The Wife being home is so fabulous, if a bit daunting. Just having her physically here again is so *normal.* Like she never left. But learning the dynamics of the tracheostomy and scheduling the many medications makes me anxious I'll do something wrong.
🧵1/
There should be better systems for seriously ill people coming home from hospital. This is reminiscent of when I was sent home after being paralyzed and The Wife was expected to wing it until we were able to get in-home care. And this was after fighting for care in hospital.
🧵2/
Unlike me, The Wife had spectacular care in hospital--her doctors, surgeon, nurses, speech therapist--all were great. And I was a strong advocate for her. Which has made the transition more stressful and scary. I must ask her every few minutes if she's breathing okay.
🧵3/
We need better systems for people who aren't wealthy. Supports for when people are out of hospital. Consistent home-care. Things to help people transition home safely. Critical illness is a lot. Let's make it possible for people to recover at home with those they love.
🧵4/
There was supposed to be a nurse to meet her when she got home. The nurse arrived and had never done trach care. She was Googling it. I called for another nurse and she was fabulous. But she explained The Wife only gets 4 visits with her insurance. Yikes. Terrible system.
🧵5/
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