A Change of Scenery (Benjamin's Move to In-patient Rehab)

Yesterday we received the news that there was nothing medically keeping Benjamin from starting in-patient rehabilitation.  An ambulance transport was scheduled for Thursday at 7 am.  We decided it would be a good idea to dress for success and get a clean shave so he would look all spiffy for the trip.

Physical therapy got him situated in his wheelchair and we went for a spin around floor 10.  He pushed for most of the way and then I took the wheel for a while.  I must admit I was a little cautious.  I didn't want someone to come around a corner or out of a door and hit his legs. 

The ambulance arrived and loaded our guy for the trip from Lafayette to Lake Charles, a hop, skip and a jump down 1-10 westbound.

Benjamin really got good service and care in Lafayette.  They were all great.  He was excited about starting his rehabilitation.  We arrived at the hospital in Lake Charles and met with the director, doctor and staff.  They were welcoming and had been praying for Benjamin.  A speech therapy assessment was done along with a meeting with a counselor to ensure that he was psychologically ready.

Dr. Jones showed us the x-rays of his legs PRIOR to the surgeries.  This is the tib-fib fracture on his left leg:

And this is the tib fib fracture on the right leg.  You can tell why his right leg is classified as non-load bearing for 6-8 weeks.  He won't be able to put ANY weight on this one for that long while it heals.  OUCH is all I can say.

Amazing work was done today.  First, he met with Occupational Therapy.  He was changed out of his gown and into shorts and a t shirt for the first time since September 4th.  He moved from the bed into a wheelchair and from a wheelchair to a commode.  The plan is to work with him intensely for two weeks to get him to be able to go to the bathroom, dress, and move into a wheelchair and back to bed on his own.  Once those goals are met, he will convalesce at home until his right leg is load-bearing.  Then, we'll return for learning to walk and regaining tools he needs.

Then he met with Physical Therapy where he was assessed for areas of numbness/nerve damage all over his body.  He was taught to use a slide board to go from wheelchair to bed and back.  He will undergo cognitive testing to ensure that there is not a brain injury that has not been detected.  His days will be filled with therapy and, yes, pain.  But he will get better.

From today until Tuesday, he will get a thorough screening to evaluate all injuries, current status, prognosis for recovery, set goals and formulate a plan to best achieve those goals.  We are invited to meet Tuesday for this presentation.  We are happy to be here.  Everyone seems professional, caring, and very capable.  He worked hard, was in pain, and showed grit and determination.  We're very proud of him.  By this afternoon he was exhausted.  

Tricia has been sleeping at the hospital in Lafayette all week.  Tonight, he's on his own.  Tricia will be coming home.  We'll see him tomorrow at lunch.  Which reminds me, from now on, he was told no more eating in bed.  He has to get up, sit in a wheelchair and eat.  We told him we loved him, prayed with him and told him good night. 

In the meeting on Tuesday with the staff, we'll get an idea of how long his recovery will be, what that recovery will look like, what lingering, long-term effects of the injury will be, and when he can return to work.  We pray that he will fully recover.  We wanted to thank all of you for the emails, comments, texts, cards, and prayers that you have offered on his (and our) behalf.  We have learned a lot about how to care for others by watching your example.  You mean the world to us and we thank the Good Lord for you.  He is so good to us.