Routines Never Go Routinely

Mom and Dad are happy to be back home again, and are trying to add the infusion of two antibiotics to the routine. (both of which are administered differently) With so much to do, (and curveballs such as receiving incorrect tubing) getting into a routine seems nearly impossible. TPN, Antibiotic 1, Leaking Ostomy, Antibiotic 2 - OH MY!!! They are making it, and today's wish is for "uneventful". Boy does that sound nice! :)

Home Again

After a really good day yesterday, dad got to return home last night. All is well.

Update

Dad is feeling much better although bloodwork did reveal a line infection.  Antibiotics appear to be working well and after unsuccessfully trying to put a new line in today they will try again tomorrow in the operating room.  He should go home one day this week.

Prayers for Today's Hurdle

There's been a bump in the road. Today dad began running fever, and after some lab work at El Campo Memorial Hospital, they have decided to admit him to ICU there. His blood pressure is low, so in ICU they will be able to monitor that as well as administer antibiotics for whatever type of infection he has. It is not believed to be a central line infection, thank goodness, but prayers are much appreciated!

Out and About

It counts as "Out", but not too far from home.  Dad loves to get out, but at this point is only ready to go as far as those new tennis shoes and walker can take him.  No complaining though, the breaths of fresh air and changes in scenery are very much appreciated!  The neighbors and passersby have become accustomed to seeing him in what he refers to as his "dress".  One of these days he will wear real clothes again, but in the meantime if he prefers his gown, then so be it.  Thankfully he has a manly walker and it is phenomenal.  It works great on the street (and even in the grass) and it has a basket that can hold his TPN bag and pump.

It's been almost a week since mom and dad's return to El Campo and overall things have gone well.  There was lots to learn in the first few days, especially for mom, but she's done it.  She can now add vitamins to TPN, hang daily bags and fix stoma bag leaks. She's doing a great job and we've come a long way since last Thursday and Friday when things were more hectic.  I was a little scared when dad first said he needed a little help getting to the bathroom.  We all ran around like circus monkeys: unplug this, hold the pump low, hold the bag high, unhook the foley from the walker, don't let him trip on the pump's electrical cord....  You can imagine the chaos.   It took 4 of us to make it to the bathroom the first time and I think all of us had our hands full.  I had to wonder if he'd ever be able to leave the couch without at least three amigos following. 

Thankfully we've come a long way.  A new cordless pump (that does not get air in the line) has helped out tremendously. Bonnie, Suz, and I were able to return to our own homes and dad is still able to make it to the bathroom. 

Last but certainly not least, we thank everyone for all of kindness they have shown us.  All of you who have sent cards, called, stopped by for a quick visit, and helped us with anything and everything.  Mom and Dad were so ready to return home and you guys are a constant reminder why they love their hometown so much.  I can't imagine a better support system.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

Stand Up and Go Your Faith Has Saved You

I can't think of a more fitting verse to describe Louie's "going home" day. Truly from the very first night with each of you praying earnestly for his life to be spared, God listened. These many voices brought Dr. Duke into the emergency room to give the highest level of skill possible. At every turn, your loving prayers allowed him to get better and better. Your part in this recovery process is of utmost importance.

I am going to revise this verse just a bit to include what has really mattered from January 28th until the present.

Stand up and go: your faith and the faith of hundreds of family, friends and strangers has saved you.

When I see him stand up from that wheelchair and step into the car to go home, I will be thinking of each of you. We can never, never thank you enough.

Love to all, Ruthie


UPDATE:













4 PM - DISCHARGED

Saying Goodbye














Notice Dr. Duke is sporting his Shoppa's Farm Supply Hat!














6 PM - WE'RE HOME!

Could it be?

It looks like mom and dad might be headed home within the next week!

Poem by Marilyn Goerig
A U-HAUL?

Louie’s strength is improving,
And his fever is gone.
Home equipment has been ordered,
And clothes shopping has been done.


With less tubes and equipment,
Less supplies will be needed.
So it seems packing for home
Can proceed unimpeded.

“Back up the truck”
may be just an expression.
But in Ruthie’s case
It’s a necessitation.

If you’ve seen Ruthie’s garden,
In the big corner window,
You can imagine the move home,
Will require a trailer in tow.

Whatever it takes, she says,
We must take them all.
Ordinary transportation for us,
And for the plants, a U-HAUL.