Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Day 21 Tuesday
Today was a very emotional day and extremely upsetting day for Leonard and myself. I was assured by the case manager at the hospital and the liason from the rehabilitation hospital that all the paperwork would be done and all his information would be given to the new hospital. He was transported by ambulance around 2:00. He was put into a room and was only there for about 45 minutes when the nurse came in and said they were moving him to another room as the room they put him in didn't have oxygen and he still needs oxygen occasionally as well as breathing treatments. As they were wheeling him down the hall into his new room the nurse that he would be having didn't seem very pleased about getting another patient as I could tell by her body language. Well, it went south from there on out. She didn't bother to look at his medical file, didn't know anything about his case and started asking him questions that made us both question her ability to nurse him. When she starting taking off bandages to check out his surgical wounds she announced she was going to change his dressing and Leonard pretty much told her to not touch them. He had lost his confidence with her and so had I. When Michelle came down this evening to see her dad I told her what had happened so we asked to meet with the supervisor of nursing to inform her of our concerns and that we didn't want this nurse to ever tend to him again. She was wonderful and listened to us attentively and assured us going forward that they would do everything in their power to give him the best of care and we would not get this nurse again. They did have all of his records and that made both of us feel better and she was going to go down and talk to Leonard. Tomorrow they will be evaluating him and determine what rehab he will be getting. I was under the impression that since he couldn't bear any weight for 3 months that he would be in rehab for 3 months. NOT! He will only be there for 2 weeks and then they will send him home. I freaked out with this news, but I'm told in the next 2 weeks he will learn how to do everything for himself such as getting out of bed into the wheelchair, going to the bathroom, taking showers etc. Worker's comp said that if he's not ready to go home in 2 weeks he will be allowed to stay a little longer. She informed me that he will get nursing care at home as needed and more rehab. It's all so overwhelming and stressful. You all need to start praying for me that God will give me the strength and stamina and probably a lot of patience to get me through the next few months. I will be so happy that he will be home with me but it's scary too. We will get through this.................
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3 comments:
Lorrie,
I am so glad you were able to meet with the supervisor and he is now in good hands. I was happy to hear how quickly Leonard would be home and "yes!" I will pray for you that the Lord will "show off" in this. Thank you for posting updates and keeping us all informed. It must be very overwhelming but being home together is better.
Love you dear heart,
Shelley
Lorrie, sweetie,
I know it's a scary thing to bring home a loved one so soon after a major medical trauma. But you WILL see big changes in his ability to care for himself over the next two weeks, I'm sure. And I'm guessing that he will continue to have visiting nurse and visiting therapist care at home. These people are amazing, in my experience, they really advocate for the patient, answer your questions, give good advice on care, and talk to the doctors if they see anything going on that needs a closer look.
Meanwhile, you can use these two weeks to ask questions, learn everything you can, and gain some confidence about your ability to do this. Ask about anything you will need - or could use - at home to help ease his care. Ask about his meds, his schedule of exercises, etc. Don't be shy about 'pestering' the docs, the nurses, the therapists, while you're seeing them every day at the rehab. In a nice way, of course, but get the info you need!
You'll be glad when you get home and are feeling 'all alone' with the job. You really won't be alone of course, with all your loved ones and friends rallying around! Meanwhile, you and Leonard are in everyone's prayers, including mine. You will handle this just fine; the Man upstairs is clearly looking out for you both. Hugs, JoAnn
My Dear Friend,
Look at how far Leonard has come in only a few weeks - it's just amazing. I will continue to pray for both of you!
Love,
Sue
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