Jeff was moved from ICU to the
Telemetry Unit late last night. I
arrived at St. Mary Medical Center this morning to find him looking much, much
better and much, much happier.
Unfortunately, his leg and foot were more swollen and harder and hotter
than ever.
A text exchange with Dan answered
the burning question, “What is Telemetry?”
We had a pretty good idea already since my mother had been in the same
unit a few years ago. Jeff’s sense of
humor has returned - welcome evidence of his improved condition. He quipped, “I thought I’d be learning how to
read minds here.”
Yesterday Dr. Kravatz led us to
believe that being symptomatic would delay Jeff’s discharge. Today, however, Nurse Chinnamma assured us
that it takes “awhile” for that to clear up.
Jeff had only gotten out of bed one time yesterday to use the bathroom
and walking had been very difficult so it seemed to us that he was not yet fit
to go home.
Kim came for a visit this morning and
at lunch time, she and I went to eat in the cafeteria. Naturally, that is when Jeff’s doctor came to
his room. Dr. Raghan was not concerned
about the swelling, even after Jeff pointed out that the leg was much larger
compared to his right leg and that it was worse today than yesterday. It takes a while, evidently. Jeff asked all the questions I would have
asked if I had been there (good job), like how they know they got all the
clots. Dr. Raghan said they did an
ultrasound after his procedure yesterday morning and everything was clear. Dr. Raghan told Jeff he could be discharged. This was a surprise since he had not yet
taken one of his new pills (something we were told was necessary before
discharge). Well, we told ourselves, “Discharge
Today” could mean 9 p.m. so we tried to remain patient.
Jeff was told he could get
dressed. We had to unlace his sneakers
to get the foot inside. Once dressed, he
sat on the edge of the bed. In came two
older gentlemen looking for “Harry.”
They were very confused because they had just gotten Harry’s room number
from the information desk.
Jeff said, “Harry isn’t here but if
you want to visit me, come on in. I’m Jeff.”
Then Jeff and I both realized we
knew Harry! He was Jeff’s roommate on
Thursday. We were able to tell the men that
Harry was in Room 254, not 264. It is
like being in Home Depot; people are always asking Jeff where to find things.
Within a short time Nurse Chinnamma
came in with his new Xarelto pill, disconnected his heparin and IV fluids, then
she left the room with a promise to bring discharge papers. I have never seen a speedier hospital
discharge (and I have seen many). It was
hard to believe it was happening. Surely
we’d have to wait for transport. That
could take a long time, hours even. Not
this time! Nursing Assistant Kel came
with a wheelchair and took Jeff himself.
Kim left to bring the car around front and we beat her to the door by
several minutes. Whoosh! In no time, we had Jeff home and nestled in
for a nap.
As glad as I am to have him home, I
admit to being anxious about the swelling in the leg and foot. Of course, we want him to move as much as possible
to avoid a repeat of the problem but he thinks he ought to have a cane since he
needs to hold on to things in order to walk safely.
1 comment:
Wow - just read your blog after not checking for a few weeks. You have been through a lot! I hope you are recovering well and I will send up prayers for continued healing of your leg. Sending hugs your way.
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