[Lekooks] Keeping You in the Loop

[Christina White]

Hi All.

Thanks to the somebody who shared my latest life’s chapter in Joys and
Concerns recently - I’ve been admitted to Hospice. Don’t fret; it’s not as
bad as you may imagine.  A couple of weeks ago, my pulmonologist suggested
that we consider talking to the hospice people. It seemed premature to me,
but sure - why not.

It turns out that I do quality for hospice services and here’s why. I have
continually declined over many months. I’ve never bounced back; just slowly
slipping down the slope. I have a lung disease for which there is no
therapeutic treatment; I won’t be getting better. So after Stephie and I
heard the details and the services, we agreed that it was a good idea to be
admitted.

Probably the biggest reason for this early admission is that the patient
can get to know the staff well. Then as time goes by, everybody is more
comfortable as more care is needed.

Medicare covers the expenses. They have determined that early admission to
hospice prevents costly hospitalizations and Medicare likes to save money.

They will cover all medications related to my lung disease, any equipment
and supplies, and staff as needed  (nurses and CNAs), and any
hospitalizations, but I’m not planning on going that route.  Currently, I
have a weekly nurse visit and my medications are dispensed and delivered.
Who wouldn’t like that?

I’ve moved to Iowa City to live with my daughter and her family. She’s a
nursing professor and my son-in-law is a chaplain. And if you’ve ever had a
conversation with me for five minutes, you know about my best friend,
Grandson Pip. Ten years old, but seems must older and wiser.

I’m in bed most of the time and using oxygen 24/7. I’m comfortable and
content. I can get myself up to the bathroom and into the kitchen for
dinner with the family. All of my planning worked out perfectly. I finally
moved from Oconomowoc on April 30.

I’ve always been open about my health issues. I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis
for 45 years and an associated lung disease for 15. I’m happy to continue
to share my end-of-life with anybody interested. Email, text, or call me.
It’s a learning process for all of us.

~ Chris ������
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