March 6

Some news differing from what was reported earlier. It is now unlikely that Barbara will be coming home on March 14. Her therapy team met with us yesterday and expressed that they believe it would be far too difficult for me to provide the level of care that she will need. However, insurance will not allow her to stay in rehab beyond the 14th. Frankly, I have been very concerned about the care issue my own little self. However, knowing how devastated Barbara has been at the possibility of going to a nursing home, I had determined to make it work.

At this point, though, Barbara is resigned to the idea that perhaps it would be best for her to take advantage of the 20 days of "skilled nursing care" that medicare provides. What concerns us most is the fact that there are so many problems with so many nursing homes, it is difficult to know which one would be best. Also, the place where we send her would have to provide a higher level of care than your typical facility. We have a list to consider, and I guess that means I have a lot of work on my hands this week as I visit several of these places and try to guess which one would be best.

There is some good news to be parsed out as well. The debridement wound from the pressure sore on the back of her head is healing well, and has gotten smaller! Also, Barbara does continue to gain strength each day. She seems to be able to do more and more each time I see her. Her legs are progressing much more slowly than her arms, though, and she doesn't seem to be close to being able to walk yet.

This nursing home business bothers me for several reasons. One, we all know the reputation of the nursing home industry as a whole. Two, there is the issue of infection control. And three, Barbara cannot tolerate much heat at all. With the meds she takes, she gets very hot, and very weak when she is hot. This is a problem because old folks seem to love heat. There is one room where they take her for rehab that is like an oven. Yet, they say that their older patients complain about it being cold. This will be a big problem. Her nerves are also on edge, and she finds noise to be extraordinarily grating. If she has to share a room, TV will also be a problem... she cannot abide trash TV (nor can I), and most evening fare now scares her for some reason.

So, I guess you can see how I need for you to pray for us today. Pray that we will make the right decision, and that Barbara will thrive and not regress,

Pray for my anxiety levels that I will be calm,

Pray for Jackie as she comes to visit this weekend.

Thanks again to all of you. You're the best! We love you all.