Chapter 36 (Week 26)
Time to Go Home
As they had done weekly for some time, Amelia's medical team met to discuss the latest information, medical impressions, and possible next steps related to her case. Given his role at the hospital and his insistence, Owen had become a member of the team. He offered not only medical assessments, but also his spousal point-of-view. Since it was Owen, having the spouse present was actually helpful. Had it been someone less steady and measured, the outcome might not have been as positive.
The team had been meeting for roughly an hour to thoroughly consider letting Amelia transfer to bedrest at home. Assuming no or few complications, the majority of patients who underwent the same surgery as Amelia customarily went home anywhere between 5-10 days post-op. Those with numerous complications could end up in the hospital all the way until delivery. Amelia, knowing she did not fall into the latter category, had taken every opportunity to point out that she was beyond the 5-10 day marker. She preferred to ignore that fluctuations in her blood pressure and occasional contractions had slowed the possibility of her discharge.
Annalisa continued her summary as the team met, "Overall, the contractions seem to be controlled by the current medications and we have further options if we need to step up the doses or change to other meds. She has no bleeding, and I'm starting to observe a negative and sustained dip in her emotional state. The hospital bed, even with massage and PT intervention, is becoming more and more uncomfortable. At home, she'll have options between bed and the couch and she can move periodically. The change of scenery and being home would help."
"I agree," Alex added, "the babies are both thriving and are on target. Asha's surgical area seems to be healing well. We've completed the steroid doses for the lungs. There's really no reason to keep the babies here unless delivery becomes imminent. Besides, she needs limited movement at this point to avoid subchorionic hematomas."
Arizona interjected, "I hate to be the dissenting voice, but delivery at this point still comes with risks. Should an emergency occur, already being in the hospital is a bonus. We can brainstorm ways to improve her room and experience here – maybe moving her to a quieter corner room and bringing more items from home. I'd hate to see her go home and end up in a crisis."
"But I can monitor her BP, temp, and the babies' heartbeats at home. Hell, I could even do her blood draws and bring the samples to work with me," Owen suggested. "Amelia and I can handle minor medical issues and we're close by if we need to bring her in. She's been here two weeks, Arizona, and I'm watching her becoming more withdrawn, complaining about a lack of privacy, and missing the kids terribly. We have a nanny for God's sake and I'll hire a CNA if necessary. She needs to be at home."
From the speaker, Addison weighed in, "I'm hearing a great deal to indicate that she can rest at home. We can always bring her back in if any concerns arise. Everything looks positive right now, the babies are well, her incisions are healing, and her socio-emotional state needs a boost. I read a study yesterday that indicated moms of preemies have a 60% chance of experiencing PTSD. Let's do what we can to lower her stress and keep her engaged in a life apart from contractions and being a patient. Owen, I have some ideas to share with you that don't need to be a team conversation. Let's stay on the line once this meeting concludes."
"Sounds good," Owen agreed. "Arizona, I take your points seriously and they make a great deal of sense. However, I agree strongly with Addison."
Arizona pursed her lips and suggested, "Let's get her here once a week for scans and exams and weekly housecalls by Annalisa or me. I'd also like the PT and massage to follow her home and give her some additional light exercise options for muscle tone."
"I think we have a plan," Addison declared. "Owen, you want to tell her or does someone on the team get to be the good cop this time?"
Chuckling, Owen responded, "I'm good either way. What does everyone else think?"
"Annalisa should do it – she is nearly always the bad cop," Alex reminded the team. Everyone agreed and the meeting concluded.
Addison's voice came over the speaker, "Annalisa, feel free to stay. Owen, what I want to share is that somehow we need to step up our game. Arrange a girls' day where some colleagues come over for mani-pedis, rent movies to watch with you or the kids, set up a gaming system she can play with the boys, buy some new PJs and surprise her, and give her a limited amount of non-stressful hospital paperwork. Maybe she could review intern and resident paperwork or set up schedules – something that will help your workload and also cause her to have some power while she lives in this fairly powerless situation. You don't need to coordinate all this yourself, but perhaps you could create a team of friends or utilize a particularly upbeat resident."
"I feel like we should have thought of all this two weeks ago. Brilliant ideas, Addison," Annalisa affirmed. She turned to Owen and ran an idea past him, "How about Wilson and Edwards?"
Owen nodded, "Sounds good, as long as they're interested and it doesn't take them out of the OR too much. We don't want to get in the way of logging hours where they need them. Can you connect with them, Annalisa? I don't want them to feel like they can't say no, and that may occur if I ask."
"Some of their hours could conceivably be logged as high risk maternity care," Addison offered.
Owen smiled for the first time in days and announced, "I think we have a plan. Annalisa, shall we go make Amelia's day?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
Annalisa and Owen entered Amelia's room and found her jotting down notes furiously on a legal pad.
"What are you writing, Mia? You're on a streak," Owen observed.
Stopping to chat, Amelia explained, "Remember when I spoke at the AAN conference and the possibility of writing a book arose? I spoke to the agent today and we're going to use some of this time to pump out a draft."
Owen beamed as he kissed his wife's forehead, "Brilliant. Great thinking."
Looking at Annalisa with mild dread, Amelia groaned, "Vitals? The CNA just took them. Or are you coming in to tell me not to walk so much? Or maybe I've won the bedrest lottery and you want to place me in Trendelenburg. "
Annalisa smiled and shared, "Actually, I'm coming in to let you know that all providers involved have signed off on transferring you to bedrest at home. You can actually have some limited time to walk each day, sit up to eat, use the restroom, shower. We're lightening the restrictions and kicking you out of here. Sound good?"
Smiling joyfully, Amelia joked, "Owen, go get the car. I'll meet you out front."
The three discussed arrangements and Annalisa suggested one more ultrasound and blood draw on site before discharge. The plan was for Owen to bring the kids up and take Amelia home that evening.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~``'
Owen clapped his hands like a coach and yelled upstairs, "Let's go, let's go. I'm leaving in 3 minutes with or without you."
All three kids came bumbling down the stairs in various stages of readiness. Nolan was put together and ready to leave. Ryder's hair was characteristically sticking up in a couple spots and his shoes had been forgotten in his room. With a tutu, sequined shoes on the wrong feet, a pink sweatshirt, and her own self-made hairdo, Olivia believed she was the belle of the ball.
"Livie, if you're going to be dancing, you might want your hair up and out of your way. Let's have Lynne help you out," Owen instructed rather than gasping at the site of her makeover. Olivia hopped over toward Lynne who began braiding Olivia's unruly curls. Owen moved on to Ryder, asking, "Ry, where are your shoes, bud?"
Ryder shrugged. "In the entry, maybe? Or the playroom?"
"I don't know, Ryder. I haven't been wearing them. Go try to find them," Owen directed. Ryder ran throughout the house looking for his shoes. As Lynne saw Ryder return to the kitchen area for a third time, she suggested he look in his room. Ry trampled up the stairs and skipped to his room with a Tarzan yell.
"Yes!" Ryder exclaimed from his bedroom as Owen reminded him to wet down and brush his hair.
While Owen and the kids headed to the hospital, Lynne stayed behind to ensure both the downstairs couch and Master Bedroom were ready for Amelia. During the drive, Owen coached the kids about how Amelia was coming home but would not be doing everything she normally did at home. He also shared some of the fun events, like movie nights and gaming, they'd add to their weeknight routine. Pulling up and offering a final reminder to the little kids about not running or being loud in the hospital, Owen took a deep breath and internally celebrated Amelia's return home.
Amelia was waiting in a bedside recliner when her family arrived. The kids ran up to her with hugs and smiles as Owen stood in the doorway and observed the scene. Everything was organized and packed up, thanks to Edwards and Wilson who had agreed to head up Addison's ideas and had stopped by earlier to gather Amelia's belongings for her. Owen had Nolan push a cart that held Amelia's bags, her pillow, her briefcase, and a copy paper box with flowers and a family picture in it. Ryder carried a small duffel bag, and Olivia had the honor of carrying a bag with cards in it.
"I know you hate this part, but I can't make a liability exception for you," Owen apologetically explained as he pulled up a wheelchair.
"Yeah, I know," Amelia groaned with a grin. When the kids noticed that Owen would be pushing the wheelchair, all three offered to exchange responsibilities with him. Owen clearly explained that wasn't happening. His voice indicated that whining or ongoing attempts at negotiation were inadvisable.
As they passed by the Nurses' Station, everyone nearby came to say goodbye to Amelia. Residents, hospital staff, and doctors offered their hugs or kind words as they wished Amelia luck in staying pregnant and at home for the next 8-10 weeks.
As they began to drive away, Amelia cracked the window and took in the fresh air with a relaxed smile, "Just being in the car is wonderful." She closed her eyes as the cool wind blew on her face. In a relaxed voice a minute or so later, she asked Owen, "What's tonight's plan?"
Owen glanced over at Amelia briefly and shrugged his shoulders, "Just getting you settled in, I think. What's on your mind?"
"I don't know. A movie with the kids or game night. A long, hot shower. Pizza. A fire in the fireplace," Amelia brainstormed.
The kids chimed in with their preferences before Owen told his wife softly that they'd already eaten dinner and that he could help her with a shower after the kids were in bed. He knew they couldn't have sex, but he was hoping for some kind of action to celebrate her homecoming.
Amelia giggled and suggested loudly enough to rally the troops, "Maybe we could get ice cream." The kids all celebrated and exclaimed support of her plan.
Owen glanced at his wife playfully and quipped, "Good strategy." He turned to enter the McDonald's drive thru and ordered 5 cones and the small fries that Amelia begged to have. As he passed cones back, he warned, "Very careful. Do. Not. Spill."
"You know you just jinxed it, right?" Amelia chided.
Owen added an incentive, "Anyone who doesn't spill or drip ice cream in the car gets a dollar." He looked at her with self-satisfaction and turned toward home.
When they walked in the front door, Owen told everyone to head directly to the table to finish their cones. Amelia reminded herself how the Army still ran in his blood and how, when he parented, he often provided clear expectations and seldom gave in on his rules. For example, food belonged only in the kitchen, porch, or dining room. If it were up to Amelia, she knew she'd have the rule but would seldom reinforce it or follow it herself. Major Hunt managed a tighter, yet benevolent, command.
Setting Amelia up in the corner of the sectional couch overflowing with throw pillows, Owen brought her some water and covered her with her favorite blankets. He carried over a basket Lynne had prepared that included packaged snacks, tissues, tic tacs, a hairbrush, a deck of cards, headphones, the remotes, a pad of paper, pens, and magazines. As he plugged in Amelia's phone charger and set it over the sofa so she could reach it, Owen offered, "I'd love to take credit for the basket of everything under the sun, but it was all Lynne. Is there anything else can I get you, beautiful?" His eyes gazed directly into hers with such love that Amelia nearly became teary.
She smiled up with serenity and responded, "Just you. Right here. Next to me."
"As soon as I get the three amigos into PJs and back down here for a movie," he promised. Amelia grabbed a magazine and began flipping through it as she waited for everyone to return and join her on the couch. "Kids, kitchen sink to wash sticky ice cream hands and faces, upstairs to put on PJs, then back down here for a movie. Should we time ourselves or race?" The kids, to Owen's surprise, all agreed on a race. Owen told them it would start once hands and faces were already washed and the table was wiped off. The four of them ran toward the stairs, with Owen grabbing Olivia sideways on his hip halfway up the stairs as she began to fall behind. The boys ran down the hall to their bedrooms and Owen gently threw Livie on her bed then ran to his room to throw on some sweats and a ratty old t-shirt.
Predictably, Nolan was ready and in the hall first. Owen, heading toward Ryder to move him along, asked Nolan to make sure Olivia was on task. Ryder, of course, was distracted by some toys and undressed halfway. Owen prodded Ryder to focus as he overheard Olivia insist that she could put on her nightie by herself.
Owen whispered, "It sounds like Livie might be giving Nolan some trouble. I bet you can be quicker." Ryder, re-energized and determined to win, threw on his PJs and ran in to the hall. Owen called him back to deal with the clothes he left on the floor, then they ran toward the stairs together.
Nolan and Livie were already on the stairs. Her big brother was being a great sport and sticking close to his sister, picking her up when they reached the couch and throwing her onto the cushions declaring her the winner. Then Nolan jumped on and snuggled into his favorite spot along one of the edges and arms of the sectional. Ryder headed down the stairs at full speed with Owen keeping himself in last place. As Owen neared the sectional, Nolan and Olivia both ran up to him and playfully threw him to the floor so Ryder could claim third place for sure. Owen cried out that he'd be set up and flailed on the floor as he tickled both kids.
Ryder took his chance to snuggle in next to Amelia and threw his special blanket over himself. He put his head on Amelia's lap as he offered her a satisfied grin and shared, "I'm so happy you're back. I missed you lots." Amelia smiled and caressed the top of his head and whispered that she was happy too.
Owen crawled to the sectional with Olivia on his back as Nolan reclaimed his favorite spot. He climbed up next to his wife and set Olivia next to him. He was attempting to avoid a fight for Amelia's free side and exclaimed, "Look how lucky I am! I have my two favorite girls on either side." He put his arm around Livie and kissed her. Much to his relief, Olivia fell for it and seemed pleased to be in a position of honor. He crept below Amelia's blanket and tucked a separate blanket around Olivia.
As Nolan started Finding Nemo, he asked Owen, "What are you going to do when the babies are born? What'll happen to your two favorite girls?"
Owen, looking reassured and proud, declared with a wide smile, "Looks like I'll have four favorite girls, or two favorite girls and two favorite babies."
By the end of the movie, after reciting many familiar lines as a family here and there, Olivia and Ryder were fast asleep and Nolan wanted to head to his room to read before his bedtime. Owen leaned his head toward Amelia's and whispered, "How about if we just stay like this for a while before I take the kids up to their beds?" Amelia kissed him, then kissed him more deeply as he passionately returned the sentiments. He slid his hand under her shirt as she did likewise under his.
As they made out, Owen mumbled, "How tired are you? Time for a shower in a bit?"
Amelia slid her hand on top of his sweats and over his erection, whispering playfully, "You know…if I'm sitting in the shower, I'll be at just the right height to… ummm… physically reconnect."
Owen smiled and announced, "To hell with staying down here. Let me get the kids to bed and I'll meet you in the shower."