Redjeb was moved from the Intensive Care Unit to a new room in the basement in the burn unit of all places. Actually it may sound bad but is a good place for him. He has a room of his own and the nurses station for all patients is right out the door. The nurse is easy to find and it is a small unit. I think they just needed a bed for him to leave the ICU, but the social worker had said maybe they could find him a room to himself if one became available.
I was told when I got to the hospital that the PT guy had Redjeb "standing" with support and even trying to take a few steps. I was so pleased to hear this, as he is so weak but so eager to get moving.
But then this afternoon he was back to being confused and out of it. That is so hard to see. And that lung congestion. He was a bit more lucid when I left this eve.
Some have asked if I have been to either the NYC apartment or EH house since this happened, and the answer is no. Immediately after the accident Dee and I went back to the house and I gathered up some things for Redjeb that I thought he might need at the hospital and some clothes, knowing that in the ambulance after an accident they cut your clothes open. I lost a favorite sweater that way once. Your down jackets are safe as they don't want all that stuffing floating around in the ambulance.
At that point I though that Redjeb just had broken ribs and would be home soon. So I brought nothing for myself. A couple days later, friends did bring me my computer, some toiletries and an extra pair of jeans and T shirt--and one T top and sweater set "for dress." I wore that this eve when went to dinner with friends. No one knows it is my dress outfit but me. What dress outfit means is: rarely worn. Basically at the hospital I alternate the same two T shirts and jeans, and wear a khaki jacket. I do wash all at the hotel's guest laundry when there. First time I ever did laundry at a hotel. But I can say that I am really bored with my outfits, but have not gotten others as I think each week that this will be my last week living out here in the middle of Long Island. Alas....
I also think of taking a day trip to the city or to EH, but there are always important consults with doctors or the social worker that I do not want to miss, and these come up seemingly spontaneously or as you catch them.
Today was a stressful up and down day and sad in many respects. So am going to hide under the covers. Most of the time I sleep well--from exhaustion.
In the basement? It sounds good that he has his own room, but is there a window? If not, would you be allowed to put in a green plant? I think of this instinctively, without rational argument.... until this morning, when a prof from NYU was on WNYC saying that patients who have greenery outside the window as opposed to a view of brick walls have a quicker recovery.
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