Monday, October 6, 2008

Update Part 2 (He's home!)

So, Thursday night the hospital bed had arrived, and we were expecting the Hoyer lift sometime on Friday. The bed is a piece of crap, as old as I am, and instead of two rails on each side (one at the top and one for the feet) there are only top rails. Oh, and they're old and badly attached, so I'm not sure they'll withstand all the tugging/pulling that Needlenoggin has to do to roll around in bed. We've fitted it with the anti-bedsore mattress cover Gloria provided for us, and got it all made up, waiting for him.

Friday morning my mother and I headed down to SCVMC early in the morning. The Hoyer arrived, and got set up, along with his monkey-butler (he'd asked for a telescoping chair and a monkey butler to serve him drinks. So far, no good on the chair, but here's Jojo):



We started on the training, which includes range-of-motion exercises, getting a wheelchair up and down a curb and medications (including shots, yay!), food schedules, etc. They were adamant about not giving him a power chair, so I decided to go buy the used one I'd seen an ad for. I thought we had this pretty under control, so Tuffy and I headed out to Monterey.

then, the medication crisis arose. Seriously, people, what a system. Seems that the medications, all 12 of them, were submitted to Walgreens under his Medi-Cal insurance. However, at one point Needlenoggin had filled a prescription at a Walgreens when he was still living with my parents, under their insurance, so Medi-Cal decided he had Blue Shield insurance, and that they didn't have to pay for anything. Umm...what? And, we learned that without a TAR request, Medi-Cal will only fill 6 prescriptions. Six. So the other six were going to have to be out-of pocket with one of them a $3500 a month medication, or he'd have to do without.

Which ones should he give up, though? the anti-spasm medication, his pain meds, the ones that treat his anxiety and depression? The ones treating his blood clots? Just one more HUGE problem with the under-funded healthcare system in the US, and how it is harming or killing poor people by making them choose which of their lifesaving medications they will get every month. Makes me so angry.

Anyway, so, after much discussion, we wheedled the meds down to 9 (some were redundant and some we could get over the counter (expensive, but still). We learn that Walgreens has to get a fax from Blue Shield explaining that no, he doesn't have coverage through them and hasn't for years, and then Medi-Cal will cover the 6 medications they want to. We have to apply for the others, and it will take 7-10 days. Needlenoggin will have to remain hospitalized for another week or more, and he finds this out on what is supposed to be his last night? That simply isn't going to work, and my father and I both said so. Eventually, he ended up paying for a week of the medications out-of-pocket (not cheap, either) so that Needlenoggin could go home while this whole mess got sorted out. We all struggled back to the lodgings for the night, and crashed.

Saturday morning dawned bright and EARLY and we all piled into the van, with BAGS of stuff, two wheelchairs (manual and electric) and a week's worth of expensive medications. We'd waited around an extra hour past what we'd planned waiting for someone to read his ultrasound and tell us if the clots in his legs were gone, but no one came. We told them to callus on Monday, loaded Rorysaurus into Needlenoggin's lap, and moved out.



We stopped for lunch at Fuddruckers (a place my family used to go a long time ago, when I was very little), had chili and burgers and fries, and had an enjoyable time.



Then, we drove the last few blocks home, and Needlenoggin rolled into his new home for the first time.



It was bittersweet, and I know this is going to be a rough transition for everyone, as we're working on getting the tables at the right height and navigating the corners of bedrooms and bathrooms. We're all very glad to have him home, though.

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad Needlenoggin is home. I hope everything gets straightened out as soon as possible. I hope everyone else is doing well!

Now, you just have to remember to take care of YOURSELF!


-face121

Barbara said...

Walgreens + Medi-cal ALWAYS sucks. There is always something that doesn't add up that takes more paper work that never gets handle in a timely manner.

At least you all are in a safe home now and best of all... you guys are right down the street now =)

Lisa said...

Glad he is home and you all continue to amaze me with your resilience. Maybe our new president in January can start fixing our broken health care system.

big hugs!
Lisa in Austin

Anonymous said...

So glad that he is home, and so sorry to hear that it continues to be such a difficult process. Hopefully, being at home, with all you around him, will be the best medicine of all!

Anonymous said...

Oh God. Carissa. I am so sorry things keep being difficult. I could SCREAM. AND I feel sick when I read about Andy's treatment. I can't imagine how you feel if I feel that horrible.

I didn't know what else to do, so I sent your blog site to Obama's campaign --- I'm not kidding. I sent them a link and a very short note and pleaded for them to shed light on your story. Your situation is the face of what is WRONG with this F**** healthcare system. I am so MAD that this is happening to you and countless others - like the poor f**** veterans that can't get good reliable healthcare.

Have you gotten some good response about $$$ help? I hope so. How is Rory faring? Your place looks like you've already put up pictures --- how in the world you have done that, I can't imagine where you find the time. I wish wish wish I could change your circumstances. And I hope that the days ahead get lighter and easier.

Karen

Anonymous said...

Karen-

What an awesome idea! Hopefully they do it!

-face121 (I'm an MTer too!)

Anonymous said...

we are so glad that and is home! we really hope that things start going better for you and your whole family. Wish we were not so far away and that we could be there for you more. we love all of you and we will keep you all in our thoughts.

love crystal and jas

Anonymous said...

Do you still have a Target registry for items you'd like for the new place? Can you put a link to it here? Thanks!

Cynmill from MT

Anonymous said...

Good words.

Anonymous said...

buy bactrim buy bactrim without prescription buy bactrim f buy bactrim es online without prescription buy bactrim without a prescription overnight buy bactrim online
[url=http://bactrim.eventbrite.com/]buy bactrim without prescription [/url]
buy bactrim online
glucophage kidney pain glucophage lungs glucophage and pcos how to take glucophage diabetes glucophage glucophage fort buy glucophage
[url=http://takeglucophage.eventbrite.com/]glucophage insulin resistance [/url]
how to take glucophage
libido proscar peronies proscar for hair loss proscar cheap proscar online generic proscar cheap flomax proscar research buy proscar no prescription
[url=http://proscar.eventbrite.com/]proscar spermatogenesis [/url]
proscar false readings
levitra dangers levitra 2007 generic softtabs apcalis levitra vs provigra buy levitra us levitra woman
[url=http://virb.com/yalevi]libidus [/url]
apcalis levitra vs
zithromax price buy zithromax 500mg zithromax urinary tract infection buy zithromax without prescription gonorrhea antibiotics generic zithromax 500mg zithromax z pack
[url=http://virb.com/bono]zithromax gastritis after [/url]
azthromycin
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[url=http://fotak.ru/stats.php?r=medicineandmishaps.blogspot.com]my blog[/url]
blog my

Anonymous said...

I am sure this article has touched all the internet viewers, its really really pleasant article on building up new webpage.
Review my web page - errol

Anonymous said...

Quality posts is the secret to be a focus for the people to visit the web site,
that's what this site is providing.
Here is my web blog ... ricambi nautica

Anonymous said...

Quality posts is the secret to be a focus for the
people to visit the web site, that's what this site is providing.
Also see my web page > ricambi nautica

Anonymous said...

I don't even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don't know who you are but certainly
you are going to a famous blogger if you
aren't already ;) Cheers!
Also visit my web page ... currency exchange

Anonymous said...

My partner and I stumbled over here different page
and thought I might as well check things out.
I like what I see so now i am following you.
Look forward to looking into your web page again.
Stop by my site :: bootszubehor

Anonymous said...

This is really fascinating, You are an overly professional blogger.

I have joined your feed and sit up for searching for more of
your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks
Also visit my web page :: Microphone Disable

Anonymous said...

I constantly emailed this website post page to all my contacts, because if like to read it afterward my friends will too.
My web page: www.onlinetreadmillreviews.com

Anonymous said...

Malaysia & Singapore & brunei greatest on-line blogshop for wholesale & quantity korean add-ons, earrings, earstuds, locket,
rings, bracelet, bracelet & hair add-ons. Promotion 35 % wholesale markdown. Ship Worldwide
My homepage : Baby Onesies

Anonymous said...

Hola! I've been reading your web site for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Dallas Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the excellent work!
Also see my webpage - click through the up coming article

Anonymous said...

Hurrah! At last I got a webpage from where I can in fact get valuable
information regarding my study and knowledge.
My blog - weight management Miami

Anonymous said...

Quality posts is the crucial to attract the users to pay
a quick visit the website, that's what this website is providing.
My web page: great summer vacation

Anonymous said...

Hi there to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this web site,
and your views are good for new viewers.
Feel free to visit my web page ... high performance organisations

Anonymous said...

I'm impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that's
both educative and amusing, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head.

The issue is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about.

I am very happy that I came across this during my
hunt for something concerning this.
Also see my site > outsource philippines

Anonymous said...

Does your website have a contact page? I'm having trouble locating it but, I'd
like to shoot you an email. I've got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

Look into my site - jobs in uk

Anonymous said...

Thanks , I've recently been looking for info about this subject for a while and yours is the greatest I have came upon so far. But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you positive in regards to the supply?

My page; web design indonesia

Anonymous said...

What's up, every time i used to check website posts here in the early hours in the morning, as i love to gain knowledge of more and more.

Here is my web site web design indonesia

Anonymous said...

This is a great tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
Simple but very accurate info… Thanks for sharing this one.
A must read article!

my weblog; d'nest Condo

Anonymous said...

I know this site provides quality based content and other information,
is there any other web page which presents such things in quality?


My page :: zorporno.com

Anonymous said...

It's very effortless to find out any matter on web as compared to books, as I found this post at this website.

Feel free to surf to my website: hotgirlsexcam.com

Anonymous said...

Hi, after reading this amazing article i am also happy to share
my know-how here with mates.

Here is my webpage - http://www.jnmassage.info

Anonymous said...

It's appropriate time to make some plans for the future and
it is time to be happy. I've learn this put up and if I may just I desire to recommend you some fascinating
issues or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles relating to this
article. I want to learn even more things approximately it!


My homepage ... best time to buy lawn tractor