Dear Camilla (and list), Camilla and I have been writing each other about what consequences even temporary hospitalization can bring to me, in the event that I go through a temporary absence of overnight caregivers starting Dec. 26th, which looms ominously close. The reason I am afraid is that, as a visiting family services social worker told me on Thursday morning, unless I have a care plan as consistent as the hospital social worker wants, she (or he) may prevent my return home, and actually make me instantaneously "homeless." Part of what is going on is that although I am a "Young" onset PWP, hospital social workers in general see PWP's who are NOT young, nor in good condition. The fact that I drove my Chevy Blazer to the store in a cold rainstorm today won't impress them. So where's a young PWP to go to find someone to help out if a deep OFF period occurs at night alone? From a hospital's point of view, extra precaution, especially in the lawsuit-filled world we live in, is understandable. I think I can find friends to go to for a night, if I am trying to leave a hospital that a doctor might have put me into for a one-night stay.. But, until I DEFINITELY have a solid commitment, even brief hospitalization would jeopardize me even MORE than would staying here alone for a night again. The problem is I don't want to burden people during the holiday season with a PWP who needs help, so i am reluctant to ask my friends--it's pushing certain boundaries too much, isn't it?? Both of my doctors oppose temporary hospitalization, even though it seems like a good emergency strategy. But then neither has EVER seen me in a really deep OFF, at night, when my meds have worn off when I am sleeping. Neither knows what it takes to get me going if I wake up in an OFF. So the phrase you used, Camilla, in a post to the list, -- that I could use a miracle -- is so true. But then, we could ALL use a miracle. I believe in miracles. But I don't plan on them! Camilla, I'm posting this to the whole list - it seems too relevant to go only to you. Thanks as always, IVAN ^^^^^^ WARM GREETINGS FROM ^^^^^^^^^^^^ :-) Ivan Suzman 49/39/36 [log in to unmask] :-) Portland, Maine land of lighthouses deg. F :-)rain f reezing into glare ice ******************************************************************** On Mon, 21 Dec 1998 16:32:58 -0500 Camilla Flintermann <[log in to unmask]> writes: >I just don't understand why you fear never being allowed >back---hospitals >these days are notorious for kicking folks out TOO soon ---maybe your >fear >is unfounded? > > > >>Camilla, >> >>NO. But each has seen me off somewhat. SO they don't understand. >>I'm afraid it's nearly impossible. SO I am just as uncertain as you >>about what to do to avoid being hospitalized, and NOT ever being >allowed >>back, if it is an emergency. > > > > Camilla Flintermann, <[log in to unmask]> > CG for Peter, 80/70/55 co-owner, CARE list > > http://www.newcountry.nu/pd/members/camilla/one.htm > > > "If the only tool you have is a hammer, > everything looks like a nail. " > ----Abraham Maslow > > >