Friday, October 24, 2008

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!

11 comments:

Joc(e) said...

WOW! How awesome that B will get to see his doggie again! They must miss each other so much! Also great news about the appointments with the doctor and lawyer. It's amazing what happens when you actually find the right person to talk to.

Keep the faith! (((HUGS)))

Dana Lucas said...

YAY FOR SOCIAL WORKERS! WOOHOO! I'm so glad to hear that the doctor, the social worker, and the environment are much more into tending to your and B's needs!

Have either one of you requested an air-bed? There might be one available there. Talk to the doctor as well as the nursing staff about it if you haven't already. (The Hospice Center that my mom was in, had a few of those mattresses...When my mom arrived, they wheeled one into her room).

Thanks so much for all the updates, Ter! I'll be looking for you later on YM.

(((Hugs)))

Sarah said...

what great news terri! i know at times like this it's so hard to be positive but it seems like everything is falling into place. which is so very important so that you can both enjoy your time together!!! i wish you both nothing but the best. emma is going to love seeing b!
you are both in my prayers!
((hugs))

Kristina said...

Hi, Ter. Just wanted to let you know you are in my prayers.

Jo said...

Oh Ter! I am SO SO happy for you guys! Today was a good day for you. And Sunday is going to be too :) I can't WAIT to see pics and video because I know Emma and B will both be smiling!!!

I hope the doc gets things all set with pain meds. It sucks to be in pain :( That just makes things even worse.

Big hugs!

forward tumble said...

Sending you a mountain of strength and hugs from Ireland. You are a remarkable women, Ter. Hug the bear. Everyday and all the time. I wish for a miracle for you guys.

Kristy said...

Thanks for the big smile. I'm SO happy things are a bit better for you both.
Praying in Oregon......
**hugs**

daysease said...

So Grateful WITH you for the Sweet doctor and the helpful social worker!! God is there... :-)

Totallyscrappy said...

I can't wait to see video of Emma and your hubby. Hard to say who is going to more excited...
High five to the social worker!

Jo said...

Hey there Sis.... waiting to hear about your overnight with Bear :) And if Emma got to visit Daddy and how that went :)

I'm on messenger for a bit longer :)

Still praying... and sending big hugs!

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