Theories are just that . . . theories

Today was a day of change.  First off, we have a different neuro specialist who has a different theory about what caused Mom's stroke.  (There are 3 neuro specialists in the ICU, and they rotate amongst all the patients.)  After studying her chart and reviewing all the tests, he came to the conclusion that small clots from the surgery made their way through the hole in Mom's heart and scattered in the brain.  He feels strongly that the hole needs to be closed in order to prevent further strokes.  His ideas made sense and we feel good about having the procedure done.  It is usually done on an outpatient basis, and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. Mom is on the schedule for late Wednesday afternoon.  

We also had another tender mercy today.  The nurse assigned to Mom this morning usually works in the Cardiac ICU, so she was able to explain the heart procedure to us and put our mind at ease.  She also got Mom an air mattress which makes things a bit more comfy for her.   

The biggest change of all is that MOM IS OUT OF THE ICU!!!  Medically she is doing well, and no longer needs such specialized care.   She was transferred to the 7th floor about 3:30 this afternoon.  It is a neuro/ortho floor, which is perfect for Mom's situation.  In some ways it was a bit disconcerting to have her unhooked from all the monitors, but it was exciting at the same time. She will still have the same physical, occupational and speech therapists, so that will give us some continuity.  We were also grateful to learn that the neuro specialists will continue to be her doctors even though we are not in ICU anymore.

Mom had a couple hours today where she was very alert and talkative.  She even spoke in complete sentences for the most part.  Everyone on the floor commented on how well she was doing.   Moving was pretty exhausting for her, and she slept alot this afternoon, but was awake and talking this evening.  

Our goal from here is to get Mom's strength and stamina built up to the point that she can qualify for the intensive rehab floor.  In order to be transferred there, a patient must be able to sustain 3 1/2 cumulative hours of therapy per day.  The doctors hope that by getting Mom out of the ICU she will get more rest at night and be more alert during the day for therapy.  She keeps saying, "I just don't know what I need to do," so we explain that she needs to work hard with the therapists when they come to her room.  Her response is usually, "OK, OK, OK."  

Although she is awake, she doesn't really understand what has happened.  She realizes that something is not quite right, and this morning she surprised Randy by saying, "I just don't know what my prognosis is!" Despite her condition, she's starting to get antsy about lying around, and told me today, "OK, Diane, we need to get out of here."   That's the Mom we know and love!