As I was getting ready to go back to the hospital, Dr Schroeder’s assistant called to let me know I could bring her in to the office today. I told her that since she didn’t get back to me yesterday I had to get her back to TMC, where she belonged, and that in the shape she was in there was no way I could have gotten her to his office anyway, thank you very much. I also suggested he pop by room 851 if he felt so inclined. And mentioned that the fact that she didn’t fall and break her hip while at home was a freaking miracle.

I can’t believe how quick her decline was over the course of the last two days and then how quickly she bounced back again. Wow. I walked in to her room shortly before noon and she looked great again. Apparently, there was some swelling in the brain, and her sodium and potassium levels were quite low. They changed a few meds around and added some new ones and boom presto chango. The occupational therapist came in right when I did and was able to have her sit up largely on her own and get her up and walking with the walker. She recommends 1-2 weeks in re-hab until she is able to do basic self care things on her own and get steadier on her feet. She put her in a chair and had her sit up and have her lunch of grilled cheese sandwich and potato chips. Mom took one bite and said: “I ordered a grilled cheese because I thought they couldn’t F*@k it up. They did.” Yup, getting back to herself. Not sure when she will be transferred to rehab, but whatever, I have a feeling they won’t make the same stupid mistakes twice. I think everyone is aware there was a major screw-up and the crazy daughter is watching them closely.

While she was eating, a nurse from pre-surgery stopped in and asked how things have been. I gave her the big picture and she said oh my god who on earth released her- who signed the discharge papers and who was the nurse. When I told her she said she was surprised at the nurse but not so much the doctor. She also said it broke her heart that they sent her home like that and that it basically makes everyone look bad not to mention putting mom at risk. She said she noted in the chart that she had an unsteady gait before the surgery and couldn’t believe it didn’t come up after the surgery. No shit.

To make a long story longer, this may start to go right after all, and we are thrilled to see some progress, finally. While lying in bed, she is doing breathing exercises that were taught to her by a physical therapist friend who shall remain nameless. We love and appreciate you. You know who you are. She doesn’t want pneumonia, and realizes that she can help prevent that. So she is breathing in slowly through her nose to a count of ten and out slowly through pursed lips. That really stuck with her. She is also trying to strengthen her left hand. She seemed so out of it yesterday but did retain a few things…..