We arrived yesterday around 3pm. Leaving the hospital was like coming home with a newborn; "They're letting me take this guy home? I'm now responsible for his care? Yikes!"
We arranged for a hospital bed in he parlor, where he sleeps soundly as I type. It's great to have him home. He is relieved to be here.
It must be very odd after so long away. And then there's his condition...
So I've said we took a step backward - I talked about the dumbs and the headaches. I will do my best, here, to describe what's going on.
Saturday morning (I wasn't there), Ian became unable to "find is words" and had a stat MRI. In this and subsequent scans, nothing has shown different, worse, anything. The reasons for his symptoms now are deemed purely metabolic; all we can do is ensure he is properly rested, hydrated and medicated and wait for this to pass.
The good news is:
- he has had few if any headaches since coming home... and that's after a steady few days of searing ones. He gets them from positional change, and I'm sure some of you migraine sufferers can relate to that.
- he is happy to have visitors*
- his at-home therapy will start soon (perhaps today -- I'm waiting for a call)
- the kids are happy to have Daddy back
The difficult news is:
- we have no idea how long this "setback phase" will last. There was no prediction of its onset, and so therefore no prediction for its passing. If you've been with a stroke patient, you know what a struggle it is for HIM to communicate, and for ME to be patient, interpret, understand, take action. Something like, "How was your day at school, Audrey" sounds like "how... is... is... how... you... how... at... the... place... where... place... how... today?"
- I am on overdrive, taking care of 2 kids and Ian. I have to keep track of his intake of food, fluids, meds. I have to escort him to the bathroom or empty his urinal. I have to take care of all the regular household duties and I have a few at-home paid jobs to do in the meantime to contribute financially.
*In addition to being the mom, chauffeur, dietitian, chef, maid, nurse, I am also the wizard: Nobody gets to see the patient, no way, no how, UNLESS it's arranged through me. PAH-LEASE don't show up unannounced, even if it's to drop off cookies; if my front door is open, the storm door will reveal your presence to the kids, and there will be a flurry of activity that may wake Ian, cause him to be interrupted in eating something (which is also a challenge) or interrupt me in one of a series of important tasks. Ian is happy to have visitors; it cheers him! We welcome them! We just need warning. I've been gracious to visitors thus far; don't make me shake the can of you-know-what and spray y'all because I. WILL. DO. IT. You won't like me when I'm angry.
