Hebrews 12:1-2a

"Let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which so easily ensnares us,
and let us run with Endurance
the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus,
the author and finisher of our faith."
Hebrews 12:1-2a

Friday, May 15, 2015

New room, new phone no.

Another man needed Jim's room because of an infection, so late this morning, Jim was moved from Room 59 to Room 69. His new phone number is (319) 353-9304.

Recovery - Day 3

Jimmy is feeling better. He called shortly before 7 this morning, 30 seconds after I woke up. He slept better. They gave him benedryl through the IV which helped him sleep through the night and with his allergies.

The x-ray with dye contrast of his stomach indicated he was good to go forward with the tube feedings, so that will start this afternoon.

Tube feedings began a bit earlier - at 9:30 a.m. The nutritional drink - looks like chocolate milk - comes in a plastic carton that hangs upside down on the pole by his bed/chair. He gets 25 milliliters per hour.

He moved into a new room because someone needed a private room due to an infection. So he is around the corner to the left, sharing a room. He says he likes the new room better; he can sit by the window and have the picture of himself and Austin sitting on the shelf.

He has taken 2 walks so far today. He has to be up and out on the road (the floor) 4 times today.

After he got to his new room and was situated, he put in his contacts and hearing aids.

Dietician came at 2 p.m. and we discussed what types of foods/drinks Jim could have at the various stages - clear liquids, all liquids and soft mushy.

We are frustrated with our dealings with UnityPoint Home Medical. It has been an all-day process to get anywhere. The whole point of going with them was Jim's 22 years of service with Home Medical and Hospice. It seems like they aren't  interested nor cordial in working with the patient/customer.   When Jim used to work with them (he left there in 2011-12), on-call was 24 hours; now it seems considerably less than that. So many hoops to jump through. We managed to get it set up for the on-call guy to come to our house at 11 a.m. Saturday to deliver and set up the pole and/or travel backpack, the nutritional supplies and pump, give brief instructions  and have me sign insurance papers. A family member or power of attorney has to be present - no neighbors.

Melissa, the nurse practitioner, came by to visit about how things are going and how things need to continue to progress for Jim's release on Sunday afternoon.

There were bubbles in his chest tube on Day 1 and also last night, but none today. Something to do with a chance of collapsed lung, so they watch that carefully.

Since he can't take flomax for his enlarged prostate, he has been given proscar (spellling questionable) through the J-tube. The foley catheter probably will not come out until Sunday. It is hoped Jim can go by himself, but if not, the foley will either need to be re-inserted or he'll have to do a straight cath. Neither one is exciting to think about. Have to see what tonight to Saturday and all day Saturday bring. It could be he wouldn't be released until Monday.

Physical Therapy stopped by while I was in the visitor's lounge updating this. Jim doesn't need any additional PT. We thought maybe it wise to check it out, especially with the steps into the house.  But things are okay there and he has now taken his 3rd walk today.

The medicine Jim was taking for Afib was discontinued during the day to see how he would do, but numbers went up again, so at 5 p.m., he was back to taking abuterol (spelling?) I think.

He had two visitors today -- Pastor Dan this morning and Bob and Lorraine Kappmeyer this evening.