I missed posting last night. It was a long week with the illness and loss of Stryder. By the time I got home around 10:00 p.m. from the hospital I was really exhausted. I decided I just needed to go to bed. It was good to sleep.
Today I enjoyed lunch with Ingrid and Sherri who have been such a huge support in raising money for Doug's HSCT and assuring that Doug had companions to keep him company as he has been recoverying. I so appreciate how much they have done for us.
This afternoon Doug's OT called again. She is still wanting me to order a new commode ($3000) and to get a new Hoyer Lift. I decided it was time to try out the Hoyer Lift I got from the Knights of Columbus. This afternoon I brought it in the house and figured out how to use. The lift is almost brand new. It comes with an additional battery and a charger. It is an electric lift and so it does not require any manual work from me. I think that I was really lucky to get this new quality lift. I am reassured that it will work for Doug. The main thing is that I hope that he will have more movement by the time he comes home so that he won't need it.
The next question is the shower chair and commode. I found a commode at the Knights of Columbus that will slide across the bathtub. It is not as stable as a large wheelchair. I will need to practice with my daughter over the weekend (if she let's me :). I will need to make sure it is safe but I think that it is.
The OT is was still pushing me to spend the night at the Elks. So that I can learn Doug's programs. I have told her no. I am there until 9:30 or 10:00 every night. I will observe all his programs the last day before he comes homes. I spend so much time with Doug, I am really not sure what sleeping at the hospital will teach me other than I won't be able to sleep and I have many months to come of taking care of him and I am sure many sleepless nights as he continues to recover. I think I need my rest while I can get it.
Most of these accomodations are not as concerning to me as the level of continual care that Doug will need. The nice thing is that he can use an electric wheelchair, can use his phone, activate the TV and use his urinal now. That will give him a lot of independence. I feel like Doug will need someone with him while I am at work. I suspect he will need that help until June or July. It is hard to know how he will progress.
For now, and over the next week, I have much to do to arrange for Home Health, rehabilitation and someone to provide home care services. And so we pray:
God of Transformation, so much has happened over the past few months. Doug has passed through near death to new life. For weeks and days he is being transformed and healed. We pray for his continued transformation. We pray that his legs will be made strong, so that he may stand and walk. In your name we ask it. Amen
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