When I arrived at the hospital today (Saturday), Lewy was more or less flat on his back, with his food tray perched over him. I checked the food. Not eaten. I can’t believe they would bring a food tray in here and not help him eat. How many times do you have to tell them he has dementia and these things are very difficult for him?
I took the knife and cut the chicken breast up into bite size pieces. Lewy hasn’t had the ability to use a knife in months. I just don’t get these people. I wonder if they would ever bother to feed him, or just come remove the tray.
After feeding him, I checked his bed. The pee pad was wet; but almost dried out around the perimeter. So how long had Daddy been lying in his pee? This, to me is inexcusable. I walked down to the nurse’s station and asked “How long does my Dad have to lie in his own pee before someone comes to change his bed?”
Oh yes, you get all of the “Sorrys” yeah right. They are all standing around the nurse’s station wasting time telling jokes. I can tell how sorry they were.
The charge nurse came around a few minutes later. “I’m so sorry” You know how it is you can’t depend on anyone to do their job”.
I’m thinking, Yes, you for one. I hate people who blame everything on the people under them. It was her job to make sure everyone else did what they were supposed to do. Over several different occasions she apologized and blamed everyone else. She spent enough time whining that she could have done the things required, but no…
Some minutes later, a very nice male nurse appeared to put a catheter in Daddy. He took the effort to bend over make eye contact, talk to him….”Lewy, I’m going to hook you up with a catheter, OK?” Nothing from Daddy. The nurse smiled at Daddy, leaned over again and repeated the question. Daddy mumbled something that I took as an “OK” and made an affirmative nod to the nurse.
The nurse then lifted the bed sheet from the foot end to gain access to Daddy’s penis. AS he got the sheet up far enough to see where he was going, he started laughing. Curious, I thought.
“Mr. Lewy, you gotta let go. I need to get in there to hook you up.” Daddy didn’t let go. Now we are both laughing.
“Daddy, you need to let go of your goober.” Now the nurse is laughing out loud. “Daddy let go.”
Daddy mumbled just enough to get across that he didn’t want it cut off.
“OH no, Mr. Lewy! We’re not going to cut you! Now let go so I can put this tube in.” Daddy reluctantly let go. “Alright Mr. Lewy, here we go, you’re going to feel some…”
“OOOOooooooOOOO!!!”
“Oh, got a swollen prostate, don’t you?.... Ah, there it is…Alright Mr. Lewy, I’m done.”
Well that should stop the pee problem. At least I know he won’t be lying in it all night when I’m not here….I like this nurse.
The pump on Daddy’s feet started beeping. It continued to beep. 20 minutes later, it’s still beeping. In comes the charge nurse….Again excuses why no one came to fix the machine. She stopped the beep, at least long enough for her to get out of the room and it started again.
This cycle repeated 3 times before she finally went and got a wound care nurse to see what the problem was.
It seems his feet were not doing what they should, excess drainage was on the bed, and the hoses were crimped. The wound nurse jumped in there and removed the sponges that were not supposed to be changed until Monday….cleaned out his feet, redid the suction, and was out. She really seemed to be on the ball. No nonsense from her.
While she was doing that, a tech came in and gave Daddy a bath, removed the soiled linens and replaced them. The charge nurse just stood there and watched. She really acted like she didn’t know what to do.
Pearose came by to see Daddy. Thank you. I know he did recognize you. He’s a dirty old man remember? Young pretty blonde, yep, he remembered.
Daddy is sleeping now. He got another morphine shot about 20 minutes ago. So I’m finishing up this post, and headed to meet a friend for dinner and the basketball game.
2 comments:
pearose said...
I have to add this, Pauline, because the story will help others know your Dad's humor even when its a tough time. While visiting yesterday, an ultrasound specialist came in with her machine and we soon saw Lewy's interior on the monitor.
Pauline - "Is it a boy or a girl?"
Laughter....
Ultrasound specialist - "It's both - one of each."
Laughter....
pearose - "Lewy, your inside is as pretty as your outside."
Lewy (without missing a beat) - "My outside has always been my worst side."
Lots of laughter....
Humility is my favorite character trait in people. It just doesn't get better than that!
Just for a second, I could see the young man that had just witnessed the atrocities of World War II, run up to the pretty woman sitting on the bench for a Kiss and the beginning of the rest of his life. He swept your Mom off her feet with the charm of a man that can see the beauty beyond all the ugly that life can sometimes offer. That is a gift.
Lewy has lived an amazing life in many ways and his dedication to his country through the darkest times of a World War that should never be repeated or forgotten. Thank you Lewy, for your service to this country.
One of his greatest rewards is having a daughter and son-in-law like you, Pauline and Hubbie. He is truly blessed.
I listened to the last few minutes of the game last night and hope the celebratory dinner was as good as the ending score. Way to go Vols! Sorry Vandy fans...(snicker). It was a different story a couple of weeks ago.
Stella said...
I can't go to sleep without sending best wishes for Mr Lewy. Yes, you need to walk a tight line as how much you can scold the folks who don't do their job and still prod them into taking care of your dad. Keep their attention but try to keep them happy. Regular staff should be on now that the week end is finished. You will need to start over again with new nurses in charge. May God be with you and Hubbie as you advocate for Mr Lewy.