A Monumental Day

Jon could hardly wait for the move to begin. Poor guy thought that getting out of the hospital meant he could get all his hardware off. He was so disappointed when he was told all that "stuff" had to stay on. Barb and Dad got there as they were doing the respiration treatment. As a tube was being placed down the trach he was "talking" to Barb and all of a sudden she could actually hear his voice.

The EMTs got there around 11 and he was finally loaded and on the road about 11:45. His Dad got to ride in the front of the ambulance and Barb followed behind in his car. They had to stop once for suctioning and another time to calm Jon and cool him down. He was overly warm and panicky due to the length of the ride.

He continued to be extra warm once in his new room and was practically stripped. I noticed that the thermostat was set at 77 and felt a little warm myself. A little unusual for hospitals!

We met all the principals of the staff--case manager, admissions gal, respiratory gal, nurses and the doctor in a constant flow of paperwork and duties. Jon’s in insolation for 72 hours to make sure he has not brought any new germs to the building which only means you have to wear a gown and gloves while in the room. By Monday they might have him up and out of the room. He will be learning to dress himself--I want to see that--no working fingers and one big halo! It appears that his days will be full of occupational therapy as well as respiratory therapy. The projected line of progression is talking trach, no trach and eating real food instead of a food through a tube. Barb’s carrot dangling is promising him that when he can eat, it will be apple pie, his favorite!

St. Francis is located in a wooded setting with a small lake and at least 6 white ducks. His room has a nice large window, a desk and cupboard, a TV, and a bathroom. There is a large room that he can go to with visitors or just sit and enjoy the view.

We left him around six as he was exhausted and ready for a “long winter’s nap.”