We are already experiencing issues with my aunt being in the hospital. She’s back in to have her second surgery on her shoulder. And it has been nothing but trouble so far.
To start out with, her surgery was scheduled for 10:30 AM and she didn’t get into the OR until 2:20 PM. How uncomfortable for my Aunt to be kept waiting. She was anxious too of course. For us it was not only frustrating, but upsetting. My mother was at the hospital at 9 AM and stuck in the waiting room. The waiting room is very uncomfortable to say the least. Plus my Mom is 79 years old and the stress of waiting took it’s toll on her. For me, I was able to stay for a while in between having to go to my daughter’s school for her award ceremony, then I brought her with me.
Today, she is recovering nicely, but in pain of course. The surgeon stated that she needed to have this second surgery because my aunt put pressure on her arm and moved the screws from the first repair out of place. While we were visiting, physical therapy came to have her walk. They began to take off my Aunt’s sling. My Mom and I protested, explaining what the surgeon said.
One of the therapists checked the chart and found that the surgeon gave orders for her to not only use
“weight bearing” while walking with a walker, but to move her arm during Occupational Therapy. She asked the nurse to check with the surgeon about these orders. And sure enough, that is what he wants.
It is so confusing! If my Aunt has problems again with her shoulder, it seems that this surgeon is going to find out that he has made a big mistake. I guess we’re going to be the one to tell him.
OMG how utterly frustrating! On the plus side though at least the staff was willing to check first – even if the doctor’s verbal and written orders contradicted themselves. Actually all the very best to your aunt and your family. Hospitals are the worst place to be (for obvious reasons) and from the waiting standpoint, the time just drags, the waiting areas are always uncomfortable, and no one seems to ever be able to do anything at the appointed time. Sigh!
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It has been frustrating Diane, but the good news is that my Aunt is progressing well. We were able to speak to the surgeon in person and he does want her to begin to use her arm. So we know the orders are correct. Thank you for your well wishes.