THURSDAY — Home; out of the CCU

The local hospital refers to where Nancy was as a Critical Care Unit. If I figure out how that differs from and Intensive Care Unit, I’ll let you know.

It is now 7:30 P.M. and we have been home about 15 minutes.

Nancy was discharged earlier this evening with instructions for a very low salt diet and continued exercise.  The consensus is that her entry into the hospital on Monday was a result of her heart not being vigorous enough to do its work because of too much salt, too much liquid, and lack of movement.  They don’t call it congestive heart failure for nothing.

The stomach issue is thought to be a result of too little stomach activity over the last 3 months but the test today did not reveal any severe problem.  A medication to improve the physical flexing of the stomach has been started and a prescription written.  The idea is to encourage the stomach to force food along its intended pathway and not let it just hangout there.  Reading material provided indicates that this problem should lessen with appropriate food preparation, medication, and exercise.

A physical therapist had to check her out before the hospital would release her.  He was from the place the insurance company approved – associated with the hospital – for outpatient visits.  We will visit at 9:30 on Friday morning and plan on therapy visits starting next week.

Nancy ate at the hospital after taking one of the new meds.  I have horses, dogs, and me to feed – and the dishes need washed.

I’ll add more about this week’s events for Friday’s post.