Miriam's Surprise Birthday Party

David surprised me with a party including family and friends. I was supposed to be meeting with my Bishop for an interview but instead it was a party! I'm so naive! Thanks to all my family, friends, and co-workers that gave up their Saturday afternoon for me! And especially to those that drove from Tucson and Safford with the cost of gas!  3 of my brothers arrived late after attending a funeral in Tucson.  I am truly blessed!

Cody Bingham, Dillan, Cassidy, Taylor, and Julie Goodman

My close friends from Safford, Kathy and Rich Slade and son Ryan 

Oldest daughter, Lindsay and newest grandson Tristan

Riley Hales, David and Tristan, Jana and Terry Hales

Connie Roberts, Tammie and Craig (Bishop) Burnham, Cheryl and David Swain

Daughter Lucy and husband Aaron and grandson Anders

The Whetton clan: Aiden, Wade, Patty, Maria, Ken, Jessica, Jullian

Ethel (Miriam's Mom), Me, Patty

Me and grandson Ethan, Seana, Teresa

Rick is Home!

I am so happy to report that Rick went home yesterday, a week sooner than the doctors anticipated! He is in good spirits and Ramona is now a junior nurse doing his dressing changes. I'm sure this has been a miracle to have avoided a debilitating injury. I enjoyed getting to see my nieces, Manda and Dana, as they came out to visit their Dad. My love goes out to my sister and brother in law as they continue this journey to recovery!!

Frustration with the Healthcare System

Today I'm going to use my blog as a sounding board for the frustration I feel for our healthcare system. I work in healthcare and know how to navigate the system and frankly, don't understand how anyone with less than a PhD can figure it out!!

Being the good patient, I made an appointment a month ago to see my primary care provider for my annual checkup and refill on medications I am taking. I have been her patient for 8 years. They confirm that my address and health insurance have not changed since last year. Yesterday I get a phone call from the doctor's office confirming my appointment. "We have reserved this time especially for you......" How nice. I go to the doctors this morning, fasting I might add, so that labs can be drawn. I am told that the doctor will not see me because she does not take my insurance anymore! Did they not know that a month ago or even a day ago?? Does anyone care that I have been out of my medications for 3 months?? They have a sign posted that patients must cancel 24 hours in advance or incur charges. I guess this same courtesy does not apply to doctors.

I call my health insurance company and they verify my doctor is still on their provider list. Yes. I call the business manager who will not return my phone calls. I change my primary care provider to some name on a piece of paper. I mull around the idea of just not seeing doctors anymore and stopping all my medications.

I have been an ER and flight nurse, I'm responsible, a rule-follower and a pleaser. I guess none of that counts. Can you feel my frustration??? I am proud to be a nurse and ashamed of the system.

More Good News for Rick

Just letting all of you know that we got a good report from Rick's doctors. He will not need a skin graft, and he will not have to go through any more debridement. He is healing well, and will be able to come home when he can stand the dressing changes without any pain medication. I don't know how long that will be, but he has been saying all week that he will be home by this weekend. We will see..... I also have to be able to stomach doing the dressing changes! That may take longer! All of this is of course by the doctors approval.

Thank you all for your faith and prayers. He is very optimistic and calm about his recovery.

Love, Ramona & Rick

Rick doing well

Rick is doing well and tolerating the painful healing process. They "scrape" the wound twice a day to get rid of the dead cells and allow the new skin to grow. Infection is the greatest threat at any time. Rick had a fever today so they are keeping a close eye on him and starting antibiotics.

Rick in Burn Center

My brother-in-law, Rick Lines, was badly burned in an explosion today while working on his jet ski. He was airlifted to Maricopa burn center for burns to his face, chest and arms. Luckily his lungs, eyes and hands were spared. He is expected to spend 2-3 weeks in the hospital. Please keep him in your prayers.