We usually remind our volunteers of the need to remember TINA. No, this is nothing like "Remember the Alamo." It is an acronym for This Is Not America. Yesterday reminded us of that.
There was a slight disagreement on what we should do upon reaching the hospital. We both agreed that visiting a friend was the best thing to do first. So that we did. He is on the 10th floor in another wing. After the visit, it was 2:00PM and time to "begin the admission process." Lucy decided that we would just go to the 9th floor and check in at the clinic. They suggested we go to the unit itself to check in. When Lucy identified herself and asked if they were expecting her, the nurse informed us (very kindly) that they had been expecting Lucy since the morning. Let's see: Doctor says come in the afternoon, Nurses expecting patient in the morning. I'll save you the Flemish lesson but it translates, "Why does that not surprise me?"
So the nice nurse showed us to Lucy's home away from home and all the workings thereof. Since it is an isolation unit it was decided that Lucy would stay put and I would go through the snow and ice back to the car for her things. After returning from the parking garage, Lucy told me I needed to go downstairs to register her. (That was the other option discussed before going to the unit). When I got back downstairs (did I mention her unit is on the 9th floor), I was 14th in line to register. Long story made short, the woman in registration and I worked out what we thought Lucy would need for the month. We chose to pay for the TV and fridge but not the telephone. Phone service is expensive so she still has her GSM (Mobile Phone).
Back to the unit (did I mention you must wash up and put on shoe covers each time you enter?). Did I mention it is on the 9th floor of a building with 8 or 10 wings and registration is in another wing?
We met with the doctors and got things going. Lucy just sent an sms to say she now has the central line and is waiting for x-ray and a high-def chest picture. Breakfast is done (Yogurt, bread, coffee and spreadable cheese).
Yesterday as we were going over the list of her regular meds with the nurse it was a challenge. Language and what they call things (brand vs generic) is a challenge. Plus some of her supplements are not available in Belgium. The nurse asked if she had some of her prescription meds with her since they did not have them in stock. So the nurses will insure that Lucy gets the meds she brought from home. They are doing their very best to help her feel at home and get the absolute best care possible.
Lucy got a sleep aid (very late at night) and slept some. I did not get a sleep aid and slept a little less.
Gotta pay some bills, do some administrative stuff before heading to the hospital. Still no internet access in Lucy's room. She reminded her nurse about it. I may be a little more proactive since I am not the patient. Apparently that is the domain of the head nurse and she has an office in another unit. I feel sure internet is not one of her high priorities. Once Lucy has access I am sure she will be glad to hear from you. She will also resume updating Caring Bridge.
I am packing up some drinks and other goodies from home to put in her rented fridge. She can have snacks until her blood counts bottom out. That should be next week some time.
Hardest part is being apart. We can work on all the rest but cannot do anything about that. Saying goodbye is never easy even if it is for a night. After 35+ years we have kind of grown accustomed to each other.
Going to post this on Caring Bridge, update the Flemish speakers and then serve as appointment secretary.
There was a slight disagreement on what we should do upon reaching the hospital. We both agreed that visiting a friend was the best thing to do first. So that we did. He is on the 10th floor in another wing. After the visit, it was 2:00PM and time to "begin the admission process." Lucy decided that we would just go to the 9th floor and check in at the clinic. They suggested we go to the unit itself to check in. When Lucy identified herself and asked if they were expecting her, the nurse informed us (very kindly) that they had been expecting Lucy since the morning. Let's see: Doctor says come in the afternoon, Nurses expecting patient in the morning. I'll save you the Flemish lesson but it translates, "Why does that not surprise me?"
So the nice nurse showed us to Lucy's home away from home and all the workings thereof. Since it is an isolation unit it was decided that Lucy would stay put and I would go through the snow and ice back to the car for her things. After returning from the parking garage, Lucy told me I needed to go downstairs to register her. (That was the other option discussed before going to the unit). When I got back downstairs (did I mention her unit is on the 9th floor), I was 14th in line to register. Long story made short, the woman in registration and I worked out what we thought Lucy would need for the month. We chose to pay for the TV and fridge but not the telephone. Phone service is expensive so she still has her GSM (Mobile Phone).
Back to the unit (did I mention you must wash up and put on shoe covers each time you enter?). Did I mention it is on the 9th floor of a building with 8 or 10 wings and registration is in another wing?
We met with the doctors and got things going. Lucy just sent an sms to say she now has the central line and is waiting for x-ray and a high-def chest picture. Breakfast is done (Yogurt, bread, coffee and spreadable cheese).
Yesterday as we were going over the list of her regular meds with the nurse it was a challenge. Language and what they call things (brand vs generic) is a challenge. Plus some of her supplements are not available in Belgium. The nurse asked if she had some of her prescription meds with her since they did not have them in stock. So the nurses will insure that Lucy gets the meds she brought from home. They are doing their very best to help her feel at home and get the absolute best care possible.
Lucy got a sleep aid (very late at night) and slept some. I did not get a sleep aid and slept a little less.
Gotta pay some bills, do some administrative stuff before heading to the hospital. Still no internet access in Lucy's room. She reminded her nurse about it. I may be a little more proactive since I am not the patient. Apparently that is the domain of the head nurse and she has an office in another unit. I feel sure internet is not one of her high priorities. Once Lucy has access I am sure she will be glad to hear from you. She will also resume updating Caring Bridge.
I am packing up some drinks and other goodies from home to put in her rented fridge. She can have snacks until her blood counts bottom out. That should be next week some time.
Hardest part is being apart. We can work on all the rest but cannot do anything about that. Saying goodbye is never easy even if it is for a night. After 35+ years we have kind of grown accustomed to each other.
Going to post this on Caring Bridge, update the Flemish speakers and then serve as appointment secretary.
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