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Monday, January 17, 2022

Standing On Shaky Ground

stilton’s place, stilton, political, humor, conservative, cartoons, jokes, hope n’ change, Kathy, cancer, leukemia, hospital, COVID, lockdown, choice, dilemma, Fauci

Several weeks ago, I noticed an odd thing about the otherwise sturdy and modern hospital where Kathy is fighting leukemia. As is the case with most high-rise buildings, there is a little alcove where you wait to catch one of the multiple elevators. But oddly, the floor in that area shakes just a bit. Not a lot, but sort of a surprising amount for a building you don't want to collapse under you. However, I assumed that elevator shaft design probably was engineered for a little extra give and take.

In Kathy's latest extended (and ongoing) visit to the hospital, she was promoted to the 11th floor. The chair where I lived much of the day was between the windows and her hospital bed...and oddly, that floor was shaking too! Oh sure, tall buildings are built that way, but it still felt odd in an environment where unsteady patients are trying to do basic physical therapy tasks. 

Curious (and bored), I downloaded an app that would measure vibrations when you lay your phone on a flat service. I stood near the window area of the room and waited until things were shaking pretty significantly before putting down the sensitive meter and seeing that the vibration rate was...zero.

The building wasn't shaking - I was. And random little gravity waves were starting to suddenly pull on me - sometimes straight down, sometimes to one side or the other. And the condition was worsening. So I finally fessed up to Kathy and Daughter J, and made an appointment for a video visit with my doctor at 10 am today. I'm hoping he'll laugh and say "allergies," but I'm betting he'll say "we'd better look at that. How about an MRI as fast as you can possibly get here?"

But there's a doozy of a complication, because of course there is.

Since some damn fool gave Anthony Effing Fauci tax dollars to fund the creation of a seemingly unstoppable plague, the hospital is instituting a new COVID visitor policy today. I can live in Kathy's hospital room if I like, and even wander around the interior of the hospital. But if I so much as walk outside, then I'll be barred from the hospital until the new lockdown is over. And the previous one lasted eight months. And of course, the "stay or go" decision has to be made today.

Who knew Hell had this many circles, so much evil imagination, and such an interest in my family?

Kathy is a fighter but she's sick and tired of being sick and tired. She needs someone there to help (try to) keep up her spirits, as well as to act as her advocate while she has (hopefully temporary) hearing issues and chemo brain. On the other hand, she reminds me that I'm frequently boring as hell, and just having me stare at the wall in gloomy silence isn't the sure-fire good time that you might assume it is. She also feels like I can get more things accomplished for her on the outside rather than just turning into a sleepless, unwashed zombie who spends nights sucking air through a CPAP machine while sitting upright in a Naugahyde chair.

But if I don't stay, I might never see her again. Or at least I can't get that horrible thought out of my head. Maybe the hospital would let me back in (just once and if I get a COVID test) if Kathy starts having a rougher time. Or maybe this particular lockdown won't last 8 months, now that the Biden administration is throwing around unreliable free tests kits and ineffective masks while blaming the unvaccinated for carrying and spreading Omicron just like the vaccinated do. How can that not solve the crisis?

As I've previously established here, Kathy is something of a technophobe - so when I'm not with her, I'm really, really out of touch with her. That's hard for me to deal with for even a day...let alone for weeks of months, especially if I'm only getting short and cryptically terrifying messages from the hospital once a day.

I don't know what to do, but I'll have to make a choice today. Or maybe it will be made for me: if my symptoms suggest a real physiological problem, I'll have to leave the hospital and hear the lock click behind me. Or if Kathy gets a disturbing health update today, then my place is with her. Period.

Neither choice is good. Neither choice, based on current information, is clear. But here we all are anyway, in the world that Wuhan broke.

Your good wishes, back slaps, jokes, and prayers mean a lot, so please keep them coming. And you may want to pray for Kathy's nursing staff as well - some old guy keeps giving them Johnny Optimism books as a weird but sincere way of saying "thank you."

————————UPDATE————————

It’s just past 11 am on Monday and I want to update everyone and clarify a few things (which weren’t necessarily clear to me at the time of the writing above). SPOILER ALERT: Our lives haven’t gone to hell yet and hopefully won’t.

To begin with, it turns out that the lockdown isn’t for the whole hospital. It’s only for the oncology floors where patients range from “super-vulnerble” to “Oh, my God - don’t breathe on them!” And that’s a smart policy to protect our loved ones, especially since there are stupid people loose in the world. One patient recently had a visitor (you’re only allowed one per day) who felt sick and didn’t use a mask. Within hours, the patient also had COVID. So “trusting people to be smart and responsible” clearly isn’t a viable policy option.

Of my balance issue, my doctor of course wanted blood work and a CAT scan, but he has no way to arrange that at the hospital I’m stuck in. He also said it doesn’t sound like Parkinson’s or anything similar, so for now I can let it ride until, well, I can’t. Happily, it’s still at the “annoyance” stage.

Getting care at THIS hospital is hard, but again the policy makes sense. If a visitor feels ill, they need to report to the emergency room for examination and possible treatment. And sitting around in a waiting area with a bunch of people who are conceivably infectious. So we’ll say “no” to that for a while, but it’s an option. 

The visit from Kathy’s oncologist this morning gave us some vague new insights into where we are. She’ll continue getting chemo through her brain port (probably two injections a week). Then, since she still hasn’t achieved remission after her initial rounds of chemo, she’ll be starting a new round in a few days. The chemo itself will be somewhat milder this time, because of Kathy’s age and overall condition. Our goal is still remission and stem cell transplant.

As for my residency question, we’re going to take it day by day. I’m here for now, and each new day can be a “decision day” - with the possibility of hospital policy changing at any time to (hopefully) take the pressure down a few notches.

At the moment, things are going okay here, Kathy and I are in relatively good moods, and life goes on.

92 comments:

Charlie Niemi said...

Stilton,
I would say bring Kathy home.

I nearly lost my wife of 33 years to "sudden cardiac death" at the end of November. She survived thanks to an excellent team of EMTs and doctors, but I am taking each day as a separate blessing because
We.
Never.
Know.

Bring her home and enjoy what time you can, and cherish her as she deserves.

Blessings and prayers to you both,
Charlie

miniskunk said...

Don't worry, you aren't crazy. If you ride an elevator for enough time, you will get phantom feelings like you are still on it. I worked a job that required a lot of elevator use and it drove me nuts. The feeling usually passes within a day. Riding trains in areas with a lot of curves in the tracks for several hours can give a similar sensation of still moving. It will feel like you are slowly turning left and right for hours afterwards.

HankJ said...

Cheers and keep the faith

Anonymous said...

You still have my prayers, for your wife, daughter & you. Life sometimes is not fair, but God is in control. Please take care & hang in there. mary ann rohde aka ma

Mike aka Proof said...

Phantom gravity waves? Cool name for a garge band! Inner ear problems? Hope it all checks out fine. Make the best choice you can with the information you've got. That's all any of us can do. Trust God that He is able to make whichever choice you make, work out to your good.
We're praying for you and for Kathy. May His will be done in both of you.

Mrywidow said...

If you're basically living at the hospital during this time isn't there a patient advocate who can help you find a doctor/hospitalist there who would talk to you about your "vibration" issues? Surely in this (stupid) "time of covid" they may have some workaround for you? You can't be the only person over there who has developed a possible health issue and a (very valid) fear of leaving the hospital to get it taken care of... Best wishes and prayers for you and Kathy. Hang in there, Stilton!

Jim Lane said...

Here's hoping your head calms down, 'cause Kathy's gonna NEED it---! (Good luck, Stilt!)

JC said...

Best wishes for you and your wife. That's a tough space you're in. Ultra Low Frequency sound can have that effect. The elevator shaft is going to double as a mechanical chase, plumbing run, and major HVAC duct run. The ULF can and does show up as physical symptoms. Migraines, nausea, and dizziness are common. Hope your Dx is that simple.

Karl Uppiano said...

This irrational fear of a cold virus needs to end, especially with the advent of omicron. It's just cruel to separate families and forbid the visitation of loved ones. There's no excuse for this. A couple of months ago, our adult son took a trip to the ER (he's fine now). But at the time, the last time we saw him was heading down the driveway in an ambulance. Then radio silence. We couldn't see him, we couldn't get status or prognosis. Between HIPPA and COVID, we were cut off from our own son when he needed us most.

Unknown said...

I am certainly Praying right now for you and your wife. As you draw near to Him He will draw near to you. My Prayer is He makes Himself and His reality as real to you as your precious wife. God Bless You!

Julian C said...

I wish I knew something to say. All I can say is that I continue to pray for all of you nightly. I send you my love and heartfelt best wishes,

Jee said...

Oh my goodness, one thing after another. I pray every day for you and Kathy. God bless you with strength and peace.

DarkwingDave said...

Your love and devotion is exemplary. When I had the Rona last year, I was allowed no visitors. The hospital policy was (short version) if you're giving birth or dying, you get limited visitors. Otherwise, deal with it. You'll find your way to the right choice and being with and supporting Kathy is your calling. Praying for faith and answers for you, sir.

Anonymous said...

That's an awful and unnecessary choice due to a corrupt administration. See if there's a nurse willing to give you updates on a regular basis. I think you're going to have to leave and take care of business at home. You are not going to be able to camp out for long. That is the only realistic choice but I would contest the new restrictions every day they last. I am so sorry you're going through this. Prayers.

Rod said...

The situation is bullshit. And little notice. Following is just my opinion & who am I?

I'm thinking first rule of Rescue: Do not become another victim.
Also recall: Hospitals are not safe for healthy people.
Also: This action is for their benefit; NOT so much a service to patient & family.
And what does their staff do?
IMO it's part of the Big Fright. And a distraction, risk & cost reduction to them. They keep billing just fine; in fact they have less oversight when you're gone.

You're good with technology; use it to continue contact

Since you're there now (I think) stay for a while longer and make the needed arrangements until you need to get out, but then with new arrangements made.

Also (IMPORTANT) while there dig into the specific flow-chart type protocols they are following with Kathy then find where else offers those same protocols. Much of this is really just cookbook from some higher grade instition when many of them May have actually trained.

Get copies of all records to date. Yes they ARE for other doctors. Just give me the damned records or we'll have a problem here.

Discuss with other DRs /Hospitals. Are they all doing this?

Also keep notes of all things.; might be handy later.

Find an inside friend or two 'cause they work in shifts, discuss with them. You may need some inside folks. All: DRs and Nurses and Technicians

Of course discuss with Kathy and family, friends, etc Stay calm.


Then when have to get out... also be prepared to soon get her transferred or out.

Or they may change the damned rules again; but meanwhile get ahead of this.

Find another hospital; a better one.

Remind them if necessary, you are in the publishing business.

Invoices from this place go directly to trash or to an accountant and/or insurance company for full review.

Side-story not related to healthcare: I once was part of a contingent that was literally run out of a small oil-town in Siberia by nightfall. It was because of our complete asshole group leader. Off to the side I was told "Come back without "him". WE had no choice, we and our gear were all loaded onto a big Aeroflot helicopter and were soon out of there. Our client then decided if whoever we would be dealing with there on a potential project "co-op" there could not handle just one knot-head in the group (send HIM home and do business with us); none of us needed to return. That little town and a lot of nice people there did not get a big project which would have helped them all. Fault all around. This sounds a lot like being run out of a small community. Is it a worthy community?

All this is just my 2 cents and may easily be ignored. You all will know best.
Even deciding I'm full of shit might be helpful but it gives you some things to think about.

Maoz said...

Ditto what miniskunk said about phantom sensations of motion. I would spend the day at the beach, and once I got home, for the rest of the afternoon/evening, whenever I shut my eyes I'd feel the waves rocking me to and fro.

And of course, ditto to all the prayers and good wishes expressed above.

Dang that Mr. Murphy! You know, that guy with a law named after him. And here I used to think he wouldn't leave ME alone; but come to find out he's been two-timing me seriously. Demand a divorce from him!

Kent Whitehead said...

If you want my 2 cents I'd say stay put and see if you can get help for the shakiness in house. You need to be with Kathy. My dad was hospitalized for a fall in early April 2020. Long story short, we had to take him off life support and due to the covid rules only my mother was allowed to be with him. Thankfully after much discussion they let me join her. My other 7 siblings weren't allowed. I'm praying for Kathy and hoping for a full recovery but please don't risk not being with her no matter how it all turns out. Sorry for the gloom and doom but I feel it's important.

Jerryskids said...

Man, this almost sounds like somebody's got it in for you! Stay strong, don't let the buzzards get you down. Thoughts and prayers, still.

Jim Irre said...

If it were me, I'd stay put and see if I could get my problem figured out in-house, or I'd take my wife and go home. God bless you all!

Anonymous said...

Stress can cause many different physical symptoms. Not that you are under stress or anything. But it might be something to consider. Or it could be a Vitamin CM (Clan MacGregor) deficiency.

Prayers for your wife, you and family.

BobHe said...

Let the docs figure out (I don't speak French...but: tout de suite) how you can get tested in hospital and not violate their r u l e s.
Hugs, prayers, best wishes. Thinking of you & family,
Bob H.

Anonymous said...

Crap. I hope your 'vibrations' turn out to be just a minor condition. My Aunt had that condition when tending her husband in a VA hospice. Like you, she was often staying overnight, taking turns with other family members relieving her.

Turned out in the end it was stress related. I think it was called stress anxiety. She's doing fine now. No medications or treatments required.

I hope you and your wife get some relief soon. Also praying for your daughter's full recovery.

Anonymous said...

Dear Stilton and Kathy.....
Stay with her. ! .....at all costs! My wife had a stroke in December 2020.......no visitors for a month !! Thanks China and Fauci !!
By all means STAY with her !
We will continue to pray for both of you. You should pray for the Holy Spirit to place a blanket of strength, calm and healing during this long road. Be strong.
Wayne in Indiana

Fish Out of Water said...

I too add my voice with those who suggest a 3rd option. Surely despite the COVID factor, there are other patients/families in a similar situation elsewhere and accommodations for supporting family members is available. Especially considering the patient's well-being.

Beegee said...

Prayers for Kathy.

You probably do not want to leave the hospital before reading this article. Something to read regarding COVID and hospital regulations.
Twila Brase, RN, PHN
Go to:
https://www.cchfreedom.org/
and click on:
"COVID-19 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Immediate Steps to Reduce Your Risk of COVID-19 and "Long Haul" Covid Disease. JUST RELEASED!"

Sewbead said...

Is there anyway your doctor can write orders for tests to be done inside the hospital? If you can do a virtual appointment with him and then have the tests performed in the hospital then you don't have to leave. So very sorry you're having to go through all this. Prayers for Kathy's good health to be returned.

Bobo the Hobo said...

Retired hospital worker here.

Rod has some good advice. By all means, get the medical records. My hospital used to charge a dollar a page so there might be a charge for the information but it will be worth it.

If you can corner one of those elusive physicians you might want to have a chat about your family’s stay-or-go predicament. Yes, they “have other patients” but Mrs J is one of their patients too, and you need medical guidance. Do not let them put you off; sometimes one has to be a demented asshole to get their attention. In their defense, many physicians are unaware of a lot of actions instituted by hospitals so you might be providing them with much-needed information.

Another tactic could be demanding a meeting with Mrs J’s case manager, the CEO, and the Director of Nursing. Again, do not be cowed into submission. PRO TIP: there is an organization that oversees hospitals and nursing homes called Joint Commission (pronounced “Jay Co) JCAHO stands for Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Just as an FYI, this is the organization that can turn a hospital into a bed and breakfast. https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-jcaho-definition-accreditation-standards-requirements.html

(https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/for-consumers/take-charge/use-an-advocate-or-be-an-advocate-for-others/#a4967deec79344c490a058afccecb37c).

Good luck to you, Stilt. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Bruce Bleu said...

So, the only remedy for your dilemma is to get a JOB at the hospital, contract Covid, and THEN you will be invited to be in the hospital any damned time you want to be there. See... every silver lining has a cloud!

Snark said...

Stress? "We don' need no stinkin' stress..." But you have enough to cause an earthquake. So there's some shaking going on. Stay or go? Too many variables in that equation that I don't have info on for me to offer a direction. But ALL of us should take note that this is being done at the end of this pandemic. The point is to create more panic and distraction from a decreasing medical threat. Extend a crisis opportunity so it won't be wasted. Phony little tyrants, all of them.

Murphy AZ said...

Clear your mind of all the fear you can. Pray to the God you believe in for guidance. He will help you make the right choice.

The idea of bringing Kathy home has it's merits. There are numerous services that can visit to maintain her IVs and dispense heh meds. And she'd probably thrive in familiar surroundings.

God will guide you on the right path. It's what He does!

Chap said...

You gotta quit beating us all in the "terrible day" department, man. I'm losing out on bragging rights.

Philb3 said...

Prayers for you and your family. I also pray that you can maintain your sanity amid all the stresses you are facing.

Jack said...

Forrest W. Mims III, an electronics whiz, came up with a seismograph design for home construction. So I made one and determined that there really was shaking goin' on, a whole lotta. Well without Jerry Lee Lewis to bank on, I compared and discovered that I was the only steady guy around and that the rest of the world was moving at a nasty clip. Those knuckleheads were supposed to have fastened the thing down but didn't.

So now I am a blur to the rif-raf around me and I cannot even offer sympathy because they don't hear me either.

Coffeypot said...

Can you have your doctor call in a request for you to have an MRI at the hospital ER? Praying for you and all yours.

John said...

So very sorry you are having a tsunami in your lives Stilt. Someone mentioned many years ago that sometimes "healing takes place in heaven.." Prayers for both of you.

John
Educated Redneck in the Texas Hill COuntry

Nancy Dickerson said...

Oh! dear heart! Our choices are never easy, but this one is almost sadistically horrible! How can you ignore your own health issues if you must abandon your post by her side? May you have peace in whatever decision you must make. It seems one person suggested the possible solution of having your test at the hospital where Kathy is. Sounds appropriate. May God bless you and your family.

VideomanSS said...

Daily prayers for You and the family Stilt! Hang in there and keep the faith. We are all praying for you and the family!

Garrett said...

Wow, don't even want to think of what's next on your plate....tough decisions. Prayers and and good wishes for you and the family.

TrickyRicky said...

Wow Stilton, I can only sympathize with your sojourn into Kafka world. Please keep the faith and stay strong for Kathy. I agree with those commenting above that you should advocate strongly for diagnostics to be run on you in the hospital where you have already TAKEN UP RESIDENCE!

As for the Covid insanity, I ran across this Bertrand Russell quote last night:

"Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd."

Sounds familiar.

Fred Ciampi said...

Prayers and blessings still forthcoming.

MiamiSean said...

Stilton
First thing to do is keep up with HOSPITAL POLICY (which may change every day). I have been in and out of hospitals for the past year and a half. You may be able to take a covid test upon entering for clearance. And it is possible to get special clearance from administration - ask the HEAD nurse for the floor. Everyone will get covid, and the clearance for the latest variant is 5 days.
You'll probably have a head to foot MRI, so get ready. Or it may be put down to exhaustion, dehydration, etc. Is your daughter allowed in? Have her and Kathy call you while she's there.
Prayers. MiamiSean

Unknown said...

Man that bites. Hopefully this latest wave will peak and go away soon so you and Mrs. J can deal with this bad situation like normal people would be able to. Prayers for you guys!

SpectreRider said...

Stilton, it seems that you might be in need of some medical care. Why is it necessary to leave the hospital to seek out the medical care you need? I have heard people say that hospitals are actually in the business of providing medical care although I have no personal experience to confirm.

M. Mitchell Marmel said...

Used to have those phantom movements until I medically retired from a stressful job. Voila! No more shakes.

Check with a doctor. The hospital theoretically should have one or two knocking about the building...

In the meantime, you're not the only one with the shakes...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFEATdf-DW8

txchef said...

I used to be a professor in a graduate program for hospital administrators. One of our most popular electives was a course entitled "Arcane Alternatives" but also known as "Catch 22." The student who made the most innovative presentation at course end was give the Golden Asshole award for being most likely to exceed.

Whoopie said...

Considering all you've been through, I'm betting it's just stress causing those shakes. Either that or the Clan McGregor.

EJ said...

What Rod and BoBo said.

Prayers

Anonymous said...

Bobo the Hobo gave you very good information. Having worked in a hospital as a paper pusher for 20 year I recommend everything that was said. If you have your doctor ask for a copy of her records they used to be sent to them for free. GOD bless you and Kathy and your precious daughter. Prayers going up all the time for you all. There has been a lot of good info in all these posts, but you and your daughter and Kathy are the only ones that can make those decisions. Listen for the answers from the Lord. I know now I am asking you to hear voices but you will know when it is HIS message.

KELLY FROM WI said...

Continued prayers for all of you!

millard fillmore said...

I had a really bad ear infection when I was 10.And every tall building I go in (decades later,we won't say how many) feels like it's moving too much.So I stay out of tall buildings whenever possible.A long,boring way of saying you may have an ear infection.In these circumstances,Id stay with Kathy.But she's your wife,so I shouldn't.Find the showers in the hospital,if they let patients use them,they ought to let you.Have someone send you packages of new clothes and cleaning necessities(Soap,towels,deodorant,steel wool,etc).Or drop a rope out the window and hoist bags of supplies from a helpful confederate(or even a dang Yankee) surreptitiuously.Prayers to you and your family.If the readers can be of help,let us know.We are,after all,very sneaky and vaguely disreputable.

wendybar said...

Man, that sucks. Your family is in my prayers.

Sam said...

I've followed you for quite some time but have not responded before. I want you to know you're in the prayers of many, you and all your family. I wish I could do more. May God bless and bring healing and good news.

Anonymous said...

Sending many prayers for strength and courage to make the decision you and Kathy feel are best. I can relate to your pain and struggle. My husband is hospitalized with Covid (among many other miscellaneous health issues) and I have not been allowed to see him since they admitted him. May God help us all and may He heal Kathy. Praying for you to get a positive reading on your health as well.

Karnorsson said...

Good gods, Murphy just can't stop kicking you, can he? There's something wrong with that little psycho. I've faced choices between horrible and nightmarish before. You have my sympathy and support, for whatever that's worth.

Patrick said...

I wish I could fix this for you. My only advice is to attend to your perceived health issue. S as you know from my blog, I got hit with something as Kim last dying, and opted to “power through it” rather than take a chance on being pulled away from caring for her. I have permanent vestibular issues from that note. Get looked at.

Prayers continue

Paul Donohue said...

It's a shame that the times we are living in are adding to the many stresses already in your life.
I'm sure that you don't need my opinion added to the rest but I think that Mrywidow's (and others') suggestion that you try to have your diagnosis made in the hospital is an excellent idea.
While I've never worked in a hospital, I am a retired lawyer and I believe that Bobo the Hobo's advice is excellent, beginning with requesting all medical records. That, by itself, does a couple of things. It gives you the full record which may include things that you haven't been told or of which you are unaware. It also lets the hospital know that you are determined to do what must be done to preserve your rights and Kathy's and to take your other requests more seriously than they otherwise might.
I know that you want to stay with Kathy and I hope that you are able to do so but I suspect that she will understand if you can't.
Whatever your decision(s), I will continue to pray for you, Kathy and your daughter. May the peace of the Lord be with you all.

L.C.Clower said...

Thoughts and prayers, and hang in there.

Linda Lee said...

I've been traveling and am just getting caught up on email. Have skimmed some of the comments and there are good ideas all around. In a rational world, you would not have to make this choice. But we are living in a madhouse now. I don't know if anyone else suggested this already, but why can't the tests your doctor wants be done right where you are? And why can't he wait a while to see what happens? There are so many reasons for vertigo or tremors. You are sleep-deprived and have been under tremendous stress for quite a while. That alone could be the cause. Maybe the nurses could bring in a cot for you to sleep on; you can't be getting decent sleep sitting up. I'm so sorry you and your family are going through such tough times. I will add my prayers that you will have precious times even in the midst of such sadness and stress.

OldTexan said...

First of all this situation sucks, since I have no idea what you should do my suggestion is to be a squeaky wheel, persistent without going full Mr. Karen (yet). Gather in all the information you can from your doctors about Kathy and keep asking until you have the full picture, at time medical professionals like to give a best case scenario with qualifiers. I am sure you have done this already but the question should be, "Doctor, what would you do if this were your spouse in this condition?" Perhaps with full information and some honest answers your best course to take in the next few days will become obvious and in the meantime prayers and blessings will be heading your direction. I have no idea if my suggestions are good but there they are, I am so very sorry you and your family are in this situation.

Shelly said...

Did you piss off the devil in another life? This is too much for any family to have to endure. I'm still praying though.

John the Econ said...

I am speechless. I can't imagine being trapped in this scenario facing this kind of choice. I honestly don't know what to tell you, other than I will be praying for you today.

Anonymous said...

And the awesome news is "...and life goes on..."
Sending up many prayers for you and all your family...

Lee The Voice said...

Un dia ala vez mi hermano.

Stilton Jarlsberg said...

@Readers- I’ve posted an update on the main page and am currently settling in to my new home away from home. It’s nice having you all here with me!

M. Mitchell Marmel said...

@Stilton: Glad to hear things have settled down a tad. Sounds like you're not utterly trapped, so I recommend you take care of YOU for a bit. :)

Old Cannonballs said...

Maybe you can get Amazon to deliver a cot to your new home, so you won't have to sleep sitting upright in a naugahyde chair.

Brian Witherow said...

Several weeks ago I posted a comment regarding my concern for the Jarlsberg family. I don't post much but do enjoy reading the comments others post. But I felt compelled to let you know that I'm still praying for all of you and you all have me concern.

Unknown said...

Well Stilt, you and Kathy are going thru a real tough spot. Here's praying that all this passes very soon and then ya'll can try to get back to something resembling "normal". It's been almost 7 months since my wife died after a long fight with renal failure. I'm pulling for both of you. We made it 53 years together. I'm praying for ya'll. Hang in there!

Pete

Richard said...

Still thinking of and praying for you and Kathy.

Velveeta Processed Cheese Food said...

I agree with MMM: Don't forget to take care of yourself.

I've had a long history with lots of doctors, most of whom had no clue about my condition. The time I've spent trying to educate them, with mixed success, is considerable. Being an actual scientist (Ret.) I've always considered MDs jumped up technicians. So, I have to agree with the folks who say don't let them push you around.

Aunt Liz said...

Thanks for the update, Stilton! You and your family continue to be in my prayers!

TVAG said...

At the corner of "Rock" and "A Hard Place"--if you're not there, then I don't know where you are. Worse--that's a four-way intersection, the other streets being "Devil" and "Deep Blue Sea."

But as no less than Winston Churchill heroically advised, "When going through Hell... KEEP GOING!," and let's get you all back on Easy Street.

I also lend a voice to your "Choir invisible" who daily pray for you all. I might not have the volume nor perfection of pitch of a Pavarotti, nor the special attention of The Impresario, but I'm in there warbling my contribution. Listen carefully: I'm the one with the stutter, lisp, and bad adenoids of a bad Irish Tenor.

Just an errant thought, but if you should seriously consider bringing Kathy home, don't forget that all the tempting benefits aside, it might not be as "sanitary" as her current room being frequently disinfected. A thorough cleaning of her room (Lysol for mattress, fresh bed clothes, other surfaces, etc) might be in order first--a job I'm not convinced you're currently up to, and which might be beyond Daughter J in the later stages of her own recovery. Again, only a thought.

And another vote for an in-room cot! More and better rest might well settle that "shaky" feeling. All other advice on getting records, arranging your own medical testing on site, etc, is also gold and well worth your serious consideration.

We love you, Stilt, and need your wit as much as you need Kathy.

TVAG



Kathe Houston said...

Stilton
Prayers for all of you. Just finding this out and suck at computers and account stuff. Hope you receive this msg.
Love and prayers always

AmyH said...

No kidding! End this nonsense today.
My S.O. had multiple pulmonary embolisms in July of 2020. I couldnt go with him & got a few phone calls after the doctors would leave. A good chunk of the info was missing or wrong. This is utter madness.

Stilton Jarlsberg said...

@Readers- It’s a bit after 8 pm and I have a mildly impressive view of the Dallas city lights from our 11th floor aerie. Kathy is doing well, as am I, and Daughter J is holding down the fort at home. The good people who work here found a recliner to swap out from that weird and angular Naugahyde chair, so I should be in pretty good shape (I sleep in a recliner at home). I’ve never spent the night in a hospital before, so it will be interesting to experience the nocturnal visits to check vitals, dispense medications, etc. It will likely be a weird night, but I’ve got exhaustion on my side.

I’ve been informed that while I’m a guest of the hospital, I can have food delivered to the room for free. Unfortunately, there’s no open bar. I do, however, have an airline mini-bottle of bourbon, because that’s the kind of wild scofflaw I am.

I appreciate all the advice and will act on such bits as I can. I’m glad to report that my “condition” hasn’t worsened at all, so fingers crossed that it will actually start getting better. A few responses to comments (and my apologies that I can’t respond to them all):

@MiamiSean- I’ll definitely keep up with hospital policy, and I’m hoping it will change for the better in the near future. Then again, I don’t want them to change it so soon that it will endanger the patients. And no, Daughter J isn’t allowed in during the lockdown, even if I were to leave.

@ millard fillmore- There’s a shower here in Kathy’s room, but I don’t yet know if I’m cleared to use it because of her weakened immune system. I’ll find out, though! And the hospital is fine with family and friends bringing us packages, then calling hospital personnel to come out and collect them for us. So it’s not quite house arrest.

@Anonymous- I’m so sorry that your husband has COVID and more going on, and that you’re unable to see him. This whole situation is awful and it affects many, many more people than my family.

@Patrick- I won’t try to “power through” my condition if it doesn’t start healing soon (or if it gets worse). And I’ve thought about you and Kim a lot lately. Your blog has been very helpful and meaningful for me.

@Linda Lee- The folks here at the hospital are doing all they can to make me comfortable. This is really more about patient safety than them just being power-mad a**holes (grin). In many places, rigid COVID rules are an overreach. On an oncology floor like the one I’m in, they’re crucially important.

@Pete- My heart aches for your loss, and your prayers and support mean the world to me.

@Kathe Houston- Message received and greatly appreciated!

@EVERYBODY- Thank you for being who you are and for being here for my family!

retired wrench said...

Stilton I wrote a big paragraph on what I thought you should do and consider and realized I don't have a clue what you two have been through. I sincerely wish you both the best,hope Kathy gets the treatment she needs to recover. I hope you maintain your strength to keep yourself going and take take of her. God bless you both. Allan

TheOldMan said...

How is Daughter Jarlsberg doing?

George said...

What a beautiful support group all of you are. ❤ It's great reading these heartfelt thoughts from all. Stilt and Mrs. J, you will derive strength from everyone here. Content in knowing all the love and caring that's here! Bless you both.

Ben Rumson said...

Dear Uncle Stiltie, my prayers for you and your family continue.
I'm glad things are a little better.
Even though we have never met, I think of you as family.
I continue to share your posts with a fair amount of people, so that the prayer circle
does continue to enlarge.If I ever do get down to Texas, maybe after I retire, will bring you some 12 year old Scottish bottled water, maybe Abelour, one of my favorites.

All the best to you, Cathy and Daughter Jarlsberg.

You and your family are often in my thoughts.
Dan.

JustaJeepGuy said...


@Stilt, I have felt "solid" buildings shaking (slightly) many times over a few decades. I used to feel the floor of the main office of my credit union bouncing almost every time I went there. I'm (pretty) sure it wasn't ME! It's funny that I've never felt it in my smallish house, though.



Buck said...

Stilt, good morning. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and life events. My father (87 years young) is currently in a woefully understaffed hospital, yet I can't go see him, because of the plague...

Your strength is an inspiration and thank you for being here for your readers. May God Bless you and your family, and Keep Moving!

Semper Fidelis, Buck

Sortahwitte said...

We're still here, Stilt, and will continue to be sitting back, sitting here, loving you(all). You have a dedicated bunch of people who are continuing to hold all of your family up in prayer. We are standing with you. We may be funny looking and have a rather strange sense of humor, but we are with you. Love, Glen and Sioux.

OldTExan said...

Stilt,,,, I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about you and Kathy and I remembered my experiences in the same hospital both as a patient and the guy in the chair, it is hard stuff to do and it is most important to stay hydrated and get some decent food for nourishment and easy to get messed up if you don't. I have no idea if that is affecting your health but make sure you drink a bit too much water and keep yourself well fed and maybe that will help keep the building from moving around so much, anyway I thought I would tell you about my thoughts and blessings all of the time, day and night.

Stilton Jarlsberg said...

@Friends- It’s been a long and tiring day (Tues) so I dropped in here to soak up some support and wasn’t disappointed. @TheOldMan asked how Daughter Jarlsberg is doing and the answer is that she’s hanging in there, albeit by her fingernails. She misses and worries about her mother, she worries about her overtired father and the miles he’s racking up with hospital commutes, and now she’s on her own while still healing from major surgery (and healing quickly and well, thank heavens). I ache that I can’t be with her and Kathy at the same time.

Regarding my shakiness, it’s in fine form this evening (a bit after 9 pm) with the floor dancing a bit under my feet or, at the moment, under my chair. I’m hoping that some rest and better hydration and diet will put things to right. I’m ready to get off the Richter scale even though it’s only registering about a 3.

There’s more I could write, but not much energy to write it with and that hospital recliner is starting to look pretty good. So I’ll wish you all a good night, ask for those positive thoughts and prayers, and thank you once again for being our support group and so much more.

Anonymous said...

Being an old sailor your situation reminds me of my “Sea Legs” which always played havoc with me for a few days.
Don’t worry about that..
Here’s to many more years for you two to be together!

NaCly Dog said...

Prayers ascending for a happy outcome.

CenTexTim said...

I ran across the following quote and immediately thought of you and your family:

“Dear life, when I said: ‘Can my day get any worse?’ It was rhetorical, not a challenge.”

However, I think the next one is just as applicable.

"Life never seems to be the way we want it, but we live it the best we can."

Continued best wishes and prayers. Stay Strong!

KELLY FROM WISCO said...

Thank you for posting some updates, probably not on the top of the list, but I am sure everyone appreciates it a lot. Continued prayers!


Mark from Florida said...

blessings and prayers for you and yours. And thankyou

Goldenfoxx said...

I never got to say goodbye to my mothrr. She fell and broke her hip. I wasn't allowed to see her. I am sad for that.

George Tirebiter said...

Hang in there, Doc. Thoughts and prayers your way for your beautiful family and you.

Stilton Jarlsberg said...

@Goldenfoxx- I’m so sorry for your loss and these damnable circumstances. So many people have been hurt...