NEW DAY ....NEW CHANGES

It was a busy day in our new area...trying to orient nurses with Ron's care and getting used to new routines on this floor. There are 4 patients to 1 nurse....a bit different than when we were in ICU...where the ratio is either 2:1 or 1:1....It takes some getting used to ...or I just end up taking care of whatever Ron needs. The renal doctors were by in the morning...they cleaned and inspected his wound...it is looking good and healing well...but he has at least 2-3 months before it fully heals. They are looking to remove his dialysis cath since he is doing so well on his urine output....he is doing over 2000 cc's per day....they will give it probably one more day and then remove it. He has not had dialysis since Friday. The doctors came by and made early rounds ..they pulled a few staples from Ron's sternum but not all of them...he is still healing from his surgery a week and half ago....They also removed some staples from his groin sites where he had the tubing from the ECMO machine...but again..not all of them. We are little concerned one of the sites may be developing a yeast infection..I thought it strange...but yes, it is possible. They did not seem too concerned about it...there is a special powder they can use to treat it. I guess this is common because his immune system is so suppressed. They removed the pacemaker wires also. That was a bit painful for Ron..but he did well. He still has signs of edema ..but we hope this will continue to improve as long as he continues with such good output. At breakfast time ..I helped him sit up on the side of the bed to eat breakfast ...he did really well. He is at the point where I can help him by myself and he can help push himself up. We did this three times today. He is also able to roll over from side to side while in bed when we need to change his sheets ...this is a big improvement for him...just days ago he was not able to do much of this. The physical therapist came by his room today with a walker to see if he would be able to stand using the walker for support. He gave it his best effort but he could not even pull himself off the bed..they tried to support his arms but he just could not do it. The cardiac transplant team made rounds again in the afternoon...they advised that the physical therapist are recommending Ron go to a rehab facility where he can get the attention he fully needs for physical therapy and rehab. UMC just does not have he resources or staff to give him the attention he needs. If we continue like this ...he will not be walking any time soon and his skin will continue to breakdown. So, a caseworker came by today to go over his needs and advised me of places she will call to see if anyone has availability. Ron will need a place that not only offers rehab but also has a full medical staff for his medical needs. Once I am given some names of places I will run by and tour the locations. They want him to stay in Tucson for a while as he will still need to be seen by his surgeon for some time. We are a bit nervous about the move given that right now we are in a familiar place with nurses and doctors that we are comfortable with and who know us..especially Ron and his needs. The thought of going somewhere completely new makes things a bit scary. I just want to be sure they will care for him well in terms of his cardiac needs...his wounds that are healing and should something happen...will they be able to respond quick enough to help Ron. I don't know the time frame as of yet when this move will take place ...it will all depend on the doctors here and if a facility has an available bed. I ask for every one's prayers that this will be the right move for Ron and that he will be well cared for and safe where ever he is transferred to. I also hope that they will be accepting of me being there with him as I am here. He depends on me so much ...I can't imagine not being able to stay with him to help him as I do. I also ask for continued prayers for our financial needs....that the Lord will continue to provide and see us through this. I had hoped that he would be discharged by February so that our insurance would take effect for living expenses...but until that happens our costs for the apartment are out of pocket expenses.

"2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3 for you are my safe refuge." Psalm 61: 2-3