January 21st

Okay, so I finally lost it last night. Cried the entire way home, once there I am greeted by my dog who can't bare weight on her front left leg. GREAT!! This is all I need. So, I slept on the couch with her and she licked my tears away. Those are the reasons dogs are awesome. Sometimes you don't want to hear anyone give you advise or tell you how good things will end up, you just want to have your tears licked away. Thats what a dog will do, even when they are in pain.

(Side note from vet trip: She has a bone spur in her elbow joint and has arthritis and calcium deposits, the whole 9 yards. We have been referred to a specialist. I am glad it isn't a doctor a Mercy.)

On to dad. Dad had the feeding tube inserted surgically into his stomach today. He seemed to be in much better spirits this morning. He told Debbie (his sister) and Martha that we needed a plan. Debbie summoned Scott and I to the hospital. We were with him when he went into surgery. Then we went to the waiting room and started to plot.

I have decided that I am determined to try and keep him here as long as possible. I think for him supportively, it is best. He has us all here. We can't all be in Iowa City. If it was up to the doctors here, they would have shipped him back when he first started getting sick. The floor PA here told Scott and Martha today that once we have this neuro consult, it is almost impossible for them to communicate with Iowa City. I think that is BULLSHIT. Is it an ego thing? The number one concern in my mind is the patient. These damn doctors need to understand that and talk to each other for the PATIENT and stop playing the who's dick is bigger game.

Martha, Debbie and Scott are more for going back to Iowa City and then on to Mayo if needed. I don't have a problem with that, I just don't want to move him if something can be accomplished here with a little freaking communication between the doctors!!

"Hi Dr. Chaloupka! This is Dr. Idiot and I am a neurologist at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. I have had the great pleasure of seeing your patient Jim Shoning and his beautiful, funny, intelligent family!"

"Well that is wonderful Dr. Idiot!! I as well think they are beautiful, funny and intelligent! What can I do for you?"

"Jim here seems to be having a bit of difficulty regaining his left side which is inhibiting his

Dad is resting well since the surgery. He just asked for some morphine. They wouldn't give me any. We are waiting for the neurologist to show up so we can ask him a thousand questions and make him/her try and see our point. I will let you know the result. Do you want to take bets who is going to win? Me and Martha or Neurologist. *evil snicker*