Is it me or has everyone in this hospital gone mad? That was our thought this morning when we were told the plan was to discharge Evan today. Today, when he is still on oxygen, hasn't really eaten, and we hadn't learned how we are supposed to care for him.
Well, after many battles and conversations, we are cleared to stay, per the surgeon's orders, until Ev is healthier & we are more educated about his care. So I think it will probably be Wed. or Thurs. before we go. The case manager this morning was talking about Medicaid only paying so many days, yada yada, but tonight the surgeon said tough, we were staying & he would take care of the details. Meaning he will have the hospital write off what isn't covered. Either way I am glad not to be at home tonight. The case manager also said Medicaid wouldn't cover any equipment, such as the needed reclining wheelchair. Fortunately, Harold used to work in the durable medical equipment industry and called one of his friends who told him that is not true, it is covered for anyone under 21 years old. I am not sure why the case manager didn't know that. Thank God for friends! The case manager also told us that home physical or occupational therapy isn't covered. I'm going to call a friend who is an OT tomorrow and have her check to see if that is true. Good thing we are industrious people with connections. But really, I just want some sleep!
This afternoon Evan sat up in a relining wheelchair. It was his first time upright & it was painful and very scary for him and for us. The getting him up and transferred from bed to wheelchair seems complicated & overwhelming but maybe it's because we are sleep deprived. I know we'll get the hang of it. He was up for a couple of hours this afternoon & then again this evening. This evenings transfer was less traumatic but still painful. He is trying as much as he is able.
I have struck a deal with the night nurse to let Evan sleep for at least 6 hours undisturbed tonight. Last night was a series of follies that kept Evan & Harold from getting really any sleep. Tonight will be better. We know that if Ev can get some sleep he will be able to do more things. Like eat, for instance. He was so tired today that he wanted to sleep instead of eat. In fact, when left alone for more than 2 or 3 minutes, he fell asleep. So tonight, my son will sleep undisturbed or as Harold said, we will become mean people!
We did find out today that Medicaid will cover transport home, for which we are very glad. Our thanks to our friends who are going to our house tomorrow to re-arrange furniture and who went shopping today to get needed supplies for Evan's homecoming.
Love, prayers, and cyber-hugs from the Nickerson household. We are pulling for you guys and standing ready if there is anything at all we can do for you when you get home. I know you are surrounded by friends close by, but just give a shout if you need anything from our corner of the cornfield.
God bless.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Nickerson | March 05, 2007 at 10:02 PM
I'm glad that they're letting Evan stay longer, poor guy!! Sending lots of hugs and prayers from Connecticut!!
Posted by: Jessica | March 06, 2007 at 10:13 AM