The best:
W. F. M. C. The world famous Mayo Clinic. Their motto is the patient comes first.
Not always. Though they saved Mrs. T's life twice and rescued me from a very near to death experience once. I could write a book on that subject.
The worst: Chapter 1. Like the time after Barb had been in the psychiatric lock up for three weeks. Came home for 2 1/2 days while she was freaking out. And they wouldn't admit her to the emergency room to send her back to what she called" prison" because she said "I won't go in to that f**&*place because the doctors will send me to the nursing home!" Whereupon the two nurse/aides told me I would have to call the Rochester police dept. to get her in. I refused to do that until they decided to get there supervisor. When suit and tie guy arrived on the scene and repeated the bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo I began yelling at him for a bit, in front of a large audience were listening to this dramatic scene, when I lowered my tone of voice and said " sir I have a solution to your problem. Have your worker bees bring out a wheelchair and set it in front of Barb and me. I'll sit in it. And if they happen to mention that I might possibly be having a heart attack. It might all be good." It was. As my beloved Barb grabbed the wheelchair and push me ahead into the emergency room. Within a half hour the head doctor from Mayos psychiatric lock up arrived on the scene where or three weeks a tinkered with her meds and she was on her way to MEMORY CARE at Cottagewood. That's another story which I will relate on another morning when I wake up a little less cranky from thinking about my dealings with large bureaucracies, who don't always live up to their missions or even worse their promises.
That was a dreadful experience for both of you. I hope you and your good lady are now treated in a more humane way. Fancy sending for the police, I do hope it's not a regular practice.
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ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you had to go through such an experience.
ReplyDeleteDealing with dementia is stressful enough without having zero cooperation with medical staff.
ReplyDeleteHi Ray, That is an interesting story. I've heard a lot about Mayo Clinic. But this is the first time I've heard a first-hand report. Sorry you had to go through all that.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of common sense missing from the world these days. And those days.
ReplyDeleteOur health care professionals leave a lot to be desired in common sense. I am so sorry you had to go through this. :(
ReplyDeleteAnyone who has dealt with sick and/or elderly loved ones can relate to your story. It is never easy and some staff can be cruel with their indifference. I have had too many experiences with both my parents and my husband that have caused me so much anxiety that I almost ended up a patient also.
ReplyDeleteHi Ray - I'm afraid that's what we're dealing with ... take care and just look after yourselves as you're doing. I learnt to relax and say there was nothing I could have done, after something really challenging happened. It is most definitely not right ... but it is the way it is - we just need to do what we can in advance to mitigate things as best we can. All the best for a peaceful weekend - with thoughts ... Hilary
ReplyDeleteOMG. What a horrid experience. As if losing your loved one to dementia is not heartbreaking enough in itself. The solution of her pushing the wheelchair with you in it is brilliant, and such a touching testimony to the deep love between you. Holding you in loving thought.
ReplyDeleteWe had knowledge a bit of a similar experience with an acquaintance's husband. He was in a terrible state due to dementia which had caused him to become violent. The police nor the ambulance would not transport him to the hospital and it was clearly unsafe for her to do so. In the end, she was able to get him transported and checked into the ER, but then no one would take him to care for him. So awful.
ReplyDeleteAt least you found your way through it.
ReplyDeleteThat was a very clever ruse!
ReplyDeleteGoodness, what a terrible experience. I’m glad you were able to find a sensible solution, knowing Barb better than anyone else, and glad the guy in charge listened to you. It’s so upsetting when, at the moment you most need help, you can’t get what is needed.
ReplyDeleteJudging from all the glowing reports about WFMC, one would think that something like this couldn't happen. Fortunately you were able to get your wife into the emergency room through some quick thinking.
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