Oh, my! Where to begin? A rough night, but we had been reassured by the night nurse, Sarah, that all would be well. And I assured her that she would be featured in the blog if she was right. Here she is…
Morning broke with Surrey Place rehab a definite plan for today. There was a confirmed wheelchair transport at 2:45 – wheel chair standing ready in the room. Melissa from Warren County was back for a second day. It’s not really a good thing when you start to recognize the nursing staff. Means you have been in the hospital too long!
There was some indecision on Harry’s part about continuing with the plan of no surgery. Maybe better to just get a pin. But Dr. Spitzfaden called to check on him, they talked, and the bottom line is, we stay the course, UNLESS the bone has misaligned itself, which we will know better on Friday when it is x rayed. Harry was relieved to talk to Andy, but felt his description of Harry as “spry” was ageist! I disagreed. We did have some spirited discussions today. I am very lucky he puts up with my argumentative streak, which sharpens with exhaustion…
I went out to Whole Foods to get Harry a healthy lunch at the salad bar, and ran into a friend who works for a nursing service. I know her through horses, but being aware she is a nurse, I told her about Harry, and that I have been with him at the hospital for 5 days and nights. I mentioned that I was looking forward to getting home once Harry was ensconced at Surrey Place. There was just the slightest change in my friend’s demeanor. I quizzed her and she admitted that she felt I should have someone with Harry there, either stay myself, or hire an aide. Good Lord! I thought we were moving to a better place – apparently my friend thought I might be wrong. So, I called Advanced Nursing Services, and on very short notice, they set us up with help. I thought I was probably overdoing it, but better safe…
Margaret Culver stopped by. She and Steve went through a similar unexpected broken leg (tibia and fibula) last year, so she understands. Physical Therapy went well, and transport arrived early. We were thinking our fortunes were improving – out of the hospital and on to join Pat at Surrey Place. John, the transport driver was very nice, and I was allowed to travel over with Harry. The weather was foul – very cold rain, trending to snow, with frigid temperatures on the way for Thursday night. But we got to Surrey Place without incident. And here is Harry looking pretty happy descending from the van…
Then we went through the doors into the facility, and immediately knew we were in for a bad time. I will not go into detail. I really don’t have the energy right now and there is so much awful stuff to relate! Suffice to say that my guardian angel was on duty and dropped my friend right in front of me to save us from a worse situation. Carolyn from Advanced Nursing is with Harry now through tonight. She will be followed by Katrina, then I will be back with Harry, who is being so brave about this fiasco!
Harry realizing this is going to be bad 
Interestingly, Pat’s private room, by the way, (C19) is delightful and the hall is quiet. There are no private rooms available now and Harry’s hall is definitely not quiet. I hope Harry’s sense of humor survives this massive assault. Unbelievable…
Oh dear, hugs all around, lots of hugs and healing energy and love.
Oh, Linda, thank you! You are unfailingly kind, and every day I feel a little comfort from you.
Anne, please let me know if you need anything!! Whether for human or horse, your neighbor is here!
JoAnne
Oh, Joanne, thank you! I miss seeing you, since I dropped off Facebook a few years ago! Hope all is well at our neighbors’ place – that our black cloud is localized! I am SO glad your dog came home!! Than you for your generous offer to help!
No comment…..
Oh Harry… A couple of things I don’t understand… Why are they having you do physical therapy already when initially they told you you had to be nonweightbearing for weeks? That seems counterproductive to have you up and swinging it around. And it was brilliant for you, Anne, to secure private nursing for Harry. As a medic, I have been in and out of every convalescent facility in San Francisco and I doubt they are any better in St. Louis. Enough said about that. I have been following this saga closely now and I must say it is a lot more interesting than my daily soap opera! I just feel incredibly sad for you both. Stay strong, laugh when you can and let me know if I can mail you some “brownies “excellent for pain! lol! Another thing, you spoke of Carolyn Clarke. Would that be Carolyn and Ernie Clarke? If so, very good old friend from the Princeton years!
Yes, although, by coincidence the wonderful helper from Advanced Nursing Services is named Carolyn, the REAL Carolyn in our life is always Carolyn Clarke! The very same Clarkes from Princeton days! Small world. Carolyn and Ernie are missed terribly around here.