I learned something today...

[curmugeon]

Well to start, yesterday Mom threatened the xray tech and he refused to do the xray, so the surgeon is going to use another method. Like the surgeon said, it will be done.  It seems the people at Kaiser Riverside aren't used to slightly wacko elderly people so they were on the defensive today. The surgeon said they need to come to grips with the real world.

The surgeon said her behavior and demeanor can be attributed to high levels of ammonia in her blood from a barely functional liver.  As her liver fails (it eventually will) she will just act more irrational.

Kaiser said they will continue the treatment till she is able to be released under the rules of their medicare contract.

Comments

[cathy-edgett.livejournal.com]

What a Christmas you haven't had. It seems it will be difficult for you to care for her at home when she continues to act more irrational. May your decisions become clear. Take care! It is a challenging situation.

[n6vfp.livejournal.com]

Her behavior seems to be linked to where she is. In the hospital she feels insecure thus she acts out. At home she does fine. I don't get this type of behavior. I'm doing fine, been there done that when my father was in failing health, so I'm very experienced at this. No, Christmas didn't happen for me... it was a non holiday period in my life.

[cathy-edgett.livejournal.com]

I'm glad she behaves well for you, and yes, you do seem to understand what is important in life and handle it well.

I guess I just want someone to take care of you sometimes.

My thoughts are with you both.

[unclejimbo.livejournal.com]

Well, as an x-ray tech, I take the threats as they come. If the person can do me real harm, I'll ask that they try and sedate them before proceeding. In most cases, I can talk to the person and get them to let me do what i need to do for them. It's not easy, and often takes a bit more time.

If there is anything we can do, let us know.

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm sure the folks over there are *very* used to slightly wacko elderly folks. They're just waiting to get sued by the next of kin - again. So.

Surgeons are very cut and dried folks, too. Everything in their world can be fixed - if you're just smart and good enough. Keep that tucked away someplace. The real world doesn't visit them very often.