Claudia began the day with mom. She and mom called dad on phone and mom said to dad, "What did you say?" Also after she hung up, Claudia asked her who was on the phone? Mom said, "Dad." Spoke to speech person about proper trach cuff and the facility speech person had never heard of such a cuff before. The head of respiratory said that everyone can't believe how great mom is doing and the difference in her---but what they are seeing is NOTHING compared to how she was in the hospital. Nurses, CNAs, respiratory people...all came to mom's room today to greet her and welcome her back. Again, everyone noted a marked difference in her. To some, she would say, "Good morning" and "I'm fine thank you" but to others she said nothing. One respiratory person came to see mom and mom said, "Ohhh!!! I remember you!!!" But largely, mom slept. Everyone from respiratory to the doctor said that is to be expected and to just let her sleep and rest. The head of respiratory said mom would be put on a new type of trach collar--a collarless trach. Mom was switched to this trach early in the day. No one at the facility ever heard of the trach cuff that the PA at the hospital spoke of for eating. Mom is off the vent 3 days in a row now!!! In the hospital, the people deal with only acute care and are not familiar with trach cuffs, feeding... The respiratory person said that mom is just tired and that her being tired has nothing to do with the trach collar.
Anthony and Samantha came to see mom next and found her asleep at first, but then awake. Even though she was awake, she was quiet and subdued; no talking. Anthony tried to work on her legs but mom grimaced and said, "Owwwww!" alot and forcefully. Something was hurting her right leg. It appeared to be better later on when I came to see her and later still when the facility doctor came to see her.
John and Ava came to visit mom as well. Ava showed mom her "Brooklyn College" t-shirt and mom read it. Ava and mom worked on the IPAD making designs and talking. John and Samantha and Anthony helped unload 2 carloads of boxes for mom's room.
The speech therapist came to assess mom and said mom is swallowing well. Mom ate a cup of applesauce with no problem.
Dad came next and he sat holding mom's hand while I set up her room. It is almost finished now. Mom's night CNA came to see her and mom smiled at her. Mom was still sleepy. The facility doctor and the respiratory therapist saw mom. Dad questioned the amount of water in the trach line and the respiratory person suddenly realized that there was an overflow container missing from the set up. Thank God dad saw this. The doctor commented on how great mom is doing and looked too. He removed the stitches from mom's neck that held the trach ties on. I am glad the stitches are finally out---they pulled mom's neck in what had to be a very painful manner. The respiratory person and the doctor commented on the amount of secretions mom had and the doctor ordered a specimen to be examined and cultured. The head nurse argued that she wanted mom to have no mitts and no bedrails...."round the mountain again!!!' This nurse is new. I straightened it all out. Mom is in a private room for now and it is great. I wish she could stay there for the duration. Mom was sleeping soundly when I left. I prayed over her and tucked her in for the night.
"By His Spirit He has stamped us with His Eternal Pledge---a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete." 2 Corinthians 1:22
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