Update

Thankfully, Stephen's respiratory condition is getting better, so we are really thinking that we'll be home for Christmas; but, things in the hospital are just as stressful, if not more, than they have ever been. And it comes down to a lot of factors all happening at the same time. The albuterol and steroids are still wreaking havoc on Stephen's temperament and demeanor, especially at night. We've decided to take turns staying at the hospital because there's no sleeping at night and what's the use in having two super cranky parent's when you can have just one? Also, the respiratory panel still hasn't come back from the lab, so Stephen's still on isolation. That means everyone that comes in and out has to put on a gown, gloves, and a mask. And I'm not allowed to go anywhere on the floor; including the pantry to get water or coffee. I have to ask a nurse to get it and that's not their job, nor their concern. Yesterday, Santa Claus came around again to see the kids, but because of the isolation, he wasn't allowed to come in Stephen's room :(

And today I spent forever trying to figure out why Medicare is denying all of Stephen's prescription medications and how I can drop his Part D Medicare since it seems completely useless. But no one has any answers; not Medicare, not Medicaid, not the County and certainly not anyone here at the hospital or the social workers. It's such a nightmare! The answer I keep getting from people is that they've never heard of someone getting both Medicaid and Medicare or that he has a very complicated case and I'll have to talk to someone else. Why can't someone just do their job and find the answer? All I need to know is that I'm making the best/right decisions for my child's healthcare.

Ugh. Can you tell I'm a cranky person that just wants to go home!? At least they keep weaning Stephen off of the high-flow canula and breathing treatments and unless there's some major set-back, we should be home soon because I can't get out of here fast enough.