We spent about 9 hours at the Ambulatory Treatment Center (ATC) for Mom's transfusion today; she got 2 units of red blood cells. I was not vigilant enough last night, nor observant enough this morning, to notice that the yellow cross-matching wristband that they had put on her on Tuesday was missing before we left the house this morning. I only discovered it was gone as we were checking in at the Kaiser Moanalua facility, about 30 minutes from home.
So they had to do the cross-matching all over again, reorder the blood, and wait for the delivery. All total it added an additional 3 hours or so to the previous estimate we were given. Since we have returned, I have been training her to ask me about whether she can remove the wristband yet. (The answer is "No", just in case we have to go in due to any reaction she might have to today's transfusion. The wristband can be used for 3 days before they have to renew it.) I will be developing a checklist to use prior to leaving the house for the next transfusion. It will include verifying that she still has the wristband, having an anti-virus mask on her, having a book or magazine for Mom, and taking her cane. (She had her cane when we left the house but forgot it in the garage as we were getting in the car; the checklist won't help with that.)
Curt brought lunch to us today rather than going to the hospital cafeteria. He went to a Jamaican food truck on base. It was a lot better than cafeteria food! Since he works only 10 minutes away we have decided that this is what we will do for future transfusion days. Apparently there are a lot of good food trucks on base. I will try to remember to take photos for future food truck meals.
Since she is getting more blood plus IV fluids, they also give her a diuretic to remove extra fluid from her tissues so that her heart doesn't have to work extra hard. She already has to go a lot, so we spent a lot of time making trips to the bathroom. I got really good at unhooking the leads for the blood pressure cuff and the oxygen monitor, as well as unplugging the transfusion machine. I also noted that she made about 4 bathroom trips per unit of blood, or about 1 trip every 45 minutes. Fortunately they gave her the room closest to the bathroom!
I have taken to parking in the disabled parking stall when she is with me. Even though she insists she can walk, I have found that getting in and out of the car is difficult if she can't open the door all the way. Since the disabled stalls are wider it makes it easier for her to get in and out. I am glad I made her get a parking hang tag 2 years ago, it is coming in very handy now. She initially said she did not need one since Dad has had one for years now; she could not imagine why he might not be driving her places. (Dad only used his if there were no other parking available because he said he really can walk okay. Well, now he really needs it since he is having problems with his good leg and his hips get sore more quickly if he walks too much.)
It was very helpful to have Fumi-san staying with us. She was able to make sure Dad had lunch. And she made dinner; which was ready when we finally got back to the house. And it was several dishes that Mom enjoys. Bonus!
Happy Birthday to Emily!
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