Update? Who knows? It could be.
So I'm sitting in my hospital bed yesterday, here at Signature Health Care.
A guy suddenly comes in, wearing jeans and a T shirt, holding a clipboard.
I first think he's from maintenance. He's from Hospice.
There are so many people coming and going in my room all day and night that I can't keep track.
The Hospice nurses are nice. The men are weird. Somber. Uninspiring.
This one is dressed like James Dean, jeans, T shirt - with an icy attitude kinda like an Angel of Death (with a clipboard).
He starts the questions.
"Do you like it here? Are they treating you right?"
Heck. It's better than Hades.
He looks slightly disappointed when I give a positive answer.
"Is your appetite good?"
Yea. It's fine. When the competent cook is on duty.
He seems rather annoyed that I have an appetite.
"Do you sleep well?"
As well as I can, in this uncomfortable hospital bed. With the TV blasting all night across the hall where a 95 yr. old man resides.
He seems disappointed that I sleep.
Let me be blunt. People from Hospice don't want you to be well. They want you to die. If you give any indication that you're going to live.....they recoil like Dracula does when you show him a wreath of garlic and a cross.
I was doing quite well with the questions, until.....he finally nailed me with questions about the dermatologist.
I knew he was casually leading up to something. Like an uncertain date.
It was here that I fluffed. His grave digger charm duped me.
I blurted out that the bleeding lump was still on my arm. So far I haven't heard from the dermatologist. They're trying to schedule an appointment with a surgeon.
"A surgeon??!"
Dracula was more stunned than if I sprinkled him with holy water. Then the lecture came.
"If you are treated by a doctor or surgeon, you can't be with Hospice. We'll have to drop you."
Our relationship ended like that.
After Mr. Sunshine left, I told a nurse. She in turn told Kayla, one of the top social workers. Kayla doesn't exactly like me because I'm outspoken, but she's a hard worker and always gets the job done.
I haven't heard from Kayla yet, but I have learned that Hospice initially allowed me to have my April 30th appointment with the dermatologist.
If they refuse to let me see the surgeon , I'll drop Hospice.
I can probably get Quality Home Health Care again, and they have physical therapy.
The wound on my arm hasn't hemorrhaged lately. In fact it only bled a little yesterday. Probably because I only have about an eighth of my blood left.
So what have I been doing?
Mostly worrying, enduring panic attacks and migraines (not kidding - - I had an ocular migraine today).
Wondering if my house is still standing.....?
Wondering if I'll ever walk again.
Will I ever see my home again??
Enduring constant annoyances here in Rehabland.
I'm still making AI images which, I know, probably annoy you.
The image at the start of this post. A magpie perched on an hourglass. What does it signify??
Only I know.
I have dozens of new images. You'll see them...eventually.
I still shop on the Internet, buying things I don't need.
Chocolates, jelly beans, books
I bought another Medieval cross from an archaeologist I know. It's bronze, circa 1400 or possibly older.
As if this isn't enough to enthrall you......how about another meal that I was served....
Thank you for the update, and good luck with your arm. Fingers crossed. 🤞
ReplyDeleteI wish that an appointment with a surgeon can be scheduled soon. I hate having to wait. Thanks for your comment. I'll keep updating when I can.
DeleteI am ashamed to admit, Jon, that Patrick and myself chuckled over several parts of this post early this morning. It was certainly not at you, but the fact that you can manage to turn an unpleasant experience into somewhat of a lighthearted post.
ReplyDeleteDon't be ashamed, Dorothy. I often make myself laugh. Humor helps me get through difficult times. I'm glad you and Patrick enjoy my (humble) blog.
DeleteI just got your card this morning. Thanks for thinking of me. 🧡
DeleteForgot to add, that it was the morbid humor and generous use of sarcasm, your trademark, that did it. By the way, how was that lunch?
ReplyDeleteSarcasm is my middle name. I enjoyed that linch. The vegetable soup was good. Even though I dislike okra, it was good in the salad.
DeleteI suppose that hospice worker thought he was being tough and realistic. Narrator: nah, he hates his job.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you can turn to a social worker for support. But there's such a thing as coming off hospice and later returning to that status if necessary. Gads, I wish I were there to shout at people for you!
The Hospice worker shocked me when we got to the surgeon part. He dropped me like a hot potato. I plan to go through the surgery, no matter what Hospice does.
DeleteYou would have a lot of fun shouting at the people here.
I'm glad your recovery is going smoothly, Liz.
You need the surgery on the skin cancer (as do I). Doesn't matter if they say it USUALLY doesn't spread. Yours is in a spot where it can cause profuse bleeding. Are they crazy? Rules of hospice, I suppose. But why are you even in hospice? Because you weren't ready to go home yet and they had nowhere to put you once the insurance ran out? Good Lord! You need PT! Are you trying to do some PT on your own? Can you get out of bed...or do they have a fit if you try to get out of bed on your own? But you NEED the surgery on your arm in order to even think about going home where you could bleed to death if the bleeding goes crazy again. You are really between a rock and a hard place. Keep bugging them to get ahold of Kayla. Do you have a way to contact her yourself?
ReplyDeleteWell, anyways, that cross is beautiful!
There have been Pope Leos before, I guess. I'm not Catholic but that is what I heard.
That food doesn't look like hospital food. Much better!
Hang in there! :)
I truly am between a rock and a hard place. Everything changed drastically when my insurance ran out at the end of March. I was forced to get Hospice, although I had many misgivings about it. They don't provide any of the help I need. They are against surgery and physical therapy.
DeleteI'm doing my own p.t. in bed and I should try getting up. Right now everything is confused and a negative situation for me. I'm eventually going to see if I can go home. I could get Quality Home HealthCare again, and they offer physical therapy at home.
If I stay too long in this uncharted limbo, it will be a disaster.
Thanks, Rita. You always understand my situation.
By all means get the surgery, Jon. Hospice, sadly, is a business like everything else these days. Working in a hospital for 38 years, I saw 'big business' up close and personal and it ain't too pretty. That hospice worker sounded like a dick. All the bedside manner of Hitler. Homecare/PT are certainly options to look at.
ReplyDeleteThe cross is interesting from an archeological standpoint. The cross looks right out of a museum. Circa 1400's...wow!
Best of luck, Jon. I hope your mobility can increase so you can look at 'home options'.
Paranormal John
The Hospice guy's bedside manner was shocking. Either choose Hospice or surgery. Things really went downhill since the insurance co. dumped me. Yes, big business ain't pretty. My best bet is what you said - - increase my mobility so I can go home. My home options are good.
DeleteThe medieval cross is in good condition for its age (wish I could say the same.....)
I know your situation is more than annoying, but I couldn't help cracking up at your and the Hospice fellow's exchange. I may have laughed out loud at your Pope Leo thoughts ... it reminds me of a FB meme going around: Vatican avoids tariffs with 'made in America' pope. Hang in there, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteMyra, I've been through so many hellish times that humor is my only salvation. I often make myself laugh.
DeleteI couldn't resist my comments about the Pope.
A " made in America" pope 😄
Perhaps the Vatican won't be tariff-free....
thecotnemplativecat here. Your experience with Hospice is depressing. I had never thought of their point of view. Your hospice people have the kindness of shattered glass. The cross is stunning. I am praying for you.
ReplyDeleteThe only reason I signed up with Hospice is because my insurance stopped coverage for physical therapy. Unfortunately, Hospice can be unkind if you're not terminal.
DeleteThe cross is indeed stunning - - I have a passion for antiques and ancient things.
The healthcare industry and insurance are shocking in this country, but unfortunately the other option is even worse. National health care is not what many people think it is. I used to work with a woman who had to move to Canada for two years because of her husband's job and believe me it was not a good either. It seems that there is no perfect solution to it. I like your midevil cross.
ReplyDeleteYou're right - - there is no perfect healthcare. I have also heard that it's no better in Canada. My life changed drastically when the insurance co. dropped my physical therapy.
DeleteHope you're not working too hard. I like the centerpieces that you made.
You'd think hospice would be happy, to see people wanting to be happy, still want to kick and live!!!!! I hope Hospice is done! Hell, you sound fit as a fiddle my friend. I too though Leo sounded odd for a Pope, but then research yielded that there have been several, 13 Pope's with the name Leo. Who knew?? And to your comment on my blog.... yes to mother. I treasure our time together and never take her for granted.
ReplyDeleteThere's a surprising amount of negativity at Hospice. I heard about that long ago, and now I'm seeing it firsthand. They don't want to endorse anything that will have the possibility of keeping you physically well.
DeleteWow, I never knew there were so many Pope Leos. I still don't like the name.
I'm glad you have a good and strong relationship with your mother. You'll never regret it.
I'm glad the card made it. I keep you in my thoughts. Odd as it may sound, you remind me of my oldest son.
ReplyDeleteThat cross is gorgeous, and the history it could tell if it could talk.
I'm sure your oldest son is a special person - - I'll take it as a compliment.
DeleteI have been reading your blog. The Weird Tales from my Childhood and Beyond is really interesting. I just finished the one about your mother's death ( I was an only child, too, and I also had to contend to my mother's death with absolutely no help from anyone - - extremely difficult...).
Thanks for your comment.
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