*Note: This blog post is part 3 and will be the end of my adventure in the hospital. If you need to catch up with my long journey, here are the links to the last 2 posts that you might want to read before getting back to this part. If you have been on this ride with me from the start, I thank you for following and for your sweet comments. Let’s wrap it up…
Going home
My mom and I got home together after the sun had set. It didn’t matter how my mind and body were feeling, I couldn’t wait to see my dog, Penny. If I could describe how it feels to have your depressed dog realize that you just walked through the front door after being missing for years… that’s in dog time, of course… human time, I was gone a week. It’s like having this furry ball of love, whimpering and aggressively licking you all over your face. I can only imagine how bad I smelled, but she didn’t care. You know when a dog finds a dead animal outside and they immediately start rolling over it just to gross you out… yes, I was the dead animal as Penny gator rolled her stubby little body all over me. Ahhh, if that doesn’t melt your heart, I can’t help you.
I was going through all my medications, trying to set up a routine with the new medication that I was supposed to take. They told us that the instructions would be on the discharge papers. Only they weren’t. Nor were they printed on the bottle of meds. Turns out they discharged me with the incorrect diagnosis and prescribed me a drug that interferes with my Parkinson’s meds (Sinemet). I was told to stop taking my bowel medications and that my whole life was going to be about balancing these conditions. I had tried to be a good patient and took my first dose of my new medication. Then the rest of the night was a little spotty. I don’t remember much. My mom said that I was acting like a “zombie,” which she felt was the right time to get a picture of me. Enjoy me in all my splendor. I was waving my arms in the air and talking nonsense. But on the brighter side, my hair doesn’t miss a beat. It still looks fabulous. I call it hospital chic!
After updating my wolfpack, which includes my physicians, they were all shocked at what had happened. With my mom’s help, we were able to communicate with my friends, family, and the professionals in my team and concluded that I should resume my normal schedule of medications. Change nothing. Wait… what?! I don’t have gastroparesis like they diagnosed me, and I don’t have to be on a medication that is contraindicated with Parkinson’s?
Hippocratic Oath
Doctors take an oath. A commitment to a patient’s well-being. To do no harm. But they did harm me. Not only did they leave me in mental health distress, but they also left me in financial upset, costing thousands of dollars for an unplanned hospital stay that worsened my condition to the point where I was in worse shape than when I was first admitted to the emergency room. It’s been months of trying to get back on track—absorbing my medications, eating small meals, getting off the opioids, and living in fear of the next time I might need to return to the hospital. Because I know myself, it’s not a matter of “if” I get admitted again, but “when” I will have to go back.
My cognitive functioning had declined, making blogging almost impossible. If I couldn’t even keep my thoughts straight in my head, how would I be able to detail my pain, let alone find a silly silver lining glistening in the trip that I had just endured? Well, it all came to me in a dream. I woke up in the middle of the night thinking of blogging and how people with Parkinson’s can seriously get messed up. Most doctors today don’t know how to handle a patient with PD. I knew I had to start writing again to share my story, with the hope that it would help just one person. Because in the end, it is what it is… there’s nothing I can do but move forward. Thank you for taking the time to hear me out.
Alley. I just finished digesting, no pun intended, all three segments of “It is what it is”. Well done! I see in Part three everything positive I have always savored in you, not only in your real-world handling of some of life’s toughest challenges, but in your writing style itself. When I look at the pic of you and Penny Lane, I see smiles from you both. Also, I am always enthralled with the mystery of no matter how rough and demanding the circumstances may be, your hair always looks like you just stepped out of a high-end chic hair salon. Incredible! I really don’t want to know how you do it because it would diminish the mystery of it, and I love a good mystery.
As always, I learned a lot of very useful information from your generous sharing. I am soooooo glad you are back with us. Giving is indeed the best part of living, and you are the best in giving freely of yourself and your talents,
Hi Wayne,
You picked up on one of the goals of my blog. From the beginning of creating my blog, I wanted it to feel just like you were having a conversation with me, or you were reading my journal, so I picked out a font that looked like a handwritten letter. I also didn’t want to make it too academic, but I wanted to be a mix of my humor with an educational tone to it.
Thank you for being a faithful reader. It’s awesome to know that people out there appreciate my blog!
Dear Allison,
I have just read the entire story of your lengthy “visit “ to the ER. I, too, have missed you, and now I understand that you’ve not let us down. I will also tell you that my tears were flowing as I read the gut-wrenching story of your stay in the hospital. And I want to thank you for being so transparent and vulnerable in your description of what happened to you, because in all the hospitals and rehab centers that I have endured, I have gone through the same experience of not getting my meds in time, and being rebuked for complaining because “you are not the only patient we have to take care of!” Then when they find me in my bed in a complete state of “freeze”, they panic and don’t know how to “wake me up. “. That’s when my husband steps in and says, “she told you it was important that she gets her meds on time!”
No, they do not understand Parkinson’s disease. Your blog has brought me much comfort And I feel like even though you don’t know me, you understand me, and you care. Thank you, Allison!
Hello Ga,
You made my day knowing that my blog has brought you comfort. I am sorry you had to go through an ordeal just to get your medication. So irritating! Thankyou for sharing your story.
PerkyParkie,
I’m delighted to see you back on the blog. I’m a bit slow catching up with all that’s happened to you, but I’ll be in touch soon
Hi Eugenie! It’s nice to hear from you!
I thought about you last week and was going to do a search, thought I’d been dropped. SO glad you are home, and so sorry you had to go through that.
My husband went through something similar (he’s the one with Parkinson’s) in February and March of this year. His neurologist was not contacted, and the therapists and doctors have little to no experience dealing with somebody with Parkinson’s. Eye opening to say the least.
In any case, your parents are awesome, and the love of a good dog is everything!
Hi Linda,
I haven’t forgotten my readers. You all mean so much to me. I just am baffeled that your husband’s Neurologist wasn’t contacted. It’s soemthing I’ve got to work on… finding way this gap in healthcare can be addressed. Thank you for the comment!
Hey Allison, so glad to hear you’re doing better. What an ordeal! You’re “Amazing” as I once heard someone say. 😉
Hi Jerry,
I still have a tag sitting on my desk that came with a bundle of flowers that says “To Amazing Allison, From your Shar-Bear”.
I sure enjoy your ability to take a hospital stay and see the up side we can learn from it! Hope you had a great Birthday!
Hi Bonnie! Nice to hear from you! Yes, I had a low key birthday but it was perfect! Hope you’re doing good.
Such a scary experience! Thank you for always sharing your story <3
Thank you, Nessa!
It’s so great to hear from you again Allison. I’m so sorry that you had to go through all of that. The fact that they didn’t consult with your other doctors, especially your neurologist, is a real concern! They could have given you your meds through a tube directly into your stomach, but they would have had to stop the stomach pump for a while. I’m glad that you are back home with your Mom and your wonderful little Penny. So cute!
I went through a rough patch in September when all of a sudden oi wasn’t able to walk. I went to the hospital and had an emergency MRI on my back where they found that my spinal cord was pinched at the T10-12 level. I went in for emergency surgery the next week and had a great experience compared to yours. They did mess up my meds though by giving me two of my pills that don’t interact with my stomach meds very well. I did have a bad experience one night when the nurse that was on decided to go on a break instead of giving me my levocarb, I’ve never had a reaction that bad before by missing a dose. A month in hospital was way to much, oh and I also got Covid for the first time. And they thought that they could keep me in there for another month, haha.
I hope that you can stay out of the hospital for a long, long time now and get back your strength. Enjoy your time with your Penny and a few frogurts. Love your hairdos by the way!
Stay well and strong!!!
Hello Tim,
I couldn’t imagine just not being able to walk suddenly… how scary! I am happy to hear that you’re doing better. Thanks for sharing your story!
What a terrifying experience Allson. 🫂 I’m glad you’re on the other side of it. I’m sure Penny is too!
Thanks Benji!
So glad you are more in control of your life. A rough spot for sure, but that’s behind you now. I’m still fighting the good fight at RSB South OC with many of our co-parkies. With this “condition” I’ve learned you have to take one day at a time. Nice to have your blog up again!
Hi Boker,
I’m so happy to hear that you’re still boxing. Keep it up!
I’m s glad you are doing better and feel like doing your blog.
I am totally amazed that here we are in 2025 and hospitals, in general, are clueless when it comes to Parkinson’s patients; and if that isn’t sorry enough, they tend to get offended if you try to explain/educate.
I’m so sorry you went through all of that, but glad you persevered.
Hello Sharon,
I know, it baffles me that there isn’t more education for the medical staff to be trained on.
take care and get well soon! This PD life is not easy, but it seems like you have quite the crew, human and doggie, to guide you through the medical situations, as well as to inspire and motivate you to better days!
Hi Dan,
I do have a pretty great crew! It’s the only way I can make it! Thanks for reading!
I support MJFF (Michael J. Fox Foundation) by fundraising and volunteering, and that is so encouraging & supportive. But then one can run into a medical team black hole that is oblivious to Parkinson’s treatment protocols, the most basic of which is: CALL THE PATIENT’S DOCTORS. Another very helpful support in some hospitals is a PATIENT ADVOCATE. They are on-site and will run down anything you need. Be strong like bull and don’t hesitate to call your Wolf Pack, even just to chat about what’s going on.
Hi Dad,
Great points to educate yourself on what resources are available to you. Love you, Dad!
Thank God you are back to “you” and grateful you feel like sharing
Thank you, Rhonda! I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed my blog!
Thanks perky for sharing your experience. It’s an important lesson for all of us parkies, it’s good to have you back!
Hi John,
It is really nice to feel like myself again! Thank you for continuing to follow my blog!
I was ready to drive to Aliso Viejo because I haven’t heard from you in so long. There’s too much for you to endure. I don’t know how you do it, but thank you for sharing your journey. Thank you so much for your transparency and I’m hoping you get some peace and rest now, it’s too much on your plate
. You are a true warrior. thank you for sharing your story.o
Awwww, thank you Alisa,
For caring so much for me and my journey!
My husband went through a similar horror story during the pandemic. A second heart attack emergency surgery. Problem was the care was spotty and they discharged him not checking if he could urinate.
That turned into several visits catheters and infection that also killed him. . I’m going to be even more vigilant going forward . I’m glad you pulled through. My husband and I missed you.
Your hospital journey should never have turned out this way and I hope and pray you never experience anything like that again. Thank you for your 3 blog installment! No one could digest it all in one. We love you Ally and keep on healing and feeling better
Thank you, Aunt La La! I broke it down into bite-sized pieces of pain. Ha!
You are a hero to so many of us with PD! I am so sorry that you had to endure all of this screw up with the docs, drugs, etc.. You are a fighter, Allison. Don’t give up & don’t give in! I know you won’t.
Thank Goodness for Penny. She’s adorable.
Hello Jan,
So happy you liked my blog! Penny is a great nurse! I should rent her out to pay for our apartment!
Thank God you made it through. You were missed. Thank you for being so real with your devoted audience! Prayers for continued healing and strength.
Hi Joy,
Thank you for your kind words!
So very glad you took the time to tell us about your journey. I’m sorry you had to endure that mess. Where were the grown ups? Thanks so much for sharing the real story with us.
Hi Ginger! I wish I could say it was my pleasure, but that sounds awkward! Ha!
God bless. May your road be easy
Thank you, Laini!
Wow, you went through so much. I am so sorry, and so sad that the medical teams can’t manage PD or take care of you properly. I am deeply saddened by this incident. I hope you are back on track now. I deal with the elderly with PD and have a client now that I don’t know what to do to help her. Your articles/blogs are so eye-opening. Also, your Penny dog is adorable I am sure she missed her mamma.
Hi Cathy,
I am doing better, thank you.
You move forward with such grace and courage. You are so right about your hair. It is beautiful! 😊. Thanks for being you and for being strong enough to share your story.
Hello Paula,
Thank you for recognizing a great hairstyle!