Dad Is Home

February 21st.  We left St. Francis at 11:00 A.M. with so many instructions and medications and perscriptions to fill.  It was a forty minute ride from Peoria to Bloomington.  When we got to town dad had me drive to his house were he saw mom and his dog Logan for the first time in 10 days.  He was so happy.  We got settled in at our house.  Little did I know that I was now entering into the next phase of his care.

I fixed him lunch got him changed from street cloths and we sat and watched TV.  Dad slept on and off most of the day.  We have now started on eating something every two hours.  All liquid diet.  After supper the home health care nurse stopped and we completed all the paper work.  I was a mess because I had all of dads med and now I have to give them through his J-Tube.  The nurse took me through the steps for administering the meds.  She then showed me how to change his dressings and finally how to start up his 12 hour night feedings through the J-Tube.  We are getting into a routine. Dad slept great last night.  He got up twice to go to the RR.  I continue to read your responses to him.  He is so glad to be home.

February 22

Dad finished his night feedings, his morning meds have been given and he has had his breakfast, Jello, Yogart, cream of wheat with honey and butter on it and def coffee.  While I am updating dad is in the recliner sleeping.  Today I am going to schedule an appt. with his primary care physician, Dr. Anderson in Peoria and set up a chest x ray all for next week.  His shower is coming up and then I change his dressings.  The home health care nurse will be stopping by today sometime.

When dad was in the hospital I went everyday and spent the whole day and evening with him, walking with him, playing dominos and cards, watching TV and talking.  Now that he is home I have a whole new set of responsibilities.  I am learning so much, it is good to have dad home.

The next big challenge is the shower and the changing of his dressings.

Dad says hello to everyone and thank you for your prayers.  We are taking this one day at a time.

Steve

Steve,

Again, great news.

I bet you'll be surprised at how quickly your Dad becomes more self-sufficient. In the meantime, he's lucky to have you there and able to take care of him.

Tell him "Hello and keep it up!" You'll be swimming together again in no time.

Steve

Again, I had a lump in my throat while reading your post!  I am sooo touched by your Dad and his unbelievable ability to fight back!  You are a wonderful Son - the apple didn't fall far from the tree!   Keep it up and thank you so much for the update.  Tell Dad, we all love him!!  God speed - karen

Great to see your update Steve. I find myself thinking about your Dad during the course of the day so I look forward to all your postings.

You have a new full time job. I know it is a tough but rewarding job. Wishing you and your Dad nothing but  the best. You both deserve it !

                                                         Love and prayers,

                                                                                  Pat