We (Betsy, Luis & Beth) received Connie`s sister Whilma at BUC yesterday morning and had a long conversation regarding her care at BUC. Also some real talk about PoA, medical and financial decisions, because she is going back home to USA on July 10th and without a PoA there would be no next of kin to authorize the medical treatments.
Betsy followed that with a visit to the hospital where she was informed by the doctor that her blood test results have been erratic during the weekend, mainly due to the fact that after she receives a home cooked meal she refuses to eat the hospital food for several hours, and that is very bad for her because her blood sugar levels and kidney functions are dependent on timely meals. She is on a rigorous schedule, but we have to cooperate for her to keep to it!
PLEASE do NOT bring any food or drink to the hospital because our good intentions have an adverse effect on her health.
PLEASE DO BRING: music, magazines (she prefers English), books, crossword puzzles or Sudoku books, newspapers, balloons, iPod with music already recorded on it + headset, cards, bible verses, hand massages to help her circulation are much appreciated.
She might also like small things like ChapStick or lotion, or facial cleaning cloths. Nice fuzzy soft socks for her good foot. Maybe coloring books with colored pencils or something that she could enjoy doing with her hands.
Please be very clear with her and reinforce the authority of the nutritionist, physiotherapist and nurses regarding her mealtimes. With diabetics, food is always an issue of discussion and sugar is as addictive as heroine. A diabetic patient will say anything and do anything to get some sugar.