Discharged from Hospital . . . Back at VA Center

Thursday was a monumental day of sorts with my father being discharged from the hospital back to the Norman Veteran's Center to continue his recovery and rehabilitation. As with any process these days, it's never as simple as one would think and there is more than enough paperwork to cover our walls and everyone's backside! Daddy was very confused when I arrived at the hospital though he had been very clear, especially so with the neurologist, on the day before. Change is always difficult and brings on confusion --- I think much is triggered by fear.

We finally got to the VA Center and they were ready and available to check him in. The first order of business was getting him some lunch and me unloading his belongings and unpacking. Of course, the staff there was required to do a skin assessment, etc. and all was well. The CPM (continuous passive movement) machine was a source of anxiety as it had been during the stay in the hospital. When physical therapy came up to check it out and put him in the machine my dad's anxiety hit with a vengeance.

I was the brunt of his anger at bringing him to "this place full of strangers" and "pulling a dirty deed" in checking him in without explaining it to him, etc. etc. (None of which is true.) At this point, with four nurses, one physician's assistant, and two physical therapists, he continued to yell and I told him to "Stop", to which he replied "No, you stop." I did so; I walked out of the room and he has not seen me since.

In the meantime, the PA gave him an injection to calm him down and he cooperated with the staff and has done so ever since. I did speak with him by phone this morning and he was fine. My dad had requested that I try to locate a different room for him with someone who does not watch TV 24/7 plus the doctor preferred he be closer to the nurses' station. In speaking with the RN on the unit, one bed was open that is 3 doors closer to the station and a very quiet roommate. This room is in the very center and is closer for him to access the dining room on the unit as well as his patio balcony to smoke his pipe. The move was completed without incident or my presence on Friday.

His nurse this evening gave me a rundown of his status when I called to check on him. (The plan is for me to stay away for several days at the suggestion of the neurologist and PA.) His blood pressure dropped late this afternoon and an IV has been started with fluids and his vital signs will be checked every two hours. His BP has risen and all is well, though he did pull the first IV out and another was started. I've been assured that if his condition warrants, the nurse will notify me.

Pray for a continued transition back into life at the VA and continued healing. We visit the doctor again to recheck his incision on Wednesday, June 25.