3/8/11 Home Sweet Home

Yesterday morning I was feeling so anxious. It had been exactly 2 weeks of being in the hospital which meant another PFT test. The test that meant if I could go home or have to stay a 3rd week. So much was riding on this and that's all I could think about. I wanted to go home so, so badly but what more could I possibly do to make my numbers go up? The best thing was to somehow stay relaxed because the more tense you are, the harder it is to get all the air out of your lungs. Eventually the time came when she wheeled in the machine and asked if I was ready. I put everything I could into it and then waited for the results. Dr. Gong came in shortly after to give me the news. He said I wasn't up as high as he wanted but that it would be enough to go leave and try to get the rest up at home. I couldn't believe it. I thought for sure I'd be in another week or on home IV's but he said it wouldn't really do much. "We'll have the nurse come in to pull out your picc-line." At first I was sceptical about this choice because I wanted to make sure I absolutely no longer needed IV's before they took it out. It sounds strange but after a while it's hard to let go of something that you know has been helping you. I was nervous to let the picc-line go because it aloud me to receive IV medication without feeling any pain. It's a scary feeling knowing you're on your own now. However, the rash was getting worse and I needed the bandage off! He put me on an asthma treatment as well because I have showed symptoms of it over the years. Not a big surprise, the two can easily go together.
After agreeing to go home we packed up all my stuff and put it in the car. I was so ready to leave and finally feel the sun or even just be outside this building! I was so excited all we were waiting for was a picc nurse to come in and take it out. I looked at the clock, only 10 minutes had gone by but it felt like an hour. Every time a nurse would walk by my door I'd jump up and then realize it wasn't for me. We ended up waiting 3 hours for the picc nurse to come in but now the sun was gone and it was dark. I wasn't complaining though because today I got to go home and waiting 3 hours was nothing compared to 2 weeks. The picc nurses pretty much to it all too so I knew that they were all super busy helping other kids. After it was done we just walked right out. I felt like I was escaping or something and It felt weird to be outside. I was so excited to be going home once I got in the car. I was greeted by dad and Beezer the second I got home and got lots of whistles from Booboo (my guinea pig). When I got to my room I could already feel the bed pulling me in. Both mom and I slept so good that night in our cushy beds. This morning was the best though. I went outside as soon as I could and just soaked up some sun. Then I had some amazing coffee and mom and we got our much deserved makeovers.

A couple months ago I read a story about a man with CF who was in and out of the hospital all the time up until he turned 18. He then started getting into marathons and has done it ever since. He is now in his 50's I believe, and has never been back to the hospital since. If he can do it I sure as hell can too. I just have to work my butt off from here on out but big deal. Before my hospital stay I was never motivated to do any exercise. I'd last a month and quit. I think the hospital was a huge wake up call that I needed. I told myself that I will do ANYTHING in order to stay away from that place and for the first time I actually believe it. I will never forget the visit ever and just to make sure of it I'm making a scrapbook of all the cards I got and artwork the staff had draw for me. I even took a picture of the room before I left to remind me to work hard so I never have to go back. The only thing I loved about being there was the incredible staff of amazing nurses, doctors, PCT's, and RT's. I'd like to say Thank you so much for making my stay a bit easier and making me feel more normal.  And also a HUGE thank you to everyone who sent me things.

I'd also like to add that my blog will still continue because I have more to post and will always have something to tell.