Negotiations

First to report is Justin texted to let us know that his blood pressure bottomed out while he was driving his wheelchair to the gym. Was due to his binder not being put on tight enough. Then found out it elevated and they determined it was because he had too much urine in his bladder, ICP showed 400 cc, even though Justin and nurse both said he wet himself again so some of it would have gone into the leg bag. Haven't quite figured out why he voids some of it but having difficulty all of a sudden not being able to empty it all out. But they did decide they would ICP him every 6 hours now, about time.

We saw him for lunch and he seemed more attentive, especially with Preston. Left him to do some more classes, PT/OT.

We spent most of the day calling every number we had to try to understand what is going on and everyone seems to have the same answer---they are waiting for the VA to refer him to Shepherd. First I was told by Danielle that they don't give referrals but when pressed harder I was advised that they have never had to give one because the military usually takes care of this kind of stuff.

When pressed even harder, she said she would speak with a doctor to see what needed to be done to get what was needed. Right now, Shepherd is sitting on go waiting for them to transfer Justin, day program has said they will take him but need him to go through someone who will be able to have a doctor sign off that medically he is ready for day program--they don't care if that comes from VA or from a Shepherd doctor, they just need him to complete inpatient then transfer as a release to them AND Tricare did confirm they are a go to pay for all of this, THEY are just waiting on the VA to authorize him over to Shepherd.

As of 4:30, the VA has indicated they will not refer him because they feel they can accomodate for his needs. They will not say that he NEEDS to go to Shepherd. So I basically left the conversation with a short reply---find someone who will give a Yes answer and do it within 2 days or I will find someone outside of the establishment that will make it happen. It goes to the Chief of Staff tomorrow who we've been told will take at least 2 weeks even if he says yes and I said unacceptable.

Dad called the Director of VA and left a voicemail basically saying she needed to sign the papers to release Justin this week or it goes public. Not sure how much that will do but we're grasping at anything right now.

I've gotten about 4 phone numbers to local TV channels and am thinking about calling to see what their perspective would be, help us or hinder us and I've got to do some laptop work to see if I can locate a Georgia Governor email to see if we can get someone to get him out of here.

VA is trying to tell me that Colonel Renta (??spelling) at Ft Rucker carries final say but Tricare is telling me that VA is the hold up. Tomorrow hopefully will finalize something, anything so we know how to better arm ourselves if we can't get a transfer this week.

Justin is strong and continues to know how much support is behind him. My fear is what else can go wrong while waiting for this to come to an end and how long will it take him to regain all that he's lost by being here.

As always, we continue to respect each of you, admire you for your determination and guidance, and appreciate you for being our strength and support.

May the Good Lord see us through this and bless us once again!!