The countdown has begun ---- Ted is scheduled to come home tomorrow between 11 and 1. Depending upon when equipment is delivered, the nurses and therapists giving me my "final instructions", and their availability, Ted should be home early afternoon.
I had my last case management conference yesterday. I will not miss them. Last week I was at a high-anxiety level regarding his coming home, but I have settled in and we can do this! I am much more comfortable about the 24-hour care and supervision that Ted needs.
Ted came home for several hours last Sunday afternoon to watch the OhioState-Michigan basketball game and for a "trial run". It went very well. But, Ted was very tired, and was ready to go "back home." He was very nervous about being "fed" at home. With gestures and gibberish, he explained to the aides and nurses on Saturday that he did not want to be "fed" at home. They got the picture so they fed him right before he left on Sunday and as soon as he got back to the hospital. Surprisingly to me, he does experience hunger and fullness even though he is fed through a feeding tube.
Ted has progressed marvelously over the past week. He is reading simple words, but his pronunciations are poor. He needs a good phonics class! Oh.... we have "Hooked on Phonics" at home from when the kids were little...... That's an idea for helping his speech progress!
What can Ted do? Ted can walk, climb steps ( and we have alot of them), ride a stationery bike, do simple weights, shower, shave, get dressed, watch TV, play solitaire, free cell, and simple card games, and appears to understand most conversations.
What does Ted need to start doing? swallowing, drinking, eating, speaking conversationally, focusing better, reading at a higher level, increase his cognitive skills, have better balance.
I have been informed that there are 8 levels of progress in these situations. He was at level 1, when he had no cognitive ability when he was in intensive care. After reaching level 2, he was taken to the trauma unit. When he approached level 4, he was taken to the rehab unit. He is now between levels 7 and 8. Level 8 is functional, but not where you and I want to be, or where Ted wants to be. He needs to get way past level 8.
Yesterday, Dr. Pedoto informed me that it was a "miracle" where Ted is now compared to where he was when he entered the rehab unit right after Christmas. That "miracle" is due to all of your prayers and support. I thank you so very much.
Ted will continue his therapy ( physical, occupational, and speech) in the home for now, and will later advance to out-patient therapy. That will be scheduled soon.
I have been asked to keep the home quiet for the first week. ( Obviously, they have not been in my home). They explained to me that this transition is sometimes hard on patients, and they need limited stimulus while they transition. They have recommended no visitors, and after a week, only one visitor a day for a maximum of one hour.
If anyone has an interest in visiting Ted ( and we are not offended if you don't), you need to call and make an appointment! I know that sounds crazy, but I need to make sure that it does not conflict with the visiting nurses and his therapy sessions or other visits. When and if you visit, it is encouraged that you not just talk, but play games with him such as cards. I hope that you like to play cards! He can play War at this time. We are going to work on Crazy Eights this weekend.
I cannot express in words the gratitude that I have for all of you that have prayed for us, sent messages of comfort, confidence, and support, and have allowed me to lean on you. In the words of The Carpenters ( I believe that is who sang it), " we have only just begun....." Those prayers and that support is still needed! Much love and appreciation, Anne
No comments:
Post a Comment