Well, you know, after the third operation he became despondend. And stubborn. Refused to eat or drink, refused any therapy. He was going downhill. He was fluctuating between anger and depression.
So, when all medical issues were finally solved, I pushed to leave the hospital before eating and movement were accomplished (usually a condition for release).
After having tubes down his throat for weeks, he all but lost his voice and his swallowing reflex is pretty shot. So he was aspirating food.
I had to draw a line in the sand at this point - he was conviced he would never get out of there and quit trying.
We rode home in a wheelchair ambulance and the ride was something I will never forget. He was extremely uncomfortable in the wheelchair and just sat staring at the floor for most of the trip. Then I pointed out Roseburg to him and he looked out the window and commented on how we got the first Llama there. As we got more and more into familiar areas he started taking part and commenting and his face got more and more lively and by the time we got home he was all excited, wheelchair pains forgotten.
And then I knew that getting out of dodge was the right decision. And going home instead of rehab was the right decision. Not saying this is generally true, but for him it certainly was.
We have had one whole day at home now. He is sleeping through the night now, but I get up and have him turn from side to side every 3 hours or so. Making sure he is not ending up on his sore, sore backside and no other areas get too much continued pressure. Plus we have memory foam matresses...
Yesterday he had 2 ensure thinned with whole milk (because he swallows small sips of thin liquids better than thicker things). In the evening he took the first real food he has had in 5 weeks - mashed potatoes thinned with whipping cream and gravy made with extra butter. Of course his stomach is the size of a pea now, but he ate a number of spoonfuls - and he liked it!!!! No problem swallowing.
Now, we live in Oregon and just before his departure to the hospital I thought to get a medical Marihuana licence for him, just in case.
I also bought some before leaving. Yesterday before dinner I made a concoction of finely ground Marihuana, butter and a very decadent, sweet hot chocolate mix. Mixed it all up, spread it flat on a piece of wax paper and froze it. Then I gave him a tea-spoon of fine shavings of it. Went down fine and 45 minutes later I served his potatoes.
Obviously it did work to get his appetite going. But he was also more comfortable sitting, his muscles and backside stopped hurting.
So I will use this as appetizer until he has his appetite back all the way. People were right, it works, and whatever works is fine by me.
So, all in all, the first day was a great success. He moves of his own volition from chair to chair to be in different positions and locations, of course with me watching so he doesn't fall and using his walker. He drinks. He eats. YESSSS!
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