• Coughing – this is probably due to the trachea being too big.  Cindy will be given a smaller trach tomorrow.
• Numbness in her fingertips – this can be either neuropathy (diabtetes) or from leaning on her walker.
• Can’t make a fist – this might be from leaning on her walker
• Retaining fluids and feet are swelling – they’re increasing her diuretics
• Liver and bilirubin enzymes are elevated – they’ve been more elevated in the past so they are monitoring her blood week for the next few days

When Cindy went to her first Physical Therapy in the gym, the therapist decided to take Cindy down the main elevator and through the lobby instead of the back elevators.  Cindy had never been there before even though she has been at the hospital for months at a time.

The hospital is really nice.  When you walk in, you go to a reception desk, almost like at a hotel, and get a badge.  The rooms are all private and spacious.  The rooms in the new tower even have a small pull out couch if someone wants to spend the night.

The hospital hires professional pianists to play the piano during the day.

The atrium gives the waiting areas a lot of light.

The second waiting room is close to the admitting office.

There are some very interesting looking fish in the fish tanks in both the lobby and the waiting room on the second floor.

There’s an outdoor area where visitors can sit.

So why hasn’t Cindy seen all this?  Because she comes into the hospital through the back door labeled Emergency.

Part of being in rehab is to get ready to go home.  There are weekly meetings every Tuesday to determine when each patient is ready to go home.  There is discussion that Cindy might leave the rehab withing the next week or so, but there is no definite date at this time.

Cindy and crew do not believe she is ready yet.  She doesn’t feel safe or strong enough yet.  This is more an insurance decision than anything else.  The doctor is trying to extend her stay.  Any suggestions?

Going home means that Cindy’s crew – Rita, Mary and Debbie – need to be trained to care for Cindy.  Today we had a Diabetic Teaching Session.  We heard some good information and Cindy got a new meter for measuring her sugar.

 

Next Monday we are getting Physical and Occupational Training.  We will also be trained by a nutritionist.