Thursday, April 28, 2011

New Hardware

Robert is sporting six new staples in the back of his head and I got to visit two hospitals in one day.  (Maybe I should become a hospital Secret Shopper!).

At 6:00 a.m. my husband’s mom went in for a Valvuloplasty to help out her heart. We were at a downtown hospital to visit with her before she was put under and stayed until the procedure was over. Her procedure was pronounced a success and she’ll be home – better than ever – tomorrow.

At 5:30 p.m. I was finishing up at the office when I got the call that Robert had fallen and had a gash in his head. Off I went to meet him at New Hospital. I confirmed Robert was following the “must wear helmet at all times” rule but somehow he fell backwards onto a large, fancy scale and something metal wedged itself under his helmet. (With a lot of force apparently).

A few hours and six staples later, Robert was back at the New Home brushing his teeth and getting ready for bed. (I watched the stapling while cringing – I guess I can cross off “doctor” from my list of future careers). The stapling didn’t bother Robert; the only thing causing him concern was that the hospital didn't carry the TV Land Channel and he got to bed later than his preferred bedtime of 9:00 p.m. on the dot.

The New Hospital was fabulous as always. Volunteers asked if House Manager and I would like coffee or water. They brought Robert a warm blanket and pillow. Robert was able to watch his beloved Wheel of Fortune in his private room while waiting for the staples to be . . . stapled. The nurses and doctors were professional, courteous and even had a sense of humor – right up Robert’s alley.

The doctor was at first confused as to why Robert had a seizure. I explained that it is common for Robert to have breakthrough seizures which is why he wears a helmet. The doctor glanced at Robert’s helmet on the counter and then back to the still bleeding gash on Robert’s head and said, “Well, I guess he needs to be bubble wrapped.”

Please don’t give New Home any ideas.

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