Dave got moved to rehab today. HOORAY! He's tired and ended up with a lot of drugs to ease the pain so he could sleep last night but he's so happy to be there. It's been a long road just to meet this milestone but we're almost overwhelmed at how relieved we are to start the next leg of this journey.
He'll be in 3 hours of physical/occupational therapy a day. They like them to eat meals in the common room and wear their own clothes (yay no more drafty hospital gowns!) and they encourage family to join in therapy sessions. The whole family learns things! This is a great opportunity to re-engage Owen in the new reality of things. He's very mindful of what Dad's needs are going to be which is very sweet of him. He's such a thoughtful boy. We certainly hit the jackpot with that one. I think we'll keep him.
Visiting hours for guests are now limited to 4:30-8:30 so as not to interfere with the physical therapy schedule and it's in a very sterile, antiquated part of the old hospital but it's still such an improvement morale wise over the plush neurology department at Riverbend.
We found out today that Dave has lost 20 lbs since when he first checked in on the 2nd. That's seriously the worst diet ever. Since he's having to hoist himself around with his arms he's happy that he's down those 20! His muscles are still pretty sore, especially on his back. Holding yourself up without being able to feel much of your legs is harder than you think! The dr has still said he expects some of that mobility to come back but we're just not really seeing it. Time will tell. We're trying to stay positive.
One thing we've found over the last 2 weeks is that everyone we dealt with on the neurology floor was really fantastic. They have these "Super Care Awards" that you can give to the nurses and we just can't even fill out enough of them to really show how much we appreciate them. They were absolutely wonderful and we are thankful beyond words. I know a nurse's job is to care for their patients but so many of them went above and beyond for us that it really made an impression. It makes me consider a career in nursing.
After a rough day like yesterday it was such a relief for Dave to reach a goal and have something tangible to show for it.
Good evening Marla, David & Owen,
ReplyDeleteYou guys have been SO brave! I want to continue to encourage you to exercise hope. David, I know this has been a serious trial for you. We're available for anything we can do at any time. Please don't hesitate to call if you need or want anything!
Marla, you're wonderful. Your attentiveness, care and faithfulness are an inspiration. Let us know if we can do anything to assist you.
We love you both,
Ransom & Tami