This Crazy Life

We admitted to Clementine yesterday.  It was the most stressful admissions I have ever experienced.  First, they told us to discharge from the hospital on Wednesday so we could admit on Friday.  But they didn’t want to check to make sure we could admit on Friday until I forced the issue.  I’m sorry, but I’m not asking the hospital to discharge when you don’t know for sure we can admit.  Not happening.  So, they checked, it was a go.  But they couldn’t give me a time.  They couldn’t give me a time until they got the final approval from insurance.  Thursday night, we still don’t have a time.  I voiced my concerns of not having a time and being called at 8 and needing to be there at 9 and we are a 4-hour drive away.  They said that would be fine.  I told them we would leave at 8 so we’re in the area by noon.  Noon comes and goes and nothing.  I followed up.  Still no approval.  I called insurance.  Still no approval.  I’m starting to get nervous.  If I don’t admit her on Friday, it will be Monday.  And she hasn’t eaten or drank anything since we left the hospital Wednesday morning, which means by Monday she would need the hospital again.  So, I asked them if I could private pay until the approval comes through.  Yes.  They sent me the forms.  I completed them, and even told them I completed them.  Crickets.  An hour and a half later I emailed again.  So, what are we waiting on now?  We still don’t have approval.  Do you want to continue as private pay.  Yes, that’s why I signed the forms 2 hours ago.  So, we got in.  But it’s late Friday afternoon.  We didn’t meet with her team like I’m accustomed to.  Usually she meets them, I meet them, we all talk and share information.  At this point they don’t know her from anyone.  There isn’t even a dietician currently working.  So, I have no idea what or how she was going to eat this weekend, but I am positive they will feed her something until Monday.  I sure hope they do at least!  It was so stressful.  A situation that shouldn’t have to be stressful.  I’ve done this multiple times before.  I know how it works.  It has never been last minute like this.  I called insurance again today to check on the status and they are closed.  For the weekend.  I even tried acting like a provider thinking surely someone is available somewhere.  I could not get to a real person no matter what I did.  So, I guess I’ll call first thing on Monday.  But then I start stressing.  What if they deny her.  What if they don’t cover it.  I’m going to have to go pick her up and start the process all over somewhere else?  I’m so frustrated.  Again.  That said.  I love the facility.  I love the people we did meet.  I feel good.  It’s really small currently.  I like that it’s a totally different environment than what she’s used to.  I have nothing but good things to say.  I do worry that they may not be strict enough that she is able to eat.  But only time will tell, and I think it’s worth a try no matter what.