Ramping Up

Are we making progress? I hope so. Sometimes it's hard to tell.

Photo provided by author

The wheelchair ramp was installed – on the day Mr. Ginley came home from the hospital. He got a test ride up the ramp and into the house. However, it was the ambulance drivers who brought him in, so I haven't experienced the delivery technique myself. 

Also, we are waiting for the rubber ramp to be installed on the inside threshold, which will help matters considerably. And my sister is going to provide special hinges for the inside door so we can manage easier access.

But, baby steps.

This week, Mr. had surgery to install a tube in his kidney to drain the fluid behind the kidney stone. This means I had to watch a YouTube video on the care and maintenance of the insertion area and the nephrostomy bag. (Or "pee bag," if you will.) 

Since he came home Thursday, Mr. has stayed in bed, worried about the hole in his back. This has made "toileting" challenging, and his PT has regressed. I'm going to work with him on his limbs today. Hopefully, we'll see some improvement in his mobility.

But, baby steps.

Next up is a pre-surgery visit in preparation for what Mr. refers to as kidney stone demolition and removal. He asked the doctor if he could push the plunger, but was assured he'll be under sedation for the procedure.

And so, the odyssey continues. 

The only bright spot for Mr. was the care he received from the nurses and other wonderful caregivers in his room at the hospital. He wanted me to mention Landon, Leah, and Skye, who were especially kind and thoughtful and treated him like a person, not just a patient. And Clo, who provided care along with a lovely Irish lilt and translation of a few common phrases in the native tongue of Mr.'s ancestors.

Go raibh maith agat.*

*Thank you in Irish. Linked to pronunciation.