September 27, 2017

We were pretty excited about coming home today after a full 14 days in the hospital. Cliff was stabilized and Hospice and Palliative Care folks had assured us our transition and journey ahead would go smoothly with them at our side. It is difficult to share everything that happened today because it really was just one thing after another that went wrong!!!
There were problems right after we arrived home, when our Hospice nurse arrived and we found out that none of the medicines that Cliff required in order to remain stabilized were delivered. He was due for several medications and after calling several pharmacies and having roadblocks each time, she ended up sending Tyler out to two of the pharmacies. It really is a very long story but the main problem was that Cliff began experiencing a lot of pain. The doctors had worked for three days to stabilized his meds and in just half a day home, it all was coming undone.
There are quite a few more things that also went haywire with his PEG tube and several feeding issues.
Luckily, after a day of turmoil and anguish on my part, he seems to be stabilized. It was a tough transition coming from two weeks in the hospital back home to all sorts of new equipment, medicines. and a feeding tube. It also has been an incredibly emotional journey for him and the family. Getting him on a routine with all his meds, feeding and draining are the priority before we begin having visitors. Hopefully in just a couple days he will be ready!

Comments

  1. Colleen (Conner) RonekSeptember 28, 2017 at 7:18 AM

    Laurie, My heart goes out to you, Cliff and your kids, grandkids and family. I pray that Cliff's pain is well controlled, that he is at peace and that he has some pain-free time to share with all of you. I pray that God's grace and strength will be with each of you at his side as you care for him.

    I have been a hospice nurse and know what a gift it can be for a person to be at home with those they love. Ask for help to support you as caregiving can be very taxing. Chaplains, social workers, RN's and CNA's and volunteers are all available to assist Cliff and you in this process.

    Please know I send love and blessings and will continue to keep you all in prayer, Colleen (Conner) Ronek.

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