Doug goes to Spalding

Today was an eventful day -- Doug got transferred to Spalding Rehab. This is the rehab facility that I mentioned yesterday. It is in the P/SL hospital building but on a different wing. Spalding is its own entity and rents space from the hospital. They have an excellent reputation for all kinds of intensive rehabilitation.

When Doug heard this morning that the docs had given approval for the move, and that Spaulding had accepted him, he got a boost. He took a shower and wanted his t-shirt and sweat pants instead of the hospital gown. Both Doug and I feel that he has gotten excellent care at P/SL, but he really needed a change of enviroment. This will be good for him not only physically but also mentally/emotionally I think.

He got transferred by 3:30 in the afternoon. After lots of paperwork with the nurse and a new armband, we met one of the three PAs (physican assistants). There is also an M.D. who is a rehab specialist. Doug's transplant oncologist and cardiologist can follow him there but probably won't see him every day. Spaulding had all of Doug's medical records sent over, but the PA also asked him many questions. He did a physical assessment, gave us some explanations, then introduced us to one of the occupational therapists. The OT gal did her own assessment and then turned Doug over to the physical therapist. The PT guy did another assessment and said that Doug has "good strength" -- he needs to work on endurance and balance among other things. He had Doug walk around the unit so he could see how well Doug uses the walker.

Doug knows he will have to work hard but I think he is psyched about this. He can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Denver has had a lot of snow today. The drive back to the hotel was beautiful, especially the snow covered trees.

I am so happy and thankful for the move to Spalding -- with hard work I think Doug will really make good progress at getting closer to going home. Praise God.

Love and thanks for the prayers!