
I was visited by a floor doctor, patient care coordinators, and daytime staff of nurses, cleaners, assistants, and food service staff. I could only drink broth, and it was delicious. I kept asking for the surgery kit with the special carbohydrate drink, and after 4 requests, I was told that now I would receive it in San Jose as soon as I arrived. I made them pinky promise. I also asked multiple times when my ambulance transport was going to happen, and I was put off multiple times without an answer. I asked for something to help me make a bowel movement. After 4 hours I was finally given something to help with the pressure in my belly. Remember, I could not put any pressure on my right foot or leg. I could not stand or sit. I was handed a bed pan to handle lifting my body all by myself in order to defecate without any assistance. At least I was issued 4 diapers for the transportation to San Jose.
At 5:15pm, exactly in the middle of rush hour on a weekday, the ambulance arrived to transport me to the other hospital. It took 2 hours plus more time to set me up in the new hospital room. The ambulance staff were incredibly kind. Unfortunately my UTI was not so kind, and I urinated through all of the diapers, pads, and onto the gurney. Perhaps the floor was wet too. I kept crying, saying I am so sorry, ashamed, and embarrassed. The ambulance staff lifted my spirits up, telling me that it was their job to assist, and to release any negative feelings about my condition during the travel.
When I arrived in San Jose, there was only one nurse who came in to see me after almost 45 minutes. It was too late for any food or water, except for my carbohydrate drink, which was to be taken the next morning. I hadn't eaten anything since August 4th except broth on August 7th. The nurse explained that they were extremely understaffed. At around 8:45pm, a doctor came in, saying he was my intake doctor who would put all of my information in their computer from the other hospital. I was asked to share why I was there. After 60 seconds I was abruptly told to stop talking. He said he could not do his work if I was talking. Wow. Just wow. He had a horrible bedside manner and obviously did not care about the patient at all. After he left the room, 2 nurses came in to finish the intake of my situation. They were much better at listening. I asked the doctor about my pre-surgery kit with the special carbohydrate drink which was supposed to help healing during the surgery and afterwards. He said that he didn't see it in the medical orders, so he was not going to give it to me. This is standard procedures for any surgery. I kept asking for my regular medicines as well, which were to be put in the IV and also given to me by mouth. This intake doctor either eliminated or changed some of my medications without even confirming with me what I was already taking! He completely dismissed me when I asked for the carbohydrate drink again! I think I cried a river of tears since August 4th. Both of the night nurses shared that this particular doctor was not compassionate or caring. He was not a favorite among the staff there. I cried myself to sleep. I prayed that the next morning's surgery would be guided by God.
Stay tuned for part 6 of my spinal surgery diary. Please share with your loved ones and on your social media.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
SuperiorSelf channel on YouTube