Commented on a discussion 9/29/2009 at 12:31 pm
Dear Jander,
You have stirred a lot of emotions and memories that I wish I could forget. I too have seen the system at its worst. Until people come together and expose the fraud, manipulation,
...Read MoreDear Jander,
You have stirred a lot of emotions and memories that I wish I could forget. I too have seen the system at its worst. Until people come together and expose the fraud, manipulation, and lack of care, we will not see change.
When my Mom was 63 she had a seizure and was hospitalized. Her doctor recommended skilled nursing home care for her recovery and rehabilitation. She ended up in long-term institutional care over-medicated.
When I took over as health care surrogate, Mom was in a drug-induced coma and unresponsive. She was transported to South Florida so that I could manage her care. She spent over six months in a nursing home, a hospital and an acute care rehabilitation center. Her neurologist weaned her from all the medications and she was discharged to an assisted living facility. Despite continued outpatient therapy Mom was never able to walk again.
A year later, she had a seizure and was placed on a ventilator and then passed down the line. I fought so hard for the doctors to reduce her meds and wean her from the vent. She progressed and was so close to being decanulated. During capping trials, her nurse left the room and she was alone. Choking caused her to go into cardiac arrest. She survived, but with severe brain damage.
In the last couple years of her life she was placed in eleven different facilities due to medical setbacks, various levels of care, and the inequities of our healthcare system. It was impossible to manage her care at so many difference facilities and with so many different doctors. The “vent unit” in nursing homes is absolutely the worst!!!!!!
When Mom passed away, I felt like I was coming home from war. I had to fight so hard every day just to have her basic needs met, let alone to get the attention she needed to try to save her life. I saw so many inequities and so much neglect. I began documenting everything and writing letters, however, I didn’t get anywhere. I have three small children and could not continue to fight. I needed a break or I would break!
Public awareness and political pressure is what is necessary. Maybe you should call Michael Moore and ask him to do a documentary. I’ll share my story and my documentation. My heart goes out to you. With every person I help, I heal.