Day + 35 -- Discharge planning, Hickman out

Spalding Rehab

The doctors and therapists had their Thursday conference today -- and they decided that Doug can be discharged this Saturday! It hasn't really sunk in yet that he has only a day and a half left.
Today was very busy with Dr. visits, the usual therapy sessions, discharge planning. The therapists still have lots for Doug to do. Seems things are moving fast. Doug's case manager at Spalding is arranging physical therapy for him in Buena Vista.

I had planned to take Doug outside in a wheelchair, just the two of us to enjoy some sunshine this afternoon. But the nurse said "Interventional Radiology is coming to get you, to take out your Hickman (central venous line in the chest) catheter." It came out pretty easily - just some local anesthetic, cutting some tissue that had bonded to the catheter where it entered the chest, and a tug to get it out. That is the final medical gadget to be removed from his body, except for the pacemaker which will remain.

We will remain in Denver, at the hotel, for about a week, to finish up with the transplant team, and a repeat echocardiogram. Then we get to go home to Buena Vista. Our good friends Cathy and Jim Storey will come to help us pack up, drive us home, and help carry stuff in. I sure appreciate not having to drive the three hours home. I know we will have lots of support when we get home.

We are in a transitional phase now -- I need to back off and let Doug do more for himself. He has become very dependent on me. I have been doing so much for him, starting when he really couldn't do much of anything. It is a psychological as well as physical transition, for both of us. I need to watch him carefully but give him space. The therapists want me to stay with him 24/7 at first. I am a little frustrated with Doug - he has been refusing to wear his "leg squeezers" at night. I don't know the real name but they wrap around the lower legs and pulse to keep circulation going at night -- purpose is to prevent blood clots.

He is eating a little more, but will need to drink Ensure when he comes 'home' for a while yet. Hope he will! Today was the first day that he said something tasted good. Hopefully that will improve every day.

Love to all.