A Day at UMC
University Medical Center is the largest hospital in Las Vegas and I feel I know it way too well. I could probably give tours, I know my way around so well.
I was down there yesterday from about 6:15am to10:00 because Joey finally had his feeding tube removed. Wow. That feels like one of the last things he needed to feel more normal. In fact he's sleeping on his stomach now. We'll be back, though, because they found an ulcer and want to do further diagnostic work. But that's another day.
We went from there to see a new doctor. He's the medical director of the facility where Joey attends rehab. What a great guy. He's adjusted Joey's meds so he can have less pain and get more sleep. This will help him so much. Finally someone who doesn't see him as just a drug-seeking crybaby. He will be weaned off the pain meds slowly as his strength and endurance return. That was such good news.
My oldest son turns 21 today and he was over for a bit before he met up with friends to celebrate.
Then Katy called. She wanted a ride to rehab. She checked into rehab and eloped the next day 9 times this month. I told her if she got there on her own I would meet her ther to discuss her placement in a locked facility. She got down ther so I did too and we talked to the staff. They agreed she should be in a secure placement. She was talking about taking something to go to sleep and never wake up. So another trip to UMC.
I hate these situations. They ask for insurance info and my response is "I'm not her legal guardian." I have learned, though, to be able to look people in the eye and say, "My parental rights were terminated...etc." with no apology or explanation. I can answer all the questions about Katy's history and my bad behavior with shoulders back, chin up, and no defensive attitude. Even though the doctor had a very hard time looking at me.
After 6 hours, we were informed that Katy would be taken by ambulance to a locked facility. I told the doctor I was leaving. She said, "You can leave when the ambulance arrives." I said, "I can leave now." She started to tell me the rules. I interrupted, "I am not her guardian. I have neither the right nor the responsibilty to stay. Thanks for letting me wait with Katy. It kept her out of restraints and I know she'll be safe tonight. It also kept you from having to have some one watch her closely. But I've told Katy good-bye and SHE'S okay with that. So thank you and have a good night."
Got home after midnight. Another day at UMC. And everything turned out fine.
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