A friend of mine once told me: "You are your own little personal hurricane. You suck people in and spit them back out, remade in your image." And sadly, he was sober as a judge when he said it.
It is true that in my history I have been known to howl at the moon and throw fits that would give a normal person pause. Usually, this process ends with me getting my way. It is very rare that I've been called upon to engage in the process for a legitimate reason.
However, let this vinette serve as a warning if you or a loved one finds themselves in the clutches of today's wrecked health care system.
Long story short: A close family member suffered a brain injury and was transported to the local trauma hospital. The care he was given as it relates to his injury was exemplary. The management of his ancillary health care conditions has been acceptable. What has been utterly unacceptable is the level of communication between the family and the hospital. Today I met a family who is getting less information that we did. No suprise: They are spanish speakers and may or may not be legal residents. They had not spoken to a doctor since their loved one was admitted. Social worker --> yep. Translator --> absolutely. But a doctor? Forget about it.
Please, no matter what else you do, always demand answers. Page doctors. Pester nurses. Pilfer whatever information you can. The person in the bed may or may not be in a position to manage the care and ask the question. You must care for them and if that means turning on your own personal hurricane, go to it. It is the best thing you can do for the patient and for yourself
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