Friday 7 November 2008

More Blood and a Bone Marrow Biopsy

It was a long day in the hospital yesterday getting transfusions of red blood cells and platelets. To mix things up a bit, they added a bone marrow biopsy in the middle of the day too.

Eric takes it all in stride, but a bone marrow biopsy has to be one of the most painful procedures there is.... We knew that it had to be done to get to the bottom of this issue. The sooner they find out why he cannot hold onto blood counts, the faster they can figure out what to do about it.

I am not impressed with the blood bank. In the middle of the day, they decided they needed to do another type and cross before he could get another unit of blood (anyone know why? no...). The blood finally arrives and as the nurses check the blood, they read out o+ I jump on that and say that he can't have O+ blood. One of the nurses says, oh maybe they are starting to give him his donor's type. So much wrong with this statement.... First they have been giving him his donor's type for weeks. His chart in front of her clearly states his previous blood type (O-) and his donor type (A-).... Where the heck did O+ come from? She called the blood bank and insisted they recheck (I think she saw me give her 'the look' - my kids all know 'the look'). Another wait and a unit of O- appeared. I know mistakes happen. And there are a multitude of processes to check and double check. Yesterday too many people were too busy and all those checks and processes failed to catch this error. When you are in the hospital - pay attention and ask questions. I know that some of the nurses and doctors just think I am a pain in the ass -- well being a PITA payed off yesterday.

As always, your prayers, positive vibes and good thoughts are all appreciated!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kathy,

it's a good thing you were there. I find it hard to leave Jake's side when I hear things like this. Mistakes are hard to take when it's your love one. Eric's lucky to have a great mom.

Jane

Veronica said...

We too experienced the mistakes and incompetencies in an otherwise wonderful health service - terrifying really when mistakes can be so dangerous.

Glad you were there to look out for him, and were on the ball...

Hoping you get speedy and happy results........Vx

Shelley Jean Photography said...

Glad you caught that Mom... :)