It's been two weeks since my last post. As upset as I was then, it was nothing compared to last week when he was supposed to have been released on Friday. This time there was apparently miscommunication between the hospital and the home care service. Even though they had all of his details, they didn't know or understand that the numerous IVs had to be hung separately. When they finally acknowledged this, they refused to agree to provide us with the necessary equipment. Nathan is a unique case (as if we didn't know that) and they've never supported anyone with the amount of pumps that he would require.
The hospital worked on getting the number of pumps down from five to three, but their plans changed again yesterday when they determined Nathan really needed to get a constant feed of Octreotide. Regardless, the home care service has agreed to send us four pumps. It looks like we're going home tomorrow.
Everyone at the hospital has been talking about how much they're going to miss Nathan. I'd like to think we'll come back in a year and he can eat lunch at Donna's downstairs, or pick up a doughnut at Lexington Market a couple blocks away. I'm sure we have a long road ahead of us, but we've been through so much already. It's amazing to think back on everything Nathan has experienced over the last six months. I thought it would be interesting to try and enumerate some of it.
4 - Surgical procedures
7 - Centimeters of small intestine removed
33 - Percent of large intestine removed
9 - Hospital rooms
900 - Movies watched
2 - DVD players broken
6 - Allergic reactions
2 - Trips to the emergency room
20 - Lbs gained in weight
2 - Inches gained in height
1 - Bald patch
2160 - Dollars spent on parking
120 - Subway sandwiches
5 - Trips to Lexington Market
Not to sound cliche, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the countless nurses, doctors, dietitians, surgeons, members of child life, and general hospital staff that have made our stay at UMMC a positive experience. Nathan's case has not been without its share of challenges. While I'm obviously looking forward to going home, I won't forget everything that everyone has done for us. They've given us a chance for a happy ending to this story.
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2 comments:
Awesome news. So happy to hear that Mr. Nathan is coming home to his family. What a great Valentine's present for all of you, and the best birthday present of all for Nathan.
I am so excited for all of you, and relieved that everyone can get some well deserved rest now.
Love to all from Colorado,
Grandma Sherry
Somehow I've had faith in a wonderful outcome for all of you! And yes, what a Valentine present, one you'll remember forever. I'm again so proud of both of you, and await pictures of Nathan every Christmas for the rest of all our lives.
Love,
Aunt Barb
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