Thursday, March 12, 2009

Bitter momma



Yea, pneumonia bites. And, it bites even worse when it hits prior to a major (and quite compulsory) surgery that was to be completed Friday. Oh, and what bites even more is a hospitalist who sends your boy home from the hospital after two days of IV antibiotic, not eating sufficiently, and generally, still sicker than sick.

Antibiotic aspiration further exasperating pneumonia? Well, apparently not in her book.

“You’ll get him to take them, Michelle.”

“Come on; you can do it.”

My blood is boiling. The charge nurse indicated that he was not ready to be discharged. The charge nurse talked to the hospitalist. The charge nurse, bless her heart, got no where.

The pedi practice that employs said hospitalist indicated that it was okay for him to be discharged as well. Sure, my child who eats nothing and still primarily refuses his bottle because he cannot breathe sufficiently, hence cannot suck, can easily take compounded antibiotic through a flipping syringe.

“Just bring him into clinic today.”

“We’ll check him over.”

Damn it – it is 16 degrees and my child has a horrible pneumonia. Makes sense to take him out into the cold, hoist both boys into their double stroller seats and make our way into the clinic. Makes a lot of sense, don’t you think?

Hospitalist frequents all hospitals in town, so I cannot simply take him in to another ER. If I have to readmit, I will head to Children’s in Omaha (with all three of my children). That makes sense too, don’t you think?

Oh, and dear hospitalist discharged Isaac at birth sans the results from a thyroid panel. She indicated that I needed to learn how to take care of a “normal” child again. Needless to say, we saw a pediatric endocrinologist for over 8 months due to Isaac’s severe thyroid problems. Smart lady!

So, here we sit...at home, stressed out beyond belief. No surgery Friday, obviously. I should have asked Ms. Hospitalist if she’d clear him for surgery as well. Makes sense…

12 comments:

momtojesse said...

I'm so sorry you are going through all this. What is the hospital thinking sending him home when he's so sick? Hugs and prayers for you and Elliot.

datri said...

Oh man, that really stinks! What is this guy thinking? Cost-saving, probably. Hope he gets better soon.

Carey said...

Well ... I'd like to say, I'm glad you're home, but jeez that's scary! What a lunatic, she needs to get a new job. Does she even have kids? It seems like ignorant people like that usually don't have kids. Clearly she doesn't have a child with a disability, I'm sure all of hers are "normal" ... I'll pray for warmer weather too! Hugs.

Melissa @ Banana Migraine said...

Wow. I'm so angry right now. I feel so sad for you and Elliot. How scary. I wish that there was another solution. I'm thinking of Sweet E and hope that he starts getting better quickly.

Michelle said...

oh I'm so sorry for what you all are going through :( I would be bitter too...I hope he can recover despite his early release from the hospital.

Chris said...

I think "bitter" is the wrong word.

It should read:

"Better Momma"

Because it seems you know better than said hospitalist what is good for ANY child who has pneumonia and feeding issues.

It makes me so angry and sad that medical professionals would act this way. Keeping you in my prayers.

Pam said...

Oh, Michelle. I'm so sorry that Elliot is so sick still. What a stupid hospitalist. UGH.

call me if you need me okay? I'm thinking of you.

Loves.

Tammy and Parker said...

Leaving you lots and lots of love, and prayers.

You can request NOT to be put back on this Hospitalist's service. Maybe that would help?

Amy Flege said...

poor sweet elliot. he looks like he feels awful... i think i would head to childrens.....

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

UGH! I can't believe they sent you home!!! Poor Elliot! He looks so sad :(. I can't believe that woman. :(

Tamara said...

What in the world is that doctor's problem? Prayers that things go much better today -

Kari said...

Sending cyber hugs and get well wishes. I'm so sorry!! This post has made my blood boil!! UGH Humans!