Update #15 Honza in Santa Clara
Finally, Honza has been transferred to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. He was so ready! All of us were. However, instead of being transferred directly to the rehabilitation unit as we expected, Honza was transferred to Santa Clara’s trauma center. The reason given was that Honza’s condition is complex and they wanted to do a full medical evaluation of every aspect of his health… his diet, medications, tracheostomy, catheter, skin condition, even his overall cleanliness. They gave him two baths the first day he was there! And they seem confident they know the causes and how to address some of Honza’s most challenging medical issues such as his persistent nausea, urinary tract infections, pain and hyper-sensitivity to touch.
Dr. Mark Nguyen and Dr. Marsha Bluto are his new “bosses.” So far we are impressed in that they really seem to be knowledgeable and have confirmed some things we suspected. For instance that his lack of appetite and nausea may be because he was being overfed through his feeding tube (in attempt to load him with nutrition to support healing of the bedsore). Honza passed his swallowing test, so now he will only be tube-fed at night and will eat regular food in the daytime until he is strong enough to forego the feeding tube entirely. They said his respiratory functioning is adequate and there’s a good chance he can do without a trach as he gets stronger. And the doctors agreed he had spent far too much time in bed and hadn’t gotten nearly enough physical therapy which was contributing to his body being tense, achy and overly sensitive to touch. When they are satisfied that everything is under control and Honza is stable and able to tolerate 3 hours of “exercise” in the wheelchair, they will transfer him to the rehab unit where he can begin actual rehabilitation.
But even though he’s not yet officially in rehab, we can already see positive changes. Honza has his speaking valve in most of the time now. So, communicating with him is much easier. He can even talk on the phone now. Yesterday, one of his best friends called him from Germany, and they talked for a long time, even sharing some laughs. It was great to see. So, now you can call as well as write. He loves to get cards and letters too. Here is his new mailing address. They always cheer him up, so please, drop him a line.
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
Rehab Trauma Unit #2K121
751 South Bascom Ave
San Jose, Ca 95128
Ph 1-408-885-2229
Honza also enjoys having visitors, although it’s a good idea to call first. Daily visiting hours are noon-8pm. Weekend visiting hours are more flexible. If you would like to visit Honza, but need a ride back and forth to Santa Clara, give us a call and we’ll try to work something out.
Some helpful hints
The hospital campus is large and there is lot of construction going on. But there are numerous kiosks with “you are here” location maps. The rehab trauma unit is in building K, 2nd floor. However, we expect that in another week or so, he will be transferred to the rehab unit, which is in building F, ground floor.
The best access is from South Bascom Ave. Park in the multilevel parking garage located in the center of the complex. The drive doesn’t take more than two hours, but still, it is quite a drive. We will be visiting most weekends and would be happy to carpool with others if possible. There are simple but affordable accommodations on the hospital campus that are available to family (and friends) that can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
A final note
It was so great to see Honza genuinely laughing at his last day at Memorial “party”. Thank you, to everyone who came to say goodbye that night.
H, V, K and Stephen
May 4th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
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Finally, Honza has been transferred to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. He was so ready! All of us were…..
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