Well I’ve been thinking a lot lately and hospital rehabilitation discharge planning is stressful. I’m 40 days away from possibly going home and leaving The Stan Cassidy Rehabilitation Centre in Fredericton, NB. The thought of it is exciting but a bit overwhelming too. I’m thinking about everything possible for me to go home. As mentioned before Occupational Therapy is working on all those tasks required for me to do to get me home. I’ve been having more talks with my occupational therapist lately. Talks I don’t like having but have to have.
I know personally I’m not ready to go home now. Will I be ready enough in 40 days from now? I don’t know. I don’t think so but I definitely will try. April 10, 2020 is my current discharge date. I think they will push my date out further when they reassess my progress closer to discharge date. My body, my nerves still have a lot more healing to do from Guillain Barre Syndrome. On top of simply recovering from GBS, planning my home to be ready to go home to, is where the stress is. Lots of things to think about for sure.
The stress comes financially to make my home wheelchair accessible. I haven’t worked since end of July, zero income coming in. No CPP disability, no social assistance, no help from the government. Going through GBS is one thing dealing with all the ridiculous and disappointing issues with CPP Disability and the lack of government assistance is just plain frustrating. How do you prepare your home with no income and the government doesn’t cover? It’s hard, it’s stressful and don’t know how things are going to get done right now. I’m taking things one day at a time as things always have a way to working out in the end.
Hospital Rehabilitation Discharge Planning
There are several things I need to do at home before I can come home. Things I’ll need to have someone do for me.
- Ramp installation for wheelchair access to home (not covered by government)
- Stairlift purchased and installed (not covered by government)
- Small bathroom renovation for wheelchair access, wall moved, poles by toilet installed (not covered by government)
- All door handles in home changed to levers since no strength or grip to turn door knobs
- Smart lock front door, keypad installed hooked to cell phone, can’t use keys right now
- Shower chair (covered)
- Washer and dryer preferably brought upstairs
- Microwave lowered for access
- Lots of other small things moved and done for easy access and to reach glasses, plates etc…
These are just some of the things I’ve thought about that needs done. As my hospital discharge planning continues more stuff will also come up I’m sure. You don’t think of everything as you’re so use to being able to do things before on your own. Where things are in the house, can you reach if not standing on your own and walking? Are you able to do this by yourself? How am I going to get to rehab if I can’t drive yet? So many things to think about.
I’m looking forward to discharge from The Stan Cassidy Rehabilitation Centre but only if I’m ready. I personally don’t think I’ll be ready but we’ll see. Still need to have practice walking independently when I do start and that takes time. I tried the Steadymate Walker on Friday but my knees buckled twice in a half hour. Physiotherapist is saying I’m so close… just need knees a little bit stronger. The plan was this week coming to give it a try so I’ll have to see come Monday.
Looking forward to the next 40 days. It will be stressful for sure figuring how to get home stuff done but the thought of getting some of my life back is a great feeling! I’m not going to be shooting hoops, gardening in my greenhouse or raising chickens and eggs anytime soon. Can’t wait until I do though. I’m not going to be back to myself as I was before but I will in time. I’m taking my life back GBS. Kids I’m coming home soon. Over the next 40 days will determine when.
GoFundMe Help Jamie Boyle Fight
With Guillain Barre Syndrome – GBS
