A Challenge Conquered!

This morning when Lee's doctors made rounds, he was asked how many laps he had walked on Sunday.  Lee answered, 12 laps.  (I might add, he and I were mighty proud of those 12 laps!)  To this, his doctor asked, And how many laps can you walk today?  Lee answered that he thought he could do 16.  The doctor responded with, "How about 20?!"

So, Bloggers, I am happy to report to you that by 6:00 this evening, Lee had completed 17 laps.  The day is not over and who knows, he might just get those 20 laps in!  Will let you know for sure by tomorrow.  In case you are wondering how big a Lap is:  One lap is a little more than 300 feet!  20 laps are equal to a little more than than a mile! ( believe 1 1/4 miles) is what is posted on the wall for all who are walking to see.

Lee looks really good!  His oxygen level is holding @ 95-96 % all the time.  His blood pressure is usually 110/70 in the mornings and goes higher in the late afternoons.  That is why it is harder for him to walk in the mornings than in the evenings.  Right now the only thing holding him back from being discharged from the hospital to the condo is the feeding tube and 20 laps.  We were supposed to find out something today about the feeding tube with the results from the swallowing test.  That test was not done because Lee was an add-on and their schedule was full.  This will be done in the morning.

Right now I am anticipating his release sometime Wednesday or Thursday and he will be here at the condo again.  This will be another big adjustment for both of us.  The first week will be busy with the home health people making sure we have all the essentials necessary for Lee's care.  This will be when I become very involved with his care.  In addition to making sure he gets all the 15 or so medications once or twice daily, any IV meds, Dressing changes, daily hygiene, etc.   there will be appointments for bloodwork, chest x-rays and the daily rehab at the Center for Living.  In fact, one of his first appointments (Usually the next day) will be to return to the Center for Living and be evaluated for his return to the exercise and walking program.  He will be required to attend 23 of these sessions which is six weeks.  We know that we will be here through August with no unforseen complications we will be able to return to Vale!

I am very grateful that I am fortunate enough to have been a registered nurse most of my life.  I have great admiration for these wives who have to learn how to administer meds, dressing changes, etc. and they are not nurses.  One thing I have done while here is to offer any assistance to any of the others if they need my help during those first two weeks after they bring their loved one home or any situation that I might help with..  Sometimes God just places you in the right place at precisely the right time.

I have always heard it said and have observed it from experience that once patients start getting a little "grouchy" they are getting better.

I believe Lee is getting better....................................................More Later..................Brenda
PS:  Just got a call from Elizabeth.  She and Lee were walking the last of three laps!  Lee met his challenge!  He walked 20 laps today!!!!  YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!