Incredible Progress – And a Small Set-Back

  • Joan-Dianne
Incredible Progress

Incredible Progress — And a Small Set-back

First a note to all. Please feel free to send personal texts or emails to us if you prefer—no pressure to ‘blog’ or to respond at all. From our situation, just getting this off the chest and onto the page is a help.

As I write this, I am aware that one week ago at this very time, James was in the O R—in the midst of his surgery—or rather, only at the beginning of it.

Last Wednesday evening I was receiving text updates like: ‘The patient is in the O R and the procedure has begun.’ And ‘The patient is stable and connected to the heart-lung machine.’   And so on —and on. It was a long night!

It feels a bit surreal that this was only one week ago. 

So, what’s the progress?

The photos below tell the story, especially when viewed beside the earlier ones.

Today, James walked SOLO! He even tried some stairs! Despite fatigue and discomfort—he’s a trooper.

And, the set-back?

James was progressing so well that we had a tentative discharge plan today—to wheel him across the street to our apartment.

But instead, he showed some signs of an infection, so he is being kept in the hospital a bit longer while this is investigated and treated. 

Our reaction, as you might imagine, was a strange combination of disappointment and relief!

And Next??

One way to look at it is that we are getting lots of practice at dealing with uncertainty.

Also, something wonderful has happened. We located a ‘helper’ for when James makes it ‘across the street.’ She is a retired LPN who worked for many years in the cardiac unit at the Mayo. Happenstance made the connection, and she is available and flexible in the coming days.

The three of us met today to work out the details.

It feels like someone—(maybe all of you)—are watching over us.

 

Thanks again,

Will update in a few days.

 

Love,

Joan-Dianne 

The Patient and The Support
The Patient and The Support
Perambulating solo and trying stairs!
Trying Stairs
Solo!
Perambulating solo

9 Responses

  1. Great to see James making such excellent progress. Hope the setback is quickly addressed and he’s back on the upswing shortly. Sounds like you had a serendipitous meeting with someone who could be helpful to you in the next week or two.

    Good vibes continue to come your way in spades.

    Love to all, C

  2. Hi!
    Great to hear this news – except for the infection stuff!
    Hope that is dealt with quickly!
    It is amazing to think that he may be able to move to your apartment!
    You look terrific in the photo JD – maybe you are feeling more rested…..?
    I’d love to phone you – let me know if that is workable!
    Sending love and “Big Be We’ll” hugs!!

  3. We’ve been following along and praying for the best possible outcomes. The discharge delay is disappointing, but only a short time in the grand scheme of things.
    Take care.

    Pat and Keith Sparling

  4. James,
    Great to see you up and about and looking more like yourself! Hope you beat the infection issue quickly and keep improving over the next few days and weeks. Hauling for you!
    David & Judy
    Almonte

  5. Thank you for bringing us on this journey with you! So happy to hear that James and you are generally doing well – and tolerating uncertainty is a great skill to hone! Hope the infection clears soon and he’s back on a steady upward trend soon.
    Sending you all so much love!

  8. Hi JD & James,

    So glad to read that the recovery is progressing well. We hope the setback is minor one and you’ll be able to make it across the street soon. We are thinking about you guys and sending our love. 💕

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