We were extremely thrilled this morning when we received a phone call from Jake's nurse case manager telling us that she got an appointment (this morning) for Jake with the Colonel to receive his PT evaluation. :) After formation, we headed over to the hospital for the appointment and for me to cancel my NMA orders and arrange a flight home.
While I took care of that business, Jake went to PT. We met up in the PT waiting room before he was called back. When he came back out of the evaluation, he was pushing his wheelchair while walking with his cane!! :) I was soooooo thrilled to see him with his cane! That's what he's been waiting for. He had a huge grin on his face and proceeded to tell me that the Colonel joked around with him, did the evaluation, had Jake walk around the PT room with a walker and then again with a cane. The Colonel was so surprised at how well Jake did. He told Jake that he couldn't believe his stamina and that it's the best he's seen from a lot of these warriors. :) Usually these warriors get worn out with just walking around the room once--Jake did it twice. :) The rest of the day Jake walked as much as he could until his legs started to hurt or he just got worn out--then he got back into his wheelchair. You can just picture in your mind Jake walking with his cane while I am walking behind him with his empty wheelchair close to him just in case--that's a funny sight! Well, at least I think so. We got a few stares. :)
The afternoon was spent trying to get Jake's paperwork done for the CBWTU. I can't believe how much paperwork is involved with this! It really is ridiculous! We started out with 4 pieces of paper in a manila folder and by the end of the afternoon, we had a stack of papers that the folder was starting to bulge. :( And, Jake isn't done yet. There are a few more forms that he has to go get signed--more papers! We are making sure that everything is done--all the T's are crossed and the I's dotted because he was told by the CBWTU that if anything isn't complete that he will have to return back down here to get it done. We DON'T want that!! We met a very nice woman today at one of the stops--she helped with one part of the paperwork process. She told Jake that she now knows who he is and that she is going to be like a big sister to him and make sure that everything gets taken care of so that he doesn't have to come back here. :) That was comforting to me, as his mom. He's got a few days that are going to be consumed with getting the rest of the paperwork done on time. The hospital/base is going to be closed next Thursday (Veteran's Day) and Friday (Training Day), so he has to get everything done by Monday so that they can start working on his travel arrangements. He will definitely be worn out each day.
I canceled my NMA orders and am going home tomorrow morning. :) I am very excited to go back home to be with Mike and the family, but my heart is breaking that I have to leave Jake. It's just who I am. I am a worry wort. :( I know that he will be okay and that he's a man, not a little child anymore. Guess a mama bear just doesn't stop worrying about her cubs, huh? :)
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Day 114 - Nov 2
Well, Jake and I are now back in DC. :( We had a wonderful two weeks at home with family and friends. It was very hard to leave them, but we are happy that this will be the last time. Jake only has until next weekend to be here and then he will be on his way to Massachusetts to the CBWTU (Community Based Warrior Transition Unit), stay there for a few days, and then home with us for good. :)
While we were home, Jake decided to start walking on his own. :p He figured that since the surgeon told him that he could put weight on the legs, that he wasn't going to wait until we came back down here to start walking. So, he first tested out his legs by standing by his wheelchair. Then it progressed to taking a few steps--then more steps. By the time we came back here yesterday, he is doing really well with his walking and just needs a cane so that he can have more support. However, he still uses his wheelchair quite a bit.
Today was an interesting, frustrating, discouraging, and encouraging one. So many emotions were expressed today--by both of us. We were excited to start the day because Jake had PT appointments (aquatic and land) this morning that he set up before going home on leave. He loves having aquatic therapy because he is in the pool and his legs feel so much better afterwards. As the receptionist guided Jake to the locker room to change into his swim trunks, I settled down in the waiting room chairs and started to read a book. I figured that I would be waiting for a while because he would be in the pool for an hour and then go right to land therapy which would be another hour. Within 15-20 minutes after arriving there, I looked up from my book to see Jake rolling out in his wheelchair with a disgusted look on his face. I gave him a questioning look and asked him what was wrong. He then told me the most frustrating news. :(
The Colonel, who is the head physical therapist there, stopped Jake before he started to get into the pool. He asked Jake when the last time was that he evaluated him. Jake reminded him that he did an evaluation two weeks ago, that he told him to make appointments for when he got back, and of everything else that they talked about doing for his physical therapy. The Colonel then told him that he needed to cancel all of the appointments that Jake made (which were three this week with both aquatic and land--so 6 appointments) because he said that he had to evaluate Jake again because it's been two weeks. WHAT!!!???? They only do evaluations every 30 days!! It's only been 17 days since the last evaluation!! AND, what would be the harm in Jake having the physical therapy already scheduled until the new evaluation (which is scheduled for this Friday)?? Jake informed the Colonel that he had the paper in his backpack that the Colonel wrote on about setting up appointments and such. The Colonel was firm--cancel the appointments this week, see you on Friday. :( I was FURIOUS!!! This would make 4 weeks down here without any physical therapy at all!!! And, by the time they schedule appointments for him again, it will be 5 weeks!! Yes, Jake did have physical therapy at home, but none down here since the end of September. The whole walk back to room we discussed this whole situation--both of us were not only fuming about it, but were very discouraged and frustrated--especially Jake. He told me that he didn't even know why he came back here because they're not helping him.
Well, mother bear here decided (after conversing with father bear) that this was enough! So, with the guidance of father bear, I called the commander over the warrior transition brigade and told him what was going on. I told him that I didn't know who I should talk to about this but that I remembered what he said to the NMA's and the soldiers in our first meeting together, "If you have any problems or concerns, please call me." And then he gave each of us his business card. So, I followed his counsel. :) I felt awful later because I found out that he is on convalescent leave due to having surgery. :( But, he reassured me that it was fine and that he would do some investigating about this and get answers. Within 15 minutes or so after I talked to him, Jake received a phone call from his nurse case manager. :) She asked him how he was doing and what was the problem. Jake explained everything to her and she said that she would get right on it. I am soooooooooo grateful that she is his new nurse case manager! She is amazing!! She called me later and said that she talked to the Colonel and that tomorrow morning they are going to try to get Jake's evaluation moved up sooner and get him his PT. Wow!! Guess talking to the head guy really does work sometimes!!
So, we will find out the scheduling for PT tomorrow. That was the frustrating, discouraging, interesting--and a bit of an encouraging part of the day.
The other part of the day was very, very encouraging! YEAH!! Jake had his last OT evaluation today with Jacqui. She saw that he can stand and walk and told us right away that he doesn't need an NMA any more. So, what does that mean?? It means that I can go back home if I would like to. :) And, I would like to!! :) Jake and I have had quite a few discussions about this day and what may happen. He said that even though he will miss my company, that I should go home because he really doesn't need my help with his daily living abilities. He reminded me that even though he doesn't need me as an NMA, he will always need his mom. :) What a sweet man! He also said that he can handle it because he is here for just one more week. I told him that I think that I am having more of a struggle cutting the apron strings than he is. After taking care of him for the past four months, it will be hard to leave him. However, it's been four months (with visits in between) that I have been away from Mike, our children and grandchildren, and our home. So, I will be heading home either Thursday or Friday this week and start preparing for a wonderful "Welcome Home For Good" celebration for Jake. :) I am excited to go home! :) Jake does have some friends down here to keep him company, so that makes it a little bit easier to leave.
There's alot to do tomorrow! Jake has paperwork to be signed for "out processing" so that he can leave next week for the CBWTU, I have to discontinue my NMA orders and get a flight arranged, and I have to make sure that everything is settled for Jake with our room. I know, I know, he's a big boy now. But, it's the "mother" in me that has to make sure that her kids will be fine without her. :)
So, off to get a good night's sleep--I hope. Jake is already gone--he fell asleep hours ago! :)
While we were home, Jake decided to start walking on his own. :p He figured that since the surgeon told him that he could put weight on the legs, that he wasn't going to wait until we came back down here to start walking. So, he first tested out his legs by standing by his wheelchair. Then it progressed to taking a few steps--then more steps. By the time we came back here yesterday, he is doing really well with his walking and just needs a cane so that he can have more support. However, he still uses his wheelchair quite a bit.
Today was an interesting, frustrating, discouraging, and encouraging one. So many emotions were expressed today--by both of us. We were excited to start the day because Jake had PT appointments (aquatic and land) this morning that he set up before going home on leave. He loves having aquatic therapy because he is in the pool and his legs feel so much better afterwards. As the receptionist guided Jake to the locker room to change into his swim trunks, I settled down in the waiting room chairs and started to read a book. I figured that I would be waiting for a while because he would be in the pool for an hour and then go right to land therapy which would be another hour. Within 15-20 minutes after arriving there, I looked up from my book to see Jake rolling out in his wheelchair with a disgusted look on his face. I gave him a questioning look and asked him what was wrong. He then told me the most frustrating news. :(
The Colonel, who is the head physical therapist there, stopped Jake before he started to get into the pool. He asked Jake when the last time was that he evaluated him. Jake reminded him that he did an evaluation two weeks ago, that he told him to make appointments for when he got back, and of everything else that they talked about doing for his physical therapy. The Colonel then told him that he needed to cancel all of the appointments that Jake made (which were three this week with both aquatic and land--so 6 appointments) because he said that he had to evaluate Jake again because it's been two weeks. WHAT!!!???? They only do evaluations every 30 days!! It's only been 17 days since the last evaluation!! AND, what would be the harm in Jake having the physical therapy already scheduled until the new evaluation (which is scheduled for this Friday)?? Jake informed the Colonel that he had the paper in his backpack that the Colonel wrote on about setting up appointments and such. The Colonel was firm--cancel the appointments this week, see you on Friday. :( I was FURIOUS!!! This would make 4 weeks down here without any physical therapy at all!!! And, by the time they schedule appointments for him again, it will be 5 weeks!! Yes, Jake did have physical therapy at home, but none down here since the end of September. The whole walk back to room we discussed this whole situation--both of us were not only fuming about it, but were very discouraged and frustrated--especially Jake. He told me that he didn't even know why he came back here because they're not helping him.
Well, mother bear here decided (after conversing with father bear) that this was enough! So, with the guidance of father bear, I called the commander over the warrior transition brigade and told him what was going on. I told him that I didn't know who I should talk to about this but that I remembered what he said to the NMA's and the soldiers in our first meeting together, "If you have any problems or concerns, please call me." And then he gave each of us his business card. So, I followed his counsel. :) I felt awful later because I found out that he is on convalescent leave due to having surgery. :( But, he reassured me that it was fine and that he would do some investigating about this and get answers. Within 15 minutes or so after I talked to him, Jake received a phone call from his nurse case manager. :) She asked him how he was doing and what was the problem. Jake explained everything to her and she said that she would get right on it. I am soooooooooo grateful that she is his new nurse case manager! She is amazing!! She called me later and said that she talked to the Colonel and that tomorrow morning they are going to try to get Jake's evaluation moved up sooner and get him his PT. Wow!! Guess talking to the head guy really does work sometimes!!
So, we will find out the scheduling for PT tomorrow. That was the frustrating, discouraging, interesting--and a bit of an encouraging part of the day.
The other part of the day was very, very encouraging! YEAH!! Jake had his last OT evaluation today with Jacqui. She saw that he can stand and walk and told us right away that he doesn't need an NMA any more. So, what does that mean?? It means that I can go back home if I would like to. :) And, I would like to!! :) Jake and I have had quite a few discussions about this day and what may happen. He said that even though he will miss my company, that I should go home because he really doesn't need my help with his daily living abilities. He reminded me that even though he doesn't need me as an NMA, he will always need his mom. :) What a sweet man! He also said that he can handle it because he is here for just one more week. I told him that I think that I am having more of a struggle cutting the apron strings than he is. After taking care of him for the past four months, it will be hard to leave him. However, it's been four months (with visits in between) that I have been away from Mike, our children and grandchildren, and our home. So, I will be heading home either Thursday or Friday this week and start preparing for a wonderful "Welcome Home For Good" celebration for Jake. :) I am excited to go home! :) Jake does have some friends down here to keep him company, so that makes it a little bit easier to leave.
There's alot to do tomorrow! Jake has paperwork to be signed for "out processing" so that he can leave next week for the CBWTU, I have to discontinue my NMA orders and get a flight arranged, and I have to make sure that everything is settled for Jake with our room. I know, I know, he's a big boy now. But, it's the "mother" in me that has to make sure that her kids will be fine without her. :)
So, off to get a good night's sleep--I hope. Jake is already gone--he fell asleep hours ago! :)
Monday, October 18, 2010
Day 98 - Oct 17
We are home!!!! :) Even though it's only for two weeks, we are still thrilled that we can be home with our family.
Jake didn't have any appointments on Friday except for his platoon's formation in the morning. So, most of the day we (well, I did) going through some things and packing. We brought a lot of things home with us that Jake has accumulated over the past few months. Didn't know that he had so much stuff! We have left some things in our room that he will need when we return in two weeks.
Our flight home yesterday went very smoothly--except for some bumpy spots after take off and before landing--due to the weather. It was a beautiful day in DC--some winds, but nothing too bad until we got up into the clouds. When we arrived in VT, it was raining and much cooler than what we left. It's okay--we love fall weather in VT. As we started coming down out of the clouds, Jake nudged me and told me to look out the window. Wow, it was beautiful!! All you could see was a huge array of beautiful fall colors throughout the landscape. :)
Tomorrow Jake is calling the PT office (here in VT that he was going to when he was on con leave) to get appointments set up for the next two weeks. He wants to get back into the pool again and work his legs more.
He is able to get up and down the stairs in the house by going on his butt and using his arms. :) He really likes being back in his own room and having his privacy again. He continues to try to stand (using his wheelchair as support) and wants to walk so badly.
A lot of people asked why I didn't post anything while Jake was home on con leave and that they missed it. I apologize for that. Being home on con leave was a time for both Jake and I to convalesce, so other than him doing PT a few times a week, we just enjoyed relaxing and spending as much time as possible with our family. I will probably not post every day while we are home this time, but I do promise that I will post throughout this leave time to keep you updated on how Jake is and how his recovery is going.
We are so grateful to everyone for their continued concern, support, love, and prayers for Jake and our family. We appreciate it and each of you. Thank you so very, very much!
Off to have fun with our family! :)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Day 90 - Day 95 Oct 9th-Oct 14
I truly, truly apologize for not posting for the past few days. Between the long weekend and having major internet issues--well, I didn't get to post. So sorry. :(
We had a very long weekend. Friday there were no appointments, no nothing for the day because of training at the hospital. With not having a car here, it makes it very difficult to get around to do things. We have to take a shuttle to get down to Silver Spring and the shuttle doesn't even come around until 5 p.m. Saturday we had a wonderful BBQ put on by the Iraq Star organization. It was a huge show! They had a live band, food was provided by Outback Steakhouse (oh, so, so, so yummy!!!), and even Marilyn Monroe showed up!! Well, an impersonator that is. Apparently she is the #1 Marilyn Monroe impersonator in the country and flew out to DC from Las Vegas. She came over to Jake and had pictures taken. :) It was a lot of fun that day. The weather was gorgeous too. :)
Sunday was a quite day all around. It seemed much quieter around the Mologne House also. There was another BBQ put on by a local church--not as well attended and the food wasn't Outback's, but it was really nice. It was a peaceful day and a peaceful atmosphere which was really nice.
These past few days haven't been very full of appointments--in fact, today was about the busiest day we've had with appointments. So, a wrap-up: Jake got all the signatures he needed for his leave form and turned it all in to his sergeant. So, we are on our way home on Saturday!!! :) He was FINALLY able to get in to the Physical Therapist today to have his reevaluation. His range of motion has increased quite a bit--the therapist was pleased, but there is still work to do. He wanted to get Jake up and walking next week, but with us going home, Jake will have to wait until we return back down here. Jake is okay with that--he really, really wants to go home again. While he is at home, he will continue receiving PT where he was receiving it before when he was home on con leave. The therapist also wants him to have aquatic therapy 3 times a week and land therapy (normal physical therapy) 3 times a week. So, when we return, he will have PT appointments almost every single day. :) We are thrilled with that especially since he hasn't had any for three weeks. So, when we return, we wont be bored anymore--which we are also thrilled about.
Oh, some more wonderful news!! Jake has a new nurse case manager!! :) She is amazing and is so wonderful!! What a difference from his previous one--she gets things done right away. I can't believe how on the ball she is with Jake's care. Jake and I wish that he was assigned to her when he got here.
These past few weeks, I have gotten to meet and talk with other moms that are here. It's been very nice--talking with other moms who are going through the exact same things that I am. By talking with each other, we also learn new things--we all have something to share that others didn't know about.
Tomorrow will be a day of last minute things and packing for home. It'll be wonderful to be with family once again! :)
We had a very long weekend. Friday there were no appointments, no nothing for the day because of training at the hospital. With not having a car here, it makes it very difficult to get around to do things. We have to take a shuttle to get down to Silver Spring and the shuttle doesn't even come around until 5 p.m. Saturday we had a wonderful BBQ put on by the Iraq Star organization. It was a huge show! They had a live band, food was provided by Outback Steakhouse (oh, so, so, so yummy!!!), and even Marilyn Monroe showed up!! Well, an impersonator that is. Apparently she is the #1 Marilyn Monroe impersonator in the country and flew out to DC from Las Vegas. She came over to Jake and had pictures taken. :) It was a lot of fun that day. The weather was gorgeous too. :)
Sunday was a quite day all around. It seemed much quieter around the Mologne House also. There was another BBQ put on by a local church--not as well attended and the food wasn't Outback's, but it was really nice. It was a peaceful day and a peaceful atmosphere which was really nice.
These past few days haven't been very full of appointments--in fact, today was about the busiest day we've had with appointments. So, a wrap-up: Jake got all the signatures he needed for his leave form and turned it all in to his sergeant. So, we are on our way home on Saturday!!! :) He was FINALLY able to get in to the Physical Therapist today to have his reevaluation. His range of motion has increased quite a bit--the therapist was pleased, but there is still work to do. He wanted to get Jake up and walking next week, but with us going home, Jake will have to wait until we return back down here. Jake is okay with that--he really, really wants to go home again. While he is at home, he will continue receiving PT where he was receiving it before when he was home on con leave. The therapist also wants him to have aquatic therapy 3 times a week and land therapy (normal physical therapy) 3 times a week. So, when we return, he will have PT appointments almost every single day. :) We are thrilled with that especially since he hasn't had any for three weeks. So, when we return, we wont be bored anymore--which we are also thrilled about.
Oh, some more wonderful news!! Jake has a new nurse case manager!! :) She is amazing and is so wonderful!! What a difference from his previous one--she gets things done right away. I can't believe how on the ball she is with Jake's care. Jake and I wish that he was assigned to her when he got here.
These past few weeks, I have gotten to meet and talk with other moms that are here. It's been very nice--talking with other moms who are going through the exact same things that I am. By talking with each other, we also learn new things--we all have something to share that others didn't know about.
Tomorrow will be a day of last minute things and packing for home. It'll be wonderful to be with family once again! :)
Friday, October 8, 2010
Day 89 - Oct 7
What a day!! It started out with a ton of frustration and ended with a true blessing!
We woke to the news that Jake's PT appointment (to have his reassessment done) was cancelled and rescheduled for next week. UGH!!!! So, it will be about three weeks that he hasn't had one PT appointment! :( We were so upset and very, very disappointed. We are very frustrated with his nurse case manager because, other than this appointment being canceled today, it has been his lack of doing things that Jake has been without PT.
We decided to go to the hospital to get other things accomplished before the holiday weekend because everything will be closed. While we were there, we found out that one other item that we thought was taken care of hasn't been completed. It just seemed like everything was going against Jake today. He was so upset, angry, frustrated, etc., etc.
We headed over to his nurse case manager's (NCM) office to find out what was going on and why these things weren't taken care of. This is the NCMs last day--he's leaving--and turning over all his soldiers to a different NCM. Thank goodness!! The man is a very nice man, but he just did not do his job very well. We were told that Jake's NCM is exceptionally good and that she will take care of Jake and get things done. We are very happy about that. We expressed our frustrations to his present NCM (the new NCM saw and heard it all) and his response? "It's not my fault." Granted, we know that it wasn't his fault that the appointment got cancelled this morning, but it is his fault that we've been here two weeks and have had no PT. (We had to go through him to get restarted with PT--we couldn't make the appointments ourselves until the reassessment was done.)
We said our goodbyes to him and headed to an appointment with one of his Sergeants. The Sergeant knew that we had a few things to talk to him about--one being about the NCM. This Sergeant is a wonderful man--and very understanding. Apparently we aren't the only ones who have issues with this NCM. :( The other thing we talked to him about is having Jake take some personal leave to go home for a couple of weeks before reporting to the CBWTU. And, we can!!! :) So, we are heading home next Saturday for two weeks and then we have to come back down here to do the "out processing" paperwork so that he can go to the CBWTU. Jake also received phone calls today from the CBWTU case manager and his platoon Sergeant to explain things to him. We are excited that things are falling into place for us to go home for a bit and for Jake and the CBWTU.
The best news and blessing of the day?? Mike and I have a brand new granddaughter!! This is grandbaby #8!! :) She weighed in at 7 lbs. 10 oz. and was 20" long. She is beautiful!! I was able to see her on Skype this afternoon. :) Mom, Dad, big sister, and baby are all doing extremely well and are very, very happy. :)
So, the day turned out much better than what the morning indicated it would be like. So glad it did. :)
We woke to the news that Jake's PT appointment (to have his reassessment done) was cancelled and rescheduled for next week. UGH!!!! So, it will be about three weeks that he hasn't had one PT appointment! :( We were so upset and very, very disappointed. We are very frustrated with his nurse case manager because, other than this appointment being canceled today, it has been his lack of doing things that Jake has been without PT.
We decided to go to the hospital to get other things accomplished before the holiday weekend because everything will be closed. While we were there, we found out that one other item that we thought was taken care of hasn't been completed. It just seemed like everything was going against Jake today. He was so upset, angry, frustrated, etc., etc.
We headed over to his nurse case manager's (NCM) office to find out what was going on and why these things weren't taken care of. This is the NCMs last day--he's leaving--and turning over all his soldiers to a different NCM. Thank goodness!! The man is a very nice man, but he just did not do his job very well. We were told that Jake's NCM is exceptionally good and that she will take care of Jake and get things done. We are very happy about that. We expressed our frustrations to his present NCM (the new NCM saw and heard it all) and his response? "It's not my fault." Granted, we know that it wasn't his fault that the appointment got cancelled this morning, but it is his fault that we've been here two weeks and have had no PT. (We had to go through him to get restarted with PT--we couldn't make the appointments ourselves until the reassessment was done.)
We said our goodbyes to him and headed to an appointment with one of his Sergeants. The Sergeant knew that we had a few things to talk to him about--one being about the NCM. This Sergeant is a wonderful man--and very understanding. Apparently we aren't the only ones who have issues with this NCM. :( The other thing we talked to him about is having Jake take some personal leave to go home for a couple of weeks before reporting to the CBWTU. And, we can!!! :) So, we are heading home next Saturday for two weeks and then we have to come back down here to do the "out processing" paperwork so that he can go to the CBWTU. Jake also received phone calls today from the CBWTU case manager and his platoon Sergeant to explain things to him. We are excited that things are falling into place for us to go home for a bit and for Jake and the CBWTU.
The best news and blessing of the day?? Mike and I have a brand new granddaughter!! This is grandbaby #8!! :) She weighed in at 7 lbs. 10 oz. and was 20" long. She is beautiful!! I was able to see her on Skype this afternoon. :) Mom, Dad, big sister, and baby are all doing extremely well and are very, very happy. :)
So, the day turned out much better than what the morning indicated it would be like. So glad it did. :)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Day 88 - Oct 6
Jake had his OT reassessment appointment with Jacqui this morning. He is able to do all of his daily living skills except for one, so he still needs a NMA. So, that means that he is stuck with his ol' mom for another month. ;) She told him that at his next appointment he will no longer need a NMA because he will be standing and walking by then.
His sergeant called him last night and told him that after his appointment this morning that he needed to head to the 2nd floor of the hospital for his flu shot. Jake explained that he received one before deployment, but the sergeant still insisted that he get one. In other words, he was ordered to get one. So, we headed down to where they were giving them and ran into one of the head nurses that was on his ward when he was in the hospital. :) It was nice to see her again. She gave him the paperwork to fill out for the shot/nasal mist and kept asking me if I was going to get one too. I told her that it was only for him and she said, "No way! It's for you too!" She said that since I was his NMA and was near him alot that I should get one. I tried to get out of getting it because you have to go through a process (as a civilian) to get treatment at this hospital, but she was very insistent and made sure that I got to where I needed to go for my "blue" card. Off I went. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it wasn't fun either. So, as Jake's NMA, I too received a flu shot. He got the nasal mist--I got the shot. My arm is a bit bruised and sore, but I'm a tough ol' bird and will get through it. :)
We had to get an appointment with his primary care doctor today because since it is a holiday here on Monday, offices at the hospital will be shut down and Jake was running low on one of his pain meds. While we were there, we tried to take care of a huge mistake. Jake was sent a bill from one of the doctors there at the hospital for his services. We couldn't believe it!! As a wounded soldier, everything is paid for by the insurance company. Even his primary care doctor was shocked to see the bill. We have to go back over to the hospital tomorrow to finish fixing this mistake.
We also stopped to talk to one of his sergeants about the possibility of Jake taking some personal leave to go home again before heading to the CBWTU. He wants to be home for his sister's birthday and for Halloween. We are not sure if it will be possible, but the sergeant was going to do some research and will call us tomorrow. Since we have returned back here (two weeks now), Jake has not had any PT appointments at all. :( It is very, very discouraging for him. That's another reason why he wants to go home--he knows that he will get PT appointments there and continue on his recovery to walk.
We'll see what happens.
His sergeant called him last night and told him that after his appointment this morning that he needed to head to the 2nd floor of the hospital for his flu shot. Jake explained that he received one before deployment, but the sergeant still insisted that he get one. In other words, he was ordered to get one. So, we headed down to where they were giving them and ran into one of the head nurses that was on his ward when he was in the hospital. :) It was nice to see her again. She gave him the paperwork to fill out for the shot/nasal mist and kept asking me if I was going to get one too. I told her that it was only for him and she said, "No way! It's for you too!" She said that since I was his NMA and was near him alot that I should get one. I tried to get out of getting it because you have to go through a process (as a civilian) to get treatment at this hospital, but she was very insistent and made sure that I got to where I needed to go for my "blue" card. Off I went. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it wasn't fun either. So, as Jake's NMA, I too received a flu shot. He got the nasal mist--I got the shot. My arm is a bit bruised and sore, but I'm a tough ol' bird and will get through it. :)
We had to get an appointment with his primary care doctor today because since it is a holiday here on Monday, offices at the hospital will be shut down and Jake was running low on one of his pain meds. While we were there, we tried to take care of a huge mistake. Jake was sent a bill from one of the doctors there at the hospital for his services. We couldn't believe it!! As a wounded soldier, everything is paid for by the insurance company. Even his primary care doctor was shocked to see the bill. We have to go back over to the hospital tomorrow to finish fixing this mistake.
We also stopped to talk to one of his sergeants about the possibility of Jake taking some personal leave to go home again before heading to the CBWTU. He wants to be home for his sister's birthday and for Halloween. We are not sure if it will be possible, but the sergeant was going to do some research and will call us tomorrow. Since we have returned back here (two weeks now), Jake has not had any PT appointments at all. :( It is very, very discouraging for him. That's another reason why he wants to go home--he knows that he will get PT appointments there and continue on his recovery to walk.
We'll see what happens.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Day 87 - Oct 5
GREAT NEWS!!!!!!! :) Jake got accepted into the CBWTU!!!!! We are coming home for good!!!! :)
However, his report date is not what he was hoping for. :( He was hoping for the end of this month, but he has to report there on November 14th. So, we still have some time here. But, that's okay--he's in and we will be going home--that's what is important.
AND, MORE GREAT NEWS!!!! Jake went to see his orthopedic surgeon. He told Jake that he can now start putting weight on his legs and start walking again. :) They want him to start putting weight on his right leg now and within two weeks, the left leg. The surgeon was very pleased to see how well Jake can straighten out his leg and how far back he can bend it. Jake stood up a few times today also!! He was very thrilled to see that he is still taller than me. :) For the past few months, I've been the tall one. Oh well, guess I need to get back to reality--I'll never be taller than my kids! ;)
The surgeon told us that he will be leaving in a few weeks for deployment to Afghanistan. :( Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. We are so grateful for him--for everything that he has done for Jake. He is an amazing surgeon.
Jake has an early morning appointment tomorrow with Jacqui (OT) to see if he still needs a NMA. She will determine how much of his ADL (daily living skills) that he can do on his own and how much, if any, he needs help with.
It's been a great day today! We are very excited about the future!
However, his report date is not what he was hoping for. :( He was hoping for the end of this month, but he has to report there on November 14th. So, we still have some time here. But, that's okay--he's in and we will be going home--that's what is important.
AND, MORE GREAT NEWS!!!! Jake went to see his orthopedic surgeon. He told Jake that he can now start putting weight on his legs and start walking again. :) They want him to start putting weight on his right leg now and within two weeks, the left leg. The surgeon was very pleased to see how well Jake can straighten out his leg and how far back he can bend it. Jake stood up a few times today also!! He was very thrilled to see that he is still taller than me. :) For the past few months, I've been the tall one. Oh well, guess I need to get back to reality--I'll never be taller than my kids! ;)
The surgeon told us that he will be leaving in a few weeks for deployment to Afghanistan. :( Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. We are so grateful for him--for everything that he has done for Jake. He is an amazing surgeon.
Jake has an early morning appointment tomorrow with Jacqui (OT) to see if he still needs a NMA. She will determine how much of his ADL (daily living skills) that he can do on his own and how much, if any, he needs help with.
It's been a great day today! We are very excited about the future!
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