Saturday, July 26, 2014

Just call me nurse Meredith

Nursing is a career I have the utmost respect for.  When I was younger I wanted to be a nurse, a sales clerk or a secretary, my imagination was pretty limited in those early years.  When I got into high school I loved art and science.  After researching professions I realized that an Occupational Therapist melded medicine and art, this sounded perfect to me.  I also wanted to be able to do my own thing, not having to follow Doctors directions and such.  The joke is as an Occupational Therapist working with special needs children and babies, art is not really even factored in to what I do ( I think those books I read were all about the very early stages of Occupational Therapy).  Occasionally we do a craft or two with my older kids to help with their fine motor skills or attention span but that is about it.  However my admiration and respect for nurses continued to grow and it still does.  As I have spent countless hours in the ER, hospital and the nursing home with my parents I have witnessed how valuable, knowledgeable and compassionate nurses are. Let me just say I am not that compassionate when it comes to my own family or taking care of others, which might make a good reason that I never went into nursing as a career.  As an OT I can hand the patient back after an hour or two, nursing is 8-12 hours a day with the same patients whether you like them or not. 

This week as my Teenager started to recover Mr. 20 year old became very ill with vomiting, fever and weakness.  Of course you understand he was on the way to a big swim meet, and there is not a whole heck of a lot you can do for your son while he is 900 miles away.  It is hard to tell him what to buy at the pharmacy to help, you know he can't breathe and his head hurts but what he takes might keep him up all night.  Let me say the results of the swim meet were disastrous, but in his own words he said he just had to get through it.  Well he did and now he will be home in just two days, when I can give him a big Mom hug and hope to squeeze all that yuckiness out of him.

So as I started to worry slightly less about him, and once again start packing for a 24 hour Southern Florida college tour with my Teenager (we missed last weeks trip due to his illness) he informed me his throat was hurting again.  Really how can this be?  I looked in his mouth and sure enough those white spots were returning even though he was still taking his antibiotic.  I called our Doctor who was again out of town but was scheduled in with her partner.  So while we waited for the appointment I canceled hotel reservations, unpacked and waited.  After a good hour in the waiting room, and an hour in the evaluation room we saw this lovely man, who is just so wonderful.  He was amazed at the state of my Teenager's throat, really I thought it looked a million times better than last week.  He diagnosed  my son with acute tonsillitis, gave him a very heavy antibiotic, a steroid and a referral to get those babies out.  Yes I have a nice big surgery to nurse my 17 year old through in the future. And just to test my patience a bit more another wisdom tooth removal this week, now it is Mr 20 year old's turn.  My very limited, and not so compassionate nursing/mothering skills are going to be put to the test.  Wish me luck.


 And just to make you smile somebody got a hair cut this week.  Here is the before and after.


  Those spikey spikes lasted all of 15 minutes. 

 Hope you are all having a good weekend and a special thank you for your book and audiobook suggestions.  You have given me lots of books to look into, I just might need these when I am on recovery duty.

50 comments:

gaia said...

I hope your sons get better real soon.When I am ill; though I am a mother myself; it is always so comforting to have my mom around.Good luck and best wishes...
Gaia.

moonstruckcreations said...

Never rains but it pours - hope those lads of yours are well on the mend soon, I am sure they appreciate all the love, care and attention they are getting from you.

Little Buddy sure looks a young gentleman with that new haircut!

Take care, Helenxx

Claudia said...

My nephews are having a hard time of it, poor things! What's in the air, I wonder. I just recovered from my bout with a mystery virus and now, my dear boys are fighting all sorts of crud. Hang in there Nurse Meredith.

xo
Big Sister

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I'm flying out to Calif next week to help take care of my oldest when she has her wisdom teeth out. No matter how old they get they want their Mom's!
hugs,
Linda

Between Me and You said...

You know, Mer, I was just thinking 'tonsilitis', when I read the diagnosis. Poor soul will need loads of TLC after the op. Lots of ice cream and jelly (jello?)will help also. Sorry about the eldest having health probs too. I think some Mother Lovin' is in order. Is he interest in our Commonwealth Games which are being held right now in Glasgow? I love the swimming contests. The littlest boy is just adorable - those eyes! Love his spikey hairdo too. Thanks for popping over to mine, Meredith. ALWAYS great to hear from you...and remember, it's better to be Meredith from Grey's Anatomy than Nurse Ratchett from 'Cuckoo'!!xxx

Home Meadows said...

Your little buddy is such a cutie; love the spiked hair. :-) I hope your boys are both well soon. I'm sure they appreciate their mother's care no matter how old they get. Have a great Sat. Heather

Cari said...

oh the joys of motherhood. love little buddy's haircut. he's so sweet !!

Vicki Boster said...

Oh dear-- such misery--- by now I hope your boys are both on the mend. Your little sweetie looks so cute with his new haircut!
Vicki

CJ said...

Poor boys, they'll need you to look after them I think. I do hope they're all better soon. At least once the tonsils are out the problem won't recur. That littlest boy is utterly adorable with his new haircut. I have a boy who spends ages trying to make his hair spiky! CJ xx

Vera said...

Ah Meredith, it is hard being a mother isn't it? You never stop worrying and it is so difficult when your babies are far away. Hopefully all will be feeling better soon. Love the spikes on little Buddy. They lasted about as long as they do on me - lol.

Jennifer Hays said...

Oh my goodness, I'm sorry to hear about all this illness. I'm so glad they have such a caring, hands-on mom to help them through it. I hope everyone is back on their feet very soon.

Joy said...

Oh dear, your boys are going through the hoops at the moment, and taking you with them Nurse Meredith! I do hope they are both soon fully recovered again - and you know lovely Meredith - there's nothing like having Mum around to look after you when you're not feeling well and I'm sure you do a darned fine job of it. (I had to laugh on reading the comment by Nana Go-Go, and I bet they're relieved you're NOT Nurse Ratchett!!!)
Sweet Little Buddy looks so sweet with his spikes, how gorgeous is he; big hugs for him - and of course for you, and try to not get over-tired with all the running around and concern for your boys! Joy xoxo

Karen said...

I went to nursing school for a while and it just wasn't for me. I have to dig deep to find compassion and patience with sickness! It seems especially challenging with boys being sick, I don't know why that is. LB's haircut just couldn't be cuter!

Gracie Saylor said...

Mercy!!!! Sending you hugs of encouragement. Although my mother was a nurse I did not inherit her giftedness in that area and I can relate to the stretch it is for you. I absolutely appreciate the positive distraction of LB's happy haircut :) You're a great mom, Meredith, and your children are blessed! xx

Teresa Kasner said...

Oh my goodness! Why didn't the first doctor catch that? I'm so sorry all these things are looming for you to deal with. I hope your teenager gets better quick and they get those things out of there. LB looks cute with his hair cut! Darling child. I've been crocheting pennants for a bunting for camp today. We leave in just over a week! Wish you could come visit while we're there.. Gracie is going to try to visit us! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Judy S. said...

Gosh, Mere, you've had a rough Mom-patch lately. Sure hope your guys are on the mend soon. Tonsillitis is no fun! Take care of yourself, too! And more hugs.

Shirley said...

I thought I would do a little reading before I called it a day. I hope your boys soon get to feeling better. I am with Teresa about why didn't the first doctor catch it. Your little buddy looks so cute with his hair cut, but then he looks cute anyway. He is just a sweetie and gets lot of TLC from you. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Shirley said...

I am going to try leaving a comment again. I don't know what is wrong lately that part of the time I can't. Hope everything will settle down at your household. I know it is easier said then done when you have sick kids. I am like Teresa why didn't the first doctor catch it about the tonsils. Sometimes I don't think they listen good enough, Your little one is so cute with his haircut. He is always cute though. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Babajeza said...

I don't like being my family's nurse either. But I really try my best. I hate if they whine ALL THE TIME and DON'T FOLLOW MY ORDERS, ahm advice.
On the other hand, if I am sick nobody takes care at all. Do I whine? Do I say a word. No. I lay in bed if it's really bad and nobody notices that I exist anymore. Do I get food? Anything to drink ..... Hugs to you and stay strong.

Betsy said...

Oh my goodness Meredith. You are certainly being stretched thin as they say, have you noticed that even as they grow older, your children still need their Mom's? I'm so sorry to hear about both boys and their myriad illnesses. You are a wonderful Mom and will do just fine with taking care of, and loving on, all three of your boys. I smiled at LB's haircut. He looked pretty proud of it too. I'll keep on praying for you my friend.
Blessings,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

Well, poop! They have to come out after all. Hope your son has a speedy recovery.

This will NOT be a summer you look back on fondly ---- well, maybe those spiky spikes will be a fond memory. But, the rest --- YUCK!

Joyful said...

Oh poor sons of yours. They will need their mom while recovering and I'm sure you will be your compassionate, loving self while they need you. Buddy as always looks so cute and I live his new haircut. xx

cockney blonde said...

It doesn't matter how old our kids get they still need Mum when they're poorly. Thank goodness Little B is OK, love his haircut, x

mamasmercantile said...

Wow, it never rains but its pours hope they are both on the mend soon. That little man of yours always makes me smile.

kathy b said...

Dear Nurse Meredith

Here are my suggestions as a 30plus year nurse:

*Tell your family that Candy goes a long way in your favor, tell them to put it in the break room.

*Insist you get a bathroom break at some point in your day!

*Do not respond to NURSE NURSE, tell them your name …

*Keep a post it with medication times on it

*Schedule vacation time now.

and finally

*Don't confuse being mom with being nurse.
Or being nurse with being mom..

kathy b said...

Confession: SOmetimes I read all your comments just to see the names of the people who wrote in

Stins said...

Good luck with nursing...
Those spikes are so sweet :-)!
Love from Mirjam.

Petunia Pill said...

Ahhhhhhh, LIFE! Ain't it grand?

I resemble the comment about lack of patience. And I have to admit, I'm so much better with friends and strangers than with family. And that's just about as wrong as it can be!

Your little buddy is adorable! He's so lucky to have found his way into your living arms.

Sending hugs. Annette

Kris said...

Oh he is adorable! Sorry to hear about the boys being so sick! I hope that they are both on the mend by now! I beg to differ with you, on the subject of not being very compassionate. I think you most certainly are very compassionate indeed!!!!
XO Kris

Amy at love made my home said...

Somehow I missed your last post I think, so I didn't know about your teenager, not good news I guess, but at least it is something that can be treated fairly easily. I hope that he can have the op soon and that he will be much better before then and after. I hope also too that Mr 20 is better too once he gets home and you can care for him. At least Buddy is OK! Remember to take care of yourself as well. xx

Lynne said...

Love little buddy's new look :)
Those poor boys of yours must be miserable! Good thing their Mom is around to take care of them. Hope everything settles down soon, so the nurse can take a break.

Chris said...

Oh crumbs! Tonsillitis is nasty, so is having a house of sick people. Your little man is as cute as a button, he always makes me smile when I see his pictures. I agree with you , it takes a special type of person to be a nurse. I too have spent many many hours in appts, ER and nursing homes during the last decade. The nurses who took care of my parents and in laws were beyond amazing. Special type of angel. Good luck on the days ahead and try to rest when you can.

Clare said...

Hope everyones on the mend soon
Clare x

Anonymous said...

Luck wished and the spikey hair is just too cute!

Jo said...

Oh dear! Keep nursing Meredith xxx

Christina said...

I hope your big ones recover well and quickly, keeping my fingers crossed. Your little man looks very handsome with his spiky hair.
My daughter wants to be a nurse. She doesn't want to be a doctor because she thinks doctors don't get to spend enough time with the patients and can't care for them the way a nurse does. She would make a great nurse.

My Garden Diaries said...

Are you kidding me!!!! Your poor boys friend!!!! I am so glad that you got him back in and reevaluated!!! And that they have an answer for you so that he can start to feel better! And your 20 year old...glad he can come home soon too! We just got back from our trip and both of my bean girls came down with strep! Yuck! Thank you for this shot of Little Buddy! Made my night with that adorable hair cut!! Now you hang in there mama! Sending you think thoughts!! Nicole xoxo

Preeti said...

Oh !! That's so much at a time to take care. But then, children, no matter how old they are, they still remain the innocent dependants on their moms. And I think, being normal mom is enough for them. We need not be so compassionate like the nurses. That's their occupation which they are trained for . As a mom, they might be different at their own homes. Being compassionate, yet throwing temper, setting rules, having fun....it's all there in a mom. We know how much we love our children and so do they . Either side doesn't bother whether we pass or fail such tests. And I guess we put a lot of pressure on us by raising our expectations from ourselves. Stay calm and be yourself. Everything will be fine.
By the way, the new haircut is cool!!:)

Linda said...

Thank you so much for the supportive comment you left on my blog last night sweet Meredith.
Those yucky bugs have really took a firm grip of your sons and I sincerely send get well soon wishes to them both. Mummy hugs and cuddles are always welcome regardless of how old they get.
Super haircut for little buddy, he is a bit of a trendsetter.
Thank you again, your support is appreciated.
Xxxxx

Anonymous said...

Having four children myself, the youngest is now 18, I know how physically exhausting and emotionally draining it can be when illness strikes. Don't forget to take care of yourself whilst caring for your loved ones........just half an hour with my knitting and a frothy coffee always worked for me.

Hope they all feel better soon. x

Deb said...

hope everyone is on the mend!
love little buddy's new hair style ♥

Unknown said...

That little guy is so cute!!!! Hang in there, sounds like you have more nursing to do!

Susanne Tyree said...

I went to nursing school when I was 32 years old. It was hard because I had 2 children in grade school and a husband who worked midnight shift. I was up against girls who were fresh out of high school and still in that study mode, and a few women my age and some older. Face it, if you are a mom, then you are all things and that would include being a nurse. Even a sick child in the hospital prefers his mommy to the nurse on duty. Mothers are the best medicine and even though you may not think so, the best comforters for a sick child. That tonsil business, I went through that with my youngest when she was in her early 30's. I took her for the surgery and recovery, then brought her home. She spent about a week here with me even though she had her own house. I was beginning to wonder if I wasn't making her too dependent on me or maybe I should convert to nurse Rachet (One Flew Over the Cookoo's Nest). That surgery is harder on an older person than a youngster. I am sure things will turn out fine and you will do a wonderful job. This too shall pass.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Susanne Tyree said...

P.S. Love that haircut, he looks good with the spikes. He is a cutie pie. XOXOXO
Susanne :)

Kaiya said...

Best wishes for your sons' quick and total recoveries! After all that nursing, I hope you'll be able to relax and catch your breath soon!

Carla from The River said...

I am praying all is well. I know how hard it is to have so many family members down with illness. :-(

Praying you are staying strong.

Love the haircut. :-)

Toni said...

HEAVENS!!!! What a week! I hope everyone--including Nurse Meredith--are all on the mend soon!!!!

Caffeine Girl said...

There must be something in the air.My 26-year-old has been very sick most of the summer and they can't figure out what's wrong with him. We're waiting on more blood tests.

However, my nursing skills are not being tested. He is very independent and has a girlfriend at his side. I kind of miss playing nurse to him.

Best of luck surviving all this!

kristieinbc said...

Hopefully everyone in your home makes a quick recovery. I think you have used up all your family's allotted sicknesses for the rest of the year! I would not be a good nurse either. Even after years of dealing with a chronically ill child, and one who had physical disabilities, I'm useless. :-)

Tanna said...

Oh, Meredith. You are going to have your hands full!! Hope you have a soothing project lined up. ;) blessings and {{BIG hugs}} and prayers for speedy recovery of your boys ~ tanna