April 05, 2006
JEAN IS HOME!!!
Incredible but true. They sprung her around 2pm on Wednesday afternoon. This was her longest consecutive hospital stay ever. And more good news – she is the one writing this! Now that I’m home I told Pat he was relieved of his updating duties. He’s done a phenomenal job of keeping everyone up to date it has been appreciated by all, including me.
I came home with a lot more than I thought I would and missing what I though I would have – keeping count, I have my port, still accessed because I need IV antibiotics, a catheter, for at least 2 weeks until the bladder leak seals itself, my knee brace and crutches which allow me to walk. I don’t have my right kidney or ureter. But y’all already knew that – I’m just dwelling on it right now.
I’m going to keep this post short because I am tired and need to relax a little before my nursing visits tonight. They sent me home on IV antibiotics for the next 7 days, as a precaution, because they never did figure out what caused that 101.4 fever from the other night. The CT scan showed some fluid in my abdomen but nothing to worry about and nothing that they could drain. So instead of switching me to oral antibiotics, they are keeping me on 2 of the stronger IV ones. I have to have one dose at night and one in the morning for the next week. They left my port accesses so it will be relatively simple to do and the nursing company is coming tonight to do the first dose and bring us the rest of the medications.
I’ll also be getting visits from the Visiting Nurse Association just to follow up with wound healing and to see how I’m getting around on my leg. And I’ll have in house physical therapy for at least a few weeks. I’m technically classified as “home bound” for the next few weeks which should prove interesting for me. If the weather ever gets nicer I know I’ll want out the door and I plan to go.
I have a bunch of follow up appointments already with Dr. Hanto, a neurologist to work on leg problems, and my urologist to follow up on bladder leaks. So maybe I won’t be as housebound as I thought.
Thank you all for your wonderful cards, thoughts, prayers, comments, emails, phone calls, gifts, etc. I really appreciated everything. Eventually I’ll be back to my usual chatty self on email and the blog. First I need to spend some time teaching my right leg how to work again. I plan to beat their 6-12 month time frame of full use. Until later – thanks again!!! Love, Jean
Posted by gasbarro at April 5, 2006 03:58 PMAbsolutely terrific news that you are home! Halleluiah! My money is on you beating their time frame. All the best,
Gabrielle
We'll give you a little time to rest so we won't call tonight, but we are SO excited that you get to be home now & glad to hear you are making some progress with your leg. If you want to beat their timeframe perhaps you should babysit Kibby for awhile...she'll make you get you out! Love, Mar & Chris
Posted by: Marianne & Chris at April 5, 2006 08:33 PMJean,
Not much doubt that you'll work hard to 1/2 their prediction of 6-12 mo.
Let us know if you need a visit or a taxi or a ride out to the "country".
Enjoy being in your own space again.
Jen
Hi Jean
BOY, is it great to hear from you. Congrats on finally being home in your own place. Even if you did come home with some things missing and a few extra things hanging on you are home and that is what counts. You seem to have a great support system going with all the medical people and family and friends so I would say you are in very good hands.
Hope you enjoyed that first night in your owb bed and now is the time for the speedy recovery. God Bless both you and Pat - you two are more than amazing people and we love you both..
hip hip hooray - finally.
love Carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn Materne at April 6, 2006 05:52 AMJean,
So glad to hear that you're home again - I know it's been a long time coming. Hope things continue to progress well with your leg, and I look forward to your updates (not that Pat hasn't been doing a great job!)
Love,
Lesley
Hey jean,
good to hear from you, and glad your home. if i
know you youll be up and about in no time flat.
ill send you some email. let me know when i can
call you..
hang in there ,like the card i sent you..
LOve,
Danny
Fantastic! So glad you're home. If you find yourself having difficulty adjusting to life at home though, I'm sure Pat could be convinced to wake you up every three hours throughout the night if you asked him nicely.
Maybe not.
Talk to you soon.
Love,
Tom, Ines & Iliana
Hi Jean,
I am SO thrilled to hear that you are home - what excellent news! You deserve to be in familiar surroundings. I hope that your recovery is speedy - I am always thinking of you.
Love,
Kate
TERRIFIC that you are home, with or without some things. and my money is on you with the leg, teach 'em how to tango honey, you can do it!! pat better watch it or you'll be doing that bike race yourself!! i hear its a terrific boatride home!!
take care kittles, and keep up the good work. don't you love to prove them wrong? zertog auntie s
So glad to hear that you are home. If I know you, you will not be housebound for long. Take care and relax. I know mom and dad are going to make sure you relax. Love ya.
Patty & Joe
Posted by: Patty & Joe at April 6, 2006 02:27 PMHi Jean,
Welcome home. I am so happy for you. We have been following your journey and it has been quite
a journey. You are a real trooper, keep that great sense of humor and you will be back on track before you know it. Steph has alot going on right now, I will e-mail you in a litte bit with some info, but for now take care of yourself. Your husband sounds like a gem.
Kathie
glad to be know that you are home.
It must feel great to be there.
will continue to send prayers your way
anne and saverio