Catherine-Ann / Pure-Grace
Sep. 21, 2022
BE STILL MY HEART! (09.20.22)
Hello, welcome to our exciting day!
I went in a little early & Larry greeted me with "I need to do physio more often. It's not good enough to only stand once a week!" Right then, a voice from his door saying, "Good morning, Larry, would you like to come to the gym for physio!" His smile was definitely camera worthy. The team are so cheerful & encouraging, at the same time, very much in tune with Larry's endurance & emotional state. At least 15 minutes on a padded table/bench to begin with. I wrote notes, so that I can help Larry repeat some of these exercises, which he has lately been trying to do on his own throughout the day. He is desperate to get stronger & mobile... soon, or sooner! I really enjoy witnessing the therapists' excited responses, when Larry exceeds their expectations, which he did throughout the session. His tummy muscles for one, are very strong. That is the fruit of the weeks & weeks of terrible coughing, every other minute. He also did the stand up today, which he is thrilled to do. He began to get lightheaded, so that was the end of a very good workout! What a champion!
Once he was transferred to his bed, I told him he deserved a nap. Another voice through the door "Larry, would you like to play cards?" So, yes he stayed awake and did very well at 'Crazy 8's' with the rec therapist. I went for a walk during that time. I ran into the hospitalist (doctor for 8th floor for this week). She said "I've got good news. The nephrologist (kidney dr.) said that Larry doesn't need dialysis any longer and they will remove the PICC (venous catheter) which processes his blood through tubes hooked up to the machine.
I then ran into the occupational therapist in the hallway, who said they will do a cognitive test on Larry. I told her about the dialysis ending & about possibly going to Queens Park Hospital, which we were nervous about because of what we've heard re: quality of care. She said that there is a 3-story mini GF Strong, which is very good. If that's true, that is good news, especially as his therapy schedule would not be compromised due to shuttles to & from RCH for dialysis 2 or 3 X a week.
We, as family really want to rejoice in the good news, but we are all a little nervous about this sudden decision of going from 3 X a week to none, then removing the PICC in a few days. We are asking for a 2nd opinion. Larry's suffered enough trauma without this decision having to be reversed and going through another surgery to insert the PICC into his chest again if his kidneys stop functioning well.
Larry's care has improved considerably since yesterday's meeting as well as his effort to cooperate with the therapies offered to him. When I returned following his card game, the dialysis tech was bringing in the 2 machines as he usually would. 'No more dialysis??' The nurses did not know when the treatment would begin. After 90 minutes, the tech returned to take away the equipment, as Larry would not have dialysis today.
So, we are buzzing from excitement, joy & hope, that today's events & news have brought about. Larry's brother Gordon is here again tomorrow, returning to the Island Thursday. It's been a gift, all around to have him here.
God bless you. Thank you for sharing in our joy & hope!