First Day in Palliative Care

Bear had some discomfort today due to bladder and bowel issues. Also, he is missing the air bed that he had at the other hospital. However, on the whole, the palliative care unit is definitely a better place to be.

As I mentioned yesterday, he has a private room. It really helps in terms of not being disturbed by doctors, nurses or visitors coming in to see other patients. Anyone who is coming into his room is there to see him.

Last night, we met the doctor and he came by again today. I absolutely love his bedside manner and he is the kind of guy you just want to spontaneously hug because he is so friendly.

He is going to adjust some of Bear's pain medication in hopes that there won't be any more periods of extreme discomfort. He seems to think that Bear's body is getting too used to morphine that it's not working for as long a time as before.

Hopefully, Bear will have a chair tomorrow, which will be great for him to be a little mobile and get a change of scenery. There are 3 lounges on the floor in which the patients and visitors can sit and have a more comfortable visit. Even the room itself is more comfortable than the other hospital.

The social worker at this hospital came in to meet us and we told her about how we had difficulty getting a doctor's appointment for me so I can get my forms filled out for stress leave and how we hadn't been able to get ahold of the lawyer yet. She went and called both of them and within 20 min. I have appointments set up next week with both my doctor and the lawyer. Thank goodness for small favors!

And BEST OF ALL! We have been granted permission to bring our furrybear to see her daddy!! It's probably a good thing she doesn't have a tail or she'd wag it right off in excitement! I hope I'll remember to bring my camera and put it on the video setting when we bring her in. I think we are going to try to do this on Sunday as tomorrow even more visitors are coming in.

I haven't been able to reply to all the comments, but please know I am reading them and so very grateful for all your kind words and your prayers. I wish I could give you each a BIG HUG in real life! Maybe someday!