Last week Vernon’s case manager pulled me aside to tell me something about Vernon. Inwardly groaning at what new bad news was to come, I followed him outside. He rarely comes to me with news so I knew it wouldn’t be good, especially after the last week or so of Dialysis troubles.
“It’s okay,” he assured me. “It’s good news.”
I still didn’t trust him. I was sure he was going to tell me Vernon had become too difficult a patient and we would need to find new care alternatives or perhaps that our insurance benefits had finally run out, so his news completely blindsided me.
“I was talking to the Director of Physical Therapy and he said he thinks that Vernon may be a good candidate for an Acute Rehab Hospital. Maybe in a few weeks, we can start asking for representatives to come out and asses him and see if he’s a fit. Isn’t this what you wanted?”
Since I’ve already tried and failed to get into Rancho Los Amigos twice (although they only looked at his files, rather than sending someone out) it was hard to get excited about this news. I was confused. This is what I wanted for him, yes…but I still worried that we were being kicked out. Even if he were to be accepted, the rehab programs are usually 2 weeks long and then what? Also, just that morning, I’d spoken to his PT and heard about how inconsistent his sessions had been. It was good news but it just didn’t fit with what I was seeing and hearing.
But that was a few days ago. The disbelief is thawing to hope again. Since then, I have filled some of his PTs, OTs, and the Speech Therapist in on the idea. “Can we get him ready for this? What do you think?”
They all seem to think it would be the best thing for him and are joining me in the budding hope that it can happen.
So please join us in the hope that it will happen…if it is what is supposed to happen.
It still seems a long way off. Especially with the recent challenges that can make it feel like we aren’t moving forward at all. Apparently the guys in charge think his inability to sit still and be comfortable are signs of mental improvement. He can’t sit in an upright wheelchair without trying to get out and stand or walk out of it. He can’t lie in a bed without trying to throw himself out. He regularly begs for me to take him home—or anywhere. It’s hard to take these as positives when its so much work to keep him still and so hard to leave him alone when the time comes.
So. We take a big breath and set our sails out again. What else can we do? But hope.
This is a video snapshot of where Vernon is today. Its difficult for him, but look how tall he gets!
On another note, Vernon’s AV Graft (in his arm) surgery has be rescheduled for Thursday. If I don’t blog before then, please keep that in your thoughts and prayers as well. Thank you, as always.
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WOW! yep my tummy knotted up when i started to read your post .. but, how positive .. another goal to shoot, the news you so wanted months ago ..they must feel and see that something has changed..he must be ready xx
so good to see him standing again..been far too long since you showed Vern trying to stand ..i know when Paul and i came in OCT he was standing …holding onto the bars and they were trying to get him to walk, seems like years ago….
come on Vern you can do it it ..with a little help and lots of love and support from you Allison xx
xx love you xx
Thanks Vanessa! I got the email about your sale too. Thank you so much! Its frustrating that he isn’t further along, because yes…he was starting to do this in October. But this is his story…lots of steps backward as well as forward. And here he is, for whatever reason. This is his story. Love you too! xoxo
PRAYING………!! XXXOOO
Allison,
So great to see Vernon up and if he tries this his muscles will rebuild and he will get to go home. I know that is a long ways down the road but for he to get up and try to walk is a A+ day. We will be praying for all of you and the place that would really help him to get better. God will be your side as you go thru this period in his recovery.
Love,
Becky
I’m praying…holding HOPE high! Love you all xo