November 3, 2011

First of all, I have to apologize as I meant to have the address posted, for those that would like to send something to Jason. Part of the challenge is that he will soon have an actual residence, and then you'll want to just send things there. Of course I can still send you the address of the hospital, and then you'll be able to send cards and letters to him, so part of my tasks for tomorrow is to get that new address posted on the blog. Once Jason does have an actual residence I will publish that address too.

He had a pretty good day to day, and quite busy. There seems to be a bit of a challenge with getting him a bed and trapeze, that he likes. I think he was just used to the system and bed he had back in Bethesda, and he just needs to get used to the new stuff. He did get to get on to the prone cart (yeah, he has one of those still) and went over to the PT area. The difference here is that the "gym" is just down the hall from his room, so he doesn't have to go very far to get there. The therapist is focusing on his core and arms right now, and will be doing some exercises while he is in bed. The real effort that we need to work on is transfers, that is bed to chair and chair to bed, then on to other transfers.

The Blue Star Moms brought dinner tonight, tacos rice and beans, with a salad and cookies. I hope this doesn't surprise anyone, but it was better than Taco Bell... later this evening one of the Staff Sergeants (Marine) came by and brought in some Egg Nog. I guess I had that quizzical look on my face so he just said, pointing at Jason, "He asked me to get this for him." Jason just smiled that big grin of his. I guess he asked for it while I was out of the room. I poured him a glass, and he was happy. Jason said he didn't think he was going to get such a large amount, so the SSGT said that it was smallest they had at the store. It is now in the hospital refrigerator.

The biggest thing that happened today, from a medical point of view, was that the PCA was removed, and Jason is now only taking his meds orally. The focus is to get him away from the drugs and work to a better pain management effort. It seems to be working, as he didn't complain about much discomfort, despite the moving and all the PT he went through. Another thing that got some attention was his chair. They are going to be ordering him a power chair as well as a manual chair. Depending on the activity he is going to be using one or the other, as a mode of transportation, with a side benefit of exercise with the manual chair.

Again, thank you, for all your continued support and prayers. Jason is moving along pretty well with his treatment and healing, and I really feel like he may be out of the "inpatient" status before the end of the year.