Day 64
Day 64 and trying not to count!
Most of you don’t know that Aaron had a minor accident back in October when he, a passenger, and a four wheeler got into a discussion that the four wheeler won. Passenger was fine – had the sense and agility to jump to safety before impact. Just to be on the safe side, Aaron went to the ER and had x-rays done. He was fine. No problems. Other than he doesn’t carry his insurance card on him, which meant that today, I was still dealing with insurance companies and billing centers. It didn’t help that in November he had a much more serious argument with an antique door – no safety glass – and once again Aaron lost. Still no insurance card, but mom rode to the hospital in the ambulance with him and since we live out past Egypt, I had plenty of time to find his insurance information before they got here. Ya know what? Didn’t make any difference. I have had to make the same number of phone calls about that accident today as the first one! Today was insurance day.
Scott started off with a regular hospital bed, too short. New extensions, bed won’t work properly – new bed. Bariatric, since he’s tall. Insurance company thought we had two beds. That was a four call problem which still isn’t resolved, but it is no longer my problem! The medical equipment people will take care of the rest of the claim. Nice folks. I have to say, of the thirteen (may have been fifteen - I forgot to write down how many times I talked to White River Hospital) phone calls today to insurance companies, hospitals and billing companies, all were very nice and pleasant! It wasn’t a totally traumatizing experience at all!
The new braces have arrived. They had to be fit professionally. We had to do that part twice – but it was here at home. They are heavy and bulky, but they do allow him to walk a few steps unassisted. I’m beginning to be concerned about the pain he is still in. We knew his pain level would go up once he was released to start some therapy, but he’s back to the levels where he was just out of the hospital. Real therapy doesn’t even start until next week or the week after!
We are now in the process of getting ramps out of the house. If you’ve not visited here before, we have steps everywhere. There is not a way out that you are not confronted with at least three steps. Friends are researching aluminum ramps as a temporary fix. I think after this is all over we’ll probably put something in a bit more permanent for our later years.
I am going to try to go back to work full time next week. I am going to feel guilty no matter what I do, but I feel I at least need to try. This is the last nine weeks and I almost missed last nine weeks. In many ways it doesn’t seem like it has been that long, at least to me. I am sure it is more of an eternity to Scott.
Lyn, Aaron, Gene and Beckie came to visit last week. Aaron went to New Orleans after leaving here. He was not impressed. Lyn, Beckie and I had fun shoe shopping and going to pick up braces and our latest vehicle. We bought my dad’s van from the estate. We are fairly sure Scott will be able to get into it and reasonably sure he’ll be able to drive it eventually.
Just some pointers we’ve learned if you are ever in similar circumstances to ours.
1. Water chestnut cans under the back legs of a futon make it more comfortable for folks over 50 and under 5’5”.
2. Clorox wipes used on the hands several times a day will cause dryness. Use baby washcloths or wipes instead.
3. Corn bags heated for 3 minutes and applied to aching joints cause instant sleep when hydrocodone, aspirin, valium, and darvon have all failed for hours.
4. There may be 200 channels, but nothing is on TV on Wednesday night.
5. A loose leaf binder with page protectors lets you put the bill on the left side and the EOB on the right side to see who’s been paid and who’s still whining.
6. Get a big binder.
7. You don’t need to go to town nearly as often as you think you do.
8. The closest store will not have what you desperately need – so just go to the one all the way in town to begin with.
9. Twin sized T-shirt sheets fit hospital beds perfectly.
10. Flannel top sheets are comforting and warm without being heavy.
11. Cats will turn over glasses of water at 2:30 am on a regular basis. Both sets of sheets will get wet when this happens.
12. Hair dryers will overheat before sheets are dry.
13. When #’s 11 and 12 happen, there is a justifiable use for bottled water.
14. Friends and family visiting are better than presents at Christmas.
We’re glad you all keep up with us. Thanks for all the encouragement!
Most of you don’t know that Aaron had a minor accident back in October when he, a passenger, and a four wheeler got into a discussion that the four wheeler won. Passenger was fine – had the sense and agility to jump to safety before impact. Just to be on the safe side, Aaron went to the ER and had x-rays done. He was fine. No problems. Other than he doesn’t carry his insurance card on him, which meant that today, I was still dealing with insurance companies and billing centers. It didn’t help that in November he had a much more serious argument with an antique door – no safety glass – and once again Aaron lost. Still no insurance card, but mom rode to the hospital in the ambulance with him and since we live out past Egypt, I had plenty of time to find his insurance information before they got here. Ya know what? Didn’t make any difference. I have had to make the same number of phone calls about that accident today as the first one! Today was insurance day.
Scott started off with a regular hospital bed, too short. New extensions, bed won’t work properly – new bed. Bariatric, since he’s tall. Insurance company thought we had two beds. That was a four call problem which still isn’t resolved, but it is no longer my problem! The medical equipment people will take care of the rest of the claim. Nice folks. I have to say, of the thirteen (may have been fifteen - I forgot to write down how many times I talked to White River Hospital) phone calls today to insurance companies, hospitals and billing companies, all were very nice and pleasant! It wasn’t a totally traumatizing experience at all!
The new braces have arrived. They had to be fit professionally. We had to do that part twice – but it was here at home. They are heavy and bulky, but they do allow him to walk a few steps unassisted. I’m beginning to be concerned about the pain he is still in. We knew his pain level would go up once he was released to start some therapy, but he’s back to the levels where he was just out of the hospital. Real therapy doesn’t even start until next week or the week after!
We are now in the process of getting ramps out of the house. If you’ve not visited here before, we have steps everywhere. There is not a way out that you are not confronted with at least three steps. Friends are researching aluminum ramps as a temporary fix. I think after this is all over we’ll probably put something in a bit more permanent for our later years.
I am going to try to go back to work full time next week. I am going to feel guilty no matter what I do, but I feel I at least need to try. This is the last nine weeks and I almost missed last nine weeks. In many ways it doesn’t seem like it has been that long, at least to me. I am sure it is more of an eternity to Scott.
Lyn, Aaron, Gene and Beckie came to visit last week. Aaron went to New Orleans after leaving here. He was not impressed. Lyn, Beckie and I had fun shoe shopping and going to pick up braces and our latest vehicle. We bought my dad’s van from the estate. We are fairly sure Scott will be able to get into it and reasonably sure he’ll be able to drive it eventually.
Just some pointers we’ve learned if you are ever in similar circumstances to ours.
1. Water chestnut cans under the back legs of a futon make it more comfortable for folks over 50 and under 5’5”.
2. Clorox wipes used on the hands several times a day will cause dryness. Use baby washcloths or wipes instead.
3. Corn bags heated for 3 minutes and applied to aching joints cause instant sleep when hydrocodone, aspirin, valium, and darvon have all failed for hours.
4. There may be 200 channels, but nothing is on TV on Wednesday night.
5. A loose leaf binder with page protectors lets you put the bill on the left side and the EOB on the right side to see who’s been paid and who’s still whining.
6. Get a big binder.
7. You don’t need to go to town nearly as often as you think you do.
8. The closest store will not have what you desperately need – so just go to the one all the way in town to begin with.
9. Twin sized T-shirt sheets fit hospital beds perfectly.
10. Flannel top sheets are comforting and warm without being heavy.
11. Cats will turn over glasses of water at 2:30 am on a regular basis. Both sets of sheets will get wet when this happens.
12. Hair dryers will overheat before sheets are dry.
13. When #’s 11 and 12 happen, there is a justifiable use for bottled water.
14. Friends and family visiting are better than presents at Christmas.
We’re glad you all keep up with us. Thanks for all the encouragement!
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