Saturday 10/31/09
Bette report:
Bette came in early in case Dr. Morris came in to see Mike. Michael did some PT and then bath and wound care. Dr. Morris came in and removed the cotton roll from under his eyes. They talked and discussed what the situation was. Dr. Morris was completely surprised to learn that Bette and Mike did not have a home to go to yet. The case manager gave him the impression that Mike could just go home with Bette. When she explained the situation and the homeless shelter to him, he seemed very understanding. He said he would evaluate his grafts, etc. Sunday or Monday and we could make some arrangements then. Probably, Mike will go to the guest house with Bette. There is an exercise room there that he can do his own physical therapy and Bette can do his stretching (if he doesn't bitch too much). It will be close for follow up appointments. It sounded like Dr. Morris wanted to keep a rather short umbilical cord on him and keep a close watch. Anyway, things don't seem quite so grim at the moment.
(I am still upset about the insurance thing and lack of medical card...I want to get the email for the insurance guy in charge and will pass it on to all of you so we can email them and express our feelings about " you met your insurance limit...you're on your own now, bye")
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday 10/30/09
the "mom" report:
The good news is that Mike is doing well. The bad news is that he is nearing his 1,000,000 insurance payout. So he will stay in the hospital one more day then he's kicked out. He is too well to go to Promise. Bette says he will probably go to the guest house with her and she gets to do his wound care. It's a good thing that she has learned and done so much wound care on him already. Their houses are not done yet in Pocatello. The other option is to send Mike to the homeless shelter in a medical bed.
Okay, the only way I can comment is this: (please cover your sensitive eyes or skip to the end of this whole paragraph....I will lessen the impact by using "texting" abbreviations...now this is an editorial comment) OMG WTF!!! So basically Mike is out of money so they are kicking him to the curb. This is not right. Every day I see people in the Emergency Room who are on "disability" for who knows what and they seem perfectly physically capable except for the laziness factor and, possibly for a lack of the proper number of brain cells, and my dear brother can't stay in a facility to learn how to wipe his own backside and they are saying he's not "qualified" for disability???? Either the case worker is lame or they haven't been a good advocate for pushing the paperwork through for a Medical Card for Mike. I guess I didn't have an issue when I was hospitalized for a month with pneumonia. Since I wasn't working and didn't have any money, the hospital forgave the whole lot. (mind you, the doctors all wanted to be paid so I told them I could pay $10-25 per month for the rest of my life....) I am very put out about the whole deal about Mike. End of editorial comment. Feel free to embellish a bit more for how I really feel about it!
Anyway, if any of you have a great suggestion or brainstorm about what Bette and Mike can do please comment on the post or email me: jclochridge@cox.net
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
the "mom" report:
The good news is that Mike is doing well. The bad news is that he is nearing his 1,000,000 insurance payout. So he will stay in the hospital one more day then he's kicked out. He is too well to go to Promise. Bette says he will probably go to the guest house with her and she gets to do his wound care. It's a good thing that she has learned and done so much wound care on him already. Their houses are not done yet in Pocatello. The other option is to send Mike to the homeless shelter in a medical bed.
Okay, the only way I can comment is this: (please cover your sensitive eyes or skip to the end of this whole paragraph....I will lessen the impact by using "texting" abbreviations...now this is an editorial comment) OMG WTF!!! So basically Mike is out of money so they are kicking him to the curb. This is not right. Every day I see people in the Emergency Room who are on "disability" for who knows what and they seem perfectly physically capable except for the laziness factor and, possibly for a lack of the proper number of brain cells, and my dear brother can't stay in a facility to learn how to wipe his own backside and they are saying he's not "qualified" for disability???? Either the case worker is lame or they haven't been a good advocate for pushing the paperwork through for a Medical Card for Mike. I guess I didn't have an issue when I was hospitalized for a month with pneumonia. Since I wasn't working and didn't have any money, the hospital forgave the whole lot. (mind you, the doctors all wanted to be paid so I told them I could pay $10-25 per month for the rest of my life....) I am very put out about the whole deal about Mike. End of editorial comment. Feel free to embellish a bit more for how I really feel about it!
Anyway, if any of you have a great suggestion or brainstorm about what Bette and Mike can do please comment on the post or email me: jclochridge@cox.net
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Friday 10/30/09
Thursday surgery went well. Dr. Saffle didn't think Mike's scapula needed to be grafted so he concentrated on his head and eyes. He is back in the Burn Trauma ICU, in the room he started in back in August. The surgery went well. He has staples in his head with a piece of adaptic so Bette couldn't see what it looks like. She said they took The donor skin from his right lower leg. His eyes have cotton rolls under his eyes that looked like a mini tampax. Mike says "gee thanks". They will keep him in bed for a few days to let the areas heal. He will be there at least until Sunday. Then it depends on how the grafts look where he will be. Maybe back at Promise.
Bette talked to the guy cleaning her house. It sounds like insurance is pressuring them to get the job done so they are moving stuff back into her house. She will have to go to Pocatello to see what's up before they call it good. Bette plans to talk to the case manager to see what the plan is for Mike.
Mike was sitting up eating jello but wants a chili cheese dog! He's grumpy. So Bette's outta there.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Thursday surgery went well. Dr. Saffle didn't think Mike's scapula needed to be grafted so he concentrated on his head and eyes. He is back in the Burn Trauma ICU, in the room he started in back in August. The surgery went well. He has staples in his head with a piece of adaptic so Bette couldn't see what it looks like. She said they took The donor skin from his right lower leg. His eyes have cotton rolls under his eyes that looked like a mini tampax. Mike says "gee thanks". They will keep him in bed for a few days to let the areas heal. He will be there at least until Sunday. Then it depends on how the grafts look where he will be. Maybe back at Promise.
Bette talked to the guy cleaning her house. It sounds like insurance is pressuring them to get the job done so they are moving stuff back into her house. She will have to go to Pocatello to see what's up before they call it good. Bette plans to talk to the case manager to see what the plan is for Mike.
Mike was sitting up eating jello but wants a chili cheese dog! He's grumpy. So Bette's outta there.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday afternoon
I didn't hear anything so I called Bette this afternoon. There was no surgery for Mike today. What happened? Well, there was a life-threatening emergency that the surgeons had to take first so they rescheduled Mike for Thursday. (he already had his turn as a life-threatening emergency, thank you very much...we are happy to wait) Mike is back at Promise and will stay until he has surgery. Bette thinks it's better because, if his surgery is Thursday and he has to be there for 3-5 days, he will have excellent wound care and physical therapy over the weekend.
So that is the update....awaiting Thursday.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
I didn't hear anything so I called Bette this afternoon. There was no surgery for Mike today. What happened? Well, there was a life-threatening emergency that the surgeons had to take first so they rescheduled Mike for Thursday. (he already had his turn as a life-threatening emergency, thank you very much...we are happy to wait) Mike is back at Promise and will stay until he has surgery. Bette thinks it's better because, if his surgery is Thursday and he has to be there for 3-5 days, he will have excellent wound care and physical therapy over the weekend.
So that is the update....awaiting Thursday.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Tuesday 10/27/09
Mike is waiting to go to surgery. It's 8:25am there and he has been waiting since before 7am. He is at the U of U Med Center again and will be there for the next 3-5 days. They are going to do a graft on the top of his head, revise his eyelids and look at a spot on his shoulder. He will most likely be back in the Burn Trauma Unit for recovery. Bette called and said he was getting anxious because he was waiting so long. He was supposed to be the 7am case.
I heard right when I said that insurance wants to send him to a Nursing Home. Bette is going to talk to the care coordinator today to see about alternate care. We think he needs more intensive care than what is offered in a nursing home facility.
When I talked with Mike on Sunday he was in good spirits. He couldn't wait to be able to use both of his hands and get gloves on to wipe his own backside. (those are not the words he used) I said we'd all be waiting for the happy news.
So, if you get this soon, pray for Mike during surgery. Bette will call me and let me know how everything went. I will also be calling the Burn Unit again daily while he is in there. So that means more reports...yay!
More later,
and so we go
Ja Cee
Mike is waiting to go to surgery. It's 8:25am there and he has been waiting since before 7am. He is at the U of U Med Center again and will be there for the next 3-5 days. They are going to do a graft on the top of his head, revise his eyelids and look at a spot on his shoulder. He will most likely be back in the Burn Trauma Unit for recovery. Bette called and said he was getting anxious because he was waiting so long. He was supposed to be the 7am case.
I heard right when I said that insurance wants to send him to a Nursing Home. Bette is going to talk to the care coordinator today to see about alternate care. We think he needs more intensive care than what is offered in a nursing home facility.
When I talked with Mike on Sunday he was in good spirits. He couldn't wait to be able to use both of his hands and get gloves on to wipe his own backside. (those are not the words he used) I said we'd all be waiting for the happy news.
So, if you get this soon, pray for Mike during surgery. Bette will call me and let me know how everything went. I will also be calling the Burn Unit again daily while he is in there. So that means more reports...yay!
More later,
and so we go
Ja Cee
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday 10/25/09
Finally got some information to pass on. Mike has been busy stretching and doing PT. He will go to U of U burn unit again tomorrow to see the doctor and decide about re-doing his eyes and evaluation of the sites on his shoulder and head. Bette went to Pocatello to see about the carpet. Brought back samples for Mike to choose. Then the cabinets will go in his side. Bette got new carpet in her bedroom and they shampooed the carpet in the living room.
It sounds like the insurance company is starting to give them the run around again. Just when they get nurses trained as far as acceptable wound care, the insurance company is saying that Mike needs to go to a nursing home now. What???? okay, maybe I have wax in my ears.....what????
I will try to get more info from Bette on this. It sounds like she has to do some calling around this week.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Finally got some information to pass on. Mike has been busy stretching and doing PT. He will go to U of U burn unit again tomorrow to see the doctor and decide about re-doing his eyes and evaluation of the sites on his shoulder and head. Bette went to Pocatello to see about the carpet. Brought back samples for Mike to choose. Then the cabinets will go in his side. Bette got new carpet in her bedroom and they shampooed the carpet in the living room.
It sounds like the insurance company is starting to give them the run around again. Just when they get nurses trained as far as acceptable wound care, the insurance company is saying that Mike needs to go to a nursing home now. What???? okay, maybe I have wax in my ears.....what????
I will try to get more info from Bette on this. It sounds like she has to do some calling around this week.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Wednesday 10/21/09
Bette's note from yesterday said that they went to the U of U burn trauma center and there is a large area on the back of Mike's shoulder that is not healing. It may need another graft. He needs surgery to revise his eyes again. There is also an area on his head that they are watching. He will be re-evaluated next Monday. No word on surgery schedule yet. Mike is supposed to work on stretching all the time while awake. He will have wrist splints at night.
His niece, Willow, turned 5 today...he and grandma Bette got her Princess dress up shoes!(just in case she thanks you on the phone, that's what you "got" her) Thanks Mike and Bette! :)
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Bette's note from yesterday said that they went to the U of U burn trauma center and there is a large area on the back of Mike's shoulder that is not healing. It may need another graft. He needs surgery to revise his eyes again. There is also an area on his head that they are watching. He will be re-evaluated next Monday. No word on surgery schedule yet. Mike is supposed to work on stretching all the time while awake. He will have wrist splints at night.
His niece, Willow, turned 5 today...he and grandma Bette got her Princess dress up shoes!(just in case she thanks you on the phone, that's what you "got" her) Thanks Mike and Bette! :)
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Tuesday 10/20/09
I spoke with Mike yesterday afternoon. His voice sounds rough and hoarse. He says he is a little bored. He stretches, eats, and watches TV. Of course he didn't mention wound care, physical therapy or anything of that sort. He hasn't gone outside yet. He really enjoys visitors. He is probably going to have some splints on his wrists/hands which will make it impossible to go to the restroom by himself. "great" he says. So there you have it. Mike eats, watches TV and stretches.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
I spoke with Mike yesterday afternoon. His voice sounds rough and hoarse. He says he is a little bored. He stretches, eats, and watches TV. Of course he didn't mention wound care, physical therapy or anything of that sort. He hasn't gone outside yet. He really enjoys visitors. He is probably going to have some splints on his wrists/hands which will make it impossible to go to the restroom by himself. "great" he says. So there you have it. Mike eats, watches TV and stretches.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday 10/18/09
Mike is taking over quite well with being in charge of his wound care. Bette says she was going to back off and let him take over. His wrist was evaluated by the ortho guys and he doesn't have any new injury. He said he may have an old injury that was causing the clicking feeling in his wrist. The exposed tendons are pretty well healed except for his index finger. He will be checked on Tuesday. He is pretty bummed that there is no physical therapy on the weekends because he is very motivated to work hard.
Bette went up to Pocatello, got some business taken care of this week. They are working on Mike's house...putting up sheetrock. Chris is working on the kitchen flooring. Bette got all of the garden stuff taken care of. Bette doesn't like the paint job in her kitchen and asked them to re-do it. She talked to Jason at Birkenstock and they (Birkenstock) are donating a pair to Mike.
Got the paperwork and found out what they need to do for insurance ... there are a lot of people who have donated work time and sick time and money so Mike can get another paycheck. It is so wonderful to see that there are caring people in the world. Thank you to all who have been caring, praying, and keeping in touch with Michael. We are so grateful for all of you. Bette thinks the money will go toward Mike's insurance. . Since he is not working, he will have to pay over $400 per month just for insurance through the school district. That is great that he has that going for him. Bette is looking for other options as well, if you have any suggestions we are open to receive them.
Martin and Brenda came over on Saturday and spent a few hours with Mike. Our cousin, Susan and her husband Kent came by as well to see him today. Mike was happy to see them. Susan told Bette that she was worried because she hadn't seen a blog for a couple of days....SORRY! I was out of electronic range for a day or so...sorry for the inconvenience.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Mike is taking over quite well with being in charge of his wound care. Bette says she was going to back off and let him take over. His wrist was evaluated by the ortho guys and he doesn't have any new injury. He said he may have an old injury that was causing the clicking feeling in his wrist. The exposed tendons are pretty well healed except for his index finger. He will be checked on Tuesday. He is pretty bummed that there is no physical therapy on the weekends because he is very motivated to work hard.
Bette went up to Pocatello, got some business taken care of this week. They are working on Mike's house...putting up sheetrock. Chris is working on the kitchen flooring. Bette got all of the garden stuff taken care of. Bette doesn't like the paint job in her kitchen and asked them to re-do it. She talked to Jason at Birkenstock and they (Birkenstock) are donating a pair to Mike.
Got the paperwork and found out what they need to do for insurance ... there are a lot of people who have donated work time and sick time and money so Mike can get another paycheck. It is so wonderful to see that there are caring people in the world. Thank you to all who have been caring, praying, and keeping in touch with Michael. We are so grateful for all of you. Bette thinks the money will go toward Mike's insurance. . Since he is not working, he will have to pay over $400 per month just for insurance through the school district. That is great that he has that going for him. Bette is looking for other options as well, if you have any suggestions we are open to receive them.
Martin and Brenda came over on Saturday and spent a few hours with Mike. Our cousin, Susan and her husband Kent came by as well to see him today. Mike was happy to see them. Susan told Bette that she was worried because she hadn't seen a blog for a couple of days....SORRY! I was out of electronic range for a day or so...sorry for the inconvenience.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday
Mike got worn out by the time they finished wound care. Then PT came for him. Bette found some flip flops for him. She needs to find some triple x sized scrub tops. I haven't found any yet , either. Mike was asleep when Bette got back. She also found a long shoe horn that might work. I guess the girl that helped him with his wound care over the weekend was available to help with it today but Bette declined.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Mike got worn out by the time they finished wound care. Then PT came for him. Bette found some flip flops for him. She needs to find some triple x sized scrub tops. I haven't found any yet , either. Mike was asleep when Bette got back. She also found a long shoe horn that might work. I guess the girl that helped him with his wound care over the weekend was available to help with it today but Bette declined.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday 10/12/09
Talked to Bette tonight when I got off work. She got some good results with the 5 conversations with various managers today. Needless to say, she got some results. You go girl! Better wound care. No PICC line (yes there are two C's in PICC, sorry for my typo from the previous entry). He was seen by the burn unit today and new orders were written and copied by Bette, so she knows what's supposed to be going on. Mike still needs a bedside table and a stool to elevate his feet. I guess there was nothing but four walls in his room when he got there. it was new. Bette will see what she can do...(see? she could be a professional patient advocate!!!)
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Talked to Bette tonight when I got off work. She got some good results with the 5 conversations with various managers today. Needless to say, she got some results. You go girl! Better wound care. No PICC line (yes there are two C's in PICC, sorry for my typo from the previous entry). He was seen by the burn unit today and new orders were written and copied by Bette, so she knows what's supposed to be going on. Mike still needs a bedside table and a stool to elevate his feet. I guess there was nothing but four walls in his room when he got there. it was new. Bette will see what she can do...(see? she could be a professional patient advocate!!!)
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Sunday 10/11/09
These are the two reports I got from Bette. I think I mentioned how important it is to have an advocate on your side while in the hospital. Well if you are going to have one, Bette is the one for you. Maybe she can be an "Advocate for Hire" when all is said and done? She would make millions!!
Sunday am:
The wound care leaves much to be desired. Saturday the wound care nurse did not remove all of the ointment from Mike's facial wounds because she didn't want to "hurt" him. (That, my dear, is the painful reality of burn wound care.) She then dipped her fingers into the ointment, put it on his face and dipped again with the same, contaminated now, fingers. aaagghh! Mike finally told her that the burn nurses took a glob of ointment, placed it on the back of one hand, and placed it on the wounds. When done with that batch, they would then CHANGE GLOVES...what a concept! Double dipping??? Bad bad bad! (that's JC's opinion, not necessarily reflected in the opinion of the whole world but definitely considered sub-optimal care where she practices medicine)
Anyway, moving on....
Mike didn't get a shower or spit bath on Saturday. At the burn unit, he got washed from head to toe with baby shampoo every day. The old stuff washed off and new stuff applied every day.
Mike didn't have a good night. The guy across the hall was HOH (hard of hearing) and had his TV on full blast at 4am. They are talking about putting a PIC line in again. They seem obsessed with blood work. Bette thinks that she will need a little more explanation on why they want so many tests.
Bete added more ointment to Mike's head this morning. The wounds on his head were really dried out (bad!). They put non-stick stuff on his wounds, but it does stick if it dries out...then whey you go to take it off, it opens up raw spots. (did I mention this was bad?)
Sunday pm:
It's 5:40pm and we are still waiting for wound care. Bette gave Mike a shower about 2 pm in hopes the wound care specialist would be there to put ointment on Mike's face. His wounds were drying out so Bette put the ointment on and put his tube sox on his arms. (maybe she should draw a salary for doing someone else's job) They are supposed to give him pain meds before he gets wound care. Bette says what are the odds that he doesn't have his pain meds when they come to do his care? He delayed his supper until after wound care. It is cold now...
Okay, these guys are not starting on a good foot. Let's hope they can pick up the ball because you don't want to get Bette riled up. Maybe they can be sent over the video that was made on face wound care starring Michael???? Hopefully, there will be an attending doctor that can put a fire under the nurses/wound care specialists...my fear is that if you piss off the nursing staff, Mike won't get any type of quality care and they are stuck in a bad situation. If you are there to do a certain job, you do it. If you want to do sub-standard of care work you should go to another job. (I almost said "like McDonalds" but that would be minimizing the excellent service they give...plus I don't want them to spit in my food!)
Let's hope that they perk up a bit and put out some excellent care. Randy (my husband) always says "Just pray for them". Well, then, I'm praying hard!!!
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
These are the two reports I got from Bette. I think I mentioned how important it is to have an advocate on your side while in the hospital. Well if you are going to have one, Bette is the one for you. Maybe she can be an "Advocate for Hire" when all is said and done? She would make millions!!
Sunday am:
The wound care leaves much to be desired. Saturday the wound care nurse did not remove all of the ointment from Mike's facial wounds because she didn't want to "hurt" him. (That, my dear, is the painful reality of burn wound care.) She then dipped her fingers into the ointment, put it on his face and dipped again with the same, contaminated now, fingers. aaagghh! Mike finally told her that the burn nurses took a glob of ointment, placed it on the back of one hand, and placed it on the wounds. When done with that batch, they would then CHANGE GLOVES...what a concept! Double dipping??? Bad bad bad! (that's JC's opinion, not necessarily reflected in the opinion of the whole world but definitely considered sub-optimal care where she practices medicine)
Anyway, moving on....
Mike didn't get a shower or spit bath on Saturday. At the burn unit, he got washed from head to toe with baby shampoo every day. The old stuff washed off and new stuff applied every day.
Mike didn't have a good night. The guy across the hall was HOH (hard of hearing) and had his TV on full blast at 4am. They are talking about putting a PIC line in again. They seem obsessed with blood work. Bette thinks that she will need a little more explanation on why they want so many tests.
Bete added more ointment to Mike's head this morning. The wounds on his head were really dried out (bad!). They put non-stick stuff on his wounds, but it does stick if it dries out...then whey you go to take it off, it opens up raw spots. (did I mention this was bad?)
Sunday pm:
It's 5:40pm and we are still waiting for wound care. Bette gave Mike a shower about 2 pm in hopes the wound care specialist would be there to put ointment on Mike's face. His wounds were drying out so Bette put the ointment on and put his tube sox on his arms. (maybe she should draw a salary for doing someone else's job) They are supposed to give him pain meds before he gets wound care. Bette says what are the odds that he doesn't have his pain meds when they come to do his care? He delayed his supper until after wound care. It is cold now...
Okay, these guys are not starting on a good foot. Let's hope they can pick up the ball because you don't want to get Bette riled up. Maybe they can be sent over the video that was made on face wound care starring Michael???? Hopefully, there will be an attending doctor that can put a fire under the nurses/wound care specialists...my fear is that if you piss off the nursing staff, Mike won't get any type of quality care and they are stuck in a bad situation. If you are there to do a certain job, you do it. If you want to do sub-standard of care work you should go to another job. (I almost said "like McDonalds" but that would be minimizing the excellent service they give...plus I don't want them to spit in my food!)
Let's hope that they perk up a bit and put out some excellent care. Randy (my husband) always says "Just pray for them". Well, then, I'm praying hard!!!
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Saturday 10/10/09
Mike got settled into his new accomodations yesterday. Amy was the charge nurse last night and said that all of the nurses said that the "new guy" was so nice!
The place where he is at is actually on two floors of the Salt Lake Regional Hospital. They have 28 beds (if full) and an ICU floor. They have their own pharmacy and access to the hospital's radiology department and other services. Amy said that Mike was cruising up and down the halls and that if he keeps active like that he will do well. I got the impression that they were on the ball. Mike is in a private room. (yay)
okay, we will wait to see how the first day goes. I will call this afternoon.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Mike got settled into his new accomodations yesterday. Amy was the charge nurse last night and said that all of the nurses said that the "new guy" was so nice!
The place where he is at is actually on two floors of the Salt Lake Regional Hospital. They have 28 beds (if full) and an ICU floor. They have their own pharmacy and access to the hospital's radiology department and other services. Amy said that Mike was cruising up and down the halls and that if he keeps active like that he will do well. I got the impression that they were on the ball. Mike is in a private room. (yay)
okay, we will wait to see how the first day goes. I will call this afternoon.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Friday, October 9, 2009
Friday 10/09/09
Bette got to the hospital early to watch wound care of Mike's face. He still has a few spots on his left arm that are not healed yet so he won't wear his "garments" (not the LDS kind...the kind of lycra protective ones that you see burn patients wear) for a few days. He ordered purple with blue stitching...(my kind of guy!!! go Mike!). It sounds like they were going to the new place at about 10am today. Bette talked to the insurance guy and he said he will send her some money for reimbursement of housing and food. It sounds like both Bette and Mike are nervous about the move. She will look for a computer center there so she can update me via emails. Let's hope the transition is a good one.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Bette got to the hospital early to watch wound care of Mike's face. He still has a few spots on his left arm that are not healed yet so he won't wear his "garments" (not the LDS kind...the kind of lycra protective ones that you see burn patients wear) for a few days. He ordered purple with blue stitching...(my kind of guy!!! go Mike!). It sounds like they were going to the new place at about 10am today. Bette talked to the insurance guy and he said he will send her some money for reimbursement of housing and food. It sounds like both Bette and Mike are nervous about the move. She will look for a computer center there so she can update me via emails. Let's hope the transition is a good one.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thursday 10/08/09
Lisa took care of Mike last night. Bette found out that Mike was going to be moved to the 6th floor (that later turned into the 4th). The burn unit needed the bed. I was just talking to Lisa this morning about what was going on and she said they would never "kick" out Mike. The wouldn't let him leave the unit unless they thought he was ready for it. Mike is supposed to move to Promise Specialty Care. It is affiliated with a hospital that I am not familiar. Bette hopes to make the move on Monday since there is limited care on Saturdays and none on Sunday. She hates to see him lose even a day of therapy. He moved to room 4107. It is in the new area of the hospital. It is a big room with a sofa bed chair, huge bathroom and a beautiful view of the city. Too bad he is leaving it tomorrow (I guess that means he doesn't get to stay for the weekend) I am also guessing he can see now?
Bette is looking for scrubs for Mike. What size??? It sounds like they are comfortable for him.
Mike's boss, Betty came by to see him. What a lovely surprise! Thanks Betty! (does he still have a job?? I don't know...)
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Lisa took care of Mike last night. Bette found out that Mike was going to be moved to the 6th floor (that later turned into the 4th). The burn unit needed the bed. I was just talking to Lisa this morning about what was going on and she said they would never "kick" out Mike. The wouldn't let him leave the unit unless they thought he was ready for it. Mike is supposed to move to Promise Specialty Care. It is affiliated with a hospital that I am not familiar. Bette hopes to make the move on Monday since there is limited care on Saturdays and none on Sunday. She hates to see him lose even a day of therapy. He moved to room 4107. It is in the new area of the hospital. It is a big room with a sofa bed chair, huge bathroom and a beautiful view of the city. Too bad he is leaving it tomorrow (I guess that means he doesn't get to stay for the weekend) I am also guessing he can see now?
Bette is looking for scrubs for Mike. What size??? It sounds like they are comfortable for him.
Mike's boss, Betty came by to see him. What a lovely surprise! Thanks Betty! (does he still have a job?? I don't know...)
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Wednesday 10/07/09
This morning I talked to Lori from the night shift. She checked on Mike but he had been sleeping since about 10:30pm so she had not heard a peep. They sure are going to miss him. I guess there are two skilled nursing facilities. One that the physical therapists want Mike to go to and one that the social workers want him to go to. I vote for what the physical therapists say. Lori asked me if Mike was going to the support group on Wednesdays for burn patients and families. I didn't know if he had so I asked her to put a "bug" in the day nurse's ear and maybe he could go today. I hope so.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
This morning I talked to Lori from the night shift. She checked on Mike but he had been sleeping since about 10:30pm so she had not heard a peep. They sure are going to miss him. I guess there are two skilled nursing facilities. One that the physical therapists want Mike to go to and one that the social workers want him to go to. I vote for what the physical therapists say. Lori asked me if Mike was going to the support group on Wednesdays for burn patients and families. I didn't know if he had so I asked her to put a "bug" in the day nurse's ear and maybe he could go today. I hope so.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tuesday pm
Bette found the skilled nursing facility after getting the correct address. She said there was a wound care nurse and PT. The down side to it is that there is limited PT on Saturdays and none on Sundays. Bette said that Mike is doing remarkably well for a "blind man" today. He gets along better with the nurses feeding him. He talked to his friend Martin today. Martin's daughter, Mandy, came by today and saw Mike. Tom Ryan called Bette and talked to her yesterday and was excited to hear that Mike was talking. I don't know if he was able to talk to him.
Okay, have a good night
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Bette found the skilled nursing facility after getting the correct address. She said there was a wound care nurse and PT. The down side to it is that there is limited PT on Saturdays and none on Sundays. Bette said that Mike is doing remarkably well for a "blind man" today. He gets along better with the nurses feeding him. He talked to his friend Martin today. Martin's daughter, Mandy, came by today and saw Mike. Tom Ryan called Bette and talked to her yesterday and was excited to hear that Mike was talking. I don't know if he was able to talk to him.
Okay, have a good night
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Tuesday 10/06/09
Karen said that Mike was resting. He has been trying to keep his eyes closed and there is a note on his door to announce yourself so he doesn't have to try to figure it out. He will be able to walk today, with assistance. She said there is quite a bit of swelling to his eyes and that they should look better in a few days. She said that it usually takes 7- 10 days for the eyes to heal from a surgery like this. When I find out the information for the skilled nursing facitily, again (because I forgot), I will ask around to see the nurses opinions. Bette always said that if you want to know something, ask the nurses. I have always found that to be true. okay, that's the morning report...we'll see what happens today.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Karen said that Mike was resting. He has been trying to keep his eyes closed and there is a note on his door to announce yourself so he doesn't have to try to figure it out. He will be able to walk today, with assistance. She said there is quite a bit of swelling to his eyes and that they should look better in a few days. She said that it usually takes 7- 10 days for the eyes to heal from a surgery like this. When I find out the information for the skilled nursing facitily, again (because I forgot), I will ask around to see the nurses opinions. Bette always said that if you want to know something, ask the nurses. I have always found that to be true. okay, that's the morning report...we'll see what happens today.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday 10/05/09
Jay made it there before Mike went to surgery. He came about the time Mike went to wound care so he and Bette went for a stroll. Mike got to visit with Jay for a little bit before he went to surgery. It was good that Jay was here early. Surgery will take a couple of hours.
Bette said that the surgery went pretty good. She likes the left eye but says the right one is still droopy. Mike has to keep his eyes shut so he drank and ate with eyes closed. (thank God he has eyes)
The insurance run around has been a challenge. I guess insurance will pay for Mike to stay in the hospital while his eyes heal. Then he can go to a skilled nursing facility that has wound care and physical therapy for an undisclosed amount of time. Insurance is giving Bette a hard time about lodging and food now, after saying " oh yeah, we will reimburse you for food and lodging while we are cleaning your house." No one should have to worry about that while they are working on healing or taking care of someone. They are also giving the run around with Mike's kitchen appliances, saying that they will pay for a middle of the line cost for stove and fridge (they think $500 is median cost....Where do they shop? I want those kind of prices too!!!)
I spoke with Mike today. I wore him out talking. He really likes all of the nursing staff there at the Burn Unit. Chris brought spanikopita and baklava to all of the nursing staff (that he made himself! Cheers for the Greek part of our heinz-57 heritage!) He made sure that the night and day shifts all got some. Mike laughed at how the people hovered and snatched up the food! When I asked him how he was feeling he replied "stupid". I asked why and he said that when he was going for the fire extinguisher, he should have just gone out then. I told him we were all thankful that he was alive. I have a friend that wanted to send him a dvd or something to help replace what he lost but he will have to go through things and see what is needed. It sounded like he was ready to let some things go. I told him they are only things and what's important is that he is here. Bette said she isn't sure what he has or doesn't have.... Chris and Karen said the living room stuff was melted to the carpet.... I guess we will have to wait for the final return of objects before gifting him with things. Bette says he can move his right arm pretty well. He will have a limited exercise (walking, I imagine) while his eyelids heal. Will keep you informed.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Jay made it there before Mike went to surgery. He came about the time Mike went to wound care so he and Bette went for a stroll. Mike got to visit with Jay for a little bit before he went to surgery. It was good that Jay was here early. Surgery will take a couple of hours.
Bette said that the surgery went pretty good. She likes the left eye but says the right one is still droopy. Mike has to keep his eyes shut so he drank and ate with eyes closed. (thank God he has eyes)
The insurance run around has been a challenge. I guess insurance will pay for Mike to stay in the hospital while his eyes heal. Then he can go to a skilled nursing facility that has wound care and physical therapy for an undisclosed amount of time. Insurance is giving Bette a hard time about lodging and food now, after saying " oh yeah, we will reimburse you for food and lodging while we are cleaning your house." No one should have to worry about that while they are working on healing or taking care of someone. They are also giving the run around with Mike's kitchen appliances, saying that they will pay for a middle of the line cost for stove and fridge (they think $500 is median cost....Where do they shop? I want those kind of prices too!!!)
I spoke with Mike today. I wore him out talking. He really likes all of the nursing staff there at the Burn Unit. Chris brought spanikopita and baklava to all of the nursing staff (that he made himself! Cheers for the Greek part of our heinz-57 heritage!) He made sure that the night and day shifts all got some. Mike laughed at how the people hovered and snatched up the food! When I asked him how he was feeling he replied "stupid". I asked why and he said that when he was going for the fire extinguisher, he should have just gone out then. I told him we were all thankful that he was alive. I have a friend that wanted to send him a dvd or something to help replace what he lost but he will have to go through things and see what is needed. It sounded like he was ready to let some things go. I told him they are only things and what's important is that he is here. Bette said she isn't sure what he has or doesn't have.... Chris and Karen said the living room stuff was melted to the carpet.... I guess we will have to wait for the final return of objects before gifting him with things. Bette says he can move his right arm pretty well. He will have a limited exercise (walking, I imagine) while his eyelids heal. Will keep you informed.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sunday PM
"mom report":
Chris stayed until about 12:30 but had to go so he could get some more done with the wiring before the sheet rock goes up. Nancy has the dogs so he will have to go pick them up.
Sherry O. (my dear friend) came up to SLC and met Bette at the hospital. They had a cup of coffee/cocoa and chatted. It had been about 14 years since they have seen each other. Bette says she didn't have any trouble spotting her and Sherry said that Bette looks so young! (and she had a hard time keeping up with her!) Mike was resting at that time.
Mike got to see himself in a mirror for the first time today. Bette says he didn't like the looks of his eyes one little bit. He can't get them fixed soon enough. He is ready for surgery tomorrow. He is the third case so, hopefully, Jay (long-time friend) will have a chance to see him before he goes to the OR. Dr. Cochran explained what they were going to do to him. Mike said "okay, do it"!
Bette thinks he's exhausted today. He is going up and down two flights of stairs now. (I would be tired too!) He should sleep well. Please keep him in your thoughts as he goes back to surgery tomorrow.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
"mom report":
Chris stayed until about 12:30 but had to go so he could get some more done with the wiring before the sheet rock goes up. Nancy has the dogs so he will have to go pick them up.
Sherry O. (my dear friend) came up to SLC and met Bette at the hospital. They had a cup of coffee/cocoa and chatted. It had been about 14 years since they have seen each other. Bette says she didn't have any trouble spotting her and Sherry said that Bette looks so young! (and she had a hard time keeping up with her!) Mike was resting at that time.
Mike got to see himself in a mirror for the first time today. Bette says he didn't like the looks of his eyes one little bit. He can't get them fixed soon enough. He is ready for surgery tomorrow. He is the third case so, hopefully, Jay (long-time friend) will have a chance to see him before he goes to the OR. Dr. Cochran explained what they were going to do to him. Mike said "okay, do it"!
Bette thinks he's exhausted today. He is going up and down two flights of stairs now. (I would be tired too!) He should sleep well. Please keep him in your thoughts as he goes back to surgery tomorrow.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Saturday 09/03/09
Bette looked for shoes for Mike. She went to the store and back to the hospital quite a few times to get the right ones. Thank you to Aunt Judy for giving Bette money for something that Mike needs. Now he has shoes! I guess they are going to do a revision on Monday for Mike's eyes. Dr. Cochran will use some skin from the inside of Mike's arms (the parts that weren't burned) and take a full thickness piece and revise the lower lids. It sounds like he will have his eyelids sewed shut for about three days while healing takes place. Insurance said something like his stay would be up on Monday unless he had something happen like surgery. Bette has not talked to a real person or case manager or care coordinator yet. I think it's poor care to kick someone out of the hospital because they think, well you've been here long enough, we're tired of paying so go home.
That reminds me of a joke where a doctor, nurse and HMO worker all died and met Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter asked the doctor "why should I let you into Heaven?" the doctor replied "well, I have dedicated my life to helping people and have saved many lives" so St. Peter tells him to go in. He then turns to the nurse and asks the same thing. The nurse replies "well, I too have dedicated my life to helping people AND I had to put up with all the doctors" so St. Peter lets the nurse into Heaven. He then turns to the HMO worker and asks him why he should let him into Heaven. The worker replies" well, I made sure that people had insurance so the doctors and nurses could take care of them". St. Peter looks at the worker, thinks for awhile and then replies "Ok, you can go into Heaven, but you have only been approved for a three day stay".
Chris came down today to see Mike and will go home tomorrow. The physical therapists are working with Mike all the time. They had him working for about two hours on upper mobility and lower mobility, walking, fine motor skills and whatever else they do. Mike gets pretty tired by the end of the day.
The last I heard, Mike had just finished his supper and they were going down to the cafeteria to look for a smoothie or slushy or something like that.
Thank you all for your continued prayers for Mike and for following this blog.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Bette looked for shoes for Mike. She went to the store and back to the hospital quite a few times to get the right ones. Thank you to Aunt Judy for giving Bette money for something that Mike needs. Now he has shoes! I guess they are going to do a revision on Monday for Mike's eyes. Dr. Cochran will use some skin from the inside of Mike's arms (the parts that weren't burned) and take a full thickness piece and revise the lower lids. It sounds like he will have his eyelids sewed shut for about three days while healing takes place. Insurance said something like his stay would be up on Monday unless he had something happen like surgery. Bette has not talked to a real person or case manager or care coordinator yet. I think it's poor care to kick someone out of the hospital because they think, well you've been here long enough, we're tired of paying so go home.
That reminds me of a joke where a doctor, nurse and HMO worker all died and met Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter asked the doctor "why should I let you into Heaven?" the doctor replied "well, I have dedicated my life to helping people and have saved many lives" so St. Peter tells him to go in. He then turns to the nurse and asks the same thing. The nurse replies "well, I too have dedicated my life to helping people AND I had to put up with all the doctors" so St. Peter lets the nurse into Heaven. He then turns to the HMO worker and asks him why he should let him into Heaven. The worker replies" well, I made sure that people had insurance so the doctors and nurses could take care of them". St. Peter looks at the worker, thinks for awhile and then replies "Ok, you can go into Heaven, but you have only been approved for a three day stay".
Chris came down today to see Mike and will go home tomorrow. The physical therapists are working with Mike all the time. They had him working for about two hours on upper mobility and lower mobility, walking, fine motor skills and whatever else they do. Mike gets pretty tired by the end of the day.
The last I heard, Mike had just finished his supper and they were going down to the cafeteria to look for a smoothie or slushy or something like that.
Thank you all for your continued prayers for Mike and for following this blog.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Friday, October 2, 2009
Friday 10/02/09
Luke says Mike is in rehab mode now. He slept most of the night. He's doing good.
Bette says there may have been a mix up with the insurance thing...she will check it out today. He is still going to have the eye revision in a couple of days and that may take care of his vision problems. That's all that I got.... he's doing good.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Luke says Mike is in rehab mode now. He slept most of the night. He's doing good.
Bette says there may have been a mix up with the insurance thing...she will check it out today. He is still going to have the eye revision in a couple of days and that may take care of his vision problems. That's all that I got.... he's doing good.
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday 10/01/09
Mike is on a full regular diet now. He passed his swallow study. He's off all medicine except coly-senna (stool softner), a multivitamin, and pain meds when he has wound care only. He doesn't want pain meds except for that. He is on the surgery schedule for Monday. They will revise his eyes. The word from Karen is that he's bored. He has gone through almost all of the selections of DVDs and Videos. He also makes frequent trips around the nurses station and cracks jokes. They think he's funny.
They aren't waking him up between midnight and 6 am to do vital signs anymore, so he can sleep. More therapy today is scheduled.
Press on Tiger!
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
Mike is on a full regular diet now. He passed his swallow study. He's off all medicine except coly-senna (stool softner), a multivitamin, and pain meds when he has wound care only. He doesn't want pain meds except for that. He is on the surgery schedule for Monday. They will revise his eyes. The word from Karen is that he's bored. He has gone through almost all of the selections of DVDs and Videos. He also makes frequent trips around the nurses station and cracks jokes. They think he's funny.
They aren't waking him up between midnight and 6 am to do vital signs anymore, so he can sleep. More therapy today is scheduled.
Press on Tiger!
More later,
and so we go
JaCee
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