Hospital Update

Unfortunately Joe did not get discharged from the hospital on Monday as we had planned. Lack of a reading his chart to provide to Blue choice a letter of medical necessity (for his in-home care and TPN feeding) along with mis-communication between the doctor and the nutritionist both caused the snafu. What red tape one has to go through in the medical community! After I lost my temper it was obvious that there was nothing that could change the outcome. We made the best of the afternoon as Gina, Blake and I took Joe outside for some sun and fresh air. We spent the evening watching movies and TV. His overall color is better and he's been changed to a 12-hour feeding schedule - 6pm to 6am - with 2400 calories a day. With this schedule he will be free to move about the house during the day. In the evening if we go out we can carry the TPN in a backpack and he'll be getting all of the nutrition that he needs. We have orders for a 30-day TPN regimen - the doctor will assess the ascities at that time and hopefully, move him to a food & TPN schedule and wean him off the TPN. Joe has a list of foods that he is craving - mostly Italian food & subs - and we promised to accomodate all those cravings as soon as we can!
The current plan is to release him on Wednesday. I won't hold my breath!

Joe's sister Roxanne will be admitted to Little Falls General Hospital today to remove her gallbladder. Our prayers are with you Rox - hope to see you soon!

Love,
Vicki, Gina & Tom