September 28, 2012 - HOME AT LAST!!!

Literally.

Actually, we've been home for a while but it took us forever to get here.  She was paro...I mean, discharged at 10:55 and then had to walk from Siskin to the MRI area at the front of Erlanger (we used the bridge).  We chose to walk because Gretchen needed to move around after being cooped up for 4 weeks.  It was a good thing we did since the MRI parking was full (there were multiple children accompanied by multiple adults and apparently everyone came in a separate car).  Discharge was scheduled for 11:00 and the MRI for 11:30 (they told us to come at 11:00 to fill out paperwork which is why we got discharged 5 minutes early - probably the only reason).  The paperwork took all of 10 minutes and then we waited.  11:30 came and then we waited.  Noon came and then we waited.  Finally, at 12:30 (an hour and a half after we arrived) they called her back.

When Gretchen went back I asked how long it would be and they told me 30-40 minutes.  Peter and decided to walk to the car and get our drinks.  We arrived back just before 1:00 and waited...and waited...and waited.  Finally I asked someone and they told me to expect about twice what they tell you (now I was getting concerned, she told me to expect twice what we were told so she essentially told me 60-80 minutes but if I believe her I have to double that, and if I believe that I have to double that...we're never getting home).  I just got through pondering the ramifications of infinite doubling of time when Gretchen finally came out (I was glad for the distraction).

We made it home a bit after 2:00.  Peter had put a balloon on the mailbox to welcome Gretchen so I came in so we could see it.  Well, apparently someone took the hint because there were now decorations all over our porch.  Gretchen's sister had brought plants (from her and a family friend) and some friends down the road had brought all sorts of colorful decorations.  Quite the homecoming!

Right now, Gretchen is taking a bath (don't tell Siskin, they recommend that she showers) and I am hovering nearby working on this (thank heavens for the netbook) to make sure she doesn't drown.  Actually, Gretchen is doing quite well.  It seems that some of the self care things are automatic so I guess I really am just making sure she doesn't drown.

Life is going to be tough for a while.  Gretchen walked right past the bathroom earlier when that is where she was headed.  And we never really know when her brain is engaged and when it isn't.  The next couple days will tell me whether Peter will be able to handle it when I go to work.

Well, Gretchen is done with her bath (although she did just say that being in a warm tub is the "greatest feeling on earth") so I better post and then help her out.