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! :)
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