So, he was moved to the 4th floor around midnight Wednesday night (time according to Biff). He's now in room 4221. It's smaller, but there is a window! Unfortunately, it's not in his line of sight, but he can see the natural light in the room. I have also taken pictures of the view to show him. (Visitor chair is also more comfortable!)
The care is a step down from ICU, in the Tele-Neuro unit. He needs to use the call button to call for help in this room, and I've shown him how, and he can push it, but I'm not entirely sure i?the concept is sticking yet, so I keep working on that with him. This morning he at least can always find it when I ask him where it is.
He's mostly alert, speaking well, although some confusion still occurs. Like, he asked me to give him his clothes a few times, so he can change... But the last time, he stopped himself, remembering he can't put on his own clothes just yet. 🥹
So far, they have continued to restrain him at the waist, to prevent him from trying to get up on his own. They have spoken to him about it, and I've spoken to him at length about it, and he acknowledges, understands ("You won't survive another fall, honey" - "I know!)... And, a little later, he starts trying again to get up and/or asks me to help him stand... ("You always tell me No!")
Today they have advised they are going to remove the restraint and put a video monitor in his room. They assure me someone is always watching that monitor and will immediately inform the nurse if Biff tries to get up without help. 😬
Pill medications they were crushing and putting in via the feeding tube are now crushed into apple sauce... Which he does not care for... 😖
Eating is tough. He hates almost all the food, most of which is pureed, with thickened liquids only. His swallow function is compromised, and their is serious reason to worry about food/liquid going into his airway. We are working on exercises for that. And the special diet. So far, although his arms and hands are functioning better, he has to be fed (also helps push him to eat more - a constant refrain of "one more bite"). I do the feeding when I'm here.
Sadly, he hates the food so much (the whole cancer messing up his taste buds contributes to the problem), my threat that they will install a feeding tube in his side, is not working so well. Yesterday, he said he might prefer that. 😖
I've been advised that kind of feeding tube isn't necessarily permanent, but it's a minimum of 6 weeks if they install it, even if he starts eating regular food more quickly. It doesn't prevent him from eating and drinking anyway. And the crushed medications can be put in that way, which probably is better than meds crushed in apple sauce or pudding or any other food...
The nurse says their goal here is to get him ready to move to the next step - long-term care (convalescent facility?) or Acute Rehab... I am expecting to speak to the Case Manager today.
He's doing well with PT. He was on his feet again yesterday, and took several forward steps with a walker (and therapist holding him with a belt to make sure he didn't fall), and then he sat in a chair for more than half an hour, even had his lunch while in the chair.
Today, he walked to the doorway of his room and back (again, with walker and therapist spotting him), and sat in the chair for half an hour again - but this session was before lunch. His right arm and hand are gaining strength and function every day.
He was very tired and happy to get back in bed after that, snoozing as I write this. He had a rough night. Pulled the urine pouch off 3 times, and kept fighting the restraint, trying to get up.
I'm nervous about the planned change to a video monitor, but they feel strongly they can't keep restraining him. Which he really doesn't like. I'll keep reminding him to use the call button for help. Try to trust they will monitor him closely, make sure he is safe. Everyone, Biff included, understands he cannot survive another fall!
So, a corner turned. We'll see what the next few days bring. ❤️
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