Back home after making a run to the house and then going to see Sandi at the hospital. Today is a milestone that we could have done without as she has been hospitalized for a month as of today. She had a bit of a rocky afternoon yesterday leading up to the MRI. They did that and for awhile she was a bit better, but apparently she was again rather confused overnight. That extended into this morning and continued while we were there. A conversation with her today was a bit of a roller coaster as she kind do went in and out. It is very shard to explain in words, but those involved with her care repeatedly assured me what Sandi is doing is normal and not anything to get upset over.
The brain wave test apparently indicated everything was okay. The MRI was thought to be "good" as, though it showed the extensive damage from 2010 and 2011 when she had a number of strokes, it did not show new damage. That confirms the idea she did not have a stroke. If she had a seizure last week it did not do anything that was strong enough to do damage. That is also very good news.
The plan is to move her to rehab as soon as possible where she will be from ten days to two weeks. Medicare has to approve this so physical therapy and occupational therapists will come work with her today to write reports and submit them to Medicare. Everyone involved believes there is no question that Medicare will approve her moving to rehab. Apparently there is an inpatient rehab unit at Medical City Dallas Hospital that opened in the last year so they would move her there. They really want to get her there tomorrow, but I think it is more likely she would not move until Friday.
I am not thrilled about her having to change rooms again as she is still upset over the last move when she had to change rooms due to Medicare rules. She is still upset over that and feels like things were lost. that move comes up multiple times each visit. So, moving her again could trigger a new round of that complaint though she seems to understand that such a move will be necessary.
Once she successfully completed rehab, they would then move her back to the main hospital and do another round of chemo. This means, if everything goes right, she is most likely looking at another three weeks in the hospital. If I can orchestrate things here well enough, when she comes home she would go to the house and not back here to the apartment. I'd still have to pay out the lease till August 21st , but being on the ground floor would help her a lot.
Hope things keep going on the right track. Be sure to check out the rehab place to see if they are able to do what needs to be done. When my wife had to go to a rehab several years ago, we went to one the hospital recommended because, although they seldom referred people there, it was close to home and no one had complained. The rehab facility was a horror show -- they did not have the necessary equipment, the staff was untrained (and unwilling to help), and there was no real supervision. A total horror show. We moved her out as soon as possible. May you and Sandi have much better luck.
ReplyDeleteI hope so. I know a little bit about what to look for as my Mom was in and out of two different rehab places the last couple of years. One was really good. The other was absolute crap. My hope is that since this in the hospital and therefore her cancer doctor and other folks can and plan to see her in the other building that all this works right.
ReplyDeleteSteve has been in several, and most were dangerous. The two that were excellent, however, were both Health South.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
The bad one here for my Mom was a Health South facility. Flaming disaster across the board. I was disgusted.
ReplyDeleteThis is an inpatient deal at Medical City Dallas which means they will move her from one building on one side of the hospital to a building on the other side of the hospital. Hopefully, all of this will help her.
I am so sorry and sad to hear that. I'm shocked after our excellent experience here in Arizona.
ReplyDeleteWhen my husband left the planet during his hospital stay to get his feeding tube, I was told it's called "hospital delirium" and isn't rare. It was very scary, though. He was on the brink of starvation and dehydration, which didn't help. That's why I brought him home instead of sending him to rehab, so he could regain his mental equilibrium. It was the right decision. I haven't found a decent rehab or respite place here at all. I hope you get Sandi home soon!
ReplyDeleteNo, Kaye, this was NOT that situation at all. Sandi had an issue with high blood pressure and bad stuff from the kidneys. In some cancer patients, this causes inflammation at the back of the brain. That inflammation irritates the brain and causes swelling. Totally different deal than what happened with your husband.
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