It was a very busy week for me unexpectedly and I have to admit it wore me out. Some of the week is a blur in terms of sequence of events. I was called in unexpectedly to work only to ensure my client went to get an xray with another caregiver already on duty. After her dr appointment on Monday, she refused to go get the xray requested by her doctor. Of course, she did not refuse in the doctors office, only when she was in the car with the aid. My boss believes I'm one of the few people my client will listen to. After a few nudges, I got her out the door and even got a walk in with the dog. Great day so far. That evening my client called me (never calls only texts) and desperately asked me to go take care of her dog. I could hear someone in the background as they called 911. I arrived and the paramedics were still there as well as the evening dog walker (911 caller). My client took a tumble over her rollator (still not sure exactly what happened) and ended up on the carpet. She cut her arm (again not sure how), but as she's on blood thinners not a good thing. I arrived as the fire truck arrived and provided extra help to lift her onto the gurney. They were afraid to move her because of her health history and spinal fractures. As I was not sure what would happen I stayed at her place overnight with the dog.
The next day, after a rough nights sleep, I walked the dog and went to get my blood work done. I then went home for a shower and change of clothes. My client found out she has pneumonia and there is a possibility that she broke/damaged the same hip as previously. I went back to care for the dog and I cleaned up her living spaces a bit - I cleaned out her fridge - she will not be happy, but it is what it is. I thought if she has to go to rehab many of her items would spoil. I spent the night again. My client was trying to arrange for the dog to stay with a friend as she knew I had treatment coming up.
The next day, my client messaged me at 4 am and requested I bring a few items to the hospital and let me know who would keep the dog. I asked for a list of items, I swear I got one item at a time and it depended on what room I was in. It was easier to gather items I knew were needed for the dog. I dropped off the dog, which was difficult for both of us, and went to the hospital. Realized I had no idea what room or tower she was in, I called the hospital and asked. Thank goodness I asked as I was in the complete opposite side of the hospital and there was a garage where I could park. My client had just returned from xray when I arrived (of her hip this time) and was excited I brought all her items. She also has stitches in her arm and will need followup care. She kept saying I want to go home and not to rehab. If I die, I want to die at home. I did not stay long as I was exhausted.
Friday I had a couple of messages from her, but nothing serious. I went to treatment in the afternoon and came home for a long nap. My boss messaged me that she thinks the client went home. I was flabbergasted, considering her attitude about the nurses and hospital I was not surprised. Seems the nurses kept saying she should go to rehab and that she had not broken her hip again (the doctor had not come back). I understand reluctance to rehab, but when you have no one at home to help you and your family lives out of state, sometimes you have to compromise. I'm not sure how she did it but she finagled her way home (she indicated to me she would lie to hospital and say her son would visit and take care of her). She even had her friend bring her dog back. I have not spoken or heard anything from my client.
I did speak with my boss yesterday and my client is definitely home. There was an aid yesterday thank goodness. My client has not spoken to my boss directly either. We do know she has an infection and on antibiotics. I suggested strongly my boss call the primary care physician and see if she can get more information and request a medication review. I also told my boss everything I knew (including how to figure out if she's taking the antibiotic). My boss indicated she has messaged and left messages for the son and he won't respond either. I mentioned that I was completely exhausted and probably wont' be going back if I can help it. I told my boss, my one moment of pride was that everything I said was wrong with my client came true so hopefully they can get her on the right track. This week completely wore me down and if my client is not going to listen to medical guidance and follow it, then I just can't help. I said, she has not messaged me at all because she knew I had treatment and she knows I'll be upset that she's home. Her health coverage only provides for an aid 5 hours per day.
I had treatment 4 on Friday. Treatment goes well, but as I was already exhausted, it completely wore me out. I have been bone clacking chilled at times - thank goodness for fleece and sherpa blankets. I have been taking long naps since. Hopefully, today my energy will return a bit.
This past week I finished reading: "REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES" by Shelby Van Pelt -a Read With Jenna selection - interesting story involving a widow and a giant pacific octopus - well written and much better than I expected.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
March 5
Multiple Personality Day
Namesake Day – first Sunday in March
March 6
Dentist’s Day
National Frozen Food Day
National Oreo Cookie Day
March 7
National Cereal Day
National Crown Roast of Pork Day
Purim – begins at sundown, the date varies
March 8
Be Nasty Day
International (Working) Women’s Day
National Proofreading Day
March 9
Barbie Day
Get Over It Day
Panic Day
Popcorn Lover’s Day – second Thursday
March 10
International Day of Awesomeness
International Find a Pay Phone Booth Day
Middle Name Pride Day
March 11
Genealogy Day – second Saturday in March
International Fanny Pack Day – second Saturday in March
Johnny Appleseed Day
Worship of Tools Day – guys, you can relate
I know the above was long and I apologize for that, but what a crazy week. I am leaving it here for today. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” ― Charles Dickens