Expectations

What are we expecting at the Bone Marrow Unit? Many have asked if he can have visitors, the answer is yes. They have a very open visiting hour policy, except for three times during the day, 6:30 to 7:30am, 2:30 to 3:30pm, and 10:30 to 11:30pm. During these times the nurses will be giving shift reports. Children under 14 are allowed to visit (with some restrictions due to the increase incidence of and exposure to contagious conditions.)  Of course if you are sick we ask that you don't visit, but anyone can come visit if you are in the area. If you can't visit, he will have a mailing address while he is there for you to send him well-wishes. We don't have a room number yet, but I will post as soon as I know.

OU MEDICAL CENTER/Presbyterian Tower
C/o The Bone Marrow Transplant Unit/room #______
700 N.E. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104

The Bone Marrow Unit is an 8-beds intensive care unit. The rooms have a positive-pressure HEPA filtration airflow system. It's designed to help protect patients from infections. Stevan will be able to walk out into the hallway with a mask, but no further than the double doors leading out of the unit.  Stevan will have a daily routine with chores that must be completed each day. These will be divided up between the 3shifts.

Between 7am and 3pm, he will either bathe with anti microbial bath towelettes or soap. If he feels too sick, his nurse or I will assist him. The daily bathing will help control the growth of  bacteria on his skin. His bed linens will be changed daily as well.  He will be weighed between 3 and 9pm. Finally at midnight, the nurse will draw his daily blood labs. He will constantly have his vital signs, his temperature monitored, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate every 4hours. They will be monitoring all of his fluids he receives and he eliminates. He will have many resources available to him while he's there. A physical therapist is consulted for every bone marrow patient. They will visit him daily. The therapist will help him to exercise and maintain his strength. This is one of the keys to him being able to go home. A dietitian is also consulted with to help him get the foods that he can tolerate or help with special snacks or request. Social services will be consulted to help with financial aid, medications, home health care and a variety of other needs. A chaplain will be available to him during his stay as well.