Weights and measures

[The Kleins, Tempe, AZ]

Jess has been home for five days. Every day is getting better, with smaller hills to climb.

The second day of Jess’s return was a work day for me. Jess’s brother was due in the morning to “watch” him and assist where needed. He arrived about an hour after I left for work. Jess did not sleep well, so he took a cat nap. Upon hearing the doorbell ring, Jess got up too fast and fainted. Of course I didn’t learn this until he admitted this to the nurse that afternoon. By Thursday the home physical therapist looked at his knee and noticed the swelling. We got Jess to see a doctor and x-rayed and it turned out he is fine. We have been icing him every two hours and that has helped. A couple of days later in an attempt to place a plug in the wall, he fell while trying to squat – he has no muscles left in his legs. So two falls the first week home and no breaks. Whew.

I am making daily grocery store trips to assure Jess is getting low-sodium tasty meals. So far we have hit will all winners. All his pills are being crushed individually and mixed with applesauce – he gets another swallow test next Friday. I flush his t-line twice a day – the tube coming out of his left side is a nuisance for him. He will have it for another month.
Besides his very low blood pressure he is doing fine. We have tried to get out yesterday, short trips at a time, and he managed very well. Saturday felt like a nearly normal day. Jess is sleeping more and I am beginning to see how to manage the daily routine.

Jess is sleeping in late this morning. It is wonderful that he is still at rest at 7 am. When he rises we will weigh him and take and record his blood pressure. This is followed by breakfast and the series of twelve medications. We record his fluid intake and make sure he stays in his 48oz. range for the day.

Today we have a few short trips planned. Phoebe will be dropped off to be bathed. We will hit Whole Foods to check their low-sodium items and hunt for a no-sodium baking soda substitute and breads. (I am going to draw the line at making bread; there is only the two of us.) I will have Jess use the cart as a “walker” – (I fear other shoppers will bump into him).

We will go to my mother’s and meet up with my sister’s family to celebrate Jess’s homecoming. My mother has CHF and is doing quite well for her 80 ½ years. She lives alone in a large rambling home after my father’s passing two years ago. She told me that she feels so great, that if it weren’t for the arthritis in her knees she’d be “skipping and dancing.” And she just can’t wait to give Jess advice. Mom has a mini gym in her home so it is my intention to get Jess at least on the treadmill for a ten minute walk.

Last night Frank and Kathy had us over for dinner. Frank made wonderful chicken marsala with so sodium. It was wonderful to see Jess relaxing with his best friend with not too long ago, the vision of a teary-eye Frank at Jess’s bedside. In moments like this, I can not help but look over to Jess and well-up. God has given him another chance and it is nothing short of miraculous.

Jess doesn’t like being called a miracle, but I have decided and advised him to embrace it. That is exactly what he is. Does that mean I don’t worry everyday? Of course I do, but he is here right now, making improvements everyday.

[Susan]

It sounds like you have had an eventful week! I am glad Jess is making such good progress. (Tell Jess he is lucky...Ron has 15 pills to take...lol.) Potassium is an issue at my house. Everything has potassium in it! Enjoy your day out and about in this beautiful weather! Hugs from Marlow and Lola!