In some ways, yes.
Ford had his MRI today, much to the chagrin of the CCCU fellow, who was still muttering comments about how useless the scan would be as they were wheeling Ford out the door. As per neurology's request a "proper cardiac anesthetist" was called to assist (until now we didn't even know there were "proper cardiac anesthetists" and I'm wondering who the hell was doing the job last time... the janitor anesthetist?) and Ford had no problems with his heart stopping or his blood pressure disappearing. Phew.
He made a quick recovery from the sedation and was back to his happy playful self within a few hours.
Neurology came by later in the day and confirmed that yes, Ford has suffered a second stroke, this time on the right side of his brain, probably caused by a wayward clot sometime over the last few weeks. Their assessment was that this must be responsible for the weakness in his left leg but that no new damage was occurring and Ford wasn't in any immediate danger.
Similar to last time there isn't much they can do after-the-fact, other than ensure he remains on anti-coagulants. The good news is that this recent event is nowhere near as big as the first stroke and that Ford's leg, which seems to be the only limb affected, is already starting to recover.
The bad news is that we now have pretty solid evidence that the doctors looking after Ford are the scum of the earth, that they are not only dismissive jerks, but reckless undereducated assholes too. Christa and I have been stamping in circles around our living room, trading and rehearsing verbal tirades to unleash come Monday. We are sick to our stomachs with the bullshit we've had to deal with this last week and, while we're not sure what can be done about it, somebody is going to have to deal with two very hysterical parents.
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Whew baby! That's enough to set your head spinning for sure. Exorcist style, round and round. OK guys, as they apparently say on attempts to climb Everest, dig deep. But how much more before you come out the other side, and find yourself staring at where you began? Round and round. Frightening and crazy-making. The bastards.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt in my mind, this little man is extraordinary. Just like his parents.
Holy shnikes, and really I'd like to use some more colourful language but I'll restrain myself. I HOPE that you guys don't hold back tomorrow, get it all out. And I HOPE that those Fellows are so shocked and ashamed at their incompetence and vanity that this is their wake up call and neither Ford nor another kid ever suffers for their ignorance and inability to LISTEN, EVER AGAIN. I am stomping my living room is sympathy and am sooooo tempted to come over and add my voice tomorrow. But I'll leave it to you.
ReplyDeletePlease give Ford our love, so glad he's smiling. Tell him I'll hope for a big kick from that left leg next time.
Ugh.
Bastards! (cardiology fellows/residents/students/doctors whatever/whoever)
ReplyDeleteYou sit every day watching his every breath, expression, nuance of body language and more and they are so damned dismissive of your thoughts!! These are valuable observations that can only be observed by consistant, constant, loving care!! THEY must included parents in the discussions. Your observation,thoughts,have value and must not be disregarded by these arrogant pricks.. GO GET THEM on Monday!!!
Give Ford a big hug and kiss from NanaXoxoxox
Sitting with you in this struggle, Christa and Nick, and holding you and your son in my heart each day.
ReplyDeletego right to the top, send a link to your blog to the 'people in charge', you have documented very clearly the evidence of their neglect. maybe you2 should start wearing lab coats, adding to and briefing new doctors on his file. xoxoxox
ReplyDeleteDoesn't sound like hysteria to me, Christa and Nick: sounds more like toweringly justified, astonishingly articulate fury; and a grievous thing it is indeed that you have reason to be contending with it, what with all the other stresses that swirl in wider or narrower circles around you and your beautiful boy! All I can hope by now is that all your rehearsing on the weekend got you well set to "let 'em have it" today. And that it helped, and will continue to do so.
ReplyDeleteAm I foolish to have expected that high-powered, expensive medical-specialist training would include courses (with labs and practica, oh, and recerts too) on appropriately professional attitudes, communications skills, and the like? Not to mention sturdy support systems to turn to after they've graduated, whenever they feel they're wearing a little thin in those areas, since nobody can say their jobs are not extraordinarily demanding. Unprofessional conduct is just not acceptable. Ever.
Do patients' families have ombudspeople at Sick Kids? No doubt you'd have found them by now if there were.
It's a relief to know that Ford is already making a comeback from his recent stroke--and that he had an easier time with the MRI process. If only his folks hadn't had to endure such a pummeling beforehand....
Enjoy your storybooks, Ford: such a one-year-old thing, leafing through them all by yourself, you precocious little character!
Love and hugs to all three of you.