Friday, September 2, 2022 7:10 PM Picture above: 'Skipping stones', one of Larry's many talents.

Hi. Thank you for joining us. Today was very much a day of advocacy for Larry's care, by Mary-Lynn & me!

  We arrived to Larry sitting in his chair, asking to go to his bed, as his pressure wounds were causing him a lot of pain. Mary-Lynn was coaching & helping the nurses to put him in the proper position for serving his needs. Shortly afterward he was taken for his CT scan for the feeding tube procedure, which did not happen today.

 The doctor 'hospitalist' came to see us to answer our questions. We were told that he's back on antibiotics. He is also getting an antihistamine to relieve the constant itching. The rash since 3 days ago, is less itchy than the itch he has over his entire body, but which shows no rash. The doctor said they may do a skin biopsy. He may also be reacting to chemicals in wipes & cleaning products. That was his biggest issue today. And tonight, his hands are tied down while the itching will continue.

  Each time a new nurse comes on, she/he is not necessarily aware of Larry's delicate issues, i.e. no bone at the back of his head & the need for proper positioning in bed to help heal his pressure wounds, just to mention 2. When he returned from the CT scan, he was being transferred to his bed in a sling. His body comfortably lies in it like in a hammock. The strap across the back was putting pressure across his missing bone flap at the back of his head. I called out & ran to pull it up past his head & was told "We all know about his missing bone flap, its just that every time he is returned to us the sling is out of position!" The doctor was in the room, Mary-Lynn was right there with the nurses that were at his head. I said something, probably quite loudly about it being treated as though it wasn't important, then turned away, looked out the window & cried. I'm so disturbed when Larry suffers because of carelessness or neglect. I heard the doctor stressing the care that needed to be taken re: a couple of concerns, including that Larry needs to be repositioned more often. Larry's unit nurse for the day became very attentive & reassuring in every task she was performing for Larry's good.

  One ting M-L & I talked about was the amount of care Larry needs vs what the neuro unit is equipped to offer. Each nurse tends to 5 patients, of which some are fairly independent & receiving rehab for walking & speech. The doctor admitted that Larry is her most ill patient. We asked her to check into the High Acuity Unit, which has fewer patients for each nurse to care for.

 So, here's about Mr. Personality! Although he did sleep most of the time, he was quite vocal while awake, letting us clearly know what his feelings & needs were, including getting out of the chair on his own. I asked if he could walk. "I guess not!" While being cared for he would say "Thank you very much!" "That's feels good!" Our friend Ian came to visit & take me home. Larry was quite alert. He mentioned 'Lincoln' which was our old neighbourhood, near Ian's home. Ian so far is the recipient of the best smile I've seen Larry give. Larry was attentive & enjoyed hearing about Ian & Debby's sons & that it was their 31st anniversary yesterday. "Happy Anniversary" & "Happy Birthday Debby!"

 I'm sure I've forgotten stuff, but that’s it for now! I'm trying to let go of what Larry is likely going through for tonight with his wrist restraints. So if you have an itch I really hope you appreciate being able to scratch it! God bless you!

 Oh! If you know of something that can help get the 'hardened on' wax-like material (gunk) that has covered Larry's teeth, tongue, roof & lips, please let me know. I removed what looked like a mold for dentures, from the inside of his bottom teeth. His tongue is thick with it & its really affecting his ability to clearly speak. Thank you so much.