Advocacy

A provider is giving me a hard time over my healthcare proxy. They’ve refused to discuss Burt’s plan of care until they vet my proxy.

This morning, while mulling my frustration, I thought oh come on. I have the marriage certificate.* That should be proof enough.

[*Side note: a beautiful copy of this docunent arrived in Friday’s mail.]

In further mulling, this time on my participation in my true love’s healthcare, I had to admit I did not interfere much before his illness.

As we gained mileage in our life together, I did go along to see doctors.

We had multiple appointments to try to chase the cause of Burt’s double vision. I accompanied to dentists.

In retrospect, I should have been more proactive on at least some occasions.

His PCP recommended Benadryl to help Burt with anxiety and sleep issues. I saw a red flag.

Waking from a nap after popping one, Burt seemed like a stroke victim; his speech was slurred, and he was confused.

I think I did mention my concern to his doctor. He pooh-pooed my worry; it takes the edge off, the medical professional said.

I think that Benadryl accelerated his Lewy Body if it didn’t actually cause it to happen.

We never pick the best time to overstep, do we?