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The First Few Days at Craig Hospital

The Linigers, both husband and wife were Craig patients
Our mantra has been "they really know what they're doing here."  From the moment the ambulance pulled into the parking lot we've felt this way.  We were met by the admissions counselor, Tom H.  He was the person who flew out to meet with us at UCI.  He offered us a luggage cart....that doesn't happen at a regular hospital.  

The first week was full of baseline assessments and tests and meeting "the team."  The team includes: a doctor, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a Clinic Case Manager (deals with insurance), a Therapeutic Recreation Therapist (in charge of fun) as well as a whole army of nurses and techs.  

Once Kevin was cleared medically to leave the bed and the room, they encourage him to eat all his meals in the cafe, no more in room meals.  By the end of the first week, Kevin was cleared for an "off campus/no vehicle" pass.  That means he is allowed to leave the hospital as long as he has an escort and the destination was within walking/rolling distance.  

So we are exploring the area surrounding the hospital as time permits.  We started today with coffee at Caribou and then dinner with Carrie and Kirk at Pino's Place.  A really nice Saturday night.  We can't go too far as Kevin is still receiving IV antibiotics every 4 hours so he has to be back at the hospital for the infusions.    

Thank goodness the second week was only four days because Kevin's daily schedule is exhausting.  He has PT, OT, doctor visits, antibiotics, group fitness classes, etc. They take him outside to learn how to use the wheelchair on curbs, hills, etc.  

We'll end where we started....they really know what they're doing here.  

Craig's Slogan:
Unyielding Determination, Empowering Lives.

Click here for the Craig Hospital website. Check out the patient stories.





First time vertical in over a month.  Very cool!
Dinner at Pino's Place with Carrie & Kirk



Comments

  1. Hi Kevin and Jean Ann, thank you so much for adding me to your blog. We look forward to hearing all about your progress. I hope that you find the exact care you are looking for in CO., and will be home sooner than later. I am happy to help in anyway we can with the house, etc. I know you have an army of friends. But, you have one extra in me too. lots of love to you both.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love this blog! It really gives us a feel for what life is like there. So impressed with the place. As always the Haneys send continued love and prayers. Thanks for creating this blog and sharing it with us.

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  3. Hey you guys, it's Ellen! Thanks for keeping us all "in the loop" so we can hear about Kevin's progress. I didn't realize your son is down here in Florida for school. Embry Riddle is less than 4 hours from me if you ever need me to go down there to help in any way please let me know!

    I will be praying for all of you as you go through this journey. Take care and get well Kevin!! Love to you all!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for checking in. Our Dylan, as opposed to your Dylan 😊 is at the Prescott, AZ campus. Appreciate the offer to help. Keep the prayers coming. They’re working!

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    2. Sorry, just checking back! I didn't realize there was a campus out west - OK! You guys are all on my prayer list and will stay there as long as is necessary. I love you all!

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  4. OK. I'm caught up on the blog while up at 2 am ...you know how that crap works. First thing I noticed is your smile and that dang hippie hair! It appears as though spirits are high and Lisa and I have a special time for you in our prayers. Keep up the hard work and persevere through the tough times with that Marine spirit. Oooh, Raaah.

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  5. Mel Gibson is definitely the guy to play Kevin in the movie version of this blog-to-recovery?! In hurling parlance: "drive on lad". With love from Outlaw #4

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