Hoss is being discharged from the outpatient program today. Which is good, since it means he is no longer exhibiting behaviors that make the doctors think he cannot handle his regular day. But all indications I had been given up until today made me think he was not going to be discharged yet, so I have not been able to get with the school to make a transition plan for tomorrow. I did speak with the principal, and we agreed to start him again on Monday. This will allow the school counselor to speak with the other students about Hoss coming back after a month of suspension/hospitalization (they are even planning to make cards to say how much they've missed him and how they want to welcome him back), it will allow the staff to get the visual clues for what spaces are OK to use to decompress (and to put big red dots on the doors to remind him that NO, you may NOT exit!), and they will use Monday morning to work closely with him to lay out his day and his special rules and guidelines.
The hospital discharge coordinator made an appointment with Hoss' regular psychiatrist upon his release from the inpatient unit. Being as he's being released from the daily program earlier than anticipated, I decided to try to get the appointment moved up to tomorrow (I may as well use the day off to get something accomplished, instead of taking more time next week for the scheduled visit). I got the voicemail, telling me that my party does not answer and that I can hit extension 10 to get the receptionist. The problem is that my party IS the receptionist, so hitting x10 just takes me into the same voicemail loop that does not include the ability to leave a message.
I am happy to see Hoss go back to school. I want him to lead his normal life, and I hope that his medication adjustment has put him in a state of mind to allow the outpatient therapy and educational accomodations to be effective. I just hate having to plan all of this on the fly. Routine is soothing to him, I think, and the past month has been anything but routine.
One routine to which I plan to return is the periodic enjoyment of an adult beverage. I have not partaken since the night before Hoss' admission to the hospital, and I can faithfully say that a nice pinot noir or a raspberry martini will be a very welcome addition to my weekend.
Keeping good thoughts for you and Hoss.
Posted by: Ree | March 28, 2009 at 03:36 PM