Oldest was at the doctor yesterday because she has a severe skin infection under her ostomy bag, apparently cellulitis (which is likely caused by Oldest's poor hygiene habits). Oldest called me about it, crying.. said they wanted to admit her to the hospital because they feared sepsis, even MRSA, but she "begged" the doctor to not admit her because she needed to work today and make money, she's so broke. I know she is telling the truth about the infection because she posted a picture of it on an ostomy support board to ask advice. She is to be on antibiotics for 24 hours and then if not any better, will be admitted.
Of course, she went out to the bar last night.
Well, her doctor just called me. Said Oldest gave her my number as an emergency contact, that Oldest's number doesn't seem to be working, and she wanted to see how she was doing. Asked if I had another number for her, or could I get a message to her to call the doctor. I said i would. Then, I asked if she had a release to talk to me, she said no, you're just the emergency contact. I said ok, I know you can't give me any information, but I need to give you some information. Oldest has an addiction to prescription pain medications. She said, "that's very interesting. Of course, we gave her a prescription for pain medications yesterday." I said, "yeah, I figured that. She tends to doctor shop." There is no doubt this is a very real, very serious, medical issue for Oldest right now, but that doesn't change the fact she has an addiction. I told the doctor, "this is of course just my opinion, do with it what you will, but I felt you should know." She thanked me.
So, that's it. I did this once before, years ago, when Oldest's obgyn was feeding her one scrip after another of pain medications. I called the day after Oldest ended up in the ER after going through 20 out of 30 Loritab pills in 24 hours, then adding Ambien to the mix and becoming psychotic. I let that doctor know what had happened. Funny, the ER didn't believe she had taken so many, said she'd be comatose, but... she has been doing this a long time, and has an incredible tolerance.
The last time Oldest was in the (medical) hospital, after 3 days ,they wanted to transfer her to the psychiatric unit .. she refused, and signed herself out. Miraculously cured. Interestingly enough, this doctor is on staff at a hospital where Oldest has never been admitted. Coincidence? Doubtful.
I don't know if the doctor will repeat what I said, but, I'm prepared for the s*** to hit the fan. I just don't care at this point. I called Oldest's boyfriend and left a message, asking him to pass on the doctor's message.
It's very difficult to worry about her physical health issues as well as mental ones, and addiciton. It's a triple whammy, really. I've had to learn to detach even from her neglect of herself when it comes to her physical health, which is really, really hard. I fear she will neglect herself to death one day.
Of course, she went out to the bar last night.
Well, her doctor just called me. Said Oldest gave her my number as an emergency contact, that Oldest's number doesn't seem to be working, and she wanted to see how she was doing. Asked if I had another number for her, or could I get a message to her to call the doctor. I said i would. Then, I asked if she had a release to talk to me, she said no, you're just the emergency contact. I said ok, I know you can't give me any information, but I need to give you some information. Oldest has an addiction to prescription pain medications. She said, "that's very interesting. Of course, we gave her a prescription for pain medications yesterday." I said, "yeah, I figured that. She tends to doctor shop." There is no doubt this is a very real, very serious, medical issue for Oldest right now, but that doesn't change the fact she has an addiction. I told the doctor, "this is of course just my opinion, do with it what you will, but I felt you should know." She thanked me.
So, that's it. I did this once before, years ago, when Oldest's obgyn was feeding her one scrip after another of pain medications. I called the day after Oldest ended up in the ER after going through 20 out of 30 Loritab pills in 24 hours, then adding Ambien to the mix and becoming psychotic. I let that doctor know what had happened. Funny, the ER didn't believe she had taken so many, said she'd be comatose, but... she has been doing this a long time, and has an incredible tolerance.
The last time Oldest was in the (medical) hospital, after 3 days ,they wanted to transfer her to the psychiatric unit .. she refused, and signed herself out. Miraculously cured. Interestingly enough, this doctor is on staff at a hospital where Oldest has never been admitted. Coincidence? Doubtful.
I don't know if the doctor will repeat what I said, but, I'm prepared for the s*** to hit the fan. I just don't care at this point. I called Oldest's boyfriend and left a message, asking him to pass on the doctor's message.
It's very difficult to worry about her physical health issues as well as mental ones, and addiciton. It's a triple whammy, really. I've had to learn to detach even from her neglect of herself when it comes to her physical health, which is really, really hard. I fear she will neglect herself to death one day.
