Doctor Visit

Bob went to the doctor Friday. When I explained that we were having trouble with sun downing and night issues she looked at me and said, “Well, I think it is time for a nursing home.” I looked at her and said, “That is not an option.” She looked at me and said, “Then what about assisted living?”

“He already lives in assisted living,” I replied. She looked at me blankly. She then looked back at his chart. “He lives at home with his son, my daughter, and me. We provide his meals, baths, medicine, help him get dressed, and take him to appointments. He already lives in assisted living.” I answered calmly. “May I ask you why you think he needs a nursing home?” I asked.

She looked at me and replied, “Well, it is apparent that he is a burden to your family.”

Now, this is when I about came off the chair. How dare this woman speak about Pop in front of him like he was a rag doll that needed to be recycled. In a society that throws everything away and gets everything new, I believe we have lost the regard for human life.

I took a deep breath, looked the doctor straight into her eyes, and replied, “Was not his son a burden to this man when he was young? Did he not have to work extra hours to pay for things for his son? Did he not have to give certain things up for his family as they grew? Was that not a burden to him as a young man? He has earned my respect and devotion because without this man I would not have a husband. He is not a burden to me, but a life that deserves my attention.”

I then went on to inform the good doctor that I wanted a referral to a neurologist. She was reluctant, but knew I would not give up until she gave it to me. I do not have that appointment yet, hopefully I will be able to make the appointment Monday.

She did give him a new prescription for sun downing. It seemed to work the first night. The second night we had problems again. So it is a hit and miss with this medication. I don’t think we will get it straight until we see the specialist.

This current doctor wants to see him in August for another regular appointment. Part of me says ‘phooey’ on this doctor. I wouldn’t want him to be a burden to her. The other part says, she is a doctor and needs to see him and to just wait till we see the specialist and go from there.

This week I give you a collection of photos of all the ‘burdens’ Bob has had throughout his life. Isn’t it wonderful that he never gave up on any of them? When Bob needs 24 hour ‘nursing care’ we will know, and he will be placed in a facility that will care for him, that time is a long ways off.