Friday, February 20, 2009

UPDATE

Thank-you friends, for all the prayers and sweet words of encouragement you sent to me concerning Mom. It means everything to know others are holding you up.

Mom is home from the hospital, but not a whole lot better off. She is not in as severe pain as she was. But, it comes back every time she eats or drinks. Now here is what has me in a wad...The doc, gastroenterologist, that performed the EGD, the light down the throat to see the stomach, told me he found no ulcers, so there was nothing to biopsy. Another doc, her GP, told her the same thing. Then GP came back and said there WAS an ulcer and they biopsied it. When she was discharged, the nurse told my sister the same thing...ulcer was there and biopsied. They did change her meds around and put her on something new. So, what to believe?

I am getting on the phone today and getting a discharge report from the hospital and a report from Doc #1, who actually did the procedure. Maybe I can find out what is going on. I do not want someone messing around with my Mom and her not getting the proper care. She has another doc visit today with a urologist for totally separate issues. Bless her heart.

It really burns me up that there is so much incompetency in the medical field. And, I am a nurse myself. Why is there not more cohesive care? I tell you this, no one should be in a hospital anywhere without an advocate looking out for them. There needs to be someone who is responsible for keeping up with reports from each doctor involved...someone to keep it all straight. Her nursing care was excellent while there, but all this other is just not acceptable. And that is my rant for the day!

Thanks again for caring for my sweet mother and praying in her behalf.

13 comments:

Southern Lady said...

Tonja, I can understand your frustration and concern. I wholeheartedly agree that no one should be left alone in a hospital.

I hope you can get some answers today from Doc #1, and find out what's going on with your mom.

I'll keep you both in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Janie

Debbie said...

I understand completely. Some of our medical field people shouldn't be medical field people. Stay on top of it and I will keep your mom in my prayers. Debbie

Maggie said...

I totally understand your frustration with the medical profession. My mom has had lots of medical problems and it seems that we've had to either diagnose some of them ourselves or push the docs to evaluate for problems they haven't even considered. I hate to say it but it seems to me that they don't put a whole lot of effort into elderly people. And even at top-notch medical centers--I live near two--any kind of good human relations can be sorely lacking. Bless you both.

nancygrayce said...

Tonja, I know exactly what you mean! We stay around the clock when mama is in the hospital. You really cannot trust that what they're doing is really what needs to be done. It is a helpless feeling when doctors tell you things, because they're "supposed" to know and they don't like too many questions! Praying.

Gail said...

It's so sad that the nurning and medical career has gone SOUTH! You for you protecting your Mom. She is so blessed to have you and caring for her. God Bless..g

andi said...

AMEN! I sure hope you get to the bottom of it. Dig and do not let up. Go with your gut (convictions). I believe you have given me the same advice.
Please keep us posted. You come on by tomorrow if you are able-3-4:30. No pressure of course!

YaYa's Funhouse said...

Yes, all pts need an advocate. If not, they get lost in the shuffle. I, too, am a nurse and see this quite a bit. It is unfortunate and I see no end in sight. I will continue to lift up your mom and so many have done for my grandbabies. Have a good day.

Jill said...

That's so scary to think that you are getting two different stories. And at such a trying time anyway, just trying to get your mom feeling better and worrying about her so. I will continue to lift all of you up in prayer.

Jean said...

AMEN!!! All patients do indeed need an advocate. There are just way too many stories of things gone awry, lack of communication, mixed messages, etc.

windycorner said...

Thank goodness your mom has you there to be her advocate because you're right about the level of care these days. We'll be praying for her health and your stamina. God bless,
Holley

loong said...

everything is going to all right,
good luck

LivingTheLife said...

Oh! Tonja...I know too well your pain and frustration. When we used to have to hospitalize our daughter, I stayed w/her round the clock...she was always admitted to a very competant Children's Medical Center...and they always seemed to handle things incredibly...but once she "grew up" and too old for the pediatric hospital we had to move to the "big people" hospital...and the care she received there was good on any given day...and equally as poor on another. Doctors don't like admitting mistakes and the health care staff and nurses are overworked, under paid, and most likely reeling from all theEXTRA paper work the govt. and Insurance companies requires them to deal with...not to mention they are constanly having to "baby" the doctors and handle their issues...don't get me started...you know HOW I'm feeling about our medical competance these days in this country.

I will certainly keep you all in my prayers...especially your sweet mom. I pray by the time you read this things are on the upswing and she is feeling much better...not to mention I pray you find out what is going on very soon.

Have they ran an amalase and lipase count on her blood draws??...have they checked her for pancreatitis?? I know that sounds exteme...but when you said, she's fine until she eats something...then the severe pain starts up...sounds like what my daughter has had for years....now her's is the heridetary type...but as you know anyone can have an acute attack with it(once it's over they usually are not bothered w/it again)...please let me know if you have any more questions about that...ALSO, I had a terrible bug 2 weeks ago while in California...at first I thought it was food poisoning...but I know differently now...and do you know...I'm still have some stomach issues...I am still eating very blandly...and my upper tummy often feels queasy or like it is at a slow burn...I know it's residuals of that bug...b/c I've heard of others having the same issues. I think my meds may not be helping w/this issue either...but that's a whole other story.

Keeping you close to my heart and always in my prayers...give your mom a sweet hug from me, tell her I'm praying for her...and that I think she is so blessed to have you as her advocate...something, I'm sure she is more than aware of...I hate that she is in pain.

Blessings...
Teresa

Angela Baylis said...

Your mother is so fortunate to have you as her advocate! It is frustrating, I know. A friend I work with was recently diagnosed with M.S. After her Spinal Tap she was supposed to lie flat. When she got home the hospital called and needed her back because they didn't get enough fluid. Then... the following day they called to ask how her Colonoscopy went! All this to tell you I understand. I'll keep her in my prayers!
Much love,
Angie xoxo