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Date Posted: 19:22:22 01/05/07 Fri
Author: Richard
Author Host/IP: 77.detroit-09-10rs.mi.dial-access.att.net / 12.75.21.77
Subject: Stuff... malnutrition, bureaucracy, assertiveness...

I suppose most people are a mixture of aggressive and passive. Some learn to become assertive from being more passive. I have or am learning to be assertive from being more aggressive. I am gun shy about being assertive because of my great concern for not aggressing people anymore. Since I fractured my pelvis last Christmas morning I have had only a few meals that work with my short bowel syndrome. William Beaumont Hospital is very large hospital with a very large hospital & medical centers network. Yet, their administration has admitted not being “short bowel syndrome” hospital on a couple of issues. I just could not get their food management to step out of their box to even hear my request for a most simple change in the type and quantity of food I need to accommodate my short bowel syndrome’s needs.

Beaumont has transferred me to a nursing and rehab home that is a Beaumont facility. I could not even get a dietician to see me. I have lost many pounds since I have been hospitalized. I went to rehab yesterday. The therapists are quite amazed at my physical strength and eagerness for being 61 and my medical history. They are very knowledgeable and dedicated to getting me well. Today, I am starting to feel the effects of malnutrition. When the therapist showed to take me to therapy I told them I was too weak to go. The day nurse who told me that the dietician was not in today and told me not to worry because there was not anything I could today (Incl. the weekend) anyway. The physical therapy therapist was pushy about it I guess. In the meantime, I asked to see the nurse supervisor. In the ensuing time, the day nurse came back in and told me that I am at the home because of rehab therapy, if I don’t go, Medicare would not pay them and would bill me… fat chance, bill me because of my disability… Americans with Disabilities Act… here I come. I also let them know that I was in contact with the University of Michigan Medical Center, which is a short bowel syndrome specialty hospital. Presto, the nurse supervisor was in my room. I got my 2 liter pitcher to mix my oral rehydration solution, which they would not give me until I saw a dietician, and the dietician assistant was informed of my general dietary need. My dinner was moderately suitable and I bet when I do see the dietician Monday it will get much better. Being accretive works! And of course money talks. Oh, it turns out the nurse supervisor is one of the great persons. It seems even in monolithic bureaucratic systems there are many good people who can help a person in need. “Mary” could listen with more than just her ears. In honor to the therapists dedication I did agree to do a half session in my room.

Thanks for listening,
RICHARD

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