Summer: It is a silver lining the way things are turning out. They NEVER let you choose one of the continuing care locations - it is not part of the process. But the discharge planner and government supervisor went to bat for me and although I did not expect special consideration (trust me - it NEVER happens) - it was accepted. There truly are a few angels around and they really gave it their best shot. I'm just pleased that the docs will give me a break for a bit and hold on to Ry while we get the bed situation sorted out.
& I've been doing my homework. I have heard amazing things about this rehab and the therapists who work there. If Ryan is accepted as a recovering patient for his illness - it will cost me about 2G a month. But if they can convince them he is there primarily for physiotherapy - there is no fee. That would make a huge difference.
Now that I've had some time to think about it - I wonder why Niagara did not refer him for intense therapy following his serious bout with pneumonia and stay in ICU 18 months ago. He was sent home with severe breathing problems and I remember sleeping in his room for a month. I was terrified and kept one hand on him all night to be sure he was breathing and had a flashlight and woke every 20 min or so to check him. Unbelievable he came home like that and no one seemed to notice that he was not walking.
I have been thinking about it. They told me he could be taken out of hospital for outings, home visits and even to his day program. So Josh and I figure we can take him out for boat rides which he will love. A bit more complicated than when he is here but still - something good for him.
Interesting - Chuck did not even ask me which hospital he is in. He did not ask how long he might be in. He asked me if it was serious and if I would keep him posted. And that was it. He did not sound as though he would visit. He had asked to see him but expected us to bring him about 90 min away where he has been seeing him at a mall.
Josh cares about Ryan. He worries about him and, like me, often loses sleep over it. He has stayed with him many times at night so I can go to a girl weekend or to Florida. He even took him to hospital on Mother's Day when I was out of town and his IV started leaking. He researches helpful info for him online. And he quit work early today to help me negotiate with the Bully. He always attends case conferences about Ryan with me and obviously cares about him.
Anyway - let's all keep praying that Ryan is accepted into the continuing care bed soon. And that the therapy helps and he grows strong. He is still a young man and he deserves a good life like the rest of us.
