After a good nights rest I felt almost back to normal this morning. My cold seems to be responding to treatment and I finally feel all the pressure in my head leaving. Lee finally settled in around midnight last night at the hospital. It seems that his bed was "broken". He could not get any of the controls to function and it took a couple of hours to get another bed. He did get a decent nights sleep after that was resolved.
He looks really good. I was amazed at how strong and healthy he looked today. I don't know if I am making comparisons with how he looked the last time I saw him in a hospital bed or what, but he just looked much stronger and his color is very good. He is beginning to develop lost muscles in his chest, shoulders and arms and the leg muscles are beginning to show signs of developing again. This is one thing he will have to be especially careful about since he is back in the hospital. He must continue to walk, walk, and exercise. It is so easy to lose all with just a few days of inactivity.
I noticed when I walked down the hallway to Lee's room that there were about five other patients who are also on contact isolation. I was told that there are three other post-lung transplant patients there who have the same virus as Lee. It is my understanding that a common area is being investigated.
I have already begun throwing things out that could possibly recontaminate Lee on his return here. For example: His toothbrush, toothpaste, all breathing and inhaling equipment. We now realize how easy it is for him to get an infection. Hopefully we will all learn from this experience to be very concientious of Lee's vulnerability as he is trying to recuperate from this enormous change in his lifestyle. Most of all, Lee will have to take more responsibility in how he associates with others and to make good use of his own personal hand sanitizer and his mask. We have had many lengthy conversations in regards to that and this situation will probably help all of us to help Lee.
One thing that I have a problem with is that we should even have to explain why these precautions must be taken. It is not important so much as to the "whys", as to the fact that it is now a "must do". It is in this area that we will need your strongest support and understanding. I know that we have that because I have witnessed your love of Lee and of me. We both thank you for that.
It is very lonely here without Lee. however, I am using the time to get some much needed sleep and rest. I know that will help me be strong when he is able to return. I do not feel scared nor insecure here, quite the contrary, I do feel very safe. To make my point, after I got up this morning, I stepped outside my door briefly only to discover that I had left my house keys dangling in the lock all night! I will be more careful tonight.
More Later..........................................Brenda
No comments:
Post a Comment