A FEW UPDATES:  MY STATUS: TRUMP/MUSK DISASTER: AND THE JOHN DOE CASE IS ABOUT TO GO INTO STEROID MODE

Why Valley Baptist Harlingen?  Well, we learned Valley Regional, Valley Baptist Brownsville, and DHR McAllen, do not provide emergency ENT care.  Here in Harlingen, they do, and I was seen pretty fast by the ENT surgeon doing rounds here at the hospital. 

Also, the VA wanted an immediate mental health evaluation with a hold if need me.  When I spoke with someone at the VA mental health clinic, they were concerned because I was hysterical from the pain and crying with one of those intense guttural cries. They needed to be sure I was safe.  Trust me my constitution is such, while I cannot handle the pain, I would never harm myself.

When I arrived here, the staff saw me right away. The ER doctor put his hand on my shoulder and said to be patient and he would take care of me.  There was no, "I'm and ER doctor and cannot address ENT matters" such as at the other hospitals.

He made a point that there was an ENT surgeon in the hospital, and they could treat any mental health problem brought on by the pain with treatment of the ENT problem.  They put in a regular room which turns out to be private.

There was a hold up because they have a contract with Tropical to do the initial evaluation. I have dealt with the Brownsville Tropical office.  They are a disaster and a complete and total waste of Texas tax dollars.  While I have had many bad experiences with them, the worse was a finding a young lady I was helping had no evidence of anxiety.  Just one problem, the evaluation was done about 4 weeks before her 4 kids were returning to school under Covid, and she was learning how to use zoom so she could help her kids.

Before she went to Tropical, I had documented the SS worker's hostility towards her, and after, her experience at Tropical.  To believe Tropical at the time she was the only person on the planet not suffering from anxiety.  I filed an IG complaint and copied it to Congressman Vela, and two weeks later she got her letter renewing her SSI.

So even though it was made clear to everyone Tropical could not treatment me, and I was already under the care of VA doctors, today before supper a man called from Tropical demanding to know why I missed my evaluation at Tropical.  He knew who I saw at VBH, but missed the part where I was identified as a veteran and admitted.  I told him I did not have time for anyone who works at Tropical and hung up.  

SORRY ABOUT THE SIDE BAR

So, this sinus infection took a real bad turn.  I am in Valley Baptist Harlingen, as arranged by the VA and am undergoing infusion therapy with antibiotics.  The oral use of the painkillers also does not work, so it must be administered through an IV.

There are a lot of variables in place before I can be released. This morning, they finally got my blood pressure under control.  When I got here my blood sugar was 395.  Every so many hours they give me insulin and cannot discharged me until it is under control.  A few hours ago, I was down to 194.  After what I think was my 4th insulin IV bag.

I am being told the high blood sugar could be from the infection and the high level of steroids I have been on.  At a future date the VA will do the formal testing for diabetes.

On balance I am very happy with my care. Even Alyssa who is responsible for bringing me my meals has been incredibly attentive.  The patient water is tap-water.  It is vile.  So, I got some apple juice and now with each meal I get two bottled waters. She put in a special order for Almond milk with my morning cereal.  She is overall very attentive to my needs.

So, I am very happy with the quality of care. 

As of now they have no projected date for my release.  I know the variables which need to be met. When they are met, I will be discharged.