Monday, June 18, 2007
Tomorrow's Life Adventure
Lee and I will be going on one of our medical adventures tomorrow. This is a trip we have made before and do not particularly look forward to. Because he is on a ventilator for assisted breathing, Lee also has a feeding tube in his stomach. Strangely enough, he doesn't use the tube much for nutrition at this time. He eats--just like you and me. There was a time when he used it for almost all nutrition, but now he only has medication and occasional nutrition through it. He is currently able to satisfy nutritional needs through eating and supplemental vitamins, etc.
Occasionally the tube has to be replaced. It is time--The tube is, for lack of a better way to explain it, out of place. BTW--I use very practical terms to describe Lee's medical situations--you will hear very little medical jargon from me. After all, I am not a medical doctor. Trust me, we have been doing this long enough that Lee and I know when something is wrong! The tube is definitely wrong right now!
So, after waiting a day because we know non-emergency calls are futile on the weekend, we went through the maze of making arrangements today. It went like this:
• A call to our Hospice nurse ( a replacement because our usual one is on vacation)
• Wait for her to consult with their doctor and call us back with the correct protocol--This was necessary because we were not using Hospice the last time we had this procedure. We have to call them first for all concerns.
• A call to our primary care doctor (who is on vacation--his nurse is too)
• A transfer to his associate--speak to the nurse
• Wait for the nurse to consult the doctor and relay my messages about how this has been handled in the past
• A call back to let me know they will take care of it the way I had requested
• Wait for them to call Same Day surgery to make an appointment for Lee
• FINALLY, a call back from that nurse to confirm our appointment at the hospital tomorrow.
Actually, that was pretty simple compared to some things we have gone through! Everyone moved pretty quickly on their part of the process and we were fortunate to get an appointment early in the morning. We should be home by noon.
This is not a difficult procedure. It will be done by a radiologist, a specialist who basically inserts tubes, etc. They use an imaging machine to know where it needs to go. It does not take long and Lee does not have to be completely anesthetized. As soon as he is back in the room and meets alertness requirements we can go home. It usually takes less than two hours when we have an early appointment.
We haven't been to Same Day Surgery for about five months, so it should be kind of like old home week. All of the nurses know us because we have been there several times in the last two years. They have always done a good job of caring for Lee. They treat him like a favorite patient. I'm sure they treat everyone that way!
Lee will be OK. They will fix the problem and send us on our way. I will be OK. Greg usually makes these journeys with us. He is still in Louisiana. I will miss having our cup of coffee together while we wait. He and Kevin will be expecting me to call as soon as the procedure is finished. They keep close tabs on their Dad's progress.
So, I know that more than likely I'll be back here tomorrow night, posting something else--maybe the Dream Meme Betty tagged me for last week. But, for tonight, I just pray for God's mercy for Lee tomorrow as he goes through yet another medical procedure in this long health/faith journey.
Occasionally the tube has to be replaced. It is time--The tube is, for lack of a better way to explain it, out of place. BTW--I use very practical terms to describe Lee's medical situations--you will hear very little medical jargon from me. After all, I am not a medical doctor. Trust me, we have been doing this long enough that Lee and I know when something is wrong! The tube is definitely wrong right now!
So, after waiting a day because we know non-emergency calls are futile on the weekend, we went through the maze of making arrangements today. It went like this:
• A call to our Hospice nurse ( a replacement because our usual one is on vacation)
• Wait for her to consult with their doctor and call us back with the correct protocol--This was necessary because we were not using Hospice the last time we had this procedure. We have to call them first for all concerns.
• A call to our primary care doctor (who is on vacation--his nurse is too)
• A transfer to his associate--speak to the nurse
• Wait for the nurse to consult the doctor and relay my messages about how this has been handled in the past
• A call back to let me know they will take care of it the way I had requested
• Wait for them to call Same Day surgery to make an appointment for Lee
• FINALLY, a call back from that nurse to confirm our appointment at the hospital tomorrow.
Actually, that was pretty simple compared to some things we have gone through! Everyone moved pretty quickly on their part of the process and we were fortunate to get an appointment early in the morning. We should be home by noon.
This is not a difficult procedure. It will be done by a radiologist, a specialist who basically inserts tubes, etc. They use an imaging machine to know where it needs to go. It does not take long and Lee does not have to be completely anesthetized. As soon as he is back in the room and meets alertness requirements we can go home. It usually takes less than two hours when we have an early appointment.
We haven't been to Same Day Surgery for about five months, so it should be kind of like old home week. All of the nurses know us because we have been there several times in the last two years. They have always done a good job of caring for Lee. They treat him like a favorite patient. I'm sure they treat everyone that way!
Lee will be OK. They will fix the problem and send us on our way. I will be OK. Greg usually makes these journeys with us. He is still in Louisiana. I will miss having our cup of coffee together while we wait. He and Kevin will be expecting me to call as soon as the procedure is finished. They keep close tabs on their Dad's progress.
So, I know that more than likely I'll be back here tomorrow night, posting something else--maybe the Dream Meme Betty tagged me for last week. But, for tonight, I just pray for God's mercy for Lee tomorrow as he goes through yet another medical procedure in this long health/faith journey.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
6Do not be anxious about anything,but in everything, by prayer and petition,with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Labels: Faith, Family, Precious Husband
13 Comments:
I will be praying for you and Lee, Myrna.
Hugs,
Kelli
Sending prayers that all will go well and you have a safe journey there and back.
I know all about hospice procedures. We had them for my Mama and Daddy and several other family members. Thank God for them!
Love and hugs,
Diane
You and your husband will be in my prayers. I love your verse because I know God will supply all your needs. God bless you both. connie from Texas
Will be thinking about you and Lee - all will go well.
Myrna, our prayers are with you and Lee as you make this journey and this procedure is accomplished. We await the good report tomorrow!
((hugs))
Susan
Myrna, every ill person I know is enormously benefited from a loved one who educates themselves and stands in the gap for the one who is sick. Lee is so grateful for your faithfulness by his side I know.
And medical stuff is the worst, followed closely, but not nearly as seriously, as car stuff I believe. Red tape, no matter what, is a hassle. But when it comes to our health there is nothing worse. And the frustrating part for you is that you feel so helpless.
So arming yourself with knowledge is a great thing.
BTW, I had forgotten whose site had I become addicted to the Jigaaws with. I guess it was you! I LOVE puzzles but I hate having them scattered on the dining room table for a month while it is completed. This satisfies me completely. SO thank you a bit late.
I pray the procedure goes just as you anticipate and that you are home in record time.
Praying for you and Lee.
So much to go through and yet you keep such an up-beat attitude, I wish I could be more like that.
Hope everything goes ok, will be thinking about you and praying for you and Lee.
Dear Myrna,
My prayers are with you and your husband Lee. I'll look forward to your post that everything went well.
xo
I pray all went well Myrna. We have had times like that with my husband's diabetes. One visit after another and the endless waiting and phone calls. I pray blessings and grace for both of you.
Myrna, I'll be praying for you two tonight...Please let us know how it all goes.
(((HUGS)))
You and Lee will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go to have this procedure done. You have so many blogger friends that are praying for the two of you that all will go well and you will be back home before you know it!! Thanks for stopping by regularly, I really enjoy your comments!
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