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By Janet K:
I had a good visit of about 45 minutes this morning.

I'd called the hospital (703-776-4001) first to find out what room they'd moved her to. The info person, instead of telling me, transfered the call to her room and I was a bit startled to hear Marilee answer. She's now on the floor above the Neuro ICU (same gray elevator) in room 353.

As becomes evident during an extended conversation, she still struggles often for the right words. She's been up walking some more. She's having some pain in her leg as she lies in bed. A doctor came in to see her as I was about to leave and she was telling him about the discomfort. as I departed.

I left a few old-time science fiction books for her and some chocolate.

She sends her thanks to everyone for their well wishes. She's slowly trying to read through the birthday booklet. She said she'd like to get phone calls.

I'm going to be out of town for a week so it'll be a while before I can get back to see her. I'll be reading the updates here.

Steve · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 5:27 pm Post subject: Steve @ 3pm

I stopped by at 3PM but Marilee was sound asleep. She is in a smaller, 2 bed room. She has no TV and doesn't have the window view. The woman in the bed next to her had visitors and there were no chairs available. I gently called her name a few times and after 20 minutes left.

I did bring what we think is her cell phone charger (actually there's two cords and I think one may be a camera battery charger, but we weren't sure) and the book we think she was asking for. I left them on her tray in a plastic bag with a short note from me and also told the nurse at the desk.
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Steve Johnsen
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Janet K · Joined: 13 Mar 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Washington DC

Oh, I'm sure Marilee will be very sorry to have missed you. Maybe they gave her something for the pain she was having in her leg.

There is a tiny TV on an arm that swings over her bed. She was watching it when I arrived but she said the choice of programs was weird.

She'll be very happy to have the phone charger. She wants to get in touch with some people at Kaiser and other folks and she can't get to the numbers because her phone battery is totally dead.

By the way I asked her if she wanted to dictate a message for me to post to her LJ (giving me her password) but she said she'd rather wait and post herself when she has recovered and can do it right.

PS to Steve. I omitted the date from my subject line--could you please add it if that's not too much trouble. (I'm no longer a "guest" but I was when I posted it and so can't edit it.)
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Susan · Guest

Marilee got a small notebook computer recently - any chance that could be brought in? Does the hospital have wireless?

Steve · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 8:49 pm Post subject:

I felt bad about leaving without talking to Marilee but it did look like she was resting under the influence of meds. They had one of those blankets that looked like it was crawling over her, giving a sleep massage. I'm sure she would have woken up if it possible.

I didn't even see the tiny TV, I'm glad to hear she has one. Though you'd think after all this time medical science would develop something therapeutic and beneficial for patients to watch.

I'm not sure Marilee is able to have anything wireless in the ward she's in. I also don't want to risk her notebook PC until she's able to fully be in control of her surroundings.

I did go in with a small wireless net device but couldn't get a strong signal or access to anything free. I might try bringing my wife's laptop in once I find out the hospital's policy and allowances. I also want to make sure Marilee isn't going to be exposed to any charges that she'd be personally responsible for.

PS back to JanetK: I tried to edit your header several times but apparently the way the forum is set up I can't edit registered user posts. Finally I tried deleting your user name from the post and it let me change it then. I didn't see your books or chocolate, perhaps they put them in the small closet for her. She'll miss your visits, you've been a great help to her.
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Steve Johnsen
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Janet K · Joined: 13 Mar 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Washington DC

Guest · Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 12:46 pm Post subject: Visiting hours at new location?

Matthew and I hope to visit on Monday-he has an unexpected day off. Does anyone know: Are there different or more or less strict hours at Marilee's new location?

I am really glad to hear how well she is doing Very Happy

she is making remarkable progress for having had a stroke, it sounds like. Looking forward to seeing her soon.

Cyndi

Janet K · Joined: 13 Mar 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Washington DC

There don't seem to be any formal visiting hours. You could phone the number I gave at the top and speak to the nursing station for her unit to doublecheck about hours. Or the main number can connect you directly to her phone.

I think she's been out of her room a few times for walking practice but I don't know if the person who helps her is scheduled for a specific time.

As you get off the gray elevator on the 3rd floor, take the door to the left to reach her room.
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jmk at his.com

Steve · Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 4:47 pm Post subject: Breaking News!

Definitely call before going on Monday as Marilee may be released! In fact you might be helpful if you're able to visit her at home.

Check the Announcement Post for more.

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Steve Johnsen
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