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TNNurse

(6,926 posts)

17. As I told many of my patient's family members

Reply to Moostache (Original post)

Wed Apr 1, 2020, 04:30 PM

Apr 2020

and also friends and family, 'You must understand that you can only do so much". You will always know that you tried but they were going to do what they believe they have to do.

I once took care of an elderly (80s) gentleman who had fallen out of the top of his barn and broken his neck. He was not paralyzed. We figured out that the daughter was worried what we thought of her. She apparently thought that we thought she could have prevented this accident. I asked her if he climbed up there by himself and also if she usually kept him locked in the house so he could not get out. She laughed and agreed that he climbed up there on his own. I responded that since she had not pushed him up the ladder, I am not sure she could have done anything to prevent it.

We do what we can.

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32 replies

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Highlight:

Had a long conversation with my dad last night... [View all] Moostache Apr 2020 OP

Lovely post leftieNanner Apr 2020 #1

Thank you so much... Moostache Apr 2020 #3

Have to let that feeling go. Accept that you are powerless over some things and it is easier. Bernardo de La Paz Apr 2020 #20

I hope they are going to be ok. drray23 Apr 2020 #2

Thanks...they are in a car, but they must make frequent stops Moostache Apr 2020 #4

Traffic should not be too bad Scarsdale Apr 2020 #31

At their age I'd be scared to have them driving clear procon Apr 2020 #5

We tried to get them to do anything but drive to no avail... Moostache Apr 2020 #9

My dad was just like that too, and now that I'm of that procon Apr 2020 #11

One Day Following RobinA Apr 2020 #28

Hugs to you and yours... Sunriser13 Apr 2020 #6

Yeah having a sense of community, even in isolation, is going to get us through this. Initech Apr 2020 #7

But the Repubicans as a virus will still all be here. :( woodsprite Apr 2020 #21

Yes, that is a good point. Initech Apr 2020 #23

Excellent post DenverJared Apr 2020 #8

Simliar worries here, 30+ extended family over 60 scattered in at least 10 states. Brainfodder Apr 2020 #10

My heart goes out to you. Mickju Apr 2020 #12

I remember the long lines as you waited for your vaccine in the evenings... Dan Apr 2020 #13

Yes I rememberer the long lines too, and my friend crying.. Stellar Apr 2020 #14

Thank you for a beautiful and moving post. NNadir Apr 2020 #15

Thanks for sharing. Stay strong. Let us know when your parents get to Indiana. iluvtennis Apr 2020 #16

As I told many of my patient's family members TNNurse Apr 2020 #17

Nice post - thoughtful and sensitive packman Apr 2020 #18

May God bless you and your folks. spudspud Apr 2020 #19

I am 78 and my wife is 77. We both have pre-conditions. Hangingon Apr 2020 #22

Thank you for sharing. Godspeed to your parents for their safe journey back home. CountMyVote4Reality Apr 2020 #24

A few similarities leighbythesea2 Apr 2020 #25

Godspeed to parents! Anon-C Apr 2020 #26

Such a beautiful essay, I am saving! BlancheSplanchnik Apr 2020 #27

One of the best posts I've read on DU recently. coti Apr 2020 #29

Have they made it back yet? treefarmers Apr 2020 #30

Thank you all for the replies, thoughts and well wishes... Moostache Apr 2020 #32