Well, for those of you still following---and for those that expressed concerns about the VA Rehab, let it be known that you have my permission to say "I told you so", all concerns so far have been confirmed.
Our transfer was not the best, we left around 11:00 with good intentions-Augusta is roughly 2 1/2 hours from Atlanta (of course, we can't do anything normal).
The trip started with some anxiety, to be expected. Justin got a bit nauseaus so we had to stop for Pepto (amazing how I keep plugging people without thinking--ha). Anywho, none of us thought about getting a nausea pill before leaving, not even the nurses.
Well, we transferred in a manual chair, which basically means you have to stop every 30-60 minutes to do a weight shift. This was our first official, long haul road-trip so we stopped about every 30 minutes, which takes time. Then we stopped to get him something to eat (us too, we actually still take the time to do the little things LOL).
Once we made Augusta, it took 3 different departments at the VA to actually tell us where to go with each place being the wrong place. I finally managed to stop the right person in the hall that was able to get the right person we needed to get checked in who then notified the right person to come speak with us; HOWEVER, that made it nearly 4:00 and attitude was clearly running strong. It seemed to grow in strength when Shepherd was mentioned.
It didn't take long for Justin to decide he was going to wheel himself back to Atlanta. We, of course, tried to make the best of it and let him know to give it a shot. It's new, more of the same routine questions that he feels he's answered, and answered and then answered again.
Too much to really acknowledge other than they gave us the impression they were hunting for a brain injury, told us that they were just as good as Shepherd if not better, went through a lengthy speech from everyone we met about all the awards they have won. I just wanted to tell them to do there job then, if they're that good, do the job and send him on.
He wasn't too thrilled when the lady told him that they would decide if they kept him 2 weeks or 6 weeks. That's pretty much what made him decide he would hitchhike back to Shepherd if he had too, he is determined he's doing 2 weeks then going back to Atlanta.
This morning found him a bit aggitated again. He's been in bed since 7 last night and he hates that. Whlie he's not a good morning person, he surely doesn't like 24 hours in bed either. He did x-rays early, met with PT/OT--had a mix-up on the wheelchair but they are going to have that fixed by morning. Was headed for an ultrasound when we darted out at 3:00. Of course, we've been up since 5 EST making a 6 hour ride back to Atlanta to drop off the transfer van and the loaner chair Shepherd was kind enough to let us use.
Now we are back taking a moment to organize the massive amount of things we need to stuff into my car whenever we know our departure day. Will head back up tonight to see if he's doing better. He seemed a bit better when his OT Nurse April was the first to listen that he doesn't want this to be longer than 2 weeks. She was the first to seem to understand without attitude.
He does OT again around 7:30 in the morning, then PT who is temporary, he meets his regular PT nurse next Monday--more meet & greet and get used to each other time!!! He also has his counseling time with psychology but he's finally moved in a different room. Not the ones from last night. Another reason we were perturbed, they kept complaining about "you show up at 4, expect chaos, we were expecting you earlier"; YET, they didn't have his room ready, they had to put him in a different room, didn't have a supper tray ordered, had to ask for one. No TV in his bed area (which is 4 patients per room). So we wondered what would they have done had we showed up earlier???!!!!
There's a chapter in itself I could write on this experience; however, I will leave you for now and let you know how things turn out. We continue to recognize this is a step in recovery and must be endured in order to move forward. It is still early in this adventure so we remain faithful that things happen for a reason and we will move forward with this challenge also.
We thank you all for your encouragement, faith and belief. Love you all!!!!!
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I know it is SO hard to go from the Ritz in rehab...which Shepherd surely is....to Motel 6...as I suspect the VA is! Hold your own...but remind Justin, like most things in the military...play the game...and be really good at it! With ya'lls help, he is writing his own story.....sometimes we learn from the not so good things too. How far all of you have come since leaving Dothan, Alabama! I know how patient your very handsome son is (you know I am being sarcastic about the patient part, yes?)! I will pray that this time flies quickly...there is some reason God has made this little stop over in his journey...though I know it isn't plain to see yet....think of you guys often...lots of love and prays being sent your way!
ReplyDeleteHey Sis I read your notes today with heavy heart. In times like this I wish I could make thing better for you. As any parent we all want make sure our childern are happy and safe. As I read your words I had a few tears but then I needed to take a step back think about my faith. I know in my heart that God is still with you and believe that he is holding your hands even more. So this is a new chapter in your journey but it is up to Justin to turn This part of his journey into the most fighting and hard working time of his life. So Far God has blessed him with many improvements and each day is a blessing. So far now we will thank God and continue to put our trust and faith in our heavenly father. Sis if you need any thing please let me know. Know that we love you always. Hold your headS high and you walk tall.
ReplyDeleteWe've been out of pocket lately but wanted ya'll to know we're always keeping up with Justin's progress. Although he seems impatient (and understandable), we know he has come a long way since the accident. Please be patient with the VA. We that have many, many dealings with a VA facility have bitten our tongues many times. We must remember that the VA is a service that is offered for our military, and at this point in his recovery, Justin knows he must follow procedures and rules as any "good soldier" would. We know it's hard on you as a family and there's no doubt that you want the very best for your and our beloved Justin. We love all of you and want you to take care of yourselves. Be sure to tell our "good soldier" to keep his chin up, keep the faith, and that we love him. God continue to bless you!!!!
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