I argued vehemently that I was neither a doctor nor a nurse.
I was a licensed Master Plumber and Pipefitter.
“Apparently, I listened.
Later, after another lengthy hospital stay, my wife was told she was going home with IV antibiotics.
I thought a visiting nurse would come by twice daily to administer them.
But I was told I was more than capable of doing that, too.
After just 22 minutes of training in the hospital, the responsibility rested solely on me.
I would be administering the antibiotic into my wifes PICC line twice daily.
The second bedroom in our house has become overrun with medical supplies.
you’re free to’t even see the two twin beds anymore.
Between the liver drains, the IV antibiotic, and the oral meds, I quickly became overwhelmed.
Fortunately, it was just a very intense panic attack brought on by all the responsibility and stress.
It made me wonder.
What if something happened to me?
Who would take care of my wife?
At least the paramedics wouldn’t have to destroy the front door to get in.
I watched the nurses from a distance in awe.
They were trained and certified in wound care and were really good at it.
With little emotion, she said,No.
Then whos gonna be changing the bandages?I asked.
You are,she replied.
Who was she kidding?
I couldn’t do the job of a certified wound care nurse and change the three bandages daily… On the first day, I made an instructional video of her from start to finish.
The second day, I did it with her help.
I did it again on day three while the nurse watched and critiqued me.
The wound care required for biliary drains is quite involved.
First, you must remove the existing bandages, beginning with theIV 3000clear adhesive.
Under theStayFixis the absorbent material.
We’re having a difficult time getting them from our provider.
They’re not cheap, costing $20 each.
Online, a box of 25 is close to $500 shipped.
Its a difficult job even for an experienced nurse.
I’m not sleeping well.
I occasionally lose track of time and forget what day it is.
I give a shot to put out a quality product despite all my other responsibilities.
I still need a paycheck.
Not all medical supplies are covered by insurance; many have become out-of-pocket expenses.
It’s all so fucking unbelievable, so surreal.
But its our reality, our new normal, and I wont let up.
