VA Spinal Cord Injury Hospital Stay

All went well and is still going well for Andrew during his stay in the VA Spinal Cord Injury Hospital this week. His week was extended slightly; however, due to a final test that needs to be done before he can be discharged . . . and cannot be done until Monday (July 27th). It was an additional (precautionary) test that he will actually have to be put to sleep for, but necessary for the docs there to make sure all is well in his bladder. Basically, they are going to scope his bladder to give them a look inside so that they can make sure it is still healthy. Andrew has had many infections and it was communicated to me that this test can tell them a little more as to why that may be. I was told he will not only be able to come home Tuesday, but that he would also be able to attend his Project Walk appointment on Tuesday as well. Andrew was very pleased about that.

I have to say though . . . Andrew has actually not only had a pretty good stay at the hospital, but that he really enjoyed his time there. He's had the opportunity to meet a lot of vets in similar condition to him and the staff at this hospital are all so well trained and very nice. I visited him throughout the week and was able to observe (on many occasions), Andrew being nicely spoiled by his nurses. These people go very far out of their way to make the patients comfortable and happy in this place. Yesterday (Friday), I dropped off some more clothes for him and when I was saying goodbye; I told Andrew that I'd see him the next day. He then told me, "No, don't come by tomorrow because I have plans to go on an outing; a sailing day with a barbecue after." I just said, "okay then . . . go on with your bad self" haha! I was so happy he was going . . . however, in the end; he was unable to attend as he woke up a little under the weather with a stomach ache. Because of the procedure on Monday, they didn't want to risk sending him out. I did visit him tonight and he's much better now and feeling fine.

Some very exciting news: The VA has purchased Andrew a state-of-the-art bed. This bed is an alternating bed with an air-release system. It detects pressure spots and then puts in and/or out air in those specific areas as to keep pressure off any area of Andrew's skin on that surface . . . it also can be set on a timer to alternate his body from side to side. This will alleviate the need for me to get up every 2 hours to reposition him each night. They have him sleeping on this type of bed right now, and he's very comfortable on it, and I cannot tell you what a blessing it is going to be here at home. It will enable me to get more sleep so that I can be able to take care of Andrew for a long time to come. Also . . . I think it will help to ease some of my back pain due to me not having to turn his 215 pound body so much. Another thing they are getting Andrew is a device that is like a joy-stick that is placed just under his chin. He will be able to move this device as needed to drive his chair. Andrew never got the hang of the sip and puff device and really hasn't driven his own chair since he left Craig Hospital. And, lastly and most importantly . . . we have been told that Andrew may qualify for home attendant care. We currently pay for his home health aid on our own and having this benefit will be a huge blessing. These attendants are specifically trained by the VA Spinal Cord Injury Hospital and will be able to provide as much care as he needs. I will be finding out next week how many hours per day each week Andrew will qualify for . . . so, we are anxious to hear more about that.

Other than that . . . Andrew is soooo ready to get back to Project Walk. He has a renewed confidence in his health care, he is very healthy, and he's more motivated now than ever. I think great things are to come and God is seeing him through every moment of it. I've always believed God had a plan for this tragedy and there will be a blessed outcome . . . never have I let myself believe anything less.

God Bless,
Joye