Update #139

So there is an Option #3...

As of Friday, it sounded as if the only two options for Dave were heading to a SNF or heading home. Yesterday, Maura (OT) mentioned the possibility of a move to Drake's Rehab Floor. Dave no longer needs the amount of care that the Wound Care Floor offers, which is the reason that his insurance may not allow him to stay. But if he qualifies for the Rehab Floor, he could stay at least in the same building and continue intensive therapy until his surgery. In order to qualify, he must be able to handle three hours of therapy per day (an hour and a half of OT and an hour and a half of PT), and he must be able to do certain things on his own. From Maura's perspective, Dave is right where he needs to be to qualify.

Maura and Fran are both still comfortable with Dave going home, but from their perspective (and it makes sense), Dave might as well continue with as much therapy as possible for as long as possible until he goes for surgery.

Colleen from the Rehab Floor is supposed to be by sometime today or tomorrow to do an evaluation, which she will use to make a recommendation to Sandy, Dave's social worker. Then, tomorrow, Sandy will talk to Dave's insurance again to hopefully try to convince them to continue paying for treatment at Drake. In the end, the decision is still up to Dave's insurance, and again, Dave will be fine no matter where he ends up, but having another option is always good. Please continue to pray for the right decision...

Some positive updates:

1. Dave's pain patch has been cut in half, and he is still dealing fine.

2. He has been sleeping better over the past few nights.

3. He is gaining weight! Up to 168 or so now - thank you solid food!

One other prayer request: Dave's breathing is getting rough again. Ever since Saturday, he has had a really difficult time catching his breath after any amount of activity and has been coughing quite a bit. Dr. Weintz ordered a chest x-ray yesterday - in some ways, we are hoping that it will show bronchitis or something similar so it can actually be treated. If the x-ray comes back normal, we're back to the days of Dave not being able to breathe and not being able to do anything about it.

More pics and videos of Dave's progress coming soon. Keep praying!