When we got there at 1:30 am, we started what Kaiser calls, "Welcome to Bureaucracy - Thrive!" We told his story three different times to three different, all of whom wrote it down and must have erased it because the next person asked the same questions. The best one was the person who asked after being told that Layne had an Aortic Valve Replacement ... How many valves were replaced? I responded that most people had only one aortic valve so I thought the answer must be 1. Call me stupid.
Well, he was finally placed on a hospital bed in an emergency treatment room ... two different doctors came in ... and asked the same questions as the three people before ... so much for sharing information ... after all we have privacy laws.
At approximately 6 am a doctor came in who actually had read something more than "Emergency Room Care for Dummies", explained what was going on and that Layne's fluid retention was not that unusual for his surgery given some of Layne's other medical problems. He would be admitted into the hospital. I left about 8 am with him still in the ER to make phone calls and get some stuff for him.
When I came back at 10 am he was still in the ER .. no bed available at the Inn. At about 10:54, I called his Patient Care Nurse ... and within 10 minutes ... 3 cardiac surgeons were in the ER checking out what was going on with him. I was amazed that at no time from our arrival to my phone call, had anyone called his cardiac team ... so much for Kaiser - Thrive!
Later that afternoon, he was finally admitted.
Today, he is doing well. He is undergoing treatment to reduce the fluids in his body. We are not sure how long the process will be ... but we have been educated in the kinds of questions that will need to be asked. Your continued support, prayers and good wishes are appreciated.
Thanks for listening. .... steve
3 comments:
Steve, we have not had the pleasure of meeting, but Layne & I have been friends since we were teen-agers in Chicago (100 years ago) I am his friend that, like you, dirves a Miata.I checked the blog last night & was concerned that there were no entries recently. So glad you are there to love & care for Layne, he deserves rhe best! You BOTH remain in my prayers...Nanc
Layne:
Just wanted you to know we are following your blog. We wish all the best for a speedy recovery.
Duane, DJ and Gail
Duane Gomer Inc.
Steve, I too had the same concerns that Nanc had after checking the blog and not seeing any recent updates. Af first I thought you were up to your elbows in alligators caring for Layne and keeping a sembalance of order at home and work. Here is a suggestion...ask any one of the cardiac team if they have a pager number or phone number that gives you direct access to him/her/them.
My husband's Kaiser surgeon gave him/me his cell phone number. Thankfully we didn't need to use it but it certainly was reassuring to know we could contact him if necessary. The other thing I have learned is to use the kp.org site in the early part of the day and write an email to the doctor. They are most responsive to that as well. In the meantime I will keep thoughts and prayers for both of you coming your way. Take care
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