New Chapter

I arrived at Appomattox Health & Rehab about 1:30, completed necessary paperwork, spoke with the Therapy Director and started moving things into his room and finding a place for everything. I was pleased to see a big bulletin board where I could tack photos, grandchildren drawings, cards, etc.

Before I finished, Mike arrived. By now it's about 2:30. He was OK, but really stuck in his ommm. As the next hour moved on, his omm became stronger and louder and he began to grab his head.  I asked for Tylenol and the nurse soon arrived with it. I also asked for some yogurt which came quickly also. Mike was cleaned and changed by 2 very sweet young ladies and then he began to calm down and rested peacefully and quietly for about a half hour. He never fell asleep, but at least he looked comfortable.

Presently he is alone in a semi-private room. I'm praying that God will hand pick Mike's roommate. I'm hoping it's someone who doesn't have the TV on all the time and that Mike's humming omm won't irritate them. It was nice to be just us today. There is an almost constant beeping in the hall which is annoying to me, but I hope Mike can ignore it or will quickly get used to it.

A brief moment of peace.

The staff were all very southernly kind. I like that. Since it was his first day, I made sure I told everyone that he has to have thickened liquids and pureed food, at least for now and I stayed until I was sure he received his supper. It did come, just about 40 minutes later than it was supposed to come. That's not unusual in a hospital, so I wasn't too surprised that the same thing happened there. They had to get him in the computer and the kitchen had to be notified of the special preparation.

He ate well, as usual. He seemed to get agitated again after receiving his meds and eating supper. I wonder if something else is going on. He had calmed after receiving the Tylenol, but I've noticed since being in the hospital, that he gets agitated after his meds and eating, plus seems to regurgitate. I mentioned it in the hospital and I will ask the doctor at rehab about it also. The doctor will be there Wednesday.

This is such an easy drive compared to driving to Stanardsville! It's a straight shot on a 4 lane highway and half the amount of time. Thank you, Jesus!

Thank you for praying for Mike's transition. I believe the move went well. Therapy will begin tomorrow. I'm hoping he will be able to show improvement, and thus able to stay for several weeks. Pray that he will have the desire and ability to work through some pain and that the staff will be able to know when he needs pain medication.