Although this is the darkest day of the year, it seems springlike and we hope that it is an angel message that as the days lengthen, Ted's progress will continue and that he will feel more comfortable.
It has been recommended that Ted have a g-tube inserted into his stomach for feeding/nutrition purposes. I fought it for several days, but Ted is still not swallowing fully and he is really angry and frustrated about the NG tube that is irritating him. He appeared to "consent" to the surgery for the feeding tube, so I have consented. The dr. explained the procedure to Ted, at my request, and Ted appeared to understand. That should happen today or tomorrow.
As soon as that surgery is complete, they will monitor him for 24-48 hours and then discharge him to a rehab facility. I had asked for a referral to Dodd Hall at Ohio State, but that has been denied temporarily. I have someone researching the best local rehab facility. The hospital will not make a recommendation and suggested that I visit local rehab facilities and spend several hours there to see if I like them. Obviously, I don't have time to do that. It is possible that Ted could be discharged on December 24, 25, or 26. They cannot give me a schedule or a timeline, so it becomes very frustrated in trying to coordinate work, family, and holiday activities with the hospital's lack of response. We are trying to remain patient and flexible, but after three weeks, it is becoming extremely frustrating. Originally, they had told me that he would do rehab in the hospital, but supposedly he is not ready for that.
Ted must wear a helmet when he sits in a chair or tries to stand. When he leaves the hospital, he will need to have the helmet on except when he is in bed. He cannot sleep on his left side, and he must have a 24-hour safety sitter to make sure that he does not roll to the left. Unfortunately, he really likes laying on his left side!
Ted is still not talking. But, he is making lots of throat noises which is good. When Thomas explained to him the NCAA sanctions of Ohio State, he appeared very interested and frustrated with the NCAA decision. He appears to be interested in Jeopardy and ESPN - some things don't change!
He is not sleeping well and is very agitated and frustrated. Hopefully, when he goes to rehab, he will be able to sleep better. They wake him up every hour to check vital signs, etc.
The last few days have been several of the most frustrating of this journey. I think that my mother's situation ( in the hospital and going to a new nursing home), issues with Ted's retirement and short-term disability at Morgan Stanley, sleep deprivation, typical stress, and the fear of the unknown is taking its toll. Fortunately, your many kind messages and loving thoughts and prayers sustain us and inspire us.
. Prayers are still needed and appreciated. There is no doubt that the Christ is here and in our and your hearts and lives. This is the season for miracles and we trust that we are part of that process! Merry Christmas to you and yours, Anne
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