Sometimes things just pile on, don't they?
As you all know from my Survival Sunday a couple of weeks ago, we lost our sweet boy Thor. The day before he passed, we learned that my mother and stepfather were extremely ill. We had to put aside our heartbreak and drive for two days to go help out, which is how I ended up not being able to write last weekend.
I'll tell this story with as much detail as possible while still protecting their privacy. After all, they didn't sign up to live their lives out online like I did. But it's important, so I want to share the shocking lessons that were learned.
My mother and stepfather both got diagnosed with Covid in early November. They'd avoided it thus far, but since they're in their 80s, it hit them hard. They never contacted anyone and said they were sick so I didn't learn of this until I called on Thanksgiving.
By that time, they'd been to the hospital repeatedly for issues
relating to their illness. My stepfather developed pneumonia, my mother fainted, and they were losing weight fast because they had no appetites. Each time they were sent away without proper care. When my mother fainted, her elbow split open. The ER doctor didn't even look at it despite the blood soaking her blouse. Within a matter of days, it had become septic with infection.
By the time we arrived, it had ruptured when she had gone in for X-rays, thinking it was broken due to all the swelling. Finally, after seeing the explosion of puss and blood, she was treated. At this point, they'd been ill for three weeks.
When we arrived, they were both horribly ill. Luckily, my stepbrother was able to be there a couple of days sooner and got some tasks looked after for them. By the second day we were there, I was convinced that my stepfather needed to be seen again. He had been to the doctor's office and hospital several
times due to a lack of bowel movements and was on Day 9 by the time we got to the hospital again. The so-called medical professionals kept recommending OTC laxatives and sending him away.
I went with him, back in the exam room, and saw it twice for myself. By this time, I was loaded for bear. I insisted that no, the time for over-the-counter remedies was long gone, and pushed for an X-ray or some type of imaging. Unsurprisingly, there was a large, intractable impaction that was obstructing him. This was resolved within a couple of hours and we were on our way home.
After the septic wound and impaction were properly cared for, they were both on the mend. My daughter and I stayed for another couple of days to catch up on household tasks and make some food.
The reason I'm telling you this is to raise awareness of the shocking lack of care that our elders are receiving. It wasn't about money -
they both had incredible insurance and plenty in the bank. The medical system just plain doesn't care. Either of the main issues that developed while they were ill with Covid could have been easily treated with the bare modicum of care. I've lived in third-world countries and had better treatment than my mother and stepfather received in the United States of America.
Keep in mind, this was not a matter of money or status. These are taxpaying citizens with plenty of financial backing. My stepfather served his country in the Army for more than 30 years. And yet, they were pushed aside, neglected, and both nearly died because of it.
I'm absolutely disgusted.
Anyway, they're both on the mend and doing well now. I just wanted to share this story because I think that it's becoming more and more common as people become more and more disposable. Be alert and know that advocating for yourself and the
people you love is of growing importance during these difficult times.
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