Discussions

I realize that we are under Covid protocol. My husband who is somewhat easy to confuse, was admitted to BGH last night at about 5:30. He went via ambulance due to chest pain, light headedness. I called at 8:00, was told his symptoms were reduced because of a nitro spray. We had not used nitro as he has a patch. His blood tests were fine, they were going to repeat and a decision would be pending when the doctor saw him. At 11:00 I called again, there was a decision to admit him.  
 
This morning, I called to see how he was. I was told he was doing fine...that he was asymptomatic and that the nurses were on rounds to call after 10. I called at 10:30, was told that he was doing well and resting. My husband called after that telling me had had a serious episode with extremely high blood pressure requiring anticoagulants injected in his stomach: he had been told about a blockage in an artery that he was going to Wpg to get a stent on monday: they were continuing anticoagulant treatment: other various physical problems that they had concerns about.  
 
I asked my daughter who works in the medical field to call about what the doctor had charted for him. The nurse used the very same words that she had with me. When pressed about the angiogram, my daughter was told that they had not confirmed that.  
 
My concern is that since I cannot go to his bedside. Why are we getting 2 different stories, one from the nurse and another from my husband? Who do I believe??? Any ideas?

I am so sorry you are going through this. It is a difficult situation to be in. If you are getting two stories go directly to the doctor treating your husband and get the fact from him/her.

The hospital has a patient care representative that you can report these situations to.

Although I completely understand your frustration (my family has been in your situation) per PHIA there is only so much they can share with you. I would call back during Mon-Fri daytime and ask for the nursing manager of the floor, speak to them, and request the physician phone you.

You may be able to visit, but have to ask. My mother got two different stories from two different people about visiting. My father was just discharged from being there for three weeks. My mother was allowed to visit.  
 
https://www.prairiemountainhealth.ca/visiting-hospitals-and-covid19

1) You start off by saying your husband, who is easily confused, was admitted to the hospital. Than you ask, who do I believe, the medical professionals or my easily confused husband. I’d go with the medical professions.  
 
2) Anticoagulants, which are injected subconsciously into the abdomen, are standard of care for every since patient that is admitted with chest pain ie- all will be prescribed an anticoagulant. Period. This is not case specific to your husband, and it is not indicative of an bigger issue, it’s ordered for every single patient with chest pain.  
 
3) They can’t know he has a blockage in an artery until DURING an angiogram. That’s what the angiogram is for. It’s likely that they SUSPECT a blockage and that is why they have requested an angiogram.  
 
4) As someone previously stated, PHIA prevents a nurse from develging information which has not been previously explained by the doctor. Most times, the nurses hands are tied. While we would love to tell you everything the physician has written in the chart, it’s against the law so please don’t take it out in the nurses. They are just trying to do their job. If the doctor has not taken the time to call you with an update, then that’s on them. It is after all the physicians responsibly to update you.  
 
5) officially, there are no visitors allowed in the right now. Unofficially, yes, there are exceptions... Palliative care, birth of child, etc. You have to understand that visitor restriction policies are in place to PROTECT the patients. Many of the elderly patients have not been out of their house in months, the last thing we want is for them to catch COVID 19 while in hospital. We need to limit the number of people in and out of the hospital thus the no visitation policy.  
 
6)The best time to call for an update is in the evening when the unit is less busy. Try calling tonight and expressing your concern. Ask if they have a date/time for the angiogram. If they don’t, it’s likely that St. Boniface hospital will call tomorrow with a appointment date. Be patient, these are very trying times for everyone.

that about says it all. Thanks for adding some clarity to a cloudy situation...

Thank you New times for taking the time to explain this in very basic terms and giving the other side of the story. With your des:cription I am assuming you work in the medical field during these stressful times, Thank you for your service.  
 
Edited by oldcowgirl, 2021-02-21 21:13:01

Thank you for your remarks  
 
1- my husband gets confused but come across as very aware. The hospital does not know him. His doctor has no hospital rights....he probably us unaware that my husband is there.  
 
2- I understand the covid protocol....my husband is self isolated in his mid 70's. So I do not want to go see him for fear of bringing something in. I am not complaining about this  
 
3- Since his "hospitalist" doctor has not communicated with me, I thought the nurses could have been a little more forthcoming about his condition. If they could not communicate with me, could they not have to me that the doctor would call?? I understand the nurses position but when my husband tell me what is going happening to him, I would expect to hot hear that he is doing very well.  
 
4 this is not my first rodeo with his heart condition, I know about the anticoagulant shots.  
 
5- he had just undergone several tests prior to admission, was told by specialist that the stress test he took diagnosed possible blockages. So I am aware that only an angiogram can positively diagnose where they are.  
 
6 thanks for your input. As a nurse, I'm sure you are speaking with athority but I am the only athority on my husband