We still haven't seen a doctor regarding the blood clots, but heard a nurse mention that there were many tiny SUPERFICIAL clots. I expressed my relief, but she quickly pointed out that she cannot read any tests, nor provide any results. We would have to wait to hear from the doctor. E.'s arm, from the tips of his fingers to his elbow, is significantly swollen. It is also very tender to the touch.
E. took a lap around the entire floor again and seems to be getting more steady on his feet. When we returned to his room, he was ready to take a shower. He was able to get cleaned up (although neither of us felt comfortable washing his head, so the globby blood blobs remain). He brushed his teeth and combed his hair. Wait, strike that last part. He has no hair. :) The whole process really left him winded though. No sooner that we had got him back into bed, that the physical therapists arrived. Out he went for another walk around the floor. Then he had to do various exercises to help improve his balance (which has already shown an improvement from yesterday). Needless to say, he quickly fell asleep when he was done. The physical therapists did not feel like a rehab facility was necessary, but did recommend outpatient therapy (perhaps beginning with in-home therapy the first couple of weeks).
There have been a few small discussions regarding discharge planning. In terms of his head, he'll be ready to go home within the next few days. The problem that may keep him in the hospital though are his blood sugar levels. The steroids really wreak havoc on those levels. Although the steroids are slowly being tapered off, he'll still be on them for the next ten days or so. If he needs to remain hospitalized due to the blood sugar levels, we are going to request a transfer to a rehab facility. We are hoping that it would be quieter at a rehab facility than here in the hospital and he'd be able to get more rest. Everybody knows how hospitals have to be the worst place ever to actually sleep and rest. If there is a possibility that we can be educated on the insulin and administer it ourselves at home, we would prefer that.
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