September 1, 2012 - A Shower

I think Siskin is going to be good for Gretchen, although she probably won't like it to begin with. 

Today was mainly an assessment day.  I got to meet two of the therapists who work on other floors when I dropped some clothes off for her (Gretchen is still in a hospital gown for a bit longer).  The goal is to get her through as quickly as possible. 

The nurse agreed that Gretchen isn't a morning person and that it takes a while to wake up.  There is some indication of weakness on the left side but it is hard to tell if it is actual weakness (they couldn't get her to sit up straight).  I am waiting a bit longer before I sign on to left side weakness because she was able to apply good force with her left arm but please keep this in prayer.

There were two highlights to Gretchen's day.  First she pulled out another feeding tube, realized it later and apologized.  When Peter and I stopped by later in the day it was still out because they were having trouble inserting it.  They will probably be assessing the feeding tube in coming days but for now the plan is to put it back in (pray for Gretchen's alertness because she seems to be swallowing well). 

The other highlight was a shower.  Now, Gretchen is really more of a bath person and she really didn't want to get up for that but I could tell that she felt better even though she was asleep.

I am going to wait until sometime next week before I recommend visitors.  I want to get a better feel for how she is adapting and what she will be like for visitors.  With the limited visiting hours (5:00 pm - 9:00 pm during the week, 3:00 - 9:00 on Saturday and 12:00 - 9:00 on Sunday) and two visitor restriction I would hate for someone to go visit and have her sleep the whole time.

A few folks have asked about sending cards.  I am sure she will appreciate them.  I don't have the mailing info but I suspect that if it got sent to her in care of Siskin Hospital it would make it.  I will try to remember to ask for the address.

Hopefully I can carve out some time to spend most of the day with her a couple times in the coming weeks so that I can see how she is doing.  I got the impression that it would be okay (I might even be able to go to therapy with her) so I am going to see if I can arrange it.  Cell service is bad in that building (it is non-existent in the elevators and only the tower symbol next to the windows) but I guess it wouldn't hurt to be out of touch.