Arriving At the Rehab Center

Arriving at the Rehab Center

They must have given me something at the hospital before the trip to reduce stress of the day because I was out of it by the time I arrived at Wesley Rehab. I checked in and they rolled around me on the gurney to show me and my family the facility. I only remember highlights. I remember being introduced to my doctors, I had three. I was placed in a room with a roommate, who had a cool voice, for a short time while they were getting a single room ready for me. I remember them rolling me to my room where they put me on a new air mattress, the nurse was really impressed with that. “You should really like this new bed,” he said. “They got it just for you to reduce stress on your body. I wish I had one,” he added. Then I met one of my occupational therapists and he gave me another bath even though I told him I just had one that morning. He talked the entire time, he seemed very nice, but I fell asleep on him anyway. When I woke up, I was all alone, the room seemed to change sizes as the light through the window changed; it seemed like magic.

Soon after, people started showing up, it became a very busy place.  Deb and Zach were there; there were a couple of people assembling a hoist rack that attached and stood over the bed. I had a young female nurse trying to put an IV in with no success.  At the same time, I had a physical therapist working with me to see if we could get my legs working. The little therapist’s name was Michelle, and she worked me very hard to get me to move my legs. We were starting to have some success when the nurse said, “I give up can’t get the IV in, his veins are shot.’ So, a big guy stepped in and started digging at my arm to find a vein for the IV.  It hurt, I was trying to hide it and focus on Michelle’s drills, but it was hopeless. The pain was starting to get worse, so instead of yelling at the guy I thought I could give him a hint. I started with heavy exhales between gritted teeth, but when that didn’t get his attention, I let out a moan; but the big guy still didn’t get the hint and he just kept digging. Finally, Michelle yelled, “OK! That’s enough, he proved he’s tough and can take it, but I can’t. You’re making me sick, we need to take five and give us all a rest.”

About that time my brother Ted called to talk so Deb held the phone to my ear. My brother was being nice and was trying to cheer me up, but it wasn’t working. I was in a strange place with new people and between the lady and the big guy, they had been digging at my arm for 15-20 minutes and I had about had enough. Ted kept talking about how great rehab would be and how it was right up my alley since I liked to work out. He went on to say I would probably surprise everyone on how fast I would recover. So, Ted was just trying to snap me out of it and pump me up a little. You know, it started to work. I started to agree with him and started talking a little trash. “Ya, I can’t wait to start lifting and working out again, these people have no idea what I’m made of or what I can do. They have never seen anyone like me before or someone that can be as intense as I can be.”  Now honestly, I thought everyone, but Deb had left the room, so I was putting it on pretty thick. As I was talking, I looked over my right shoulder and saw the big guy sitting there. He let out a loud exhale and rolled his eyes at my comment. Our eyes locked for a second and I just smiled, thinking to myself, ya, I know I was talking tough, so I’ll give you that one, but just wait and see.  Shortly after he finally got the IV in. What a relief.

 The work out ended and as Michelle and the other workers left. Then the SPEECH THERAPIST came in. What obstinate woman. She started asking questions and would not stop until every question on her very long list had been asked and answered. I was worn out from the busy day, the workout and drugs so I kept falling asleep, but she never stopped. She would just wake me up and keep asking more questions. I have no Idea how long the interview lasted. I’m sure it went on for hours; all I know is it was light when she started and it was very dark when she left. At least you can say she was a dedicated therapist.

Soon after a nurse came in and gave me my nightly meds and told Deb visiting hours were over and she would have to leave shortly.  We said goodnight and Deb headed home with no argument from me. I was so tired I fell right to sleep.