My Son Chris

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He's probably feeling very sorry for himself right now, Ross and that is certainly understandable. Glad to read that things are progressing and I hope the plastic surgeon is able to do his thing!
 
geebee said:
...it is important to remember that pain meds and strong antibiotics can drastically affect one's personality. He may not have control over his reactions like he normally would.

I agree. And, he may also very well feel "entitled" to some "special treatment" given all that he has been through lately. Yeah, I know ... no excuse for his behavior, Ross, but well, it may be a part of why he is acting the way he is right now.

Continued thoughts/prayers for Chris, you and your family.



Cort:33swm."Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip".pig valve.pacemaker
MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
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"Why are we so blind to see that the ones we hurt are you & me" ... Coolio ... 'Gangsta's Paradise'
 
I agree with some of the comments. If this is not his usual way of being, medications and pain can be a very important factor on his behavior. Also, he's been through a very traumatic experience and may be his way of showing his anger and frustration. He may be in need of a big hug and a good cry but may be afraid to show his vulnerability.
 
My guess is stress & medications, he's been through a lot in the past week and got lots more to deal with in the future too. It might get worse before it gets better Dad, I pray for all of you to find the strength to get through it. Best wishes to you Ross
 
Ross, I just wanted to let you know that I'm continuing to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping things will start on the upswing soon. LINDA
 
Put a bug in his ear and tell him that if he is nice to staff, he will get extra treatment. If he is nasty to them, they will do what they have to do and no more. I saw this with my bro when his kidney was removed. He was so nasty - not his usual self (he's an awful patient, tho) and we saw that staff was anxious to stay from him as much as possible in order to avoid his abuse. It is not the staff's fault that the patient is there and their job is to help the patient in his/her discomfort and illness, and they want to. (my nurse cousin told me this).
 
Just want to say a word about patients being "nasty" while in the hospital.

The hospital is a dehumanizing experience. Your body is not your own, even your "private" parts. Everything is examined in a bright light. When you cannot get around well yourself, you have to rely on others to help you, and that help is sometimes not available when you really need it.

You are not feeling well, and may for the first time in your life (like Chris), have physical disabilities that you never in your wildest dreams ever thought you would have. You fear for your future life.

There is something called ICU psychosis which many people suffer from. It is just the things mentioned above plus the drugs that are given and pain and the Kafkaesque settings of the hospital which make daytime seem like nightime and nightime seem like daytime that cause this. It goes away when the environment becomes more normal.

Is it any wonder that many feel they are in some sort of demented time warp?

I don't think it is too much to ask that the staff get a pitcher of cold water for Chris and try to help him whenever he needs help. That is why the hospital is there, to help you get over the disabilities with loving care, and to do for folks who cannot do for themselves.

Yes, it is a hard job, but that is what the job entails. Patient care is what hospitals are all about.

After spending many waking hours with Joe in the hospital this time, for almost two months, and many times in the past, I'd like to tell Chris that I understand his consternation, and I do sympathize with him.

Chris, it will get better, and eventually, your body will be your own again. You will no doubt need extensive physical therapy, but hang in there, push yourself beyond what you think you can do, and most importantly, don't EVER give up. You will be amazed at how resilient your body is, and it does have powers of healing.

Best wishes, Chris. Sorry you have this to contend with.
 
Abusing the medical staff general gets a person ignored and this seems to be the path that is being taken. Dr. Alexander gave him all of his phone numbers, including home, and told him if he has a problem, to call him. Problem is, now he's being transferred to another hospital this morning.

Hopefully, they'll map his veins and nerves and come up with a plan to feed the unfed area where the huge hole is. I'm praying for miracles here because quiet honestly, it doesn' t look promising. If they can't find something to feed with, it's a lost cause.
 
Ross said:
Abusing the medical staff general gets a person ignored and this seems to be the path that is being taken. Dr. Alexander gave him all of his phone numbers, including home, and told him if he has a problem, to call him. Problem is, now he's being transferred to another hospital this morning.

Hopefully, they'll map his veins and nerves and come up with a plan to feed the unfed area where the huge hole is. I'm praying for miracles here because quiet honestly, it doesn' t look promising. If they can't find something to feed with, it's a lost cause.

Ross, has the idea of using a hyperbaric O2 chamber been discussed that you are aware of?
 
Oh..my!
Will Chris be any closer to you?
Praying for the transfer..and for the 'new' staff to be more acomodating!
and as always for Chris' healing and recovery!
 
bvdr said:
Ross, has the idea of using a hyperbaric O2 chamber been discussed that you are aware of?
Not as of yet. I did bring it up, but they want to see what they can find to feed the unfed area before saying anything further at all.
 
marky said:
Oh..my!
Will Chris be any closer to you?
Praying for the transfer..and for the 'new' staff to be more acomodating!
and as always for Chris' healing and recovery!
Nope, on closer. The hospitals are 2 miles apart and 18-20 miles from here.
 
bvdr said:
Ross, has the idea of using a hyperbaric O2 chamber been discussed that you are aware of?

Good golly, molly.:eek:
Around here, hyperbaric chambers are used for wound care and other soft tissue injuries all the time. Both hospitals have one, and recently a doctor/wife team opened their own private facility.
If our town of 40,000 is keeping three busy, it would seem that Akron would have at least one that will be able to accomodate Chris when the time comes.
 
Can't add anything, Ross, but just want you all to know that you all are still in my thoughts and prayers. Hope the change of hospitals brings great strides in his recovery.
 
Ross said:
Abusing the medical staff general gets a person ignored and this seems to be the path that is being taken. Dr. Alexander gave him all of his phone numbers, including home, and told him if he has a problem, to call him. Problem is, now he's being transferred to another hospital this morning.

Hopefully, they'll map his veins and nerves and come up with a plan to feed the unfed area where the huge hole is. I'm praying for miracles here because quiet honestly, it doesn' t look promising. If they can't find something to feed with, it's a lost cause.

Having dealt with one or two of the difficult types, and knowing how understaffed most hospitals are, there's a part of me that agrees with what you're saying, Ross, but another part that agrees with Nancy that it IS our (the staff's ) job to take care of him, even if he is a PITA. On our unit when we have someone who's especially hard on the nerves (12 hours is a long time!), we usually take turns taking care of them. So if I'm working 4 days in a row I might only have them for 2 days, because I'd be worn out after 4 days. Remember, we have 2 or 3 (and in Chris's case I'm betting 4 or 5) other patients who also need our time and assistance.
As far as that goes--he should have a fresh pitcher of cold water at the beginning of every shift (at the minimum). When I was a tech that was always the first thing we did, get everyone fresh water and make sure their urinals/etc were emptied.
I can't fathom how much pain he must be in, even with good pain meds. It just sounds like such a gruesome wound. Hang in there Ross!
 
hensylee said:
Put a bug in his ear and tell him that if he is nice to staff, he will get extra treatment. If he is nasty to them, they will do what they have to do and no more. I saw this with my bro when his kidney was removed. He was so nasty - not his usual self (he's an awful patient, tho) and we saw that staff was anxious to stay from him as much as possible in order to avoid his abuse. It is not the staff's fault that the patient is there and their job is to help the patient in his/her discomfort and illness, and they want to. (my nurse cousin told me this).

I second Ann's point about being friendly to the nurses and staff. I have observed that if I converse with the nurses and act in a pleasant manner, that I seem to get better attention when I need it.

FWIW, the WORST care I ever received in a hospital was following surgery to repair a broken bone. One time, it took repeated calls over a two hour period (at shift change) to get someone to come to assist.

'AL Capshaw'
 
Ross,
You all are still in my prayers! Can't even imagine being in your shoes. Have you had your colonoscopy yet? How are you and Lyn feeling? Are the brothers spending time with Chris?
 

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