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!
Thanks for the update Kay. I did talk to him this afternoon. He sounded good and strong. He told me how he is eating his meals sitting at the side of the bed. He also told me about the high blook pressure medicine. I think you will see a change in him once that has been fixed. I'm glad the weather is cooperating and it is nice outside. I'm sure he will like being outdoors as long as he can.
ReplyDeleteI will try to call at least once a week. We didn't have a phone hook-up until today. I can be reached by cell phone but Laura has our number down here. Again thanks for keeping everyone posted.
I was just thinking there hadn't been a post and was going to ask on the other blog how things were going.
ReplyDeleteWell they sure are going and all for the best.
linda
Wonderful news that he is progressing on a consistent basis. That's very good news.
ReplyDeleteHe sounds like he is in wonderful spirits.
Cindy
Glad to hear Tip is progressing very nicely. Hope the elimination of the blood pressure med relieves the dizziness.
ReplyDeleteElaine
did you ever get the gold fish?
ReplyDeleteNo Susie, no gold fish. That would mean me cleaning the bowl & I do not like fish! Thanks for the suggestion though!
ReplyDeleteHi ! I am so glad to keep reading Tip's progress - wow,what an inspiration he is ! Thanks so much for taking the time from your busy schedule to keep us up to date - you're awesome !
ReplyDeleteI was curious to know whatever became of the other people in the accident - do you have any updates on them ?
Thanks Cari. We don't have much info on the other people other than the driver is in a skilled nursing facilty, one of the children is paralyzed, waist down, and the other child is OK. We have chosen to focus all our energy on my dad.
ReplyDelete