Been here two days. Less than ten minutes after arrival at Jon's house, and we were on our way to emergency room. And it's cold, windy and rainy. Am I reaping bad karma?
Fortunately, they admitted him to hospital; he's still there; means I can get my to-do list done ... unfettered by distractions (hopefully).
Passed myself off as his out-of-town cousin, so as to gain family-level access (lying comes naturally to those in certain professions, or so I'm told). It's serious, but now better. Took to e-room (him in a cab, me following, because he was physically unable to climb into my Jeep). This at 8:45 PM. Poked, prodded and tested for five hours. At 2 AM, decision made to admit him to hospital. Won't go into graphic detail, but the attending nurse was previously a post-surgery wound-nurse for five years, meaning she's seen a lot. The appearance and condition of the fistula grossed her out; her words (none too happy myself). Drained 500 ml (that's 17 oz) of "stuff" from it. Left hospital at 4 AM; grabbed a bite to eat and a quick nap; returned for 7 AM meeting with physician. After doctor's pronouncement that recent treatment missed the mark and was ineffective (you think?), looks at his watch and says, "I can have you in surgery within the hour." And so it happened. Was aggressive in what he did while in there, doing what should've been done some time (months) ago. The delay made this thing evolve to a whole different (worse) level. Jon's feeling and looking considerably better when I left hospital earlier this evening.
Great news about Jon, thanks for keeping us informed. I'm sure he knows it already but wish him all the best from all of us
Amen! Thanks to delay, it's tunneled into areas best not tunneled into. The medical term for the condition, as it now exists: fistula-in-ano. While Jon's in the hospital (another two days they say), taking care of deferred issues around the house (expected; after all, he's been semi-invalid for past several months), and focus on getting store-related records and deliveries up-to-date. And if I'm not back home at least two days prior to Thanksgiving (and my birthday), my wife will put me in the hospital in the aftermath of the severe beating she promised to administer.
Sounds like the VA in the 80's ...It was a crap-shoot....between them killing or not. I have the honor of being married to a trauma nurse from the shot and stab clinic (71-73) Tarrant county. 2 Panther
3:30 AM in Ponca City, and all's well (mostly) Exciting day. Jon released from hospital. Exaggerate not, when I say, 1000% improvement, thanks to surgery. Back to his animated self (time for me to get outta town! ). Actually mobile, meaning able to walk without doubling over, and can climb into Jeep. Returns to hospital once-daily for wound repacking until told otherwise. Picking him up at 9 AM for first such visit. Celebratory dinner last night at his favorite restaurant, Enrique's Mexican, at Ponca City Airport. Good food. Good conversation. Two fast talkers. Sight to behold. International Headquarters, J.S. Burley's aka The Forum Store This morning's excitement. Motel life: catching up on the news, watching CNN at 1:45-ish AM, when the bed began to shake. Are you kidding me? I'm experiencing my second earthquake in as many weeks? In two different states? A fracking earthquake?! (Not a freakin' earthquake, but a fracking earthquake). On Nov 2, Phoenix-area had fairly rare 3-quake cluster. Biggest 4.1. Mild as quakes go, but gave house a good jolt. Epicenter just ten miles north of my house. Now, this one in Oklahoma. According to US Geological Survey's site, epicenter in Enid, about 45 miles from Ponca City. 4.2. Desk clerk say the chandeliers and hanging plants did a little dance.
Some folks discussing Jon, the store, forum etc, in another thread, and tagged me. Will speak to some here, in a few minutes (it's 3:30 AM, so I'm moving slowly; conned politely talked desk clerk into making a pot of coffee, for which I'm patiently waiting ).
Unfortunately, VA's less-than-sterling rep is well-deserved in many instances. Breaks my heart to hear stories of Iraq/Afghan vets not receiving what/when they should after 2, 3 or 4 tours. Unconscionable treatment, after giving so much. And I griped about just one visit @ RVN? Not any more. But, to be fair, I owe VA big time. Quite by happy accident, they saved my life 12 years ago. So I can't be too mad at them.
