Wow, Laura, that sucks beyond the telling of it.

Steph, how's your dad doing?

He's home -- he got discharged yesterday evening after the angiogram. The angiogram showed no change in his arteries/veins from last year -- he does have small blockages in 2 veins, but they aren't total blockages, and, more importantly, the cardiologist said there is no change in them since last year, which makes him think that the pain Dad was having is not cardiac-related.

Which in and of itself is good, because the heart needs to keep on ticking, but the problem now is figuring out what the cause of the pain is.

Getting him discharged was a NIGHTMARE. He had to stay for at least 4 hours after the angiogram, to be sure the incision site was closed. So by the time they started the discharge process, it was about 8:30. His nurse went over the list of his medications (and he takes a TON -- like 15, or something, and I'm not kidding), and listing each one, and then asking him, "Do you know which one that is? What time do you take it?" Like he was 3 years old, or something. He was getting REALLY angry, and I can't blame him. And then she said "I have to go take care of another patient, and then I'll come back and get a wheelchair so you can leave." And Dad's reaction was basically to pick up his duffle bag and walk out of the room, because he didn't want to wait. Which, again, I can't blame him for. And the nurse yelled at ME -- she said "Don't let him do that!" And I told her "He is an adult and can do what he wants. Also, he's the parent and I'm the child, and I can't MAKE him do anything." So there was a big fuss and someone went to get a wheelchair and finally we left, at almost 9:00.

I also understand why they want the patient to leave in a wheelchair, so I'm not badmouthing the hospital on the wheelchair front; it was just the last straw in a VERY long day, and Dad really wanted to go home. But that nurse was really lousy.

Laura, I'm not surprised you haven't wanted to talk about it. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with it--I wish there was something concrete I could do or suggest.

Stephanie, what they all said. I wish you the best possible outcome for you and the kids.

sumi, glad you're home! And yes, it was wonderful of you to keep us updated.

Maria, I said in Natter, but I'll say again, I'm relieved and happy for you.

Steph, all good thoughts to your dad.

Erin, I'm glad you're on the mend.

Billytea, that is one handsome little dude! Thanks so much for sharing the photos--they brighten my day considerably.

Arrgh, Steph. Did they have a reasonable explanation why he had to wait so long for the angiogram in the first place?

Arrgh, Steph. Did they have a reasonable explanation why he had to wait so long for the angiogram in the first place?

The cardiologist said that it was entirely an issue of staffing and "bad" timing, that they don't have the staff to do "elective" procedures like Dad's (no, he really did refer to the angiogram as elective) on a weekend, because what would happen if an actual heart attack patient came in?

I understand the math, but I disagree with understaffing hospitals. I also strenuously disagree that a diagnostic procedure on a 70-year-old man who's had 5 heart attacks is an "elective" procedure. (And I get that they use it to distinguish between an emergency procedure, and non-emergency procedures, but if he had used the term "non-emergency procedure" instead of "elective," I would have been WAY less pissed.)

I'm exhausted. And still just really stressed out -- even though the situation is over, the stress doesn't turn itself off like a faucet, you know?

I'm about ready to start a mantra of "Fuck Banks" the way we do about cancer.

Also soulless bureaucrazy in general, including hospitals!

Apparently it doesn't take any staff to keep someone it the hospital for three extra days.

Apparently it doesn't take any staff to keep someone it the hospital for three extra days.

Right? I mean, why not let him go home for crying out loud?

I wonder how many nurses it takes to cost the same as a cardiologist? My guess is at least six.

So, Frankie costume #1 is kind of a bust. The lion's mane is too heavy and I don't think he'll tolerate it for long. So now I have to text my friend C and see if she can help me whip together an elephant costume this afternoon. Oy. Not sure it's worth the hassle for $20 and a chance at a prize, but honestly I'd love to dress him up regardless.