1 DECLINING PATIENT CARE

 Nurse anesthetists:

So, if, during every serious surgery, over my lifetime, I’ve appreciated the heartfelt attentiveness of nearly every doctor, nurse, aide and therapist, under whose expertise I made my way toward healing then why do I find myself reeling with anger when comparing medical practices of yesteryear with those experienced, personally, over these past twenty years?

This next series of posts will clarify why my ire concerning modern day medicine is first hand and well founded.

Yesterday, Will and I had reason to discuss nurse anesthetists, and I was taken completely by surprise (blindsided) when my husband told me that that’s who controlled my anesthesia, during my heart/lung surgeries.  Whereas anesthesiologists must have the smarts to be accepted into four year medical schools followed by immersing their minds within residencies, extending over several years, during which time the intensive study of anesthesiology becomes their medical specialty, the education of a nurse anesthetist does not come close to that kind of technical thoroughness.  And knowing that to be true, I felt anger erupt as thoughts of hospitals saving money by reducing the number of board certified anesthesiologists on their staff, who, are now hired to float from one operating room to another, acting in the capacity of nurse supervisors rather than being an integral part of the patient’s surgical team from start to finish.

Being a surgeon, trained to place the well being of his patients above all else, Will has long confirmed my belief that as soon as big business gained control over the practice of medicine, the welfare of the patient became nothing more than a pawn in its greedy little paw.

How often have I heard him state:  while medical technology has improved dramatically, modern medical care has dramatically diminished.

That comment is not directed at doctors, nurses and support staff but rather at the head honchos of big business, who, though not medically trained, pass down money-saving directives from on high, which hospital administrators are bound to follow.

As to the trickle down effect:  My occupational therapist, who, being a knowledgeable motivator, encourages me to push myself beyond my current level of physical endurance by reminding me to exhale as much Co2 as possible in order to more fully oxygenate my remaining lung (which must be trained to increase its capacity if I hope to enjoy a greater sense of ease while engaging in a physical activity (as simple as walking), which demands stamina).

Under Mike’s knowledgeable guidance, I’ve absorbed many energy-saving tips.

Unfortunately, I was allowed a finite number of sessions with Mike, and once they were complete, my surgeon requested more, at which time four additional sessions maxed out the most we could gain.  This finite number has nothing to do with meeting my needs.

 My final session with Mike was Friday.

🙋🏻‍♀️Annie