Yesterday's "fairly good day" went to a "really not good day." It began when Cathy got to Kernan and the nurses there thought she was bringing Mike back from his off site urology test. It seems everyone there forgot about this scheduled test, woke Mike up, didn't dress him, and took him in some kind of vehicle to sit in a doctor's office waiting room for several hours. Apparently they had a television on The Animal Channel and Mike watched a story about slaughtering dogs and cats. That is all he could talk about the rest of the day. He was very upset and asked Mom and Cathy about 100 times to please save the animals and kept asking about the family dog Candy. I'm very tired of the word "agitated." He would not speak to me on the phone nor would he speak to a long time friend who called today. I don't know how his therapy went today. Mom and Cathy were more concerned about Mike's "agitation" and we never got to talk about therapy. Cathy discovered Mike's comment about the nurses' treatment was because they are having to be stern with him during the night due to his calling out for Cathy and Mom after bedtime. It would be nice if they tried to reassure him that Mom and Cathy were sleeping at the hotel rather than telling him to shut up so they could get their work done. Some of the "sterness" is good for Mike - like forcing him to dress himself instead of asking that someone help him. The therapists have to be stern and forceful with him at times and he considers that to be "mean." This, we understand...but "shut up?" Mom and Cathy are resting tonight. My prayer tonight is that Mikey forgets about the TV show, has peaceful thoughts and dreams, sleeps well tonight and has a better day tomorrow. Nancy
posted by Mike's Family | 9:40 PM
12 Comments:
Mike continues to be in our daily prayers. Thank you for all of your updates, too.
Nancy, I am very concerned regarding your statements about Mike's treatment by some of the nurses. It greatly worries me the effect this could have on his ultimate recovery. Please forgive me if I am speaking out of turn, but am just so concerned that Mike be in an environment that will encourage his recovery, rather than hinder it. Having been in a similar situation, I would highly advise that a family member speak to the administrator of Kernan, voice your concerns, but let it be clearly known you will not tolerate this happening again.
Bless Mike and your entire family. You will remain in our prayers.
Hi, this is Cathy, Mike's other sister who is a nurse. Believe me we have already voiced our concerns and this is another reason we are with Mike from 12 noon until 10pm. Or should I say we were there until 10pm, but now they want us to leave at 8:30pm. They said Mike would get on a better sleeping schedule by us not being there. The week is still not over yet. I promise our interest is in Mike's recovery and we will still keep you informed of everything. Thanks so much for your comment.
Poor Mike! I pray he forgets about the show. I agree with the last poster, the treatment by the nurses is disturbing. I will continue to pray for Mike.
Lynda
Thank you for the update and Cathy, for your reply. Sounds like you've got the strength to stand your ground, yet it is a concern that any energy be diverted from Mike's well being to protecting him from what shouldn't have to be an issue. It was unfortunate that he of all people had to sit with that TV show.
I agree that going above the floor people, especially with regards to your visting hours, is a good idea.
Will continue to hold Mike and family in my prayers.
I too was disturbed to hear about how the nurses react to Mike's calling out.However, it's comforting that you are all there to make sure he is treated properly. Poor is the person there who has no one to speak for them.But it is not right that you have to stay late in order to make sure things are going smoothly.A person who lacks the compassion necessary to a helping/healing profession belongs in some other field. Our family has had similar experiences & it strikes a nerve in me. I'll pray for Mike's recovery & for you all to get through this with him.It is such a strain--a strain borne of love.I feel sad that Mike was upset by the animal program--a testament to his big heart & love for life & animals.
A friend of mine was hit in the head by a passing car while walking in the fog one evening a number of years ago.It was a long recovery & she too experienced a great deal of agitation.Part of it was due to her frustration of having a sound mind trapped in a body that wouldn't cooperate.I hope this difficult period soon gets smoother for Mike & all of you.I know it's a trip, but Helen Hayes Hospital in Rockland County, NY is one of the best rehab hospitals in the country.It's a very positive place & they work miracles there. Christopher Reeve had some contact with them & people go there from all over the country.Just a thought...My heart goes out to all of you there.
Nancy and Cathy and Mike,
I am deeply impressed by the candor and courage of your site.
I post on Tim's website, often, and I was anxious to hear of your progress.
Nancy and Cathy, I will be thinking of your courage and love,
and the comfort you bring to Mike.
And Mike, I will be thinking of you, too. You may not know this, but your list of friends has gotten very, very long. You haven't even met a lot of us, but we are here...pulling for you each and every day!
Keep up the good fight...the best is yet to come...!
Keep fighting Mike.
All our prayers and well wishes are with you and your loved ones.
Remember " God does not give you more that you can handle."
The Fox Family in NJ
I think that's highly insensitive to expose an animal lover to such horrific television. Of course it will affect his psyche, and ultimately, his healing. We know that positive animals experiences bring healing, and I hope he will get to be around the family pet(s) and/or other critters, as they might greatly lift his spirits. May God surround Mike and the whole family with His Love. May God bring healing to Mike and comfort to the family. I pray that God will restore Mike to full health and renew his spirit and cause him to know how deeply he is loved.
I sat with my brother for six weeks in the ICU after he was burned over 70% of his body. He was on so much pain medication and antibiotics that he became a 'monster.' Oil from Arabia was flowing from underneath his bed and he yelled for hours for someone to turn it off. My mother had Alzhiemer' and in the later stages, she became mean and abusive. The only way you could get her attention was to 'be mean' to her. Be patient with Mike. His brain is healing. Nurses are angels from heaven. My brother used to call them 'mean' because they would make him walk and do things for himself. It was all part of rehabilitation and training his mind and body to work again. It is so hard to watch your loved one be in pain and not be able to help. It is true: Time heals all wounds. My thoughts are with you and prayers for Mike that he will recover quickly.
To Mike and His Family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you.You are loved and cared about by friends you dont even know.
God be with you,
Sandy
May God bless and comfort you all, May Mike be bathed in healing light from God and all that care for him, and it is more than you know. Perfect strangers are sending their light and prayers to you all. Amen.
Bob & Susan Green
Burnside, KY
Dear Nancy, Cathy and Mom,
Was catching up at the Fair Hill website and came to read your update. So sorry Mike had such a bad experience at the doctor's visit. How could a scheduled visit be overlooked? I worked in the health care sector and know that these people are overworked, but that is no excuse.
Wishing Mike a better tomorrow and a complete recovery. The rest of you keep up the good work and support you give Mike everyday.
Donna
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