Surgery Part II Day #38

Henry was discharged today!!! This post is going to be as scattered as I am as the last day has been an absolute whirlwind. The providers discussed goals during rounds this AM and couldn't come up anything they were doing at the hospital that we couldn't replicate at home with a little support. So it was "go time"! Henry still has a ways to go in his recovery, but we've taken a huge leap today back to normalcy:) Dr. Lofland and several of Henry's CV nurse practitioners visited Henry up on the floor this afternoon to say goodbye- something the nurse said she's never seen in 5 years she'd worked at CMH. He gave Julie and I both hugs, said he hoped to see Henry at the park soon and wished us well. It touched my heart in such a profound way and made me so proud to be a mother.

Before we left Henry had a consult with the Rehab Team here to ensure he didn't need additional services, and they recommended the once weekly PT/OT and Speech Therapy to get Henry back in action. They encouraged us to access Henry's already existing providers, offered support from the Rehab Team outpatient should we need additional services and roughly anticipated two months recovery to get him back on his feet so to speak.

The providers have reduced the Methadone/Ativan medications to every 4 hours versus 3 previously and we've been given a very thorough tapering schedule to help him off these medications safely. I anticipate a newly fashioned spread sheet by Julie very shortly to keep us organized:) It will be a tough schedule to maintain, but SO much better to handle this at home versus in the hospital.

Henry was so cute in the car ride home and at the house. He just looked out the window in amazement at the cars on the way home. It had to have been confusing after such a long time inside, but he took it all in stride. He smiled at our cat when we got home and enjoyed getting reacquainted with all his toys. Lots of clapping and a bit of frustration that he couldn't just jump off the couch and run across the room. I wish I could ease these feelings, but for now there are lots of distractions that bring Henry much joy for him instead. In all the packing madness I can't seem to find the camera or I would have taken some real-time pictures. A little dated, but yesterday's picture sums up our emotions today and will have to do:) Again thank you for all the thoughts and prayers you've sent our way- they have brought our man home today which is our own special kind of wonderful.



Much love,


Kate and Julie