These are just some things that happened during the first part of my stay at Flagstaff Medical Center, before I had surgery and was moved to ICU. In the days leading up to the surgery, I was given gastrografin enemas very day. At one point, one of the doctors told me that if I could have a bowel movement I could go home the next day. That afternoon, I did have a very small movement so I called my friend, Gaelyn, and asked her to come and get me. Of course we all know that didn’t happen.
A couple of times, the nurse also filled my stomach with gastrografin by using a syringe and inserting the liquid through the NG tube. After I was filled up on both ends I was taken for a CT scan. That was not fun at all.
I was on a clear liquid diet, supplemented by TPN through the PICC line. I was on morphine, and was very weak. The doctors and nurses all told me every chance they got that my condition would improve if I would get up and walk. I really tried to get up, but even before surgery, it was very difficult for me to do. One day, one of the nurses on the floor told me to walk over to the “Sky Bridge”, which is a part of the hospital that goes over the road. There is a very nice view to the north of the San Fransisco Peaks and to the south of downtown Flagstaff. Because I was really wanting to cooperate with the medical team that was in charge of my care I agreed to take the walk.
This nurse walked me over there, and left me there sitting on the wall. She went back to the floor, quite a distance away. I had no walker, no cane, no wheelchair. I was sitting there by myself, and started throwing up. I couldn’t stop, and there was no one around to ask for help. I felt so helpless. After a few minutes, a hospital worker came by, and ran to the closest nurses station for help. I was so upset that my nurse would leave me completely helpless like that.
On the first or second day there, Fabgrandpa was trying to get some cash out of the ATM. We had changed banks before we left Georgia, and when our ATM card pins came in the mail, they didn’t work. We had to call the new bank and request new pin #’s. We had used the same pin code on our ATM cards for 12 years, so when the new ones came, we had a hard time remembering the codes.
Fabgrandpa went to the gas station and filled up the truck. Then his ATM card wouldn’t work because he couldn’t remember the pin code. I had also given him my Paypal debit card, which is a cash card, not a credit card. The pin code for it was the one we have used for 12 years. But, his purchase was declined! He called me at the hospital very upset, wanting to know what to do next. At the same time I was on the phone with him, I was getting a beep that I had another call. It was Paypal, wanting to verify that the purchase at the gas station was not a fraudulent purchase, because I got the card in Georgia and had never used it, and the first purchase was in Arizona. I confirmed that it was not a fraudulent purchase, and they approved the charge. I really do understand when banks do this, but sometimes it is a pain in the rear.
Sandy says
June 24, 2012 at 1:46 pmmaybe you should take this recuperation time to make fabgrandpa a journal…leave very detailed instructions on how to do EVERYTHING that is usually done by you. everything from paying bills (especially which ones are paid on-line or by draft…because when a bill comes in the mail it will be instinct to just mail a check), ALL passwords/pins etc. to accounts, and info concerning all insurance policy’s. when my father became ill, my mother was totally in the dark about their finances. he had accounts and insurance policy’s that she knew nothing about. he wasn’t hiding anything from her, it was just “his” job to take care of the finances. and have fabgrandpa do the same for you…everything that he is in charge of he can leave you detailed instructions as well. remember, nothing is too minor to share with your spouse! then, make a copy and put it in a safety deposit box…a backup copy will give you both peace of mind!
Linda says
June 24, 2012 at 1:54 pmyes, I agree with Sandy, a journal is the way to go especially when you are the one that does all the bill paying and such. I have had one for Alan & for me as well. For him to know how to pay bills and such and for me to help remember all the websites, sign-ons and passwords and such. I’m VERY sorry that you had to go thru all of that and that your nurse left you alone that day. Love you my Seester
Canadian Mom Blogger says
June 24, 2012 at 7:52 pmWhat an ordeal! I hope the nurse was reprimanded for leaving you along on the walkway. That is awful. I’m glad you’re on the road to recovery now!
Gaelyn says
June 25, 2012 at 12:47 amThat nurse was negligent of her duties leaving you like that. Also agree with above and am working on a pay the bills plan of my own.
Susan says
June 25, 2012 at 8:18 amI have so many questions based on your writings of this HORRIBLE life event you have just gone thru.
For the doctors to tell you if you just “pooped” you could go home, did they think you were “faking” your illness, that is nothing to kid about, from your writings it comes across like many of the staff were not taking your illness that serious, that appalls me.
I look forward to your continued sharing of your journey with us and hopefully one day you will feel up for a question and answer blog entry.
Take care of yourself Karen, we love and miss you and pray only for your continued recovery and good health.
Susan Adcox says
June 25, 2012 at 12:35 pmLots to learn from this terrible ordeal that you and FabGrandpa had to endure. So sorry! Hope you are getting stronger every day and that FabGrandpa doesn’t have any more ATM problems!
Bev says
June 27, 2012 at 11:38 amI read your blog and then remark to my husband–she is lucky to be here today and we’re happy that you are! I just shake my head when I read all the missteps by medical personnel. Hope you are feeling better, Karen! 🙂