Bluesape Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 Longtime members will recall that my lady, Juanita, was hospitalized in December with a massive coronary. Well, she's back in there again - not as serious as before, just some chest pain, but when you make the "High Risk" list, they keep you in there for every damn test they can think of. Blood enzymes 8 hours apart, yada yada. They were gonna release her from Emergency last night after the second round of tests, but now the cardiologist wants to see her this morning, so she was admitted. Up to this point in my post, ya may be wondering what I'm upset about. Here's why: and ECG done months ago in Toronto shows an ANEURYSM! We heard about it for the first time last night in Ottawa. Apparently that word is scarier than it sounds, as we lay people liken it to a water balloon at risk of bursting, but if we had known about it, we might have taken more caution with her activities. We had her 2 year old great niece with us for a few weeks until Monday. As we all know, 2 year olds don't have an "off" button - they just charge away at full throttle until they crash and burn, plus they want to be lifted and carried a lot. Yesterday she decided to assemble a double bed in the spare room by herself while I was at work. She felt pains coming on, and managed to reach her son who got her to Emergency. I didn't get the call until she was already there, as I was in the field after my office stint doing QC work. What's really got me furious here is the negligence about getting relevant information to us. I'm considering legal options now. If anyone has insight here, please share it. Never a DUH! moment! Well, almost never. OK, OK! Sometimes never!
Rampdog Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 I'm sorry about your situation Blues and I surely hope it all works out. If the docs were incompitent then by all means sue... I'm going through a slightly simular situation with my mother...she slipped and broke her arm...She lives waaaay out in rural Arkansas...One hour from the nearest hospital... The first surgery was done by a 'horse doctor' I call him. He was so bad the pin ended up poking out of her skin in a short time... They had to go back in and fix it. Now they think they screwed the 'fix' up and want to go in again... I know this is not life threatning but I feel it's downright wrong. I know the first reaction these days is to sue... But if the case warrants it then hire a lawyer and settle in for the long haul. Some of these doctors need to be slapped or stripped of their practice. My best wishes for you and your lady... If it ain't fun...why do it...? http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=778394&content=music
A String Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 That sucks Reif. Hopefully the doctor you get in Ottawa will be better then the doctor she had in Toronto. Did the results show that she had an aneurysm or that she could have had one? Take care of her and let her know that Liz and I pass along our best wishes. Craig Stringnetwork on Facebook String Network Forum My Music
The Geoff Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 Nothing to add, Reif, except to say I'm thinking of both of you & pass my love to Jaunita. Geoff "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the World will know Peace": Jimi Hendrix http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=738517&content=music The Geoff - blame Caevan!!!
S. Yeti Bigfoot, Esq. Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 What Geoff said. I'm really sorry you guys are having to go through this again. "And so I definitely, when I have a daughter, I have a lot of good advice for her." ~Paris Hilton BWAAAHAAAHAAHAAA!!!
jbote Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 I'm so sorry to hear about the latest set back, Reif. As Geoff said, please know I'm thinking of both of you and send my best wishes to Juanita. John
Guitar Geezer Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 We're praying for you dude. Hopefully things are not quite as serious as you fear. Lynn G Lynn G
Pappy P Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 Reif: Really sorry to hear Jauanita had to go back to the hospital. I hate them too. I will be praying for her. Stay strong for Juanita dude. www.birdblues.com My Stuff On Sound Click
alittlebatty Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 Doesn't it drive you nuts? My best to Juanita. Rampdog-I went thru a similar situation as your mom about 5 years ago-I wanted to take legal action on the 1st dr,but once the 2nd dr got a hold of the x rays from the 1st screwed up leg surgery,they mysteriously disappeared. I know a lot of drs protect other drs. I have a permanent titanium rod in my lower right leg. Those fix it surgeries can take a lot out of you,too.
Hardtail Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 Hospitals certainly do suck Reif. I wish the best for the both of you.
LPCustom Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 Hang in there, Reif. You and Juanita are in our thoughts and prayers. On a lighter note, I get the cast off my arm and my leg tomorrow. I'll still have the "hand" cast for a couple of weeks. But I'll be almost back to "normal" (whatever that is ). As for hospitals, I'm fortunate in that I barely remember the last time I was in one. Reif, I don't think there is anything actionable about them not telling you that Juanita has an aneurysm, though. Unless the aneurysm burst she has not been injured by not being told it existed. (small consolation, I know). At least you know, now and can modify her activities accordingly. Born on the Bayou
mdrs Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 Sorry to hear about all this Reif. I didn't know about Juanita's previous MI. Please take care of your wife and yourself, first and foremost. Her health is the most important thing right now. Hospitals do suck!! But, if you need one, thank God they are available. Also, hang in there with all the tests, blood work, enzimes, etc.. Getting stuck for blood so often is horrible, but it's all important stuff. The cardiac enzymes are a primary way to know if the chest pains are just angina, or if Juanita has had another MI. Hopefully, when all the tests are in, it's not been another coronary. I'll keep my prayers and thoughts positive, and headed your direction. When the time is right, ask the doctor about the aneurysm. You should ask where it is located, how big it is, and is it one that needs work (i.e. surgery), or should it simply be followed with periodic exams. Also, ask if there are any restrictions on Juanita's activities due to the aneurysm. Often there is not, but you should ask. If an aneurysm is small, it most often is watched, not necessitating surgery. The doc should be able to tell you all these details. The nurse caring for Juanita should also be able to get some answers for you. Nurses are a great resource. Allow me to give you a tip about hospitals....if you are able to, bring food to leave for the nurses on Juanita's hospital unit. A food bribe goes a long way in a hospital!! It sounds goofy, but the gift of food will often be repaid by extra attention by the nurses. Make sure you bring the food right to the nurses station, and let them know who you are, and who you are visiting, and hand the food to the nurse. My wife underwent very serious spinal surgery on her neck. Luckily, she did well. Every time I went into the hospital, I brought a dozen donuts, or some bagels, etc.. We made a lot of friends that way... Finally, HANG IN THERE. Try to take this one step at a time. If you try to deal with an entire journey, it can be almost overwhelming. Try to think one step at a time. If you have any questions about anything, PM me. I'd be honored to help out. Don "There once was a note, Pure and Easy. Playing so free, like a breath rippling by." http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=574296 http://www.myspace.com/imdrs
Bluesape Posted August 31, 2006 Author Posted August 31, 2006 Thanks, everyone, for the kindness and support. She did test positive for another MI. She gets another angiogram tomorrow. They're opining that her stent(the second one) may be occluded with plaque. They have her an a nitro patch - keeps the chest pains at bay, but gives her massive headaches. She may need a bypass - we won't know until after the angiogram. She stopped taking her Plavix 2 weeks ago - I found that out tonight. It no doubt made things worse, or at least made hospitalization more immediate. She got the lecture from everyone about Plavix being the last med you discontinue with her condition. I'm really wacked out about her indiffernce to her health. Thanks for indulging me here. Never a DUH! moment! Well, almost never. OK, OK! Sometimes never!
mdrs Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 Hey Reif, Thanks for the update. It sounds like all that should be happening, as far as the medical care, is happening. Nitro headaches are a necessary evil, for now at least. They'll likely keep her on some morphine, so that will help! The angiogram will tell the story, and let the docs know what need to happen next. Good luck to you both, and keep us posted. Don "There once was a note, Pure and Easy. Playing so free, like a breath rippling by." http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=574296 http://www.myspace.com/imdrs
Dr. Ellwood Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 Yeah I think it's the smell and the constant confusion and uncertainty of things and everybody seemingly to busy to bother with you for very long. I sure hope she will be ok buddy! I KNOW you will be very vocal about the medication thing with her, I mean that's life saving stuff! http://www.thestringnetwork.com
Gifthorse Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 Dude, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Jaunita. http://flagshipmile.dmusic.com/ http://www.myspace.com/gifthorse
mdrs Posted August 31, 2006 Posted August 31, 2006 Reif, It is very common that people stop their meds...pills, eye drops, etc.. On face level it would seem like indifference to one's health. But, the wierd thing is that many people, from every social strata, and every IQ level do this!! I think that, in general, people simply don't like taking pills....you have to remember it so many times a day, it's annoying to have to take meds, they are a constant reminder that you are "sick", etc. etc.. There is a vitamin that helps keep folks from losing vision from macular degeneration (age in the back of the eye). You would not believe how often people stop taking it. I'll say "don't you remember that taking that vitamin twice a day will keep you from losing vision?". And the patient will say "Yea, but I take too many pills already, so I stopped taking the vitamins". These are nice folks of normal intelligence....it's just one of those human things that we do!! We are all human, and the human condition is a frail balance. Sometimes I can't believe that every thing in the body does in fact work well enough to allow us to live!! Anyhow, hang in there. You have an important couple of days ahead of you. Keep positive and keep us posted! Don "There once was a note, Pure and Easy. Playing so free, like a breath rippling by." http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=574296 http://www.myspace.com/imdrs
LPCustom Posted September 1, 2006 Posted September 1, 2006 Yes, people certainly do stop taking their meds. I have been taking medications in one form or another for my diabetes since I was 18 years old. And I STILL have trouble remembering to take them (after 30 years of it). They are a pain in the butt to take and I hate remembering to take them "late", too. I think part of the problem is that quite often we see no immediate effects of not taking our medication and deep down, I think we think we just don't really need to take them anymore. Until something dreadful happens. Then we get religion again. My wife became diabetic a few years ago. I hound her mercilessly about taking her medications (she is also hypertensive and has high cholesterol). If I don't keep after her, she will stop taking them. So, I keep after her about them. She gets angry about it sometimes, but I tell her I do it because I love her. Keep after Juanita to take her meds, Reif. You'll both be glad you did. Sorry to hear Juanita's had another MI. That's not good. But it can be overcome. Hang in there, dude. Born on the Bayou
Guitarzan Posted September 1, 2006 Posted September 1, 2006 sorry to hear that Reif. my thoughts are with you and Jaunita. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=193274 rock it, i will
Fumblyfingers Posted September 1, 2006 Posted September 1, 2006 All the best to you both Reif...hang in there good buddy.
Big Red 67 Posted September 1, 2006 Posted September 1, 2006 They should put the dead in hospitals and the sick in the cemeteries. Paraphrased from Catcher in the Rye. I agree hospitals suck! Good luck! Big Red's Ride Blog
MILLO Posted September 1, 2006 Posted September 1, 2006 Good luck. I really wish you guys the best. "Without music, life would be a mistake." --from 'Beyond Good and Evil', by Friedrich Nietzsche My MySpace Space
Shoes Posted September 1, 2006 Posted September 1, 2006 Well I never like to hear news of this sort but I'll say that you sound like a man with his finger on the pulse of the situation. Good for you to be with the program and lucky for her to have an ape with a big heart like yours to be by her side. We pay for it, ask questions and demand answers for the care that she needs and deserves. It's your right. I wish you all the best. I still think guitars are like shoes, but louder.
Big Red 67 Posted September 1, 2006 Posted September 1, 2006 What better, out in the wind. If you don't make it the view would be worth it. Looking up through the leaves. NICE! That is what living is for. Take her for a walk in a ROSE garden! Take her to coffee at a strange hour? Love your life and hers. Love,Tate Big Red's Ride Blog
Bluesape Posted September 2, 2006 Author Posted September 2, 2006 She got through the angiogram - no obstructions found - her history had them thinking they'd find one. Everyone has given her the "How could you stop taking your Plavix?" lecture, and this time I hope it got through that concrete skull of hers. Thanks again to everyone for your kind words. Never a DUH! moment! Well, almost never. OK, OK! Sometimes never!
mdrs Posted September 2, 2006 Posted September 2, 2006 Sounds good, Reif. When does Juanita get to go home? Did you guys get all the info you needed about her overall condition?? Don "There once was a note, Pure and Easy. Playing so free, like a breath rippling by." http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=574296 http://www.myspace.com/imdrs
A String Posted September 2, 2006 Posted September 2, 2006 Glad to hear there was no blockage. Hopefully having a lot of people, telling her to take her medication, will convince her to do so. Craig Stringnetwork on Facebook String Network Forum My Music
Kramer Ferrington III. Posted September 2, 2006 Posted September 2, 2006 Glad to hear things are looking up, Reif! All the best to you both! Band MySpace My snazzy t-shirt empire
Bluesape Posted September 2, 2006 Author Posted September 2, 2006 I grabbed every damn pamphlet I could find in English(this town is very French). Dunno when she'll be released - they still aren't conclusive on what caused this heart attack. Never a DUH! moment! Well, almost never. OK, OK! Sometimes never!
Bluesape Posted September 2, 2006 Author Posted September 2, 2006 Maybe I'll make her read here so she'll get an idea of the input - again, thanks. Never a DUH! moment! Well, almost never. OK, OK! Sometimes never!
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.