Even more stuff about Mom

So today, as every Monday, Mom had dialysis (Dialysis: ICU Edition!). Afterward we talked pretty seriously about what she should do after her hospital stay. Mom was all in favor of going straight home, but my sister and I talked to her very seriously about spending some time in a rehabilitation center to get stronger. (Here's my reasoning: during at least part of her convalescence, I will be the only one of my siblings on Mom-watch. Mom is a strong fall risk; she's still weak after surgery and unsteady on her feet, and had a spectacular fall at home the week before surgery happened. Even at the best of times, I don't have the upper body strength to pick up my mom when she falls or to support her when she faints. And I just underwent abdominal surgery last month, so picking a person off the floor is RIGHT OUT according to my surgeon. We really, really don't want Mom to fall and break open her sternum. Plus, if she goes to rehab they'll put her through physical therapy to help her gain strength and better balance. Seemed like a win-win, really.) After giving it some thought, Mom agreed that our ideas had some merit. Rehab is not her favorite place to be (and really, who could blame her?) but she does want to be stronger, so that's the plan.

Mom was also moved back to the cardiac care unit of the hospital. The rooms in this area are affectionately known as "the closets" due to their dinky size, but at least Mom has the room all to herself. She has some good nurses and technicians who are looking after her. Mom usually gets along well with the nurses who come in to see her; she's pleasant and friendly, asks them about their lives and experiences, where they went to school, etc., and always thanks them for their help, so they are usually more than willing to help her with anything she needs.

The last few days Mom has had plenty of visitors, both family and friends. I think she's appreciated the visits. It's nice to see a familiar face when you're stuck in a hospital bed for most of the day. I think she's also looking forward to something other than hospital food; at this point she's eaten nearly everything on the room service menu.

Mmmm, hospital food.

Right now Mom's surgeon is thinking about discharging her on Wednesday, but that's only if she's well enough. So we'll see. From there we'll take her over to the rehab center, I'll bring her changes of clothes and other comfort items from home, and will stay with her every day.

Also also wik: Miss V's birthday is coming up. I'm going to try to coordinate everything so it comes together. Also, making funeral potatoes because c'mon, it wouldn't be V's birthday without funeral potatoes.