Posted on 05/10/2006 9:57:25 PM PDT by Simplemines
You've got a point that threats can be counterproductive, but simply having family members there is not necessarily that helpful. I stood right there and watched as the nurse gave my mother the shot that shut down her breathing and sent her into her final downward spin. I didn't know what it was or what the side effects might be. It is only helpful to have someone monitoring if they have a clue what is going on medically -- which I did not.
Yes, if the family member doesn't have a good awareness of what is happening, it can be the same as nothing.
If you see someone be given something and then die right there in front of you in a minute or so, then you should request an autopsy to verify what happened in the toxicology of the blood.
Scary thing is that even the nurse and doctors are human.
A DNR doesn't mean withhold antibiotics. It doesn't mean withhold IV medicine's, food, etc.......( Although I have seen some people think it does..)
A DNR "says" if my heart should stop, or I should stop breathing...do not resuscitate me. And I've had to remind people that "this" patient didn't want "this"..or that "this" patient wants everything done short of intubation. As there are "levels" of code status too.
A tracheotomy can help your husband be weaned off the vent. And it can help in his comfort level. He may be able to speak with it, in place also.
Granted I do not know all the facts here...and with the utmost respect..your husband was more than probably immuno-suppressed..and a "set-up" for an infection. Just because he became symptomatic in the hospital...doesn't mean they "gave" it to him.
I can certainly understand your frustration...fore I have witnessed this type of behavior from doctor's and staff before...you may want to speak with a sympathetic case manager..or a ombudsman type within the hospital.
If I can help you please ask.......
I'm in south Jersey and will help you in any way I can. "North" Jersey could be one or sometimes two+ hours from me depending on how far west you are. I'm at exit 5. Let me know.
Prayers....
"You've got a point that threats can be counterproductive, but simply having family members there is not necessarily that helpful. I stood right there and watched as the nurse gave my mother the shot that shut down her breathing and sent her into her final downward spin. I didn't know what it was or what the side effects might be. It is only helpful to have someone monitoring if they have a clue what is going on medically -- which I did not."
It seems that you have to ask what everything is these days, and that's a shame.
Could the nurse, or doctor who ordered it, be brought up on charges?
Prayers your way. I wish I lived in New Jersey so I could help.
Very nice post. I've been there, did that with my 91 year old mom 1 1/2 years ago. I'm a registered nurse, and letting her go was the hardest thing I ever had to do. But looking back, my sister and I now realize it was the kindest.
Sometimes the hospital clergy could be of comfort. Perhaps you could request that one visit you and your husband.
Prayers going up.
I would recommend getting an attorney to put pressure on the hospital.
I would also start looking for a different hospital. I don't know the reputations of any of the hospitals in your area. I don't know how far north you are in Jersey, but avoid University of Pennsylvania Hospital, and any hospitals affiliated with it. They are in the forefront of the euthanasia movement.
If you try to work within your state, that's fine but you must go to leaders you can trust or they'll double deal you.
Did you think of starting a web site with "fight" in it? If you start a web site, we'll help you expose what's going on. If you are too busy to start a web site, find a friend who can do it. A user friendly company is network solutions. (very easy to build)
TOLL FREE NUMBER FOR CONGRESS:
www.conservative-spirit.org
Ping. Kevorkians everywhere you turn.
I know. Contact the Thomas Moore Law Group. Google them asap. Don't let the "law group" turn you away. They are advocates, not ambulance chasers.
You need to be careful when you aren't at the hospital. They can make scenarios up when you aren't around...FV
Sometimes, a simple trach reversal can cause harm to the patient. It happened to a Terri fighter's mom. Sounds to me they are rushing this removal.
Have things been getting any better?
How are you holding up?
God bless you, your husband, and your family.
It's the weekend, and most of you know what that means. I'm very concerned about what the news will be on Monday. DadsGirl, Have you shared your experience with Simplemines?
bump -- somehow missed this earlier. just skimming through now.
who's in NJ?
RTL good advocate -- great idea, simplemines.
who's in NJ?
RTL good advocate -- great idea, simplemines.
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