work. Since I'm working 11-7 today, Tom suggested I not stop over to see him after work.

But I'll talk to him when I can during the day and, of course, call to say goodnight.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Apr 12 - 07:51 PM

I talked to Tom. I went to work. Talked to Tom some more. He suggested I not stop and see him after I left work at 7 p.m. I'm home. About to call Tom and say goodnight.

It was a pretty uneventful day and I'm pretty damned pleased with that!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Apr 12 - 08:03 PM

Actually I forgot to mention I had a really nice conversation with the social worker from Clipper Harbor who had called and left a message last Friday. She wanted to know how we thought Tom's stay there could have been improved. And I think she really wanted to know what they did wrong and how they can improve things should such a situation happen again. I also think she was very happy both that Tom is doing well and is healthy again and that we're not suing them. (And that I called her back and wasn't screaming at her.) She had enjoyed meeting him and talking with him and genuinely likes him and is interested in him.

I made several suggestions not only about recognizing and addressing a serious health problem developing during a stay, but also about dealing with a patient's vision problems, such as people identifying themselves when they come in. Tom can only recognize people by their voices -- he can't SEE well enough to recognize them visually and when there is a constantly changing parade, it can be very confusing.

Told her all about (actually just adding to what she and Tom talked about) his involvement with folk music and the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival, the Press Room sessions and, too, how he and I met at a pre-Christmas client party at Fishtraks recording studio, back when it was in the third floor of a private residence at Rye Beach.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 17 Apr 12 - 10:57 PM

Hooray for your "uneventful" day. I wish you more of them.

As a sighted person who is awful at remembering names and faces, i think medical people should always identify themselves (name, position, perhaps quick reminder of what we last talked about) to all patients!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Apr 12 - 03:33 AM

good idea, ChantyLass.

sandra (seconding the wish for another uneventful day)

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Latest Adventure
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Apr 12 - 02:27 PM

Just got home -- put on about 55 miles but got a LOT accomplished: saw wild turkey in neighbor's yard down the hill, oil change, breakfast, treat for Tom, spotted a couple red-winged blackbirds in the marsh between Newmarket and Durham, saw Tom (went over meds with his nurse, game plan with nurse from social services, met his physical therapist), picked up CD of x-rays from his surgeon, gas in the car at the least expensive place around (and on my way!), groceries and back home again. More floor work set for tomorrow so I need to move some stuff and pull up the middle piece of particle board. Got a few "keeping life on an even keel" things on to-do list before I can do that, though.

Think we got Tom's meds straightened out and, since he's not been requiring any pain meds, maybe he can start taking half a sleeping pill again without the vivid, threatening dreams. His PCP will go over the list after he's home, too, to eliminate anything he no longer needs, etc.

The social services nurse had to run through some simple questions to evaluate Tom's mental state, etc. Mostly simple...I certainly couldn't do the one that required him to count backwards from 100 by 7s. (She said she couldn't either.) It was primarily about the attempt (he went back to 93) and following directions. When asked to write a sentence, he wrote, "Workers of the world unite. You have nothing to lose but your chains."

The really good news is we have a PLAN for Tom being released to home. It will probably happen a week from Saturday, the day after his next appointment with Dr. Blitzer and his cast being changed again.

And -- this is a BIG ta-dah! -- this Saturday I'll take him to the monthly Press Room sea music singaround. I may need a couple strong guys to help, but one way or another we'll get Tom and a wheelchair (well, maybe just a walker) up the one granite step into The Press Room and into his proper seat presiding over the session.

Speaking of which, I had best announce the April sea music singaround in a thread of its own.

Linn