The swallow test

[The Kleins, Tempe, AZ]

Jesse has been calling me in the morning. This is when his voice is the strongest. Tough coach that I am, I made him do some vocal exercises. I thought he was sounding pretty good. Evidently the speech therapist did too – instead of exercises she tested Jess with some ice chips – he did well, reporting that the ices tasted like heaven. It was on to the swallow test to assess if his epiglottis closes.

Somehow, Jess dislodged his nose feed tube. It must have been wishful thinking. As they say, third time is the charm, Jess passed the test! (Insert cheers and whooo hooos here)

Jess stayed on a simple diet of soup and pudding. He had most of his soup (both for lunch and dinner) and barely touched his pudding. For someone who has not eaten in six weeks, his appetite was not very strong. Swallowing took effort.

Jess graduated from the platform walker to the regular walker today. It still wipes him out to go around the nurses’ station, but he made two trips in the morning, one in the afternoon, and a final one to really wipe him out this evening. He also forced himself to sit up quite a bit today. Jess was pretty tired, so I am hoping he will get a full night’s sleep.

The day nurse felt that Jess was doing quite well. She said he would be gone by the time she returned. I asked how long would she be gone and she held up four fingers, “four weeks?” I asked?
“No,” she states, “four days.”
“Four days to rehab?”
“No, four days to home.”
I told her if that was the case they needed to get me a bed. She says, O.K., maybe five.

We have had issues with my parents sprung from the hospitals too early, and I really don't wish to revisit any of those scenerios.
I am thinking she may really be off. I certainly hope he can have time to be watched since this is all so fresh. But the insurance may want Jess to rehab at home. The doctors need to see what kind of medications he needs, if he needs a defibrillator, etc. Would they they make such decisions and pop him home?
Where are my blood pressure pills?

This is all too much. They had me at the swallow test.

Sorry to leave you hanging here. Think of how I feel.

Doodle Kisses and continued prayers for Doodle Daddies Ron my amazing Jess.
J,J, P, and H.


P.S. Today Jess received several photo cards from the DK community. He was really tickled to see the doodles and super touched by all who have reached out to him. Thank you!

[2SCdoodles]

More great news! I look every evening for the updates on Jess. What a miracle! If you think it is too soon to go home, then stand firm in your beliefs. I had a scary episode last year when a bacterial infection affected my parasympathetic nervous system. While I was not as sick as Jess, I was very ill and had to insist on some aspects of my care. As always, my family's thoughts and prayers are with you!

[Beverly Wright]

Janet,
This is sooooo amazing!! I am excited that the NG tube is gone (even if it is by accident!!). Unfortunately the nurse is probably right.........they discharge patients way too early now days and Jess may not be ready but do know that there are other options....he would certainly qualify for a Re-hab center if you have a good one nearby where you live......or if not home health for him would definitely be an option....either way this will be hard for you and scary for you and Jess. Just keep praying and we will too! This was a great day for Jess and we are so thankful! Hugs and doodle kisses to you! (keep taking your BP meds!!!)
Bev

[Leslie and Halas]

Those baby steps are getting bigger!

[Susan]

Janet, I did gasp when I read this! What strides Jess has made! But I agree that if you think this is too early, talk with the Charge Nurse and she will make the calls to have the correct people come and talk with you. Ron had an issue yesterday and his Charge Nurse was wonderful! It is true that Jess has made great improvement and you are his motivator. If he is up and walking the laps around the nurses station now, his strength will improve more and more everyday. Just being out of that bed has to make him feel better. And to pass the swallow test! Wow! I am so happy for you both!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Janet, hang in there. Jess has surpassed everyone's expectations...remember, we are talking miracle here! Have faith that your miracle will continue, and that everything will happen as it's meant to. I'll bet that Phoebe's face will really go a long way toward helping Jess to recover, when he finally gets to see it again! We are all here sending positive energy, thoughts & prayers. Hugs to you & Jess, and to P & H.

[Jeri]

Be sure and talk to your Doc about this and how you both feel about this. There also should be a patient representative you can talk to. But start with your Doc and talk with the Nurse Manager. I think this nurse was a bit out of line to tell you this. (remember I am an RN). I think she was trying to let Jess know how well he was doing, but failed in her communication. I wonder what her experience and background is. Reading about what Jess went through in his history is not the same as experiencing it. Discharge planning starts with admission. There should be a Discharge planning person involved in Jess' case. The hospital can call your insurance company with requests for additional days. There also is Home Care with nurses, PT and Speech Therapists that can and should be arranged if needed. As Jess begins to eat and continues to do what he is doing he will get stronger everyday. He will probably have a let down when he gets home and feel very exhausted for awhile. This is sooo hard to explain that feeling and understand it unless you have experienced it. I have in the past. It sounds to me that he is progressing very well and is very determined to get strong again, even with a heart that got sick. I have seen some amazing recoveries over the years and experienced one myself. You learn to work with your limitations and live life to its fullest the best you can. The support and love that you are giving Jess is the best. Keep being his advocate. Each day is a gift and has a clean slate. Well enough of the cliches. I hope this helps you feel better about discharge and know that there is help out there for you to use.