Entry #11 Step by Step

Entry # 11  Step by Step                                             March 12, 2015

Looking forward to taking steps on the beach on Siesta Key.

     Dan was transferred to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago a week ago.  But even though his white blood cell count indicated his stem cells had started doing their job, it was still obvious that there was a major need for Dan to regain strength and flexibility.  Obviously it was a huge disappointment not to be heading home but knowing therapy was a necessity, and having heard the great reputation of RIC, we secured insurance approval, and Dan was transported via medical transport within a few hours.

Dr. Burt and his fabulous team:  Amy APN, Allison APN, Dr. Burt, Dr. Han, and Kaitlyn PA-C

Packed and ready to go to RIC.

     Getting admitted at RIC was a bit of a shock.  It was Friday evening and Dan said it was like a step back into his college days.  To say that his care at Prentice was incomparable, where the nurses and caregivers spoiled us with their attentiveness, was an understatement.  He would now reside in a double room that was smaller than a postcard stamp.  In his opinion, sharing a room with another patient didn't come close to complying with HIPPA laws, and it became all the more absurd hour by hour.   Lack of privacy and claustrophobia was unbearable in a room where beds, lifts, equipment, and wheelchairs constantly collided.  Nurses and nursing assistants worked in conditions that made it impossible to be efficient.  Thankfully the nurse manager recognized the issues Dan faced and he was moved a couple days later to a room double the size for two patients.

Physical therapy session with Ryan on Tuesday.

Standing and reaching, now Dan will be ready to unload the dishwasher when
we get home!

Holly and the physical therapy staff run tough sessions, but they've gotten Dan to his feet unassisted in
only 5 days.

    But lest you think we only have complaints, there are two highlights of this current residency.  First, the therapy is great.  Dan is making slow but steady progress with physical and occupational therapy for a total of 3 hours each day.  Today alone he far exceeded yesterday's accomplishments on treadmill and "sit to stand" strength.  Therein lies the sole reason he is hanging in there to endure the accommodations.  Step by step, day by day, he's gone from absolute immobility seven days ago to walking all the way around the floor with a physical therapist at his side.  There is a way to go, but he knows his goal is to get to the point where he can safely manage at home and then continue with outpatient therapy in Racine.  The second highlight is getting a daily pass out of this place!  The food is unappetizing so we've made it part of the daily routine to go out for supper after therapy is done.  Using the wheelchair, we "roll" to a restaurant in the vicinity of Northwestern.  We've been to Blaze Pizza, Epic Burger, TGIFridays, M Burger and the Corner Bakery.  It's the one practice that helps with the emotional side of healing by escaping to get fresh air and finding an alternative to the institutional food served to patients.

Construction continues on the new Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago just across the field.
All rooms will be singles with state of the art therapy facilities.  

     I pray the prolonged time away from home is nearly over.  A conversation with an RIC representative yesterday morning indicated we're on target to get home by the end of next week, at the latest.  They are already working on communicating his therapy needs to Wheaton where he'll continue on an outpatient basis.  Then Dan can celebrate his homecoming with a new immune system, a weak brandy old fashioned, and restful sleep in his own bed.    Grandpa, Megan, and Matt will be celebrating too.