I could use some feedback.
H’s sigmoidoscopy and endoscopy turned out pretty ok. He did well, and although there were some things that happen when we are older, the results didn’t show anything to be too concerning. 👍🏼
The dr who was the same dr who did the endoscopy years ago - and found the "severe ulcerative esophagitis" - commented that it had healed nicely. 👍🏼
But then in his notes under "Recommendations" he wrote that H should take Protonics once a day. Well, he is already taking it twice a day. So is he intentionally pairing that down?? Or is he not aware that H is already taking it x2 per 24 hrs? I just didn’t know if he had records he could see on that, to assist with his decision. I have just this second addressed this (very respectfully, with concern) with the hospitalist and she acts incredulous that I am "questioning " her (my word).
We have been here 4 days, or is it 3?, and they have not been giving him probiotics as I have repeatedly requested. While testing for c dif? WTF? They have just told us that his c dif toxins are negative, but his antigens are positive. I asked exactly what that means, but was placated, "Don’t worry about it…he doesn’t have c dif." But antigens mean he has had it??? Isn’t that important to know if for no other reason…for future reference?
We finally got them to do a urine culture at 2:00 this morning. Because they haven’t been giving him his Bactrim while we have been here, and considering the fact that you MUST take the full prescribed run of antibiotics, his urine has become cloudy and has a harsh smell.
The nurse and hospitalist were standing in the room, treating me like I’m an idiot, just now, while I was asking questions. My questions, were specific, by my estimation: Why reduce the protonics? Why no probiotics? Why no bacttrim? What does negative for toxins / positive for antigens mean exactly? Pretty specific questions I thought. Not questioning the decisions, just wanting to understand, as a learning process to use as a resource in the future.
Their answers were: We have figured out what it isn’t. That’s our job. You need to realize blah blah blah because of his SCI. I told them he broke his neck 48 years ago. That the "usual" sci stuff like constipation, contracture, decubitus ulcers, utis are the least of my worries. That I’m trying to understand the new stuff as it comes up. And my personal favorite: "Maybe you could take some notes and make a file that you could refer to in the future."
I rarely brag on myself, but I would bet my FAT ASS that I am one of the most knowledgeable friggin’ caregivers (not in the medical profession) they have ever dealt with. I don’t appreciate being condescended to.
Sorry about the rant.
We still don’t know why his stomach continues to hurt intensely without pain meds.
Any why there was so much mucus in the bowel.
WHICH IS WHY WE CAME TO THE ER IN THE FIRST PLACE.
They resent me asking questions.
They were planning to send him home today, but begrudgingly said she would wait to get the urine culture and send him home tomorrow. Like that is not part of the problem…and a problem I believe they contributed to by withholding his Bactrim.
[This message edited by WhatsRight at 3:10 PM, Saturday, July 16th]