Friday, June 15, 2012

Busy 1st Day

The day starts early around here, 8 am breakfast, dressed and in the wheelchair by 9:45, therapy from 10 to 12, lunch 12 to 1, therapy from 1 to 2 or 2 to 3. Jerry did very well today with therapy, he tolerated 3 hours. I would have to say though by the end of speech therapy he was done, he started to get a little anxiety but did his best to hold it together and get through the session. 

Our private room didn't last long, another patient has moved into the room. It might be good for Jerry to have this kid as a room mate, if he can get past the anxiety. The patient is 23, has a broken neck, transferred from Chico I believe that's about all I know about him so far. Jerry started to have a bit of anxiety and stress over the additional people in the room, the doctors have been evaluating the new patients, along with nurses, and therapists so a lot of people coming and going. I had to put a movie on his computer and put head phones on him to get him to calm down. It may be equally as stressful for the new patient as Jerry frequently wakes in the night and has panic, delusional melt down sessions that at times has gone on through the night till morning. I did plead with the nurse however they received 4 new patients today and didn't have a choice. The night may be real interesting tonight.

I'm still a little nervous about respiratory, it feels like we're stepping backward. Jerry had his cuff less trach changed for a cuffed trach. The speech therapist was concerned that maybe he's not ready for eating or drinking because he coughed when he drank something. The ST also was concerned about how labored Jerry's breathing was and mentioned he may need some ventilator time. I took her aside after the therapy and explained he's totally capable of eating and drinking, he's been doing it for a week and asked her not to take away food. I also reassured her that he had labored breathing because of the anxiety he doesn't always breath that way and pleaded for her to not put him back on the vent. For now she's going to leave it as is and monitor him.

All for now,

Katie

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am glad you mad it to VM... we have been praying for you and getting there... adjustments are not easy... even for the best of us... so I am sure things will calm down as familiarity sets in a bit... I will pray for that... Love and Prayers...

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie,

Thankful that Jerry is in driving distance and in the place we all had been praying for.

There will be bumps in the road as for the new move, but there is a reason GOD got him there.

Every human being has hardships during their lives, "GOD knows how many each of us experience and does not give us more than we can handle" (or so my Mother used to say, and believe you me, she suffered many).

You are strong and have given each one of your children the tools they need to be like you, EMPOWERED by sheer faith.

I admire and love you,
Gretch

XOXOXO to Jer!

Robin Patrick said...

Wow, you two have been busy. I can imagine that the changes affect Jerry tremendously but I also realize you must be majorly affected too. How in the world are you getting sleep?
I'm glad you got the move you were working for, even though it's chaotic right now. They have to get to know Jerry too. Praying that you both get some peace and quiet, wise caregivers who can figure out Jerry's specific needs, and that the anxiety he is experiencing can calm down. As a mother that has got to be incredibly hard to watch. Bless you!

Uncle Neil said...

You are always doing great, Katie!

Maybe the move to Valley Med, and the change of habitat from Kindred, is a valuable "first step" in Jerry's getting used to room changes, and more people and activities, before he leaves to go home?

At least in Valley Med the are lots of Doctors and Nurses there to observe his reactions and needs.

We all pray for the best!

We love to see you winning!!!