MONDAY MUSINGS : Medical success sometimes has to be viewed as providing some relief even if it does not solve the problem.
I was not the only one wanting out of the hospital, the patient was more than ready to roll after 5 days. Dad had waited since midnight without food until his trasnport finally picked him up to tackle those gall stones at 4:30 pm. The tube had already been placed.
The Doc saw him at 5 and it was then that the word 'maybe' was uttered regarding procedural success. If length of time was an indicator it was obvious that the procedure was not possible. The stones were too large to fit over the lip to carry them down to the small intestine where they could then pass naturally. Yet, when the PA dropped in to check on the patient he had another option concerning using a balloon to open the constriction from below. My Dad was worn out and the thought ob putting him through anything at this time was unconscionable. We were supposed to be leaving. The paperwork was in and Dad had repeatedly said he wanted to go home.
If strength was renewed we might consider the procedure but for now it was time for physical therapy. My brother contacted a different agency and we got a great therapist who takes no lip and gets down to business.
I paid close attention to the therapy session and all the aides have been updated on the regimen. It is going to take some time but little by little my Father's strength will return. He slumps down in his chair even with bolstering.
Does anyone have a special cushion to keep an adult upright?
The swelling in both his arm and right leg are already better. Poco a poco.
So sorry for his suffering and your suffering as you watch and helpless to ease his pain. My prayers go out for both of you.
ReplyDeleteThank you. His appetite is returning and for this we are truly thankful.
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