Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Pay It Forward

I'm going to be a might busy and preoccupied for the next few days or so. We have a good friend who lost her husband a number of years ago. Since Mazatlan and Mexico has been her home for over 10 years she wasn't about to move back to the States just because her kids are. (yeah!) There are many spouses who make this decision to stay when they have lost their partners. The only real problem that this decision creates is having someone to help care for you while you are in hospital. Lee had surgery for a couple of crushed discs. and kinda needs a lit'l sister

What that means is I have been given the chance to pay it forward.  You guys have heard me say plenty of times that I have found the medical care to be far superior to that up in the Northlands. Part of the reason is that the medical staff here bring the patient and their family into their Plans of Care. This is one of the most positive things that can be done in health care. They have not gotten so busy and overloaded with all the other non-patient care demands that their colleagues up north have. Here it is expected and planned for a member of the patient's family will remain at the hospital to help care for them. There are so many little details that can eat up the staff's time that can easily be tended to by a family member. But don't think for a minute that the nurses,physicians and support staff are not giving the best most professional care. In fact by freeing the staff of those many little chores they have the time to provide the needed medical care and wonders of wonders really listen (and hear) what the patient is saying.

The pluses on the patient side or to numerous to count. One of the greatest is that the patient has some one they know with them before they are taken into surgery and a familiar face when they wake up from surgery. The families are not herded into waiting rooms waiting for hours for "the doctor" to come and tell them what is going on. You can not imagine how the stress level of the entire environment lowers and becomes for more positive and healing. Parents know what is happening to their children, and children can see that Mom or Dad are going to be okay. It truly saddens and makes me very angry to see how the patient/family care in the North has disintegrated to nearly the point of extinction in order to line the pockets a money driven industry.

Okay then, I'll just be climbing down from my little soap box and pack a new knitting project in my hospital survival bag. :)

If all continues as well as it has. I should be home in my own bed by the day..er..night after tomorrow. (yeah)  Hold my spot in Bloglandia for me. I promise to come visiting the first chance I get! Until then... Have a most audacious art filled day no matter where you are in the world you are.  p;) 

8 comments:

stregata said...

You are a friend indeed, Pattie! Sending a big hug!

Beth Leintz said...

Your friend is lucky to have you. Your observations about health care are so true- so much time is spent with paperwork, red tape and CYA that could be spent on actual care- its sad what the legal community and insurance industry have done to our healthcare system.

SummersStudio said...

Good for you showing this kindness to your friend and stepping up to be her family. I have quite similar feelings about the health care system here and know just how different it can be having lived elsewhere. I can tell you from the patient side how wonderful it is to wake up from surgery to the smile and care of someone you love. I had several surgeries while in Australia and Peter was always there in recovery for me. Your friend will truly appreciate having you there and I think that it speeds recovery.

pamq said...

Sounds like a most excellent plan to me!

And so wonderful of you to go help out.

Can't wait to see what you knit while you are there............

Marty said...

My SIL fell TWICE on two different trips to Mazatlan. The first time I went to the hospital with her and the staff was surprised that I didn't spend the night with her. The second time she was traveling with another relative and Irene told her not to go with her. They must have thought Irene had some really uncaring family! I agree about the medical care-none like it in the US.

Marty said...

Thank you for the lovely post on my blog! Who knew we had so much in common! Havre is kind of a place a person is better off FROM-LOL! Our next trip is on March 15-we will be staying at Torres Mazatlan-a very nice slice of paradise within a big paradise. I really, really want to move to Mazatlan, but I think we have to wait til our grandchildren are a bit older. This trip we are taking our oldest son and his wife for an anniversary trip. I just know they're going to fall in love, too. If you're serious about that cold drink, I'll e-mail you with our full name and we can hook up. I just love making new friends there!

Anonymous said...

Hi Patti, First, I hope your friend is recovering nicely and lucky her to have you with her. I was tickled to see you. It's been a long time. I totally agree with you on hospital care these days. It's like "shove 'em in and get 'em out". I know getting up and around is so important after surgery but sometimes it's ridiculous. Okay...off my soap box now. :) Happy happy New Year to you. xoxo

Cindy said...

Pattie you are a true angel and such a dedicated friend. I hope by now your friend is on the road to recovery and that you are back in the comforts of home. It must be so nice for your friend to know she has someone like you - so caring and a former nurse as well! :-)w

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