Prayer request for Blackwater

[Artful]

Amen - and my prayers added

[Pb Burner]

More prayers sent for Blackwater.

[CastingFool]

Just prayed for Blackwater.

[Blackwater]

Gee whiz, guys! I finally log on to ask for prayers, and fine you're way ahead of me. There is NOTHING like good CHRISTIAN friends! NOTHING! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Long story short, or as short as I can make it, last Wed. I got a virulent stomach virus that pretty well knocked me flat. Then, ironically, it turned into plugging me up, and no OTC help would move it. Finally, after 5 days of self meds with OTC, I checked into the local ER Mon. p.m. They ran some tests, but never told me what they found, and stuffed me into a room, apparently on a "wait and see" basis. My kidneys failed a few years ago, and nearly took me out. My kidney doc is one of those real savants you only meet once in a great while, and he literally saved my life. He told me my creatin and potassium levels were off the charts, and he could not fathom why I didn't have a stroke or heart attack! But it just wasn't my time, I guess. Since then, we've identified the culprit in the kindney failure as a grossly oversized bladder, acquired no doubt to excessive intake of liquid refreshments (no alcohol) to keep me going. Now, I can't fully empty that bladder, and thus, some sediments remain and slowly develop into an infection, and I have 3-4 a year. It's just my life now, and I keep very close tabs on it and know when to go get meds to kill the infection. This has worked for several years now, but something happend with that stomach virus, and I was told that there's a type of UTI that CAN plug up both one's bowels and bladder. I didn't know that, and that may be what I'm up against now, but tests are still out.

The big flap at the hospital was because despite my specific and oft repeated requests to be told what was going on, what kind of tests were being run and why, and what results had shown, I got a big silent treatment, and was consistently told that they were "working on it," and that they were awaiting more test results, and then they'd get back to me, which never happened. My life is pretty dear to me, and I took exception to being treated like a child.

Out local hospital was sold to a "for profit" group, and it's never been the same since. I know quite a few folks who work there, and to a person, they're all truly "golden," and really apply themselves intently and diligently to their work. The problem comes in the "defensive medicine" being practiced there as a matter of policy. It seems some Harvard MBA wannabe (or maybe the real thing?) determined the way to conduct business in a hospital and not get sued is to not communicate to the patient what they're doing, lest someone find some basis for a lawsuit in so doing. This is NOT the practice of "medicine," but legalism, and I do NOT deal with this stuff lightly nor well.

But I was so sick and in such desperate need of help, I put up with MUCH more of it than I normally would, had I been in a better state of health. But even so, I stewed over it, and repeatedly made my demands clear that I HAD to know what was going on. But every effort met with deaf ears and a total lack of response. Apparently, I was just supposed to sit there like "a good little patient" and take whatever they felt they "owed me," which apparently was zero explanations of what they were doing, why, what they were looking at as possibilities, etc., etc. No test results were given me, or even anything more than they were doing "blood work."

Well, today, an older lady doc that seemed totally PC and thought I was just going to be put off yet again by her empty reassurances that they were doing "all they could," came in for her 2nd visit with me, and I asked why I wasn't receiving any info that I'd demanded. She tried to bat that away with more glittering generalities that they were studying the problem. Naturally, when you're in pain, you need to hear more than that in order to have any faith at all in them. Also, kidney problems are not very well understood by most medics, and I was NOT getting much faith in the ones I was seeing! So I finally lit into her, pointedly but insistently, asking her why she though I didn't have a right to know what was being done, when I knew for a fact that I was ENTITLED to this info.

She had no answer. Then I lit into her saying that if she had no answer, then she clearly must know she was in the wrong in withholding that information from me, and that if this was how she practiced medicine, then she wasn't actually practicing medicine, but legalism, and I was entitled to better, and was NOT going to settle for any less than what I knew I was entitled to receive, and that she would NOT be treating me ANY further if that's all she had to offer, and that I was already considering leaving AMA and going to see my kidney and unriary docs tomorrow, who I COULD trust, and who WOULD give me the info I needed to feel comfortable with what was being done.

She left nearly in tears, and seemingly humbled, but with no visible indications of remorse or repentance, as the PC tend to do when they get caught with no real answers and someone won't quit asking "all the wrong questions." I hate to say it, but after all I'd been through, I really didn't have any sympathy for her. That's not really a "hard" view, it's just a recognition that SOMETIMES, a line has to be drawn and some folks just have to know we do NOT have to sit and humbly await whatever they feel like giving us. Now, I feel bad that I was put in such a position, but I still don't regret one word I said.

This hospital has long been known to be not a good place to go if you want to be kept abreast of what's being done on your behalf, so it's not like I'm the first person to register his displeasure, though most just take their stuff and walk on to Savannah or wherever for treatment. If that's all that's done, why should they change when so many keep letting them get away with this kind of stuff?

Guys, it's been said long ago by much more honest docs than the ones I saw through this ordeal, right up until the last, that doctors bury their mistakes. And I guess if a patient has no knowledge of what he's dealing with or what a proper course of action or investigation might be, they really have no choice but to take whatever the docs tell them they need. But this was far from my first rodeo with these issues, and I was NOT about to be treated like some child.

I finally told the staff, who were the best part of my experience there (they really have some great floor staff there!) that I was tired of the treatment and the ignoring I was being subjected to, and was signing out AMA, and would see my known quantity docs I knew I could rely on tomorrow. They felt like this reflected on them, and I took great pains in praising all they had done to at least try to help me be as comfortable as possible, especially through the pain and all. They were truly stellar, and FAR better than the docs I'd had experience with there.

Some sort of "Pt. representative" came around to try to talk me out of it, and I very respectfully explained that they'd been great, but my quarrel was with the idjit docs, and their total and inexcusable lack of response to my persistent and increasingly insistent questions. I'd started low, and raised the ante to whatever level I felt I'd had to, and I felt I was OK until tomorrow. So they took out the Foley and the IV from my arm, and prepped me to leave. The pt. rep. was actually kind'a amused at some of the stuff I'd told her, and obviously knew better than to think my leaving reflected on any one BUT the docs and their total lack of response to my reasonable and necessary questions.

After she left, a new doc I hadn't seen before by the name of Dr. McCracken came in and tried one last time to "determine the problem," and I very respectfully recounted the list of grievances I had, and let him know I knew I was ENTITLED to explanations, and if this hospital didn't think I was, then we had no further business together. He actually seemed to understand, and to his everlasting credit, DID tell me some of the tests they were currently running, and why and they were waiting on the results to come back at that time.

I knew my docs could get the info, and I also knew they could be relied on to communicate with me and let me know what I was facing and what I could do on my end to help. That's really all a guy in my position CAN do, really, and I was just unwilling to settle for anything less than that when I knew I was entitled to that. Thus it was that I left, and at least all the floor staff seemed to know my quarrel was NOT with them, because I got many smiles on my way out. Some seemed to almost be saying "I'm glad somebody finally told these docs a thing or two because we can't."

So again, I guess I created what many would call a "stir," but I was NOT going to suffer the treatment I got gladly and just "suck it up." That CAN actually get you DEAD sometimes! So I'm off to my 2 specialists tomorrow to see what they want to do with me. If they want to keep me in the hospital, with them treating me, I'd be fine with that. The staff is great, and as long as they are my docs, I know I can depend on them to keep me informed and appraised of the things they're working on, and the direction they're heading in, and any changes in direction that are indicated. Now THAT is a REAL doc!

And these 2 guys have taught me diligently what I need to watch for and what I can do to enhance my successes. A guy in my position can have no greater friends than these. And they're both really good guys socially. One is from LA, an old cajun and a real whiz at nephrology, who devotes some of his time each year to go afield on Christian based missions abroad where guys like him are more than golden, and he is tireless. He and his dialysis staff got my kidneys working again after a few months of dialysis - and THAT was a gift from God of MAJOR proportions.

Saw in the paper recently where one of the black guys I'd been in dialysis with and got to know a little about, died, and his eulogy was glowing about his character. I think he just didn't have the knowledge and know how to help himself very well. Some dialysis patients are like that. I thank God continually that He gave me back enough of my kidney function to not have to have that any more. Have to make big concessions to what and how much I eat, and some may think I'm a bit morbid at how I keep track of the color and any cloudiness in my urine, but .... I'll take that. I'm a LOT more humble than I used to be, and even then, I THOUGHT I was a pretty humble guy - just not "mousey" humble. But I've always spoken up when I saw things I thought were wrong and needed to be addressed. I used to hate doing that. Now, I see it as more of a privilege, a veritable gift from God.

So folks, I'm not out of the woods yet, and I very, very sincerely appreciate your continued prayers. I need them right now, and my church will have me on their prayer list as well, and probably a few more churches because of friends I have there.

You guys have been a shining light in my life for a long time, and at the very point in my development as a better Christian, more willing to go upon the errand for my Lord. I'm still not very good material for that, but God seems to take the willing and give them whatever they lack, to achieve His ends. I'll always be grateful to each and every one of you for what you've meant to me along this way we travel. You're just golden in my book. Thank you, and in all honesty, I already feel better just knowing you guys are praying for me. The power of prayer is truly amazing, once you come to really understand it, its power, and its purpose in our lives. You guys awe me at what you collectively do together. You really, honestly do. You matter, and you matter FAR more than you'll probably ever realize.

And if you have a "for profit" hospital near you and you find them practicing "defensive medicine" on you, and you find yourself at the point where it's really not a big problem to sign out AMA, and simply explain to the "powers that be" WHY it is you're leaving ..... who knows? It might just make a difference, especially if you're not the only one.

Does anyone here know who this kind of "patient abuse" can be reported to that might intervene and get at least some of it sorted out better? People in need of a hospital don't have many people who can often know how to get the best results for them. One doesn't have to go far these days to find horror stories of things that happen in hospitals, and the worst part is, some of them are actually true. Who can things like this be reported to???? I plan on looking up and writing some of the key folks at the local hospital, but I don't kid myself that this is likely to do anything but wind up in the trash cans. After all, they've been getting away with this stuff so long, why worry about one idjit redneck down in the swamps???? I guess I'm a sucker for lost causes??? But once in a while, something good does seem to come out of it, at least, and I can never anticipate which ones that will be, and which ones will be like the monolith in "2001: A Space Odyssey." At least it'll go on record that I tried with what I had to work with. (shrug) I'll take that. I guess I don't have much choice, except for those few times where something actually moves. I just wish I saw that more regularly. How could we ever come to just accept the things we do today???? I just can't understand it.

We so often give them license to continue, because we sit mute. I've always figured if I was going to be abused and mistreated, some sort of equal and opposite force MUST be applied if we're ever to actually see anything move. Whining and complaining surely hasn't done much for us! Time to go beddy bye now. Been a very long day. Thank you all more than words can say. I now have more confidence that it's all gonna' work out to the good, somehow. You guys really matter. Thanks.

[jmort]

Just saw this and praying for your recovery and that you live out your full days
Sorry to hear about the hospital treatment

[retread]

My prayers for Blackwater. You know his needs more than me. I pray that you will be with him and guide him during these difficult times. May he rest in the peace that is found only in you. In Jesus name. Amen

[jcwit]

Thank God you're still with us. May The Lord Bless you and may you return to full health.

[Boaz]

Blackwater you stirred up a hornets nest . Lot of folks concerned about you brother . I'm sorry your having trouble and will continue to ask the Lord to intervene , we all need him daily . Lot of people rallied quickly here when it was thought you might have trouble , much prayer . Get better and keep us aware of your situation .

[No_1]

Prayers sent! Get well Brother! If you need anything just ask.

Take care,
Robert

[square butte]

Prayers sent up for you Blackwater. We have been through it quite a few times with m Mother and Brother. My Wife was a Nurse/Nurse Practitioner/ Nursing Prof. for 35 years. Every time she showed up - the hospital used to send down a lawyer with the Doctor. No good answers many times

[trapper9260]

Sorry to hear about how they treat you.There is one so call place that is here also just about that way. Stand up for yourself like you are and prayers sent your way to get well.

[Half Dog]

I am currently witnessing the power of prayer. I will pray for you too.

[buckwheatpaul]

Father, Blackwater has some serious health issues that only You can cure. Please guide Blackwater in the right direction to restore his health. He has been a faithful witness in "OUR CHAPEL" and I am praying that You restore him unto us. Amen

[GhostHawk]

Hang in there Brother Blackwater! Been praying for you and will continue till you say stop.

[Handloader109]

Prayers for you.
I think that there is more "Practice" in the medical field than most people realize. The human body is pretty complex and we tend to pump up with a lot of drugs, OTC are probably the worse, that can really react with each other and cause situations that the MDs can't readily determine cause. And it sounds in your case, there is a repeated issue that tends to flare up. A LOT of MDs want to test till the cows come home. My daughter is in her final semester of diagnostic sonography, Ultrasound to us lay folks. Wants to focus and work as cardiac ultrasound tech. Been at local hospital for hands on training, (actually pretty interesting way they teach, BS degree program, last two years really in program, first year at the teaching hospital, Classroom part week, and rounds hands on at various local hospitals and clinics watching and being taught. Second year she's back home, online classwork only, and working in various hospitals for 6-8 week stints actually performing the exams) Sorry, rambled, but long and short, she has seen MANY patients come in with request for certain part of body to be scanned, Heart, liver, etc, and they find nothing wrong. Requesting MD says, Yep, just what I thought... And then goes looking elsewhere for the problem. This is WHY we as consumers pay so much for medical care. Unnecessary testing. And Ultrasounds aren't cheap, (yes cheaper than MRI or CAT) but not a $50 exam.

Good luck to you Blackwater and I pray your regular MD can take care of the problem!

[jcren]

Prayers sent

[Blackwater]

Gee whiz, guys! You're the most humbling group I think I've ever associated with, and I've associated with a lot of folks in my time, so that's no small comment there! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I may well be fighting for my life or at least staying off dialysis. Don't quite know yet, but have contacted both my specialists that I trust and should see both today. Have an appt. at 12:30 with one, and will probably go back to the ER to have the Foley reinstalled. That's actually a pleasuer compared to being without it, believe it or not! Not much of a real pleasure either way, but at least maybe with my regular and very highly trusted docs, I'll be able to have some faith in them and get back somewhere near what serves as "normal" now. I do SO much miss casting and shooting, and I won't be getting much of either done for a little while, at least. Talking about it and my experiences helps keep the passion for it up, and I keep learning stuff here all the time. The Chapel here, though, is really special. Nowhere like it on the whole 'net that I know of and certainly haven't even heard of anything like it. So many great Christians with their own unique views and perspectives and interpretations, and something to be learned from each one! It just can't get much better than this! Thanks to all of you. You guys matter out of all proportion to your numbers.

[nagantguy]

Geez Blackwater; I hope my hog hunting stories and gental cajoling to buy that 38 cal mold from ya would put you in the hospital! I'm real sorry! ; figured you could use a good laugh! Welcome back was very happy to see your name at the end of this thread! Sounds like your fighting spirit it is still in tact! Take care and God bless!

[edler7]

Prayers for you, Blackwater. Your body may be sick, but your spirit is healthy !

[big bore 99]

Prayers sent.