got a hospital bed for home

August 9, 2004

I very recently had the boys get my grandfather's electric hospital bed out of

our storage building for me, and now have it set up in our living room. After

talking about my upcoming 2nd cervical fusion very openly with all our immediate

family members and close friends and " family of choice " who will be most

impacted by my surgery and recuperation period (lengthy, with months in a neck

brace....maybe some therapy, maybe the need for even home health care for a

time, etc), we decided that it would be best for my comfort level physically if

I had the benefit of the electric bed. Papa even had a trapeze which he used to

help himself sit up, turn, etc. It was less painful and risky for him than

having another person, no matter how gentle or well intentioned, pull on him.

We felt that it would be easier for everyone, including me, to go ahead and set

it up now to give us all some time to adjust to that. I admit that it is much

more comfortable for me in the living room now. The sofa is nice, but it's not

the same as a soft bed with electric adjustment capability. Since Lennie is a

day sleeper, this really should have been done awhile back so that I could rest

better during the days. I wanted to be in the living room because that will at

least allow me to interact with the rest of the family. I didn't want to be

isolated down the hall in a bedroom when I can't get to or see others unless

they come to me. I admit that it has been a bit difficult for me emotionally

for me to sleep in dear old Papa's bed. I sure never thought I'd wind up in it

myself. I just couldn't bring myself to removed his " DO NOT RECUS " order

bracelet from the trapeze....not because I personally have such an order, but

because that little tag is a little piece of the wonderful man who raised me and

was my father...and who gave me the precious honor and privilege of allowing me

to take care of him in my home for the last 12 years of his life. Hopefully,

this is only a temporary need for me. I did get a pretty coverlet for it to

make it blend in and look as little " institutional " as possible. Ironically,

just a couple of days after the bed was brought in and set up for me, I received

a large packet of information from my surgeon with pre and post op information

and instructions, etc. One of the recommendations was that it might be helpful

to investigate renting a hospital bed for home use, or at least consider

sleeping in a large recliner as many patients do while recovering of a spinal

surgery of this nature and magnitude. All prayers and good wishes are greatly

needed and appreciated.

Love,

~LoneStarRose~

(~~)

Recommended Posts