Bumblebee with Pale Meadow Beauty flowers Photo by S. Watson
“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a
faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the
servant and has forgotten the gift."
Albert Einstein
faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the
servant and has forgotten the gift."
Albert Einstein
Grandma’s story thus far, has emphasized the importance of preventing illnesses by practicing healthy habits. In her case, a urinary tract infection sent her on a path that lead her into very serious, life threatening territory. There were several times along the way that I did not trust my intuitive mind. I listened to opinions of others and that is what most of us do when it comes to areas that are not our expertise. Albert Einstein‘s quote gives credit to both the intuitive mind and the rational mind when making a decision but reminds us to never to forget the sacred gift of intuition- "your gut feeling". As an educator, I am an avid reader and fact gatherer. But as a mother and a caregiver, I have learned the importance of listening to my intuition. This will be a constant theme throughout this blog. I like Dr. Joyce Brother’s quote, “Trust your hunches. They’re usually based on facts filed away just below the conscious level.” If only I had followed my own advice and “trusted my hunches” back in November of 2013.
Let’s return now to Grandma’s story. As discussed previously, Grandma went by ambulance to the hospital, on November 12th, with a suspected stroke. When she arrived, the medical staff quickly diagnosed her as having symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Within minutes, blood and urine testing verified the diagnosis. The doctor said that because of her age and the severity of the infection, he recommended that she be admitted into the hospital for a short stay and receive IV antibiotics. In Grandma’s case Ciproflaxin was given. She was able to continue with the supplements that she had previously been taking if they were available at the hospital. During the three-day stay she was more alert, and was able to eat a small amount of food. Friends and family took turns staying with her and encouraging her. As previously mentioned, Grandma was 92 years old and had never been in the hospital for an illness. This was a new experience for her and she was understandably anxious. Members of the medical team were quite amazed that this was her first hospitalization and also that she was not on any prescribed medication before this admittance to the hospital. Each day a physical therapist would work with her. She received excellent care in the hospital and after three days the hospital social worker and the physical therapist met with us and recommended that Grandma go to a local rehabilitation center for two or three weeks so that she could regain her strength and mobility. She needed a center with a good physical therapy department and skilled nursing. I told them that I didn’t want Grandma to go anywhere where she might catch something worse than what she already had. They reassured me that they were trying to place Grandma in the rehab center that had the best reputation and one that was conveniently located within 20 minutes of our home. I realize now that I should have trusted my initial concern and I should have considered another option for Grandma’s physical therapy. In Grandma’s case, Medicare will pay for a physical therapist and a visiting nurse from a home health agency to come and provide services to Grandma in her home. Having therapy at home may be an option for your loved one. It is something to consider.
A close and very wise friend of mine recommended that we see if her 96-year-old father’s physician served at the recommended rehab center. We called the doctor’s office and they confirmed that he did practice there. My friend then recommended that we fax the doctor a letter asking him if he would take Grandma as a patient (see sample letter). My friend stated that she had the best results faxing letters to doctors’ offices rather than just calling. The doctor, who specializes in geriatrics (the treatment of the elderly), continues to be Grandma’s doctor today. He has been there for her through her most difficult times. He is a young, kind and knowledgeable physician. He is compassionate and is dedicated to the elderly, who he describes as “The Greatest Generation”. He has always treated Grandma with respect and explains all treatment options to her. He always has time for Grandma and for all of our questions. He truly is a patient and caring person! He continues to play a huge part in her recovery. None of us knew at that point in November that Grandma would be exposed to Clostridium difficile (C-Diff.) in the rehab center and that we were going to make a huge and scary detour from the path leading back to health.
Let’s return now to Grandma’s story. As discussed previously, Grandma went by ambulance to the hospital, on November 12th, with a suspected stroke. When she arrived, the medical staff quickly diagnosed her as having symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Within minutes, blood and urine testing verified the diagnosis. The doctor said that because of her age and the severity of the infection, he recommended that she be admitted into the hospital for a short stay and receive IV antibiotics. In Grandma’s case Ciproflaxin was given. She was able to continue with the supplements that she had previously been taking if they were available at the hospital. During the three-day stay she was more alert, and was able to eat a small amount of food. Friends and family took turns staying with her and encouraging her. As previously mentioned, Grandma was 92 years old and had never been in the hospital for an illness. This was a new experience for her and she was understandably anxious. Members of the medical team were quite amazed that this was her first hospitalization and also that she was not on any prescribed medication before this admittance to the hospital. Each day a physical therapist would work with her. She received excellent care in the hospital and after three days the hospital social worker and the physical therapist met with us and recommended that Grandma go to a local rehabilitation center for two or three weeks so that she could regain her strength and mobility. She needed a center with a good physical therapy department and skilled nursing. I told them that I didn’t want Grandma to go anywhere where she might catch something worse than what she already had. They reassured me that they were trying to place Grandma in the rehab center that had the best reputation and one that was conveniently located within 20 minutes of our home. I realize now that I should have trusted my initial concern and I should have considered another option for Grandma’s physical therapy. In Grandma’s case, Medicare will pay for a physical therapist and a visiting nurse from a home health agency to come and provide services to Grandma in her home. Having therapy at home may be an option for your loved one. It is something to consider.
A close and very wise friend of mine recommended that we see if her 96-year-old father’s physician served at the recommended rehab center. We called the doctor’s office and they confirmed that he did practice there. My friend then recommended that we fax the doctor a letter asking him if he would take Grandma as a patient (see sample letter). My friend stated that she had the best results faxing letters to doctors’ offices rather than just calling. The doctor, who specializes in geriatrics (the treatment of the elderly), continues to be Grandma’s doctor today. He has been there for her through her most difficult times. He is a young, kind and knowledgeable physician. He is compassionate and is dedicated to the elderly, who he describes as “The Greatest Generation”. He has always treated Grandma with respect and explains all treatment options to her. He always has time for Grandma and for all of our questions. He truly is a patient and caring person! He continues to play a huge part in her recovery. None of us knew at that point in November that Grandma would be exposed to Clostridium difficile (C-Diff.) in the rehab center and that we were going to make a huge and scary detour from the path leading back to health.