Penny came home late yesterday afternoon. In the evening, her leg showed some increased swelling, and we were given “a low threshold for going to the ER.” But with some good leg elevation, the swelling decreased overnight.
The orders for no oral intake stuck. One provider said “several weeks”, another said “about a month.” So now we are working on our best strategy for tube feeding. To get the daily target will require about 10 hours at the rate we have been using. We can decide when to do it, whether to do it all at once, and if we want to adjust the rate.
The two challenges with the tube feeding are not getting to eat and not feeling great while the feeding is happening. The first couple hours go pretty well, but after that it gets more challenging.
But everything is more tolerable at home. Penny slept much better in her own bed and without hospital interruptions. And this afternoon she took advantage of the sunshine to do some painting on the back patio.
Comments
Sara Vander Bie: So glad you get to be home and in the garden, Penny. Praying for you. <3
Talon Rindels : Amazing to see her in the beautiful spring weather doing something she enjoys!
Jim Ludema: ❤️❤️❤️
Barbara Bjelland: Way to go being creative! Your painting looks lovely! If you want me to make it into a greeting card for you, please email me a jpg photo of it. I could print some copies of it at Calvin for you where I print mine.
Lynne deBenedette: Have been thinking of you both through the long time you got at home and hoping this latest hospital stay was brief – so glad it seems to have worked out that way. And lovely that painting on the patio has happened. A big hug to all, and lots of love, Lynne
Laura DeHaan: Wonderful to see Penny enjoying the afternoon sun and getting to paint so beautifully!
George Monsma, Jr.: Glad you are at home, and praying the tube feeding goes well and that there is no more swelling in the leg.
Susan Langeland: Gooood to hear! Praying you can figure out and master how to get in all those tube feedings soon. Nice Painting!
Alisa Tigchelaar: What a beautiful picture! It is so, so lovely to see you, dear Penny, on the back porch of your home, doing something you love. 💕 Thanks also for the detailed update on nutrition, Randy: praying with others that together you will soon figure out the best way to get Penny what she needs. Much love.
Susan Norman: So glad to hear that you are home.
Chriss Pruim: thanks for the update randy- backing upu both up in prayer that the tube feedings will be comfortable and successful.