In the business world there is a concept called "professional distance." This is a concept that outlines best practices for mixing your personal and professional life. Especially, the relationship between an employer and employee. Mixing your personal life and professional life (if you are a boss) with an employee can cause lots of issues. I think there is also a similar concept in the medical world as medical professionals need to keep a certain "professional distance" from their patients. I know there are very clear guidlines for Doctors and Nurses relating to relationships with patients. This is becoming a much bigger issue now, as a result of social networking as it is very easy for a patient to be facebook friends with their doctor or nurse. It is a very tricky issue.
Taking it one step further...I have thought about this lots in relation to our situation in the hospital. We have been cautioned many times not to get emotionally involved with "the kid in the next bed." This is good advice as we have had so much to deal with in our own lives...it would add so much more stress to start to worry about some of the other kids you see in the hospital and risk getting emotionally involved. This has become a big issue for us lately; as in recent weeks we have received several waves of bad news regarding some of our friends we have made in the hospital. A couple of these situations are very serious and quite troubling. It really does get you down, as it just seems like one thing after another. Then you start thinking "when is it going to be our turn."
In reality, it is very difficult not to get to know and be involved with the families and staff that you meet in the hospital. We are on a first name basis with so many people. From the Lab Techs who take Russell's blood, to people you meet in the waiting room, or families we exchange e-mails with. You can't help but develop some relationships and get attached. I think it is extremely important that you maintain perspective and ensure these are"healthy" relationships. You cannot dwell on the negatives (and there are a lot of them.) As we have become friends with many families and have gone through struggles with them...we choose to be thankful and think positively about our own situation. We have had our rough times but right now we are "OK" and we choose to live in the moment. There may be some hard times ahead (for us) but thankfully...today...things are good! This does not mean we don't empathize and feel the pain others are going through. God gave us emotions for a reason...I don't think it is wrong to use them.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter ... and other things!
Happy Easter to all,
I've been fairly quiet on here lately. I guess we can assume that no news is good news. I suppose its true. I have been very busy in the past month. Managed to squeeze in a trip to Calgary in an amongst a bunch of meetings and trying to keep all of the balls in the air at home. Busy is good...keeps me out of trouble.
Thankfully, Russell has been doing great. His eyes look great after his eye surgery and we are very hopeful that the correction is permanent. His biggest achievement of late is that he has finally made it onto a growth chart. We have been getting close for a while now and we finally made into onto the curve. It's amazing to be average! Nicole starts soccer in a couple of weeks so that will be one other thing "to do."
About the election...
Inevitably health care comes up in these elections. I'll save everyone lots of hassle...want to solve health care problems? It's called cash! You can be a little more efficient or hire a doctor here or there and tweak the system...bottom line is you need tons o' cash. Any idea why we had to go to Edmonton for Russell's and Susan's care...I'll give you a guess. They have gobs of cash in their province and they can recruit and hire big name Doctors and pour cash into Alberta Health Services. It is also well known that Alberta Health is one of the more ineffciciently run provincial health care programs. So I will make a bold logical step...strong economy = better health care. It's not complicated.
If I have learned anything since getting intimately involved with health care is the huge cost, in dollars, it takes to keep someone alive. Everyone knows about the aging population and that people are living longer. People do not often talk about kids like Russell who would never see their first birthday had it not been for new (and very expensive) technology. I would love to see Russell's bill for our stay in Edmonton. I know a few facts. Our basic stay in hospital cost the Manitoba Taxpayer about $1400.00 per day. That is just a bed...nothing special. I was told that the cost of a stay in PICU can nearly double. Then add the cost of two open heart surgeries, dozens of procedures, and on an on. The cost is staggerring. I think everyone can understand that the word "thanks" means a whole lot more to us now.
My intent in not to minimize the human element of what health care is trying to do...but the harsh reality is that none of it can happen with out the dollars to support it. The biggest challenge of the next 20 years is to figure out how to pay for it. In many ways I think we will not have a lot of choice about what direction health care takes, despite what political party is in office, as it will largely be dictated by how much we can affrod to spend. Harsh...but true.
I've been fairly quiet on here lately. I guess we can assume that no news is good news. I suppose its true. I have been very busy in the past month. Managed to squeeze in a trip to Calgary in an amongst a bunch of meetings and trying to keep all of the balls in the air at home. Busy is good...keeps me out of trouble.
Thankfully, Russell has been doing great. His eyes look great after his eye surgery and we are very hopeful that the correction is permanent. His biggest achievement of late is that he has finally made it onto a growth chart. We have been getting close for a while now and we finally made into onto the curve. It's amazing to be average! Nicole starts soccer in a couple of weeks so that will be one other thing "to do."
About the election...
Inevitably health care comes up in these elections. I'll save everyone lots of hassle...want to solve health care problems? It's called cash! You can be a little more efficient or hire a doctor here or there and tweak the system...bottom line is you need tons o' cash. Any idea why we had to go to Edmonton for Russell's and Susan's care...I'll give you a guess. They have gobs of cash in their province and they can recruit and hire big name Doctors and pour cash into Alberta Health Services. It is also well known that Alberta Health is one of the more ineffciciently run provincial health care programs. So I will make a bold logical step...strong economy = better health care. It's not complicated.
If I have learned anything since getting intimately involved with health care is the huge cost, in dollars, it takes to keep someone alive. Everyone knows about the aging population and that people are living longer. People do not often talk about kids like Russell who would never see their first birthday had it not been for new (and very expensive) technology. I would love to see Russell's bill for our stay in Edmonton. I know a few facts. Our basic stay in hospital cost the Manitoba Taxpayer about $1400.00 per day. That is just a bed...nothing special. I was told that the cost of a stay in PICU can nearly double. Then add the cost of two open heart surgeries, dozens of procedures, and on an on. The cost is staggerring. I think everyone can understand that the word "thanks" means a whole lot more to us now.
My intent in not to minimize the human element of what health care is trying to do...but the harsh reality is that none of it can happen with out the dollars to support it. The biggest challenge of the next 20 years is to figure out how to pay for it. In many ways I think we will not have a lot of choice about what direction health care takes, despite what political party is in office, as it will largely be dictated by how much we can affrod to spend. Harsh...but true.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Sniffles, Coughs, Fevers, and an Election
It's been a fairly quiet week. Yesterday was a nice sunny day, and I was able to take the kids out in the yard for a bit. Spring seems to be taking it's sweet time in getting here.
About the only excitement this week was a visit from the sneezes and sniffles. Susan, Russell, and Nicole have all been battling some form of a cold this week. Fortunately, I have been spared to this point. Our weekend, has been fairly quiet as no one is really up for anything, except Russell. He is the most active, short-tempered, beligerant little sick kid I have ever seen. A cold does not slow this kid down.
Speaking of "ill tempered" children...it seems we are in the midst of a federal election. A very brief period of time where the citizens of this country are actually asked their opinion. A unique opportunity that we should all be thankful for and give careful consideration in choosing leaders to guide our nation. Unfortunately, this is an election that no one really wants and most people don't really care about. If opinion polls hold, we will likely be right where we started at the end of this election, with another Conservative minority.
Just so you know my personal opinion...I'll be voting Conservative. I just didn't want that to be too mysterious. I respect other people's opinions and I am OK with folks who are a little more left-leaning. No one is perfect and I believe in forgiveness. I just thought it would be fun to spice this blog up a little and talk politics.
My concern is "who" will be voting and "why" do they vote. Voter turnout is actually quite pathetic. People should take this much more seriously, and I wish they would. However, if people don't care and don't educate themselves I am very happy that they don't vote. I think it is interesting that many new Canadians, those who have immigrated here only recently have a better handle on our political system than many Canadians who were born here. When you go to the polling station I think you should have to fill out a short questionnaire before you get your ballot. This shouldn't be complicated. I think when you go to the polling both you should know who the candidates are and the parties they represent. I am wondering how many people would actually get that wrong. It's kind of scary when you think about it. I think we should have an "open-mind" and consider the options when we vote, but do the rest of the country a favour and educate yourself before you vote.
About the only excitement this week was a visit from the sneezes and sniffles. Susan, Russell, and Nicole have all been battling some form of a cold this week. Fortunately, I have been spared to this point. Our weekend, has been fairly quiet as no one is really up for anything, except Russell. He is the most active, short-tempered, beligerant little sick kid I have ever seen. A cold does not slow this kid down.
Speaking of "ill tempered" children...it seems we are in the midst of a federal election. A very brief period of time where the citizens of this country are actually asked their opinion. A unique opportunity that we should all be thankful for and give careful consideration in choosing leaders to guide our nation. Unfortunately, this is an election that no one really wants and most people don't really care about. If opinion polls hold, we will likely be right where we started at the end of this election, with another Conservative minority.
Just so you know my personal opinion...I'll be voting Conservative. I just didn't want that to be too mysterious. I respect other people's opinions and I am OK with folks who are a little more left-leaning. No one is perfect and I believe in forgiveness. I just thought it would be fun to spice this blog up a little and talk politics.
My concern is "who" will be voting and "why" do they vote. Voter turnout is actually quite pathetic. People should take this much more seriously, and I wish they would. However, if people don't care and don't educate themselves I am very happy that they don't vote. I think it is interesting that many new Canadians, those who have immigrated here only recently have a better handle on our political system than many Canadians who were born here. When you go to the polling station I think you should have to fill out a short questionnaire before you get your ballot. This shouldn't be complicated. I think when you go to the polling both you should know who the candidates are and the parties they represent. I am wondering how many people would actually get that wrong. It's kind of scary when you think about it. I think we should have an "open-mind" and consider the options when we vote, but do the rest of the country a favour and educate yourself before you vote.
Monday, March 28, 2011
The Season Ends
Yesterday the bubble burst. It was a great run, but unfortunately the Tar Heels season ended late yesterday afternoon. It would have been great to have the season extended one more weekend; but it wasn't to be. I went to work this morning and promptly folded my bracket neatly and placed it in the recycling bin.
Some may wonder why a prairie boy from Manitoba might become such an ardent supporter of a school somewhere in the mid-atlantic states. There are a few reasons...the strategy, the college hoop-la, and if you ever get a chance to see a major US college campus...they are really something to see. I've been to Chapel Hill North Carolina and to Lawrence Kansas and both did not disappoint. Both schools, KU and UNC, lost yesterday afternoon. Wasn't a good day. Anyway....as we get closer ot October 15th, my web browser will make more frequent stops to my favourite basketball websites as "this" season slowly fades from memory.
Seasons like this past one are some of my favourites. The championships are nice, but I think I best remember the seasons that didn't quite end so well. Some of my favourite teams were marked by unproven freshmen that played beyond their years and were just fun to watch. They would win big or lose big, but either way they were fun to watch. Some of my favourites were the 99-00 Kansas, UNC 02-03, and UNC 05-06...these were some fun teams to watch. No championships in those years, but the best was yet to come. This seasons version of the Tar Heels had no seniors that played any significant minutes; starting two freshmen, two sophomores, and a junior who had never played a full season due to injury. This team can all return next season...who knows if that will happen...but its interesting to think about. This team was written off in early January after an ospicious start to the season in Puerto Rico, some mediocre games through December and an ugly loss to Georgia Tech in early January. Things were not looking great...then the point guard issue got resolved and it was "game on." (by the way...where is Larry Drew). It's fun to watch a team come together and get better with every game; and this team got exponentially better from mid January to the end of the regular season. The final regular season game against Dook was the best game they played all season...even considering how well the played in the last few weeks...that game...they beat up the Dookies and in the end isn't that what really matters...beating Dook.
Yes...i'm pouting today; did I not mention the reason for doing this blog is largely therapeutic. Sports is a nice diversion from the day to day, but unfortunately the season does have to end. So who will I cheer for next weekend? I think it is interesting that either VCU or Butler will play for the title. Would be nice to see Butler take it; after coming so close last year.
Some may wonder why a prairie boy from Manitoba might become such an ardent supporter of a school somewhere in the mid-atlantic states. There are a few reasons...the strategy, the college hoop-la, and if you ever get a chance to see a major US college campus...they are really something to see. I've been to Chapel Hill North Carolina and to Lawrence Kansas and both did not disappoint. Both schools, KU and UNC, lost yesterday afternoon. Wasn't a good day. Anyway....as we get closer ot October 15th, my web browser will make more frequent stops to my favourite basketball websites as "this" season slowly fades from memory.
Seasons like this past one are some of my favourites. The championships are nice, but I think I best remember the seasons that didn't quite end so well. Some of my favourite teams were marked by unproven freshmen that played beyond their years and were just fun to watch. They would win big or lose big, but either way they were fun to watch. Some of my favourites were the 99-00 Kansas, UNC 02-03, and UNC 05-06...these were some fun teams to watch. No championships in those years, but the best was yet to come. This seasons version of the Tar Heels had no seniors that played any significant minutes; starting two freshmen, two sophomores, and a junior who had never played a full season due to injury. This team can all return next season...who knows if that will happen...but its interesting to think about. This team was written off in early January after an ospicious start to the season in Puerto Rico, some mediocre games through December and an ugly loss to Georgia Tech in early January. Things were not looking great...then the point guard issue got resolved and it was "game on." (by the way...where is Larry Drew). It's fun to watch a team come together and get better with every game; and this team got exponentially better from mid January to the end of the regular season. The final regular season game against Dook was the best game they played all season...even considering how well the played in the last few weeks...that game...they beat up the Dookies and in the end isn't that what really matters...beating Dook.
Yes...i'm pouting today; did I not mention the reason for doing this blog is largely therapeutic. Sports is a nice diversion from the day to day, but unfortunately the season does have to end. So who will I cheer for next weekend? I think it is interesting that either VCU or Butler will play for the title. Would be nice to see Butler take it; after coming so close last year.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Battling # 2
For anyone who has kids or pets...you get to see your share of "Poop." You just deal with it. It is part of life...and that's that. In our case, we have had to endure months and months of poop. Our poor little boy...(without getting into a lot of detail) has had to deal with diarrhea. This has been going on, off and on, since the transplant. The one thing we have learned is that Doctors are absolutely fascinated with Poop. For several months last summer we actually kept a poop diary. So what do you write on a poop diary??? Good Question. You learn really interesting ways to categorize and describe poop. All factors must be considered. Quantity, frequency, colour, consistency, texture...the list goes on. After a while you begin to think you are going off the deep end. I think the frustrating part is that the poor little boy who is the subject of this exposé of poop, is the one who has to suffer through this. We have tried just about every different kind of diaper rash cream known to man, with marginal success. When we were starting to get very concerned about the state of Russell's bum I sent a somewhat desperate e-mail to our Doctor with the Subject Line: "Russell has a Red Bum" Apparently, that e-mail was distributed around the clinic, as the Doctors found this quite amusing.
So this is what this whole experience boils down too. We have been at the cutting edge of medical technology with world renowned physicians, traveled thousands of miles and what does it all result in? Me...running down the hall in excitement, with a diaper in my hand, to show my long suffering wife a semi solid BM. Now picture that. Can't buy entertainment like that. Then there are the poor souls who have had to endure dinner at our house, as Susan and I discuss the "poop diary." Doesn't everyone do this??
I do like to make a point; and I guess this is it. Life is simple. No matter how much we try to complicate things it always boils down to the simple things in life. Our life is complicated, as most people's are, but I think we need the constant reminder to slow things down and deal with our issues one step at a time and to stop and enjoy the little things. Even if that little thing is in your son's diaper.
Note: How about the crushing defeat of Duke last night? Life is good! All we need is a Carolina win tonight and all would be well in the world!
So this is what this whole experience boils down too. We have been at the cutting edge of medical technology with world renowned physicians, traveled thousands of miles and what does it all result in? Me...running down the hall in excitement, with a diaper in my hand, to show my long suffering wife a semi solid BM. Now picture that. Can't buy entertainment like that. Then there are the poor souls who have had to endure dinner at our house, as Susan and I discuss the "poop diary." Doesn't everyone do this??
I do like to make a point; and I guess this is it. Life is simple. No matter how much we try to complicate things it always boils down to the simple things in life. Our life is complicated, as most people's are, but I think we need the constant reminder to slow things down and deal with our issues one step at a time and to stop and enjoy the little things. Even if that little thing is in your son's diaper.
Note: How about the crushing defeat of Duke last night? Life is good! All we need is a Carolina win tonight and all would be well in the world!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A Good Cause
I got a call from the Lung Association the other night. Nothing big, just a typical call from a vollunteer looking for other vollunteers to help canvas in the neighbourhood. It wasn't a professional telemarketer, so I was a little more recepetive. Unfortunately, I had to decline and I joked that lungs weren't our organ of choice...after all we are "heart people." I'm sure the person on the phone thought I was a little "off" but it was the truth.
It's an interesting place that we are in. There are so many good causes...how do you chose to support one over the other. I think its really important for people to get involved and vollunteer, give financially, and support in any way that they can. Unfortunately there are huge needs out there and it can make deciding how to give support a complex proposal.
I think that is one way in which our life has actually become simpler. It is really clear to me what I need to do and what causes I should be supporting. There are some very distinct opportunities I have been presented to me; an opportunity to get involved in a way that is a unique fit for us. The interesting twist for me is that I have been able to combine some of my professional skills into some of the causes that I feel passionate about. It is a real win-win.
Today was a day in which I started on a new project. I have become a mentor to an up and coming HR professional. This is a formal relatonship setup by our professional association. This should be a fantastic learning experience for me and I hope that I can provide some guidance to someone who is beginning their career. This is not a charitable cause but it is something I feel is important and which I have a passion for. The HR profession has been very good to me and I think it is right to give back. The same way that I am working with the College of Registered Nurses or the Stollery Children's Hospital. These are all organizations that I have a unique insight into and have unique experiences to share. It makes such a big difference when you really believe in what you are doing.
Now that I have done a promo for vollunteerism; it's time to get back to watching basketball. By the way...I picked Richmond to beat Vanderbilt...of 12 games so far...I have 11 correct picks....take that!!!
It's an interesting place that we are in. There are so many good causes...how do you chose to support one over the other. I think its really important for people to get involved and vollunteer, give financially, and support in any way that they can. Unfortunately there are huge needs out there and it can make deciding how to give support a complex proposal.
I think that is one way in which our life has actually become simpler. It is really clear to me what I need to do and what causes I should be supporting. There are some very distinct opportunities I have been presented to me; an opportunity to get involved in a way that is a unique fit for us. The interesting twist for me is that I have been able to combine some of my professional skills into some of the causes that I feel passionate about. It is a real win-win.
Today was a day in which I started on a new project. I have become a mentor to an up and coming HR professional. This is a formal relatonship setup by our professional association. This should be a fantastic learning experience for me and I hope that I can provide some guidance to someone who is beginning their career. This is not a charitable cause but it is something I feel is important and which I have a passion for. The HR profession has been very good to me and I think it is right to give back. The same way that I am working with the College of Registered Nurses or the Stollery Children's Hospital. These are all organizations that I have a unique insight into and have unique experiences to share. It makes such a big difference when you really believe in what you are doing.
Now that I have done a promo for vollunteerism; it's time to get back to watching basketball. By the way...I picked Richmond to beat Vanderbilt...of 12 games so far...I have 11 correct picks....take that!!!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The Eye Surgery
Well...the one thing I have to say is that every procedure that Russell has is always a unique and different experience. This whole process with the eye surgery was quite different than what we are used to.
Whenever we have anything done it is some how related to his heart transplant. This was not the case with the issue with his eyes. Not related to his transplant or any of his past cardiac issues. So as a result, we weren't treated special...we were just another routine patient getting a day surgery. After you get the "special" treatment for so long...being ordinary really sucks.
Our day started early...around 5:00 in the morning as we had to be at Winnipeg Children's Hospital for 6:00. This gives the day ward a chance to do all of the prep-work that needs to be done. We headed down to the operating room waiting area around 7:30 and after a few discussions with the Docs Russell was off to the OR around 8:00. We weren't allowed into the operating room, which was totally new to us. Even when Russell had his transplant we gowned up and took Russell right into the operating room and placed him on the operating table ourselves. The last thing Russell would see was us before the aenesthetic took over. This was not our experience yesterday. This was a little upsetting as Russell is very aware of what happens in hospitals and it would be nice to be able to comfort him before he went "out."
The procedure was quick as we were talking to our Doctor around 10:30 or so and went to see Russell in recovery around 11:00. We were told that this whole process would be quick. We are so used to the Heart Caths that are an all-day adventure, we just assume we are going to be at the hospital all day. Russell woke up fairly grouchy and stayed that way. His eyes were shut and quite puffy...all normal part of the procedure. We were told that he may not want to open his eyes for some time...as they would be quite irritated and scratchy. Being blind did not really go over too well with Russell, or us for that matter.
After we got Russell settled, with some help of a narcotic, we were discharged and were on our way home. We got home around 2:00 PM and spent the rest of the afternoon trying to keep Russell settled. He was really irritable and there was no indication that he was at all interested in opening his eyes. With a little help from Tylenol with codeine we got Russell to bed for the night. Fortunately, he slept well all night. In the morning, he was still not opening his eyes. Through the morning he wanted to do more things and was much less irritable. Finally, around lunch time he began opening his eyes and within a couple of hours he was running around like normal. When I got home from work, other than his very red eyes, you would never have known anything had happenned.
Our first look at his eyes have given us some positive indications that his eyes are much straighter and he seems to be interested in stopping and looking at things...all very encouraging. We have a follow-up appointment next week so we'll see what the Dr has to say about the results. From our perspective...so far...so good.
This is hopefully the last procedure Russell has to endure for sometime. There are a few appointments already set for April and May but we are feeling good that the nasty stuff is behind us. Hopefully, we will have a nice quiet summer with an occasional visit for blood work and not too much else.
Whenever we have anything done it is some how related to his heart transplant. This was not the case with the issue with his eyes. Not related to his transplant or any of his past cardiac issues. So as a result, we weren't treated special...we were just another routine patient getting a day surgery. After you get the "special" treatment for so long...being ordinary really sucks.
Our day started early...around 5:00 in the morning as we had to be at Winnipeg Children's Hospital for 6:00. This gives the day ward a chance to do all of the prep-work that needs to be done. We headed down to the operating room waiting area around 7:30 and after a few discussions with the Docs Russell was off to the OR around 8:00. We weren't allowed into the operating room, which was totally new to us. Even when Russell had his transplant we gowned up and took Russell right into the operating room and placed him on the operating table ourselves. The last thing Russell would see was us before the aenesthetic took over. This was not our experience yesterday. This was a little upsetting as Russell is very aware of what happens in hospitals and it would be nice to be able to comfort him before he went "out."
The procedure was quick as we were talking to our Doctor around 10:30 or so and went to see Russell in recovery around 11:00. We were told that this whole process would be quick. We are so used to the Heart Caths that are an all-day adventure, we just assume we are going to be at the hospital all day. Russell woke up fairly grouchy and stayed that way. His eyes were shut and quite puffy...all normal part of the procedure. We were told that he may not want to open his eyes for some time...as they would be quite irritated and scratchy. Being blind did not really go over too well with Russell, or us for that matter.
After we got Russell settled, with some help of a narcotic, we were discharged and were on our way home. We got home around 2:00 PM and spent the rest of the afternoon trying to keep Russell settled. He was really irritable and there was no indication that he was at all interested in opening his eyes. With a little help from Tylenol with codeine we got Russell to bed for the night. Fortunately, he slept well all night. In the morning, he was still not opening his eyes. Through the morning he wanted to do more things and was much less irritable. Finally, around lunch time he began opening his eyes and within a couple of hours he was running around like normal. When I got home from work, other than his very red eyes, you would never have known anything had happenned.
Our first look at his eyes have given us some positive indications that his eyes are much straighter and he seems to be interested in stopping and looking at things...all very encouraging. We have a follow-up appointment next week so we'll see what the Dr has to say about the results. From our perspective...so far...so good.
This is hopefully the last procedure Russell has to endure for sometime. There are a few appointments already set for April and May but we are feeling good that the nasty stuff is behind us. Hopefully, we will have a nice quiet summer with an occasional visit for blood work and not too much else.
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