Friday, March 4, 2011

Hospital life for mom


Where am I staying, and what do I do during the days at the hospital? Bruce thought you all might enjoy a little glimpse of where I am at the moment...

Victoria and I are at Gillette Children's Speciality Healthcare in St. Paul  it is located about two blocks from the Minnesota Capitol Building:  Gillette's mission...which I found prominently displayed on a large plaque in the skyway is:
Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare provides specialized health care for people who have short-term or long-term disabilities that began during childhood. We help children, adults and their families improve their health, achieve greater well-being, and enjoy life.  Gillette has been in existence since 1897.


If you come park in west parking, level D, you will be able to walk right into the Gillette children's clinic area.
There is an info desk with helpful staff ready to answer questions, and stamp your parking ticket, which gives a reduced parking rate.



I sleep in the same room with Victoria.  The PICU down here was just redone last year and the rooms are private and fairly roomy.


The top picture is my bed, which is a couch by day.  It is reasonably comfortable, now that I have gotten used to it.  It is about 2 1/2 feet wide when it is pulled out.  It pulls out about 6 inches further than what it is as a regular couch.  The second photo of the rocking chair is located beside the couch, and is where I do my pumping, or can sit and relax.  I also use the rocker to hold Victoria.  If you look past Victoria's bed in the bottom photo, the rocker is behind the curtain to the left, and you can just see the left side of the couch.
The curtain you see, is about 5 feet from the wall, and pulls across the entire room to give a little privacy.




 

This little nurses station is located directly outside Victoria's room.  The window behind Jenny looks right into the room, and she can see Victoria and all her vitals from right where she is often busy charting.  The nurses here have really been exceptional.  I have been so thankful for each one!




These photos are of the Family room which is just for PICU.  (a special PICU card is required to get in).
There is a fridge we can use, microwave, a coffee/hot chocolate/cappuccino machine  as well as a computer, couches, some toys and games for children.  I had been bringing my meals here...for about the first two weeks I was here...but I have started bringing them to the skyway...as there is sky there.



 

I have also gotten well acquainted with the washer here, as they are using cloth for Victoria at the moment...any thing to try to deal with the rash she is fighting...probably somewhat reacting to antibiotics.


They are doing some construction work at Gillette.  This is the hallway leading to PICU...it just got two feet smaller overnight.




Exercise is essential...so I have found places to walk here at the hospital to walk.  If I go down the above hallways...and two more, I can a walk a mile in 10 times around.  If I walk the skyway, it takes about 10 times back and forth.  I try to get a minimum of a mile in everyday.  Most days, I get two.  Sometimes I walk outside, and sometimes in the other part of the hospital for a little variety.


Here is the skyway where I have been having most of my meals lately...and the view from the skyway...you can see the capitol in the background.  On sunny days, it is especially nice to be out here.  There are tables in one end of the skyway where I often take my meals.  There are also chairs where I can sit and read a bit.








One of the things I like to do best, Is to cuddle Victoria when I can.

Victoria just before they took her down to surgery this afternoon.  Surgery began a little before 4:00, and I just got a call saying that the first surgery...the longer one is done...and went well.  the shorter one about to begin.  Update:   Second surgery is done...Victoria will be intubated at least overnight, because they were not able to do the surgery with the little camera., as a guide,.so it required an incision...so the RT team is here waiting for her to come back up. Update:   Well she is back...sedated and on a tube, but she came through the surgery well, and we are thankful!  Please keep praying...the length of her illness has been hard on her.
We praise God for His goodness in giving this little treasure to us.

5 comments:

  1. Linda, thanks so much for the post. I have been to all the places that you took, but it was still nice to see the pics...especially of my sweet girl. I love you both...your loving hubby. Bruce

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  2. I really enjoyed the pictures- you did a great job of making me feel like I was right there- I felt like I had my own personal hospital tour.
    I am there in my prayers. hugs Jean

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  3. Thank you again for posting, Linda. So glad the surgery's went well and we look forward to having you both home again someday. Glad you have some room to move about and get around. I liked the little sweater and socks you knitted for Jeriah.

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  4. Linda--I am remembering you in prayer. Victoria is such a sweetheart--I'm so glad you are there to hold her and to be there when she needs you. Your family comes to mind often as I follow your blog. Thank you, Bruce, for your updates and beautiful pictures. We were in Rochester while you were at Gillette's (Mom and I--for her heart). I was sad that we were unable to stop by to see you. Time just didn't allow it. Be reassured that you are loved even by people that you don't see very often (me!). I'm keeping you close to my heart. Love, Annie

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  5. Hi Linda, Denise here borrowing Paul's blog. I haven't talked to you in so long but I have been praying for your journey with Victoria. Your updates are such a blessing as we don't often get to see and know the details of people we are praying for. So thank you for taking the time to include us in your day.
    I know the Lord is sustaining you and Bruce (and the kids at home) as you tend to your precious Victoria. "Day by day with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here. Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear. He whose heart is kind beyond all measure, gives unto each day what He deems best. Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure, mingling toil with peace and rest." An old favourite song I hope will bless you. hugs, denise

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