11/6/13

We're all in our Places

Mike came home from the hospital today. We were pretty sure he would be discharged today, but waited for the final word from his doctor. At 8:30 this morning, she gave her okay for him to leave the hospital. That was my cue to start disinfecting things here at home. It didn't make a lot of sense to start on that as long as I was hanging out in his hospital room, which was saturated in C diff bacteria. This morning I went over all the surfaces in the bathrooms and kitchen with bleach solution, washed all the towels and bedding, and the two quilts we use the most. It has been an all-day affair, but I just now put the last load into the washer.


He spent the afternoon downstairs next to the fire with his kitties. I was a little surprised not to find the kitties on his lap. He said Gracie had been kneading him to death, and he finally made her get down. That's okay with her because she's curled up on her little rug there next to the fire. Smitty is too lively to sit on anybody's lap for very long, but he does like his little kitty pole there...next to the fire, of course.

Before getting to the hospital, I went by the grocery store to pick up a supply of Ensure and probiotic drinks, including kombucha and kefir milk. Also, I found some one-a-day probiotic capsules that were buy one, get one free, and so I got that too. I tend to be skeptical about this kind of stuff, but in Mike's case, the science makes sense to me.


With Mike's illness being caused by a lack of good bugs in his gut, I figure these can't hurt, and they just might help. Also, to get enough calories, he is supposed to drink three of the Ensure nutrition shakes per day until he's able to tolerate "real food".

When I arrived at the hospital, his picc line had been removed and he was free of tubes for the first time in ten days. It was a good thing too because I didn't think either of us could spend even five more minutes in that hospital room. We were able to leave right away after I got there, and it sure was good to take him out into the fresh air, raining though it was.

As I have been writing this post, Mike made his way back upstairs, and I just happened to have a freshly laundered, straight-from-the-dryer flannel quilt for him to snuggle under. I'm saying he's looking pretty comfortable sitting there.


He's catching up on his TV shows and his beloved Formula 1 races. And he's out of the hospital just in a nick of time. He and Erik have been planning to attend the United States Grand Prix Formula 1 race at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, for at least a year. When things were looking darkest, we thought they might have to cancel their trip, and I know they both would have been terribly disappointed. Now it looks as if they'll get to go after all. The trip is one week from tomorrow, and so he'll have to continue his improvement. I think the promise of attending the race with his son will be a good incentive.

So that's all I know. My plan is to get back in the sewing room tomorrow. But I can't end this post without thanking all of you for your many supportive comments, healing thoughts, and prayers. It has meant a lot to all of us to know we have not been alone in this.

31 comments:

gpc said...

So SO happy at your good news! :)

Shari said...

Prayers for a speedy recovery!

Marla said...

So glad he is better. You did a good thing with all your hard work. You can rest better now too!

Janarama said...

WOOO HOOO! So glad to hear Mike is home now. Now you both can rest a little better.

Teresa in Music City said...

Yippee Skippee!!! So glad he's home and on the mend :)

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

All is right with the world. Welcome home!

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

Fantastic! Home at last and I can only imagine how tired of a hospital he must be! I hope all the drinks work well.

Junebug613 said...

Fantastic! He looks good! Hoping for continued improvement and that he is able to make it to the race! Hooray for homecoming!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

So so happy for you and Mike - yes, Gracie and Smitty, too. All in their places - sounds good to me.

Brown Family said...

It is so good to have him home! I know you will both sleep better tonight.

Shanna said...

I am just so happy that you got him home again. I am thinking of you both.

Tami C said...

I think the promise of attending the race with his son is a fantastic incentive! I hope his health continues to improve so that will happen for him. Glad you are all in your places!

Beth said...

So thankful he is home! Sweet dreams to everyone at Three Cats Ranch.

Lyndsey said...

Great news Barbara. With a trip to the formula 1 planned I bet he'll improve in leaps and bounds. That sure looks a snuggly quilt and what great fabric.

azuliverde.21 said...

I'm so happy you both are back home!

Welcome! I send you my best wishes for the coming times ♥

Ann said...

What great news. The kitties look happy but I think the humans are the happiest. Take care.

Debbie said...

So great to have your world back in its rightful order. Prayers for his quick and full recovery.

Karen said...

This is wonderful news!!!!!!
Best wishes.

Lynn - JnL4God said...

The comfort of your own home. So happy. Blessings Lynn

Jeanie said...

And all is right in your little world...... he'll get better so much faster in his own home, surrounded by his loved ones and warm quilts!.

JLVerde said...

So happy to hear things are going well.

(and kefir is so yummy!)

Kathy H said...

So glad for both of you that he is home. I will keep you in my prayers for a continued recovery.

Dogwood Lane Rambles said...

The pro biotics are an excellent idea to promote gut health. I always take them if I find I have to take antibiotics just don't overdo it. A little at a time will be fine. It would be good for you to. Plain active yogurt is a good source of active culture for good gut health too. Glad he's home and can rest in his own space - whew.

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

There is nothing better than the comforts of home. Enjoy and continued healing...

Diane Wild said...

So happy everyone is back in their places. Mike is smiling and the kittys are smiling, too. Of course, we know Barbara is smiling. Bless you all.

Nita said...

I am so pleased for you! Happy sigh!

Debbi said...

Yeah! Welcome home, Mike! Purrs all around. :)

kc said...

Hooooray!!! I know you have all missed him and are super happy to have him home again! God Bless!!

Kate said...

Glad to see Mike home and looking like he's getting some pink back in his face.

quiltzyx said...

Doing the Happy! Happy! Glad! Glad! Dance!!

Michele said...

This fantastic news makes me so happy for both of you.