Life in the Hospital

January 14, 2018

                      Today was our 7th day here in the hospital, seems like longer than that.  I'm done playing hospital.  I was talking today to a family member of another patient and when I mentioned how my daughter is here waiting for a heart and kidney transplant, she asked how long I will be here?  I said " I wish I knew, it could be weeks, two months, or 9 months or longer".  It kinda hit home with me.  Looking around my environment, I just wanted to just find a hidden corner and cry.  Then I thought to myself, I have it easy.  I have the luxury to be able to walk around, go outside, while Lauren is leashed with the PA line.  She can't go anywhere.  The poor thing can't even go to the bathroom in the bathroom, she has to use a commode.   

​             Today she was telling me her head was itchy and she really wanted to shampoo her hair.  After talking with her nurse we were able to figure out how to get it done.  We had to be very careful not to get her PA line wet or and shampoo in it.  It could cause infection.  Lauren's PA line goes directly into her heart.  Bathing is a little easier, called sponge bath.  But working around where all the lines are, makes it a little trickier.  We had Lauren sit on her bed, with her head hanging over so the water and shampoo would drip into a basket on the floor.  So next time you wash your hair, think to yourself, you have it easy.  I feel guilty when I shower and Lauren says to me "I bet that felt good".  Thursday will be her 10th day, so she will be able to shower and walk around.  

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                   We had a great weekend. First my husband Dean came up on Friday right after work, I know how much this puts on him.  Work all week then drive up here to sleep in a recliner for the weekend , then drive home on Sunday to get ready for the week ahead. Then my son Mikey, Katie and Maddie came to spend the day with us.  I was able to get my Bachi hugs in.  They got here around 1:00 and left to go home around 8:00.  They really made a day of it.  

Maddie and Lauren                                Maddie comfy in my bed                                 Katie & Mikey

                 The best medicine in the world is family time.   We had so much fun.  I felt bad they had that hour and a half drive home, but they told me it's worth it.   For Christmas I bought my son Mikey a Brigham & Women's jacket , so he wore it yesterday, looked great on him.     
                 I get upset with the situation we are put in again, but on the inside I feel so blessed to have the family I have.  Together we can concur anything.  
                      Lauren has been doing good, spirits are still good, and she loves to receive mail.  
She loves when the nurses come into our room and they say "it smell so good in here", She says " I don't want to be the smelly room, mom has air freshers to keep it smelling clean".
                                                        That's all I have for today,
                                              Keep prayers coming for a speedy wait time. 
​                                                                             Lynne 

               If you would like to learn more about life on the transplant
                                Click on button below to purchase your copy of
                 
                    Strength in a Heartbeat, Diary of a Heart Transplant                             

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