We are blessed. My family has been fairly healthy throughout the years and never in a position to face major surgery…until the past year. Unfortunately for us, Dave had JUST left his job with a large corporation only 1 month before my neck started to show symptoms. Up until that time, we had never paid a medical bill, pharmacy bill, or co-pay. This was the case for more than 17 years. We found it frustrating and ironic that I was faced with major surgery and would need to satisfy my personal limit, as well as the family limit before we would be ultimately responsible for 10% of the total hospital cost. The learning curve was swift and brutal. I did not stay a single night in the hospital and my bill for the surgery was well over $100,000.00. Enter 2013. Dave was diagnosed with a heart condition, and yesterday we graced the doors of yet another hospital with a check for $2000 after already hitting a $4000 personal limit and more.
Dave was never completely under during his procedure and 2 hours later was sent to post-op and told to lay still and flat for 4 hours at which time he would walk the hall and be released. I was plopped in to what was a glorified folding chair and there I spent the next 4+ hours helping the nurses care for Dave. At one point they led me through the "nurses" station and to room where I could refill Dave's water and ice myself. This hospital is well known for its cardiac unit and I knew Dave was in the best possible hands so far as the surgery was concerned. Following the procedure he was placed in a standard "post op" area and although the nurses were friendly (there were 2), they seemed a little in over their heads and said on many occasions, "DO you know how to…???" to each other right in front of us. I have many friends who are nurses and I just CANNOT imagine them not knowing how to turn off the buzzer on the blood pressure unit. I kept my mouth shut because I didn't want to panic Dave. Without getting too graphic (and TMI) Dave had a setback at the 4 hour mark and proceeded to "spring a leak"…and it was red. Instantly, there were 2 nurses from the cardiac unit in our room and one who entered as if to say, "Back away candy stripers, I am in charge". I actually loved the swift action and knowledge of what to do. I am thankful for all of the amazing nurses out there!! Once everything settled down and Dave was brought out of a low BP moment, we were once again with our 2 nurses and told the clock was to start over and 4-5 more hours would need to pass. During that time we waited 1 hour 20 minutes for food from the cafeteria. Dave watched the TV as a distraction (of course I couldn't because it would require neck bending!). It gave me about 9 hours to make some observations: paint was peeling, the TV was from the 1980's, and there was no other more comfortable chair available. It matters where and who you receive your care from. Grateful for Dave's quick recovery, I was in a bind. DO I want to take this man home? If he falls, I cannot catch him and certainly if I tried I would probably wreck my neck. DO we have any say in that? Apparently not, because 5 hours later and 2 laps around the floor for Dave, we were shown the door. I was handed the following: 5 white wash cloths, a package of gauze, and 2 sticky patches. I was told that if Dave started to bleed at home, I was to apply pressure to the area for 15 minutes and call 911. I looked around. Is this a prank? NOPE…Not a prank, but a welcome mat to the future of health care in America.
I secretly dreaded this morning's "check in" call to my Mom. I knew what was coming. Our moms spent 3-5 days in the hospital when they had us. It is unheard of to NOT stay after a neurosurgery…none-the-less heart surgery. Healthcare has changed. This is what we are facing and we are not getting any younger. The chance for us to receive good healthcare is slim, the older we get. This is a huge wake-up call for me. It's time to do some self-education and make a plan.
Food for thought,
Coffee Talk Mom
