In Charge Man

Yesterday was amazing!  We have now learned how to get discharged from Duke in a timely manner.  Lee began his day at Duke Hospital and as soon as he was visited by the nurse, the PA, and the pulmonary doctor, he began making them all aware of his goal to be out of the hospital no later than 3:30 p.m.  Next, he asked the nurse if she would try to begin the four-hour I.V. by 11:00 a.m.  She said that could be done.  He then approached the PA and asked if she could have all his discharge papers and medications completed by 3:00 p.m.  She said she could do that.  After getting the official discharge from the doctor, everyone worked very hard to meet Lee's request. He had taken control and was the man in charge of his departure!

Based on past experiences, we now know that efficiency works if everyone knows the plan.  When no one realizes the plan, then hours may be sacrificed.  Lee remembered the time Labor Day week-end 2010 (our first trip home since May31 ) and how it took three hours to get out of the hospital after the doctor wrote the official discharge!  One of the longest and most exasperating waits was for the transport person.  What we did not know then, and know now, is that whenever you are discharged from Duke, your name is sent to the transport service and they will only come get you on a "first come, first serve" basis.  If your name is at the bottom of the list............long wait!

So, in view of this, I decided to find our own wheelchair for Lee. This is not an easy find @ Duke as all the wheel chairs belong to the transport dept.  I walked along all the adjacent hallways and was about to give up when I finally found one lurking around a corner, in front of another patient room.  It was empty, and as I stood there for a few minutes, I felt sure that it was not being used.  I cautiously approached the w/chair and took it to Lee's room.  When I told him how I got it, he accused me of stealing someone's w/chair and told me to go get approval from the desk person. Feeling like a guilty child, I did, and it was then ours.  We would not have to rely on the transport person.

The last I.V medication finished at 3:00 pm..  The designated picc-line person ( per Lee's request also ) came and pulled the picc line.  Lee dressed quickly, I put him in the wheel chair, and we were out the door to valet service for our car promptly @ 3:30 p.m.

We had a good trip home, maybe a few minutes longer than if Lee had driven, but I do not ride with a driver who has slurred speech!  The benadryl was still in his system!  After a stop for food for supper, we arrived home around 7:00 p.m.  All is well.............................

More Later..............................................Brenda