We have made BIG strides! His trach came out on Friday. YAY! He still needs supplemental oxygen for the moment. We are working on that.
He was downgraded from ICU to Intermediate Care on Saturday. YAY!
And on Sunday, (thank you baby Jesus, and insurance finally agreed!) we moved him to inpatient rehab, after 41 days in ICU. YAY!
All good things; and I am SO very grateful for all of these wins.
But three days into rehab and it's beginning to dawn on me (yes, I'm THAT naive)...he isn't just going to come home and everything will be as it was.
I had this idyllic vision, that I would bring him home and everything would be normal.
I'm beginning to realize, that things will NOT be normal for quite a bit.
I have informed PT that in order for him to come he needs to be ambulatory and able to navigate a few stairs. Because God knows, I cannot catch him if he falls.
I am also realizing that PT in these places happens at a much slower pace than I would like. I KNOW how strong he is and taking it in baby steps is NOT helping, in my opinion. But then, what do I know, I'm not a doctor or a PT.
I am also noting how exhausting PT and OT is for him...which also explains why the pace is so slow.
In the meantime, I am celebrating every win. Able to sit and stand without assistance? YAY! Able to figure out how to measure out your meds? YAY! All these little wins add up to big wins.
But I imagine, in the next week he will be begging me to break him out of there (much like he did for the last two weeks in ICU). And I will know that I can't. That he is in this place for his own (and my) good.
And friends...let me explain absolute exhaustion to you. Until you have sat in a room with your loved once, unable to do much of anything for them; other than to clear off their table, you do not know exhaustion.
I am not a person that naps. EVER. But today, I found myself nodding off in the chair - and at one point actually considering squeezing in next to him in his bed.
At this point, even if nothing is normal when he comes home - I'm still ready for him to come home.
Oh Gigi, this is such good news! I have been thinking about you every single day, and praying and meditating on your situation. But yes, that is a big realization and it sounds like a long road ahead. But I am thrilled that insurance FINALLY agreed to inpatient rehab. May the path to healing be smooth. I cannot imagine how exhausted you are right now, and how I wish I could be there to help you out. Just know that I'm thinking of you and cheering on every baby step. xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteIt IS great news, Nicole! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. They mean the absolute world to me. xo
DeleteSo glad to hear insurance is settled! Being a caregiver (even if you can't give very much care at the moment) is not for the faint of heart - exhausting both mentally and physically. Celebrate those little bits of progress! Hugs to both of you. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenn. I am so very tired and I know the road is going to be long. But we are going to get there.
DeleteI am SO GLAD to get this update, and thrilled for you about your husband's progress--breathing on his own!--at this point. ALSO--HOORAY FOR STANDING YOUR GROUND AND GETTING YOUR INSURANCE TO DO THEIR JOB! What huge and important victories.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to accept the New Realities in your future. Bravo to you. This scenario really makes your wedding vows significant, doesn't it? "In sickness and in health..." Sending hugs and support your way!
Thank you, Nance. Your support is what is keeping me going. I am so very thankful for all the progress he has made and that insurance finally did what was right. xo
DeleteThis is such good news! I'm sending you so much love your way. 😘💜
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kari! xo
DeleteOh Gigi, I am so pleased to hear this update. What a wonderful improvement, to be OUT of the ICU! I think your realization about the long-haul nature of this health setback is probably a good one, and also, it seems really valuable to take things one step at a time. I'm so glad that your husband continues to make such good progress. This whole ordeal sounds emotionally, intellectually, and physically draining for both of you. Hang in there. xxxooo
ReplyDeleteI love that he's out of the ICU and the insurance asshats finally approved all the care he needs. Yes, he has a long way to go, but look at how far he's come. I can't imagine the mental and physical exhaustion you are dealing with. Sending you lots of love. XO
ReplyDeleteGreat news that he's out of the ICU. I believe the strain of PT and OT will be very tiring for him. I feel for you - I can only imagine how exhausting all of this is. Prayers for continued progress.
ReplyDeletegood news indeed! I hope that nod leads to proper naps in time.
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