HOME!!!!

Finally!  Home again!  If you are surprised by my reaction to getting back home, perhaps you will understand better if you see it from Lee's perspective.

Lee was told on Saturday that he would be discharged on Monday.  He was so excited about being able to leave that ultra-small, very confining room.  It was even more restrictive because each person who entered had to gown and glove while working around him.  He had tested resistant to the antibiotic Vancomycin.  When this happens, extra precautions are taken to prevent a post-surgical wound infection, and cross infection from other patients.  It is a precautionary practice; however, it also reduces the number of times nurses are in and out of his room.  He was allowed to walk in the hallway any time he felt like it.

Looking forward to discharge became his inspiration to get through each day.  It was his, "if I can make it until Monday" I will be fine.  Monday came, and as the day became afternoon, then evening and no discharge, he knew his hopes had vanished.  Finally, around 6:30 that evening, the doctor made the decision that he should stay another day.  The reasoning behind her decision was because his cardiologist wanted him to go back on his anticoagulant.  She had to watch him another 12-18 hours to make sure he neither bled nor clotted under the two graft sites and the anastomosis site. It was in his best interest to wait.  Nonetheless, he was still bitterly disappointed!  Actually, angry would be a more descriptive word!

When I arrived Tuesday morning, he was raring to go!  The doctors had made early morning rounds @ 6:00 that morning and told him he could be discharged by noon.  Once again, his doctor had other safety issues that were precautionary.  The night before she had ordered the pressurized dressing reinstated on his wrist graft and did not want it removed until after 12:00 p.m.

To the person (Lee) who was ready to leave, this came as a huge stumbling block!  It seems I spent most of the morning trying to diffuse his anger and prevent insults to the staff!  Finally, at 1:20 pm. his very calm, compassionate and wonderful resident surgeon removed his pressure dressing.  The nurse removed his I.V. and at 2:15 p.m. , we were in the car headed home.

I kept my car in the fast lane most of the way home.  We did stop in Hillsborough for a sandwich since neither of us had lunch.  After practically inhaling our food, we were on the road.  We did not stop at our usual rest stop, and arrived home around 5:30 that evening!

Home environment is very healing for Lee.  His disposition has improved dramatically since here.  He had his first complete night's sleep in a week, and has been eating very well, especially since a farmer friend of his came by with fresh okra from his garden.  After a meal of fried okra, mac'n'cheese, roast beef, sliced tomatoes from his garden, he was indeed a happy fellow!

As for me......................I have thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful day!  The crepe Myrtles are full of bright red blooms, my sedum garden is turning pink, and the yard had been freshly mowed the day we arrived. Our "shared" dog Flo, was happily wagging her tail and glad to see us. Grandson John came over and unloaded the car.

  Lee relaxed in his recliner and today has had visits from family, neighbors and friends.  He is tired, but in great spirits.  His wounds will heal and it will not be long until he will be out and about again.

 Even though I spent most of the morning doing laundry catch-up, I found it was just too beautiful outside, so for the first time in many months, I hung the laundry on the line outside.  Enjoyed it too!

Tonight you will find us content and counting our blessings for each day like this one.  I hope  your day was as enjoyable as ours.

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