Oxy update

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I tried to email this to several forum members who are closely following Bonnie's situation but my Netscape outbound email is not working today so I decided to post the info instead. I know that there are many here who are concerned. I wish I had better news.

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I called Bonnie this morning. She is NO LONGER at 1-727-553-7581. Don't call that number, you will just get another battered soul. As of right now, Bonnie is in Intensive Care, recovering from a laminectomy (a thoracic spine surgery). She does not have a phone in ICU. I did talk briefly to the nurses station, saying I was a family member from out of state. They said Bonnie is recovering well in intensive care and that she will be moved to a "step-down neuro ward" in a few days. Then she will have a phone number. Theresa, a well-qualified private, local person, has been retained to be a sort of case-manager for Bonnie. I called Theresa later today. She said that last week, the so-called social worker at Bayfront Hospital didn't even know that Bonnie was still an in-patient. The social worker thought that Bonnie was at Palm Gardens nursing home. Instead, Bonnie had more surgery and is in intensive care at Bayfront. Nightmare scenario. Theresa visited Bonnie yesterday. Bonnie was sedated; they couldn't talk. They have talked on the phone previously. Theresa said Bonnie looked bad and that there was no way she could go to a nursing home yet. She needs to stay in the hospital. Theresa is applying to the state for Victim's Assistance benefits. This is a Florida program that supports victims of crimes. (Bonnie, as a pedestrian, was struck by a drunk driver). Theresa needs to know Bonnie's home address and DOB. I'm sure she can get this from Bonnie's son (I know Ty's email but not his phone) or from Bonnie's 30 year friend Winnie in St Pete, who Theresa has spoken to once before. But if anyone knows Bonnie's address and DOB, please let me know, it might expedite things. Hopefully, my inbound email is working. I think Theresa is doing a good job and we are lucky to have her. I also think Bonnie is in rough shape so let's keep the prayers coming.

-- Lars (lars@indy.net), October 31, 2000

Answers

Lars

I haven't heard about this tragedy. Will certainly say a prayer for her tonight.

How long ago did this happen? Did they (hopefully) catch the drunk and throw his ass under the jail?

Deano

-- Deano (deano@luvthebeach.com), October 31, 2000.


Thank you, Lars. Thank you everyone who is actively involved in helping. Thank you for posting this information, although it makes my stomach churn to read it. Thank you all again.

-- Brian McLaughlin (brianm@ims.com), October 31, 2000.

Deano---

Oxy was hit on Sept 8 in Sarasota. She was airlifted to a trauma ctr at Bayfront Hospital in St Pete where she was in a coma for 3 days. She had some immediate surgery. I have never gotten a handle on all of her injuries. Likewise her prognosis is unclear.I don't know the legal disposition of the driver but they did apprehend him.

-- Lars (lars@indy.net), October 31, 2000.


Thanks Lars.

Sure miss her here...

-- flora (***@__._), October 31, 2000.


is there some kinda trust-fund YET??

-- al-d. (dogs@zianet.com), October 31, 2000.


No Al, email me if you want to discuss it.

-- Lars (lars@indy.net), October 31, 2000.

Thank you, Lars. I miss her too.

-- eve (eve_rebekah@yahoo.com), October 31, 2000.

Lars-

I have emailed you privately. Thanks for the update. This is extremely distressing news. It sounds like the "social worker" is not a true MSW; at least not like any I have ever dealt with, and there have been many across the United States. I think I would be looking to communicate with the Social Services Director, at this point. If that is unsuccessful, I would seek a hospital administrator, and work up from there, if no answers were forthcoming. I would also seek information from her HMO, and obtain a copy of the actual policy. A knowledge and familiarity of the policy coverage could expedite service. I am just throwing that out for the benefit of the advocate and/or you so that you know the process.

Now, I know that due to the Privacy Act, the hospital is probably not willing to give out much, if any info to outsiders, but there are ways, in the manner the questions are posed, to glean a clearer picture of the situation.

Unfortunately, this is a situation which any one of us could be in. Most folks take their good health, and insurance, if they have it, for granted. Perhaps now would be a good time to show some gratitude.

I am glad she has an advocate (thanks, Lars). You know that if I can be of any assistance, I will.

Do keep us posted Lars. You are absolutely correct when you say that many of us here are concerned, and care. Many of us are also praying for Oxy. Let us know what transpires.

-- Aunt Bee (Aunt__Bee@hotmail.com), November 01, 2000.


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