Great News!!
I just checked in with my dad to find out how his day has gone since I left 10 am this morning. He informed me that he was in the chair for 5 hours!! Whoohoo! This is huge progress! His day consisted of breakfast, grooming, shower, PT, hair cut, lunch, OT, back to room to watch TV & read the newspaper. Earlier, I thought he looked the best he has since the accident. I have said that numerous time and each time it is the truth. He really is getting better!
I am so happy I can hardly contain myself!!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
My dad is back in Waterville and feeling much better. Best put, when he arrived at the hospital Monday night he didn't care how long he stayed. This morning he didn't care when they discharged him (i.e. he was ready to leave). What a difference 4 days has made. Thank the Lord for medical professionals!
He's looking forward to getting through the next 3 weeks doctor's appointments, most importantly, the orthopedic doctor on 11/11. Praying he can begin to bear weight on the left forearm & left leg. Until then... he'll be doing everything he can do to prepare himself for that big day!
He's looking forward to getting through the next 3 weeks doctor's appointments, most importantly, the orthopedic doctor on 11/11. Praying he can begin to bear weight on the left forearm & left leg. Until then... he'll be doing everything he can do to prepare himself for that big day!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Short update...
My dad is in St. V's with a urinary tract infection. He had been having symptoms for a few days then yesterday these symptoms became worse. Perhaps the UTI could have been the culprit of some or most of his back pain. Nursing thinks he'll be there 2-3 days. At the time of this post my dad says he's glad to be in the right place to be properly treated & is looking forward to getting over this hump.
There will be no rest for the weary as wound care had already been in this morning, ortho was going to be called, PT will be in & urology was to be consulted.
I will post again once I know more.
My dad is in St. V's with a urinary tract infection. He had been having symptoms for a few days then yesterday these symptoms became worse. Perhaps the UTI could have been the culprit of some or most of his back pain. Nursing thinks he'll be there 2-3 days. At the time of this post my dad says he's glad to be in the right place to be properly treated & is looking forward to getting over this hump.
There will be no rest for the weary as wound care had already been in this morning, ortho was going to be called, PT will be in & urology was to be consulted.
I will post again once I know more.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Hello tipsroadtorecovery blog readers,
I apologize for the hiatus in writing... suffice to say, life has been busy. As the old saying goes, no news is good news. With respect to my dad's recovery it is time to report good news!
Let me start with therapy which has been going well with the exception of hitting a wall after 1 1/2 hours. All along it was thought it was "pain" that kicked in after this time period. Once it was discovered it was not actually pain, but dizziness, light headedness, etc., gears switched. The medical staffed discovered just today that my dad has been on his pre-accident blood pressure medicine, which he does not need at this time if sedentary life. Tomorrow will be the first day with no blood pressure meds so we pray this takes care of the dizzyness problem. Therapy is very, very pleased with all his progress and getting over this hump will definitely be a big step in the right direction.
Yesterday another milestone was crossed when the catheter was removed! Like anyone would be after 2 months of literally not having to worry about physically going pee, my dad was a bit nervous. Today he reports all things are working properly, his worries relieved. He was able to sit on the side of the bed this morning for 1/2 hour with very little assistance. By 1 p.m. he was ready to do it again so he could sit & read the newspaper. The therapist asked for me to bring in a left shoe so he can start to get the feel of sitting with his shoe on.
Last Saturday I brought my dad's favorite sandwich, chicken salad from Panera for lunch. Of course, he told me it wasn't necessary. I brought it anyway & of course, he really enjoyed it. When asked what I should bring tomorrow for lunch, he said "Panera!"! He has been enjoying going outside for a walks around the Waterville campus on the weekends & we are hoping the nice weather continues:)
November will be busy with doctor appointments. We will be visiting cardiology, orthopedics & gastrointestinal, respectively. These appointments are all follow ups & as of today we are encouraged and hopeful we will have positive progress reports from all docs.
Despite the progress, my dad's days are still long. He loves visitors, phone calls & cards, in fact, I know he wouldn't be doing this well without all the outside support. Along with nurses, aids & therapy, it is his family & friends that are giving him the love and encouragement he needs to get through this very challenging time.
Praise God for His blessings!
I apologize for the hiatus in writing... suffice to say, life has been busy. As the old saying goes, no news is good news. With respect to my dad's recovery it is time to report good news!
Let me start with therapy which has been going well with the exception of hitting a wall after 1 1/2 hours. All along it was thought it was "pain" that kicked in after this time period. Once it was discovered it was not actually pain, but dizziness, light headedness, etc., gears switched. The medical staffed discovered just today that my dad has been on his pre-accident blood pressure medicine, which he does not need at this time if sedentary life. Tomorrow will be the first day with no blood pressure meds so we pray this takes care of the dizzyness problem. Therapy is very, very pleased with all his progress and getting over this hump will definitely be a big step in the right direction.
Yesterday another milestone was crossed when the catheter was removed! Like anyone would be after 2 months of literally not having to worry about physically going pee, my dad was a bit nervous. Today he reports all things are working properly, his worries relieved. He was able to sit on the side of the bed this morning for 1/2 hour with very little assistance. By 1 p.m. he was ready to do it again so he could sit & read the newspaper. The therapist asked for me to bring in a left shoe so he can start to get the feel of sitting with his shoe on.
Last Saturday I brought my dad's favorite sandwich, chicken salad from Panera for lunch. Of course, he told me it wasn't necessary. I brought it anyway & of course, he really enjoyed it. When asked what I should bring tomorrow for lunch, he said "Panera!"! He has been enjoying going outside for a walks around the Waterville campus on the weekends & we are hoping the nice weather continues:)
November will be busy with doctor appointments. We will be visiting cardiology, orthopedics & gastrointestinal, respectively. These appointments are all follow ups & as of today we are encouraged and hopeful we will have positive progress reports from all docs.
Despite the progress, my dad's days are still long. He loves visitors, phone calls & cards, in fact, I know he wouldn't be doing this well without all the outside support. Along with nurses, aids & therapy, it is his family & friends that are giving him the love and encouragement he needs to get through this very challenging time.
Praise God for His blessings!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thank you for yesterday's post, Aunt Janet. It's mind boggling to think back about everything that has happened over the last 7 weeks.
My dad continues to improve in his world of recovery. He has an occasional bad day which compared to the first 4 weeks, really aren't bad at all. His therapists, who have become his best friends (along with the nurses/aids) have reassured him an occasional bad day is par for the course and not to worry. Everyone in the facility is very encouraged with his progress.
I notice he is more focused in conversation & when watching TV, is doing more things for himself & looks better too! I had to chuckle when he told me how he retrieved his remote from the garbage can the night before. He knew he had to get it out b/c the cleaning people come in at all hours to empty the trash. He could have pulled his call light for help, but no no, it was time for a challenge! So by himself he rolled all the way over towards the can, both arms hanging down in the can, rummage through the can, grab the remote & somehow got himself properly positioned back in bed! I told him it was a good thing nobody walked by the room & saw him or they would have yelled "help!"!!
Last weekend's walks outside were a milestone and a blessing. On Saturday he only agreed to go out after my insistig it really would be a good thing to do. I could tell he enjoyed it, but wasn't totally sold. On Sunday when I arrived he was ready to go! We sat by the pond & talked for a while then took the long route back. I was so happy that I took his pic and when he smiled without me asking, I knew he was really enjoying himself:)
He (we) is going to miss Aunt Janet's weekly visits as she heads down to her winter home. She, (along with Judy, John & Bob) have become such strong support system to my dad throughout this journey. We are grateful for them and for all the other family/friends/co-workers who continue to stop by, call or send a card!
My dad continues to improve in his world of recovery. He has an occasional bad day which compared to the first 4 weeks, really aren't bad at all. His therapists, who have become his best friends (along with the nurses/aids) have reassured him an occasional bad day is par for the course and not to worry. Everyone in the facility is very encouraged with his progress.
I notice he is more focused in conversation & when watching TV, is doing more things for himself & looks better too! I had to chuckle when he told me how he retrieved his remote from the garbage can the night before. He knew he had to get it out b/c the cleaning people come in at all hours to empty the trash. He could have pulled his call light for help, but no no, it was time for a challenge! So by himself he rolled all the way over towards the can, both arms hanging down in the can, rummage through the can, grab the remote & somehow got himself properly positioned back in bed! I told him it was a good thing nobody walked by the room & saw him or they would have yelled "help!"!!
Last weekend's walks outside were a milestone and a blessing. On Saturday he only agreed to go out after my insistig it really would be a good thing to do. I could tell he enjoyed it, but wasn't totally sold. On Sunday when I arrived he was ready to go! We sat by the pond & talked for a while then took the long route back. I was so happy that I took his pic and when he smiled without me asking, I knew he was really enjoying himself:)
He (we) is going to miss Aunt Janet's weekly visits as she heads down to her winter home. She, (along with Judy, John & Bob) have become such strong support system to my dad throughout this journey. We are grateful for them and for all the other family/friends/co-workers who continue to stop by, call or send a card!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
New Update
I went to see my brother again today, in the afternoon. The last two times he was in therapy when I got there so I was surprised to see him in bed. He said he usually has therapy in the mornings now. I think that way he comes back has lunch and can rest or take a nap in the afternoon. He says the therapy tires him out and I can believe it. The Physical Therapist works on his legs and muscles for an hour and then the Occupational Therapist works on his hand and arm muscles for an hour, not much of a break inbetween.
When sitting in the wheelchair he is now able to bend his knees so his feet are flat on the floor. He couldn't do that last week. He is pleased with the progress he is making but restless that it takes so long. He mentioned that he will see the doctor in four weeks and one day (not that he is counting) and is hoping he will be allowed to begin putting weight on his legs and use weight bearing on his left arm. He'll need to have a strong left arm be able to use a walker. He is really looking ahead. He said he realizes he would not be able to stand right now and the exercises are getting him ready for that.
We talked about the nice weather. I told him Kay sent a picture of him outdoors in the wheelchair. He said when he first went out on Saturday he was a little apprehensive about leaving his safe place. He said it was better on Sunday.
I told him I wouldn't see him until December when we come back for Christmas and that I'm sure he will be doing much better by then. I also said I would call him every week and see how he is doing and I want good reports. He just smiled. He still has a great attitude but he said some days are so difficult, his muscles don't always do what they are supposed todo. Then he said the next day everything is great.
When sitting in the wheelchair he is now able to bend his knees so his feet are flat on the floor. He couldn't do that last week. He is pleased with the progress he is making but restless that it takes so long. He mentioned that he will see the doctor in four weeks and one day (not that he is counting) and is hoping he will be allowed to begin putting weight on his legs and use weight bearing on his left arm. He'll need to have a strong left arm be able to use a walker. He is really looking ahead. He said he realizes he would not be able to stand right now and the exercises are getting him ready for that.
We talked about the nice weather. I told him Kay sent a picture of him outdoors in the wheelchair. He said when he first went out on Saturday he was a little apprehensive about leaving his safe place. He said it was better on Sunday.
I told him I wouldn't see him until December when we come back for Christmas and that I'm sure he will be doing much better by then. I also said I would call him every week and see how he is doing and I want good reports. He just smiled. He still has a great attitude but he said some days are so difficult, his muscles don't always do what they are supposed todo. Then he said the next day everything is great.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Thursday October 7, 2010
Today was my dad's first trip out of Waterville that wasn't to a hospital:) He had an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon whose office just happens to be in Sylvania just down the road from the lab. We joked with the MedCorp driver about taking the scenic route back which would include a drive through the lab parking lot. Ha!
The doctor reports everything on the outside is looking healing very, very nicely, especially the R leg below the knee. That area is being watched closely since it was literally skin & bone, now skin & plate. Dr. X-rayed the R leg, said everything is healing nicely there, took all remaining sutures & staples out as well as the 3 hooks (which were apprx. 5 inches long!) that were in the R heel. My dad is now sporting a black boot on his R foot/ankle to keep it upright. We go back in 5 weeks at which time everything will be X-rayed. If all goes well there is good possibility he will be able to start bearing weight on the L forearm & L leg at that time. Five weeks seems like a long time and I know my dad was hoping it would be more like 3 weeks, but all other news was so positive that we will gladly take the 5 weeks!
He enjoyed the outing and it was a beautiful morning for travel. This afternoon he'll have therapy and by this evening he will probably be wiped out. We are grateful for God's many blessings:)
The doctor reports everything on the outside is looking healing very, very nicely, especially the R leg below the knee. That area is being watched closely since it was literally skin & bone, now skin & plate. Dr. X-rayed the R leg, said everything is healing nicely there, took all remaining sutures & staples out as well as the 3 hooks (which were apprx. 5 inches long!) that were in the R heel. My dad is now sporting a black boot on his R foot/ankle to keep it upright. We go back in 5 weeks at which time everything will be X-rayed. If all goes well there is good possibility he will be able to start bearing weight on the L forearm & L leg at that time. Five weeks seems like a long time and I know my dad was hoping it would be more like 3 weeks, but all other news was so positive that we will gladly take the 5 weeks!
He enjoyed the outing and it was a beautiful morning for travel. This afternoon he'll have therapy and by this evening he will probably be wiped out. We are grateful for God's many blessings:)
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Another step on the road
A wonderful surprise happened yesterday. My brother was able to sit in a wheelchair for the first time. They had been using this huge recliner type chair on wheels. I don't think it was very comfortable but it allowed him to go to and from therapy. Yesterday they put him in a wheelchair and to quote him - "I was shocked". But very happy. He told me his feet actually touched the floor. This is a baby step but to him it is huge.
He has such a wonderful attitude. Hopefully soon he will get strength in his left arm and then maybe be able to move himself. As my niece said he is relearning how to do the easiest tasks that we all take for granted. Here's to more baby steps!
He has such a wonderful attitude. Hopefully soon he will get strength in his left arm and then maybe be able to move himself. As my niece said he is relearning how to do the easiest tasks that we all take for granted. Here's to more baby steps!
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