Sorry to have gone silent for a few days; I have been very busy. Mary Ann has had a couple of physical therapy sessions and is responding well. Jean and her children, Jacob and Norah, arrived from San Diego late Saturday night. Children and grandchildren continue to visit. I awoke on Sunday with a painful eye inflamation called iritis, but after a few doctor visits, I have drops to alleviate it. The major issue now is when can Mary Ann come home. Many people at the rehab facility are very nice; however, there is a level of mystery about how things work and who is in charge of what. We have not been able to find one person who feels overall responsibility for Mary Ann's recovery and progress. We don't get the good feeling that everyone who comes into the room to assist Mary Ann knows that she had a hip replacement and understands the restrictions of movement that she is under. Nothing bad has happened as a result of this, but it was eye-opening to realize this.
Mary Ann wants to come home after a week. This morning we will have a home visit with an occupational therapist. Mary Ann and I will drive home. The OT will also drive to our house. Then the three of us will go through the house and learn how risky a return home would be at this stage of her rehab.
We will see what happens. Thanks to all who are keeping her and us in their thoughts and prayers. It's very disconcerting to realize you don't know who is the chief, so to speak. In our minds now, we have grabbed the reins, and we hope we don't make any missteps.
Your post shows why patients need to be very aware of what's going on regarding their care; if they are unable to do so because of their condition, then it's up to family to be advocates for their loved ones. You, the patient and family, are ultimately responsible because no one else cares as much as you do. Hang in there; Mary Ann is improving daily and will be home soon where she can recover in the loving arms of her family including those special grandchildren.
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