When I arrived today he was in group therapy. A few days ago they invited him to group therapy, but he declined. He said that he had ran many group therapy sessions over the years and he was not going to one. I inquired a little more about this and found out it had nothing to do with mental health, but rather physical and occupational therapy. We had a good laugh. With this new information he decided to go. Coming back from it today, he was not too thrilled. He said he hated to see so many pathetic people and there were people older than him that had more skills than he does. He felt down. I am not sure he was ready for the group since he is still really limited. I think individual therapy might be better for him for a while. The good news is that he was up for about 3 hours in the wheelchair. His ability to sit with limited supports has gotten so much better.
This afternoon the nurse came in and said the doctor had written the order to take out the pic line and that they are beginning to think about transition. We knew it might be coming but still our jaws dropped a little. Doug said that he did not want blood drawn with a needle. I asked to please see the doctor. The physicians assistant came to meet with us. I think I am still a little shell shocked from St. Al's. There, when they made the decision for transition we would need to be ready to move the next day. I was all prepared to fight it, because I want time to find a good placement and I want to assure that I can be with Doug during the transition and I had planned on returning to work on Monday. The transition person came to meet with us. She said we are only beginning the process. I will have tomorrow to go look at facilities and we can anticipate a move late next week. Having more time feels a lot better.
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| PIC Line |
Doug is being referred to a sub-acute facility because physically he is not able to participate in 3 hours of rehabilitation therapy. The number one facility on the transition list is River View on Americana in Boise, Sunny Ridge Rehab and Trinity Mission in Nampa. St. Luke's and St. Al's rehab usually require that you can do 3 hours of rehabilitation and so they are probably not an option yet.
So overall, we should be celebrating that.Doug is doing so well medically and he is improving very slowly physically. But transition is scary. We would both find this move so much easier if Doug could move on his own enough to press a button for help or care for himself. We pray when he moves next week he will be closer to independence.
Here is some late breaking news. We were just getting Doug ready for bed and he moved his right arm from his side to his stomach and back again. I was so excited and astounded. I told him to do it again and he did, several times. I was in tears. It is real functional movement. We are on our way!
And so we pray:
Most Merciful God, we give You thanks and praise for Doug's continued improvement. We are so thankful for the many caregivers here at Vibra. We are thankful for their gentle care and concern. We are thankful for the medical treatment that is healing Doug. Be with us now as we prepare for another change. Fill us with hope and grant us peace as we anticipate this move.
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