The Day After Discharge
From the Hospital

We arrived back at St. Agnes House about 5:30pm, Friday night. June’s sisters arrived about the time we were ready to leave the hospital. We had the full entourage when we left, even Miss Margaret from the St. Agnes House happen to be there when we were getting everything in the car.

The home health nurse arrived around 7:15pm. Jessica instructed us on the operation of the home infusion pump and method for changing out the antibiotic. The pump will administer the antibiotic at a rate of 65 ml for one hour and 1cc each additional hour till the next full dose six hours later. We thought that we would have to change out the I-V every six hours and that someone would have to get up at 2:00am to infuse the antibiotic. The pump is fully automated and we will only have to change the I-V every twenty four hours. Mother has had an excellent four days and the only complication has been the occasional moments of nausea, but we know how to fix that. I have given mom her Lovenox injection the last couple of days. This is used to prevent blood clots and is given in the stomach until she is capable of full weight bearing and walking without assistance.

My Aunt Gwenda and Cousin Theresa made a fantastic dinner of chicken and dumplings with fresh made cornbread. Mom ate a full portion and enjoyed it immensely. Mom said that was the best meal she’s had in thirty days or more.

Today has been another great day. Mother’s appetite has improved and she’s finding a better variety of foods she can tolerate. This morning we had sausage biscuits and mom ate all that was offered. For lunch my Aunts Jackie and Gwenda went to White Castle and picked up a box of thirty hamburgers and twenty cheese-sticks. The guy asked my Aunts, “Is this order to go?” Here’s your sign was their thought. But they replied “yes.”
Yes, things are looking good!