Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Day 26


Today they're going to move Big Kid to the acute care center which takes care of people who have to be on ventilators long term. They had planned to do it yesterday afternoon (kind of sprang it on me when I got there), but there was some insurance paperwork to clear up, so they put it off until today.

Many of the ICU staff who have cared for him in the last 25 days had heard about the big move and stopped by to say goodbye and offer reassurances that the center has an excellent reputation and success rate for recovery.

As much as I've come to despise this place, it's almost like leaving family. The valets who park our cars, the security guards, and even the cleaning staff have kept up-to-date on Big Kid's progress through the hospital grapevine, and have offered us so much hope and encouragement through this ordeal. One of the cleaning ladies gave me an embroidered cross on a ribbon to hang over the boy's bed in the new place, and another placed her hand on my arm and said in broken English, "That's a good place! They fix him like new! You see!"

For some reason, to be honest, her ringing endorsement has given us more confidence than any from the specialists.

Dear, dear people. After seeing them day after endless day, they've been woven into the pattern that makes our life.

Big Kid is on 40% oxygen, and they still have him moderately sedated. No change on his lungs. The happy feet have come back, and he is constantly "walking" again. About every third "step", his gown would flip up and expose his stuff.

"You know," I said absently after flipping it back down for the gazillionth time, "we're going to have to start calling you 'The Flash' 'cause you keep showing your junk to the world."

He smiled. A great big goofy smile.

I distrusted it, so I took a sniff. The day before, I'd mistaken an enormous fart smile for a "happy to see Mom" smile. You know, fool me once....

No stinkypoo. It was a smile for Mom. :-)

I looked around to make sure nobody was watching and bent over. In my best Cartman (from South Park) imitation I said, "Moooooom! Git yer bitchass in the kitchen and make me some pie!"

Another big goofy smile. A little drooly, but bright as day.

He's in there. I can feel it. I can feel the part of him that makes him him. We just have to figure out how to get him out in one piece.

Wish us luck on the move. And thanks so much for hanging in with us.

24 comments:

Rootietoot said...

Here's hoping the best with the move!
Love!

Formerly known as Frau said...

I hope the move goes well and I'm so happy you are surround by so many that care. Smiles and hugs coming your way!

yorksnbeans said...

Hope all goes smoothly with the move and may his new "family" get him back on his feet soon!

Boozy Tooth said...

Moving days are usually the worst. This one will go off without a hitch and is a kind of metaphor for moving on... outward and upward and to full recovery. A moving day with promise. Congratulations and best wishes for a smooth transition.

Still here. Still praying!

Willoughby said...

It sounds like another positive step. Best of luck with the move!

I'm sure you'll find lots of support at the long term care facility.

Unknown said...

Good to know he lets you know he is still with you. Good luck and prayers. Lots and lots of hugs to you all.

Kim Ayres said...

Real steps forward. So relieved for you :)

litzi said...

Hi Attila,
Change of scenery for ya’ll…

It’s ironic how we create strong bonds with certain individuals who we’ve only known for a short time in the most unlikely places. Although your paths will probably never cross again, these people provided indirect support for your family over the past month.

I hope Big Kid’s transition to the acute care center went smoothly and his breathing become less problematic very soon.

(((hugs)))

Webster said...

Oh, this sounds like very good news! Acute care center sounds so much better that intensive care unit. Hopefully they will continue sucking the gunk out of his lungs, and weaning him off the oxygen as he is able to breathe better on his own. Good going, BK, good going!

Mrs. Hall said...

LUCK!!!

Beth said...

Smiles for Mom - oh, yeah, he's "in there" and just waiting to be with you in every way.
Best of luck with the move.
And keep making those smiles appear, Ma...

red rabbit said...

Keep on asking the hard questions. Everyone deserves a mom- and an advocate- like you.

debra said...

Goose bumps! And so many good wishes.
xoxo

Joanna Jenkins said...

I've never been a big an of "change", even if it is out of ICU so I'm sending extra prayers for an easy and smooth sail to the new place.

And I've learned from all the days I've spent in hospitals myself and with loved one, if you were being sent to a not so great place for the next phase of care, the staff (who obviously loves you) would have pulled you aside and told you to fight like hell for a different place. So rest assured, Big Kid is moving to a good place for his recovery.

Safe travels and lots of hugs and love.
xoxoxoxoxo

Cloudy said...

He is in there & will emerge with more smiles for mom and a great big bbbbbbbththbbllbbbthnbbb! Hope the move goes smoothly.

stinkypaw said...

Of course he's in there, fighting to get out! Hoping everything goes well *hugs*

Chris H said...

He's coming back mate! Had to laugh at him 'flashing his junk'...

Anonymous said...

Well, the fact that the cleaning folks give this place a thumbs up IS a huge plus. I bet they'll make the Flash very comfortable.

Jeanie said...

I love that your are getting those smiles....as precious to you as his first ones as a baby, I bet. It sounds like you have good signs about the news place and that it will be a good move form him.

Chicago Mom said...

Sounds like a good step forward - good luck with the move. Now he'll have new people to 'flash'! lol
Hugs & prayers!

Anonymous said...

It's a good move. It's so touching when hospital staff turn into family. I have experienced that too. The fact that Cartman is getting a smile out of your boy really tickles me. Wishing you all the best for the move.

The Quacks of Life said...

rooting for you!!

Kim Wombles said...

Good luck on the move. Big hugs to all of you.

Valerie Marie said...

BEST OF LUCK WITH THE MOVE. EVERYTHING WILL BE ALLRIGHT!!! (((HUGS)))