Monday 10/05/09
Jay made it there before Mike went to surgery. He came about the time Mike went to wound care so he and Bette went for a stroll. Mike got to visit with Jay for a little bit before he went to surgery. It was good that Jay was here early. Surgery will take a couple of hours.

Bette said that the surgery went pretty good. She likes the left eye but says the right one is still droopy. Mike has to keep his eyes shut so he drank and ate with eyes closed. (thank God he has eyes)

The insurance run around has been a challenge. I guess insurance will pay for Mike to stay in the hospital while his eyes heal. Then he can go to a skilled nursing facility that has wound care and physical therapy for an undisclosed amount of time. Insurance is giving Bette a hard time about lodging and food now, after saying " oh yeah, we will reimburse you for food and lodging while we are cleaning your house." No one should have to worry about that while they are working on healing or taking care of someone. They are also giving the run around with Mike's kitchen appliances, saying that they will pay for a middle of the line cost for stove and fridge (they think $500 is median cost....Where do they shop? I want those kind of prices too!!!)

I spoke with Mike today. I wore him out talking. He really likes all of the nursing staff there at the Burn Unit. Chris brought spanikopita and baklava to all of the nursing staff (that he made himself! Cheers for the Greek part of our heinz-57 heritage!) He made sure that the night and day shifts all got some. Mike laughed at how the people hovered and snatched up the food! When I asked him how he was feeling he replied "stupid". I asked why and he said that when he was going for the fire extinguisher, he should have just gone out then. I told him we were all thankful that he was alive. I have a friend that wanted to send him a dvd or something to help replace what he lost but he will have to go through things and see what is needed. It sounded like he was ready to let some things go. I told him they are only things and what's important is that he is here. Bette said she isn't sure what he has or doesn't have.... Chris and Karen said the living room stuff was melted to the carpet.... I guess we will have to wait for the final return of objects before gifting him with things. Bette says he can move his right arm pretty well. He will have a limited exercise (walking, I imagine) while his eyelids heal. Will keep you informed.

More later,
and so we go
JaCee