Working together with each other

Scott

I started this post when I was in PA visiting mom last weekend in the hospital, but never finished the post.

As we wait for dad & Amy (from the train) to arrive at Butler hospital, mom is resting as comfortably as she can and I get to reflect on this day and this trip. I go home tomorrow morning. 

This morning we had a bit of a scare thanks to an ambitious urologist. For the past year or so mom's had a slightly swollen Kidney. It's something her urologist has kept an eye on but this episode in the hospital brought it to the forefront. In mom's state the nurses are charting and tracking everything that comes out of her. Blood infections, or Sepsis, are no joke. 

So we started to do what you have to do in these situations and be the voice that connects all of the doctors dealing with your care together. We called the oncologists office, talked to the nurses and then they brought in the urologist. Moms oncologist office really stepped up and spearheaded contacting everyone and sharing mom's details so together we all were able to determine a course of action. In this case, that is no action. 

When we all worked together we were not only able to see mom's situation better, but she felt strong enough to have her opinion heard and supported. But it took a lot of work. 

I wish our system (or this system here) wasn't so disconnected. Anyone's care should be a joint effort. Medical records shouldn't have to be discovered by a new specialist. A new nurse in hospital should never have to ask YOU why you're there.