Monday, April 04, 2011

On To Our Next Adventure

That place Mom took me was weird.

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile, but I feel like I've raced around in a speeding car through crazy town. I'm sitting here in a long term care facility with him next to me watching the Cubs game on TV.

Wednesday was an awful night for him.  They had just abruptly taken away the ton of narcotics he was on, no ween down.  I'm told he became combative and refusing all care.  I threw a fit when I came on Thursday morning, because they never called me.  I could have came in and settled him down if they had. Even though he's been conscious for a few weeks, because of the narcotics, he doesn't remember much before Tuesday or Wednesday.  Upset that he lost over 45 days of his life.

Thursday morning I came in an he wasn't in his room, an old lady was.  I literally flipped out.  They moved him to another room across the hall during the night.  Why, I could never get a straight answer.  One of the ICU Dr.'s was by his bedside and they were considering taking him back to the ICU.  Then they thought he had a pulmonary embolism and he had a ct-scan.

Dammit's visit didn't go as well as I had hoped because of the ICU Dr. being there.  One of the rude residents.  Even his nurse commented on how rude she was.  Then I found out he didn't want me to take Dammit out to visit because he was afraid he would give Dammit what he had.  I did bring him out for a few minutes before it was time to leave.

Thursday afternoon, the speech therapist upgraded him to a ground food diet.  He had a cheeseburger ground up with mashed potatoes and gravy for dinner. Just a few bites, he had the tube feeding still going..

Friday morning, the Dr.s came in, asked if he ate yet.  We told them yes.  They said, well you tolerated food well, you're out of here.  Seriously, just like that. Friday evening, he was transferred to a long term care facility up the street.

I've been busy ever since.  He's been busy working his legs and arms.  First thing he managed was being able to operate the tv remote.  No problems with the speaking valve.  Mr. Man of few words is now Mr. Chatty Chatty.  He tells me when I'm not here, he sings to exercise his lungs.

There's a few issues with this place, but I don't want to get into it.  Hopefully, he won't be here long and will be home soon.

Even though it's going to cause me a hardship, I spent 20.00 for mlb.tv so he could watch the Cubs game Friday.  The hospital didn't have WGN but they do have wifi.  The look on his face when he watched the game: priceless.  He became so animated and full of life.

10 comments:

Melissa said...

Holy Cow! When they move, they move quickly! Crazy! I hope he's adjusting well and this new facility will keep you posted on all things going on. Fingers crossed!!

supertinks said...

I did wonder if no posts meant Stuff was occurring! I bet seeing the bunnies made all the difference to him in the hospital.

Best of luck to you both, we're still keeping our fingers crossed for you.

xx

Susie said...

Denise, this is sounding like such good progress, but I bet it's hard work. I'm still thinking of you and glad to see an update! (I mean, I can imagine you've got better things to do. But still great to see you in my feedreader).

Teresa Kasner said...

Dear Denise, wow, things are moving along and he's doing so much better! This is great news! It won't be long and he'll be home with you. What a relief that will be not having to travel to be with him each day!

Hugs from Oregon, USA -- Teresa :-)

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Here's to D. coming home soon!!!!

Rudee said...

Wow! Now that was a ride on the world's scariest rollercoaster. I'm glad he's in rehab. Next thing you know, that trach will be out.

Congratulations!

Julie said...

I didn't expect to be reading he had been moved yet, that was speedy. The first step of the ladder to coming home soon.

Take care, thinking of you xx

Carol said...

That IS a speedy move! On the other hand, hopistals often have (as you know) lots of germs and they may have wanted him away from other germs just in case. Hopefully the rehab part goes quickly and he can come home soon! Sending the high test mojo for that! Get yer buckets ready for the catch!

nursenikkiknits said...

Just wanted to send a quick note to say I've been thinking of you and D. I hope the transition hasn't been too hard. It's a crazy situation when all you want is for your family member to get well enough to get out of the ICU but when they move suddenly it's hard not to feel scared and abandoned. I've been there and I never want to go back!
Hope you are both doing Ok and that D is getting closer to coming home every day.

Tami Klockau said...

WOW, moved already! I'm so happy that he's starting to become animated and interested in things again. A brilliant idea to get the Cubs game. Sorry I haven't been able to send your package, but I wanted to make something special for it and just haven't found the time this week. I promise it will be out of my house by next week. :)