Progress rarely happens along a straight, upward-moving line. And so it is with the state of my dear friend Rick’s health. But we’re not complaining. The trend is upward, and we’re all about trends.
Three months ago today, Rick was suffering from massive fluid build up in his tissues, and it looked like his body was about to succumb to CHF—Congestive Heart Failure. Hospice was one of only two options still available, and thankfully, he qualified for the second option.
Two months ago today, “iRick,” the gadget guy, received an LVAD implant, and yes, I’m definitely going to use a cliché, here: He got a new lease on life.
One month ago today, he was back at home, but required “24/7 care,” and even the simplest “five toe lifts” of Physical Therapy totally wore him out. He was discouraged, but he had a secret weapon: me. And if there’s one thing I’m really good at, it’s encouraging, supporting, motivating and borderline nagging.
Last week, at his 8-week post op appointment, there was massive improvement to report. Rick showered and dressed without help that morning, and headed off to his Clinic appointment using only a cane instead of a walker!
Tiny set-back at the doctor visit: He returned to daily dressing changes instead of weekly. There had been some fluid seepage around his percutaneous exit site, most likely brought on by his increased exercise, but they wanted us to monitor it more closely.
He was released to drive, (yes drive!) and begin Cardio Rehab classes, and on the way home (me driving) we stopped for a meal out—his first in four months.
And then the unthinkable happened. Attempting the final “step up” onto the cement slab in front of his apartment, Rick lost his footing and fell over backwards. He landed hard upon his butt/hip/back. In an instant, everything changed; it was a horrible ending to his best day (so far) in 2014.
We had to call for help to get him standing up and inside to his recliner, and Rick spent a pretty miserable few days and nights. He had to cancel his Rehab intake appointment and took a couple huge steps back in obtaining his independence.
But this, too, has passed. Thankfully, none of his equipment or drive lines were damaged, and he didn’t require a trip back into the hospital. Yes, it was a set-back, but then we have to consider how far he’s come.
In just the past 90 days, Rick’s gone from resigning himself to hospice care and planning his own funeral services, to embracing the changes and challenges of “life on batteries.”
The key word there, in case you missed it, is “life.” Life on life’s terms—a little bumpy, for sure, but nonetheless we are both grateful for the opportunity for him to keep sucking air.
So CONGRATULATIONS, Mr. iRick! Carpé diem!