Thursday October 6, 2005

Thursday October 6, 2005 Zack moved to Neuro ICU at 6:00 AM. This is the same ward that we were on when he was at University Hospital the first time. He is very hungry but not allowed to eat anything but clear liquids. Kathryn (our nurse today) orders his breakfast, which are Jell-O, milk and Cream of Wheat. He eats the Jell-O but decides the Cream of Wheat is disgusting even if you’re hungry. She decides to try him on some graham crackers since every time she comes into the room Zack tells her how hungry he is. He devours 3 packages of crackers and a 7Up and she says if he keeps it down we could order him a regular lunch off of the menu. He says the right side of his head hurts, not like a headache but more like someone hit him. He is still swollen at the temple so I have asked for his doctor to come check it out. 12:00 Dr. Mutchnick arrives and is not concerned at all. He says it is fluid from the surgery, not uncommon and ill eventually be absorbed into his body (unfortunately it could take weeks). He decides its time to clean the stitches and has Kathryn bring him supplies. He tells Zack that it will sting and begins to scrub his head like an old boot. It is painful for me to watch and excruciating for Zack. Before long he is howling and sweat is pouring off his body. I hold both hands and try to comfort him, as Donna has her hand on my shoulder comforting me. Tears are flowing and I tell Zack it will be O.K. He is so sweet. Through his tears he keeps apologizing. Dr. Mutchnick says the stitches look great and wraps his head up like a turban. Zack calms down quickly and says he has to go to the bathroom and tries to get up. When Dr. Mutchnick discovers that he still has his catheter he decides to remove it as well. He tells Zack that this will sting a little and pulls it out. Here we go again. As Zack tries to use the portable urinal he says it stings. He decides he doesn’t have to go to the bathroom any more if it is going to hurt that bad. We will try again later. I get him settled back in bed, wipe his face with a wet cloth and he goes to sleep. I take advantage of his nap and call my insurance caseworker to see about a Dallas. She informs me that after a conference call between Dr. Mook at Frazier and the medical director of the insurance company, we were denied. No explanation, just conjecture that he could receive the therapy he needs at Frazier East. I am disappointed and surprised. Panic eases in as I realize now he is coming home and we are not ready. I leave and drive around trying to figure out what we need to do. As soon as I leave, Stephan Johnson from Fox 41 news arrives with some gifts for Zack. I had forgotten that he had called me the day before and said he would bring a copy of the story they did on us at Frazier to the hospital. I was disappointed that I missed him, especially since he brought his wife to meet Zack. He left autographed photos of the Fox 41 News Cast and 2 Snow Foxes. When I return, Rita has told Zack he is not going to Dallas and he is very happy. He says, “Mom remember what I told you yesterday? I am not going to that place”. He really wanted to go home so God must have answered his prayers instead of mine. My Dallas plan obviously was not to be and I know God will take care of us at home. Rita had been playing cards with Zack and now he wants me to play. We start a game of “golf” when Dr. Mook arrives. I told him Dallas was out and he said he knew but not to worry he had a plan. He is petitioning the insurance company for more outpatient benefits since the 20 visits in my plan will not take care of Zack. He will have all of the therapists make a report on exactly what Zack needs and fax it to the insurance medical director tomorrow. He said they were willing to consider more outpatient benefits so that is the fervent prayer. I talk to Scott and he is excited that Zack is coming home. He assures me that everything will be fine and God is still in control. Zack beats me at golf and decides he is ready for a nap. I tell him I need to run an errand and head to Frazier. I had cards and pictures for Amy, Mary Beth, Kathy and Sarah and had also left a few things behind. Everyone all ready knew that Zack was denied the rehab in Dallas but told me they would help get him the therapy that he desperately needs here in Louisville. I return to University and talk to Zack about going home. I tell him I am not ready for him at home and he says, “It’s OK because I am ready for home”. Visitors start to arrive and get the news. I know all his friends will be happy and suddenly I have a peace about it. I start a mental checklist on things that need to be done at home. I had forgotten the ICU visiting schedule and at 7:00 PM they tell me the visitors must leave until the nurses do report and change shifts. Several of Zack’s friends had been waiting to get in to see him so we all head down to the 2nd floor waiting room. We kill time playing cards and talking about Zack coming home. When it’s time to get back in his room the ICU door guard will only let me bring two visitors in at a time. Kaitlyn and her Mom come back and I let Zack know that Avery and Kara were waiting outside (several others had to leave). After about 15 minutes when Kaitlyn prepares to leave, Zack tells her, “Send the tootsies back”. Avery and Kara fill Zack in on the latest school gossip. As they leave they ask me what time I will go home and I tell them whenever Zack lets me. Zack overhears our conversation and says, “You can leave now if you let me leave too”. He is so ready to come home and now I am ready too. Our God is awesome and His plan is perfect. Please continue to pray for complete recovery and a miracle at Frazier East.