UPDATES:
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9/22/2011
1:30PM Well, it seems he's having the up and down days, just as the doctor said he would. Today has been ok, he ate half of his lunch. Has been sleeping quite a bit and during waking hours, has been better -less agitated than he has been the last couple of days.
Seems to be some pain but it's hard to tell.
Sat up in the chair.
Seems to be some pain but it's hard to tell.
Sat up in the chair.
9/21/2011
Difficult day again today with agitation. He ate his meals and drank liquids well again today. Sat up in the hospital chair for several hours.
9/20/2011
Difficult day today, agitation, but eating and drinking well. Sat up in the chair for several hours (the hospital room recliner chair). The therapist tried to get him on his feet to try to gain some strength. Tired him out and he slept much of the afternoon afterward.
9/17/2011
Dad had a houseful of visitors today! Darlene and family came.. 15 people in all with them! Thank the good LORD, dad was having a good day! He may not have made much sense at times but he wasn't agitated and seemed to feel good. Smiled from ear to ear as each person come up and spoke to him their well-wishes, gave hugs.. etc. He spoke to Mike telling him that he'd had a head injury last year and now this stroke. This is the 1st time we could tell that he knew about the stroke, and where he is now (in the hospital).
List of visitors today:
Mom, Les, Shirl, Gayle, Michelle, Darlene, Allan, Allan's mother Elsa, Paul, Forrest, Jadan, Ramanda, Charles, Chaylee, Cera, Mike, Colton, Trinity, Josie, me, Jasmine, & Thor!
List of visitors today:
Mom, Les, Shirl, Gayle, Michelle, Darlene, Allan, Allan's mother Elsa, Paul, Forrest, Jadan, Ramanda, Charles, Chaylee, Cera, Mike, Colton, Trinity, Josie, me, Jasmine, & Thor!
9/14/2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!! We Love you!!
9/12/2011
His doctor said today that he will have up and down days. That what we're seeing now is the post stroke delirium. Said that he shouldn't get worse unless there is another stroke, which could happen.
9/11/2011
Dad's doctor came in and after his assessment said that, yes, he's sure it was a stroke and that it's going to be a long road to recovery.
Dad's Stroke 9/10/2011
I was requested to put this page up so that those who are out of town can keep up with his current condition. I will attempt to put together what has occurred since the 10th so you know what got him to this point.. Please forgive the holes in the story. It's been a long 11 days. - Diane 9/22/2011
Mom called at about 10:20PM saying that it looked like my dad was having a heart attack and that the ambulance was there. They were going to take him to the hospital. I told her I'd meet her there. After tests and the doctor's assessment, the doctor said he'd likely had a stroke. A blood clot broke loose and traveled to the brain. He's not allowed on blood thinners after the brain injury (accounted below) and subsequent bleeding problem. Therefore, he couldn't have the stroke drug that has helped some many others with this condition. He was admitted and has been there since.
Mom called at about 10:20PM saying that it looked like my dad was having a heart attack and that the ambulance was there. They were going to take him to the hospital. I told her I'd meet her there. After tests and the doctor's assessment, the doctor said he'd likely had a stroke. A blood clot broke loose and traveled to the brain. He's not allowed on blood thinners after the brain injury (accounted below) and subsequent bleeding problem. Therefore, he couldn't have the stroke drug that has helped some many others with this condition. He was admitted and has been there since.
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Updates
We will be updating this page as regularly as we receive information.
If you are returning to this page to read it often, use your refresh/reload button to make sure you have the latest.
Since dad is now home, I will update as things come up or if there are significant changes.
If you are returning to this page to read it often, use your refresh/reload button to make sure you have the latest.
Since dad is now home, I will update as things come up or if there are significant changes.
March 12, 2010 Home at last!
Well, after a long day yesturday that included meetings with dad's therapists and nurses -all had good reports to present- dad was released from the hospital! I called mom this morning and he is doing fine. Everything looks good so far. He will have a home health nurse come in every day to look in on him, take care of a couple of health issues, and make sure everything is going ok, for the next couple of weeks. Still a long row to hoe but ......
He's very glad to be home and so are the rest of us!
diane
He's very glad to be home and so are the rest of us!
diane
Mar 9, 2010
Grandma just called, the meeting has been changed to Thursday at 2pm and there is a small chance they might be sending him home then. Our Wednesday trip, of course, has been postponed to Thursday.
Jasmine
Jasmine
Mar 8, 2010
Grandma called a short while ago and said a family conference has been scheduled on Wednesday (Which is our next visit anyway), no word on what is on the agenda.
Jasmine
Jasmine
Mar 6-7, 2010
Grandpa was moved to In-Patient Rehab on Thursday and is making pretty good progress. The three of us went and stayed over Saturday night so we got almost 2 days with him. He was eating well and even walking some outside when we got there on Saturday.
The nurses still insist on walking him to and from the bathroom and bed.
He was having some trouble evacuating his bladder so they did bladder scans both days and put him back on Flomax which seemed to be helping.
On the whole he is doing quite well and is definitely improving.
Jasmine
The nurses still insist on walking him to and from the bathroom and bed.
He was having some trouble evacuating his bladder so they did bladder scans both days and put him back on Flomax which seemed to be helping.
On the whole he is doing quite well and is definitely improving.
Jasmine
Mar 3, 2010
We got there just in time to have lunch with Grandpa. All of the other patients at his table complained about the turkey fricassee but not Grandpa, he was hungry and ate it all.
Just before lunch one of the ladies from the paperwork department came over and told us that Grandpa was going to have another evaluation that evening to see if he fit the criteria for going to In-Patient Rehab. She had to confirm from Grandma that it was ok to move him. She also said that there was just about a 99% chance he would be moved Thursday or Friday. When we asked her about Grandma getting to stay with Grandpa she said she didn't think it was likely, however, just then, the head of one of the therapy departments walked in. When we asked her the same thing she said that he would get his own private room and that the rehab time was just as much to train Grandma as it was for Grandpa and that Grandma would very likely be able to stay with him.
After lunch the physical therapist came and had him walk around the common area twice with just a cane! We were told that he had done it yesterday as well. They did use his gate belt and the therapist had Grandma holding it as well so that she could get used to it. Walking straight he did quite well, he did get tired about 3/4 of the way around and he is standing somewhat hunched over instead of straight up. After he had gone around twice walking forwards she took the cane away, had him hold her arms, and practiced walking sideways and backwards. He needs a lot of work in that area but is progressing beautifully. It's hard to believe he was flat on his back three weeks ago. The therapist then asked how cold it was outside and when I told her I had seen 44º when we came in she decided to take Grandpa outside. It was the first time in almost 6 weeks that he had been outside. He used the cane and had the therapist and Grandma holding his gate belt, I followed along behind with the wheelchair just in case. They had him walk mostly on a cement pathway but he also walked a little on the grass and the path went slightly uphill near the end so the challenges were expanded.
We sat down at the tables in the common area for Grandpa to rest and had been sitting there a few minutes when two ladies came to check his pacemaker. The day or so before they had had to change the settings on his pacemaker and wanted to check it out. After they were done they came over and talked to Grandma. They said that he would have to come into Kalispell in three months and then at, I think, six months etc to be checked......BUT......A small device could be sent to the house that could be plugged into the phone jack on their land line that would transmit all of the necessary information to a website where a doctor could look at it. This way they will only have to go to Kalispell to have him checked once a year.
Grandma and I would have liked to stay longer but we had to head home before it got dark so we left around 5. Grandpa was very unhappy that we were leaving but he finally let us go when we told him that Grandma would be back Saturday and if there was room I would come too. He walked us, or should I say we walked and he rolled, to the front doors and he waved at us while we walked to the van.
Jasmine <><
Just before lunch one of the ladies from the paperwork department came over and told us that Grandpa was going to have another evaluation that evening to see if he fit the criteria for going to In-Patient Rehab. She had to confirm from Grandma that it was ok to move him. She also said that there was just about a 99% chance he would be moved Thursday or Friday. When we asked her about Grandma getting to stay with Grandpa she said she didn't think it was likely, however, just then, the head of one of the therapy departments walked in. When we asked her the same thing she said that he would get his own private room and that the rehab time was just as much to train Grandma as it was for Grandpa and that Grandma would very likely be able to stay with him.
After lunch the physical therapist came and had him walk around the common area twice with just a cane! We were told that he had done it yesterday as well. They did use his gate belt and the therapist had Grandma holding it as well so that she could get used to it. Walking straight he did quite well, he did get tired about 3/4 of the way around and he is standing somewhat hunched over instead of straight up. After he had gone around twice walking forwards she took the cane away, had him hold her arms, and practiced walking sideways and backwards. He needs a lot of work in that area but is progressing beautifully. It's hard to believe he was flat on his back three weeks ago. The therapist then asked how cold it was outside and when I told her I had seen 44º when we came in she decided to take Grandpa outside. It was the first time in almost 6 weeks that he had been outside. He used the cane and had the therapist and Grandma holding his gate belt, I followed along behind with the wheelchair just in case. They had him walk mostly on a cement pathway but he also walked a little on the grass and the path went slightly uphill near the end so the challenges were expanded.
We sat down at the tables in the common area for Grandpa to rest and had been sitting there a few minutes when two ladies came to check his pacemaker. The day or so before they had had to change the settings on his pacemaker and wanted to check it out. After they were done they came over and talked to Grandma. They said that he would have to come into Kalispell in three months and then at, I think, six months etc to be checked......BUT......A small device could be sent to the house that could be plugged into the phone jack on their land line that would transmit all of the necessary information to a website where a doctor could look at it. This way they will only have to go to Kalispell to have him checked once a year.
Grandma and I would have liked to stay longer but we had to head home before it got dark so we left around 5. Grandpa was very unhappy that we were leaving but he finally let us go when we told him that Grandma would be back Saturday and if there was room I would come too. He walked us, or should I say we walked and he rolled, to the front doors and he waved at us while we walked to the van.
Jasmine <><
Feb 28, 2010
We got there a little after 10 this morning, he was up and rolling around. No therapy again today since it was the weekend.
Lunch was BBQ so he ate most of what was on his plate but only about 1/3 of the meat, said it was "Too spicy".
Not a lot happened today but I did notice that he seemed to sleep a little more today, maybe since they haven't exercised him in a couple of days. He was using his walker some, especially for bathroom trips since his bathroom is fairly small and it's hard to maneuver his wheelchair around in there.
He did talk some, remembering things from a few years ago. He is doing better with that every day. One of the nurses came in and mentioned the front page news article about the mill burning down in Libby a few days ago, she said that Grandpa had pointed the article out to her, they were talking about it and she said "Oh, that's where it is" he answered with "No, that's where it WAS".
We left at 4:30 and he wasn't too happy at the prospect of not having any company until Wednesday. He came to the front doors to see us off and just as we were heading out the doors the alarm went off from him being to close, thankfully it didn't lock the building down and we were able to exit.
Jasmine
Lunch was BBQ so he ate most of what was on his plate but only about 1/3 of the meat, said it was "Too spicy".
Not a lot happened today but I did notice that he seemed to sleep a little more today, maybe since they haven't exercised him in a couple of days. He was using his walker some, especially for bathroom trips since his bathroom is fairly small and it's hard to maneuver his wheelchair around in there.
He did talk some, remembering things from a few years ago. He is doing better with that every day. One of the nurses came in and mentioned the front page news article about the mill burning down in Libby a few days ago, she said that Grandpa had pointed the article out to her, they were talking about it and she said "Oh, that's where it is" he answered with "No, that's where it WAS".
We left at 4:30 and he wasn't too happy at the prospect of not having any company until Wednesday. He came to the front doors to see us off and just as we were heading out the doors the alarm went off from him being to close, thankfully it didn't lock the building down and we were able to exit.
Jasmine
Feb 27, 2010
Grandma and I arrived a few minutes after 11am and almost the first thing out of Grandpa's mouth was "I thought you were going to be here at 10, you said you would be here at 10". He was very glad to see us though.
Since it was the weekend none of the therapists came but he did have a nurse help him walk once around the common area. He is now using the walker for just about everything in his room and the wheelchair for moving around the common area as well as a chair. Grandma has been helping him to the bathroom today quite well and only having to hold the gate belt very little.
We ate lunch and supper with him. He didn't eat much of his lunch but I found out he had eaten a sandwich not long before which spoiled his appetite. He did eat most of his supper, except for the chicken. Afterwards he stayed up until we left around 8:30. He did 'stroll' around a bit since he was tired of sitting still. I think he was tired of the news coverage of the Chilean earthquake as well, since they had been playing it all day.
When we left he had decided to lay down for awhile before bed. He made sure that we would be coming back in the morning before he would let us leave.
Jasmine
Since it was the weekend none of the therapists came but he did have a nurse help him walk once around the common area. He is now using the walker for just about everything in his room and the wheelchair for moving around the common area as well as a chair. Grandma has been helping him to the bathroom today quite well and only having to hold the gate belt very little.
We ate lunch and supper with him. He didn't eat much of his lunch but I found out he had eaten a sandwich not long before which spoiled his appetite. He did eat most of his supper, except for the chicken. Afterwards he stayed up until we left around 8:30. He did 'stroll' around a bit since he was tired of sitting still. I think he was tired of the news coverage of the Chilean earthquake as well, since they had been playing it all day.
When we left he had decided to lay down for awhile before bed. He made sure that we would be coming back in the morning before he would let us leave.
Jasmine
Feb 25, 2010
At 7:20 this morning Grandma and I were woke from a sound sleep by the loud ringing of the phone. Grandpa had been trying to prop his feet up on a chair while sitting in his wheelchair...... He flipped his wheelchair over backwards with him in it. He said he didn't hit his head and the nurse didn't find any bumps or anything either. Grandma went to Brendan House to see him and was back at 8:30 since they took him off to therapy and we needed to empty our hotel room.
Around 11 we went back to Brendan House and at noon ate lunch with him.
He is doing quite a bit of therapy in the morning and early afternoon, the physical therapist said that she had done about 75 min of therapy for the last couple of days with just her. When I asked the speech therapist how he was doing her exact words were "Awesome!". She suggested that we take a tape recorder and record Grandpa's stories plus we need to talk a lot with him about memories and things like that. As soon as he was done with the speech therapist the physical therapist whisked him back and had him walking around the common room in his pod using his walker. We walked just behind him both times he walked around (he had a couple minute rest in between laps) and the therapist said that he was doing great and didn't bobble once. She did use his gate belt but he did most of the work himself.
Now for the best news. Both therapists said he was doing so well that he is probably going to be moved to In-Patient Rehab next week!!! He won't be able to have much for visitors but they did say he will have his own private room and Grandma can probably stay in the room with him! The main reason is so that they can train her how to take care of him when he get's home, they also said it would be a good idea if I get that training as well since I plan on helping them.
That was good news for us since Grandpa had a difficult time with Grandma and I going home and only seeing him twice a week, but if all goes well she should be able to be with him even more while he is in the final leg of going home.
Also this afternoon a group of four guys played oldies for the patients/residents, they had an acoustic guitar, a steel guitar, an electric guitar, a fiddle, and a squeeze-box (concertina). Grandma and Grandpa went to listen and I went with them. Grandpa enjoyed the music and even commented on it.
Jasmine
Around 11 we went back to Brendan House and at noon ate lunch with him.
He is doing quite a bit of therapy in the morning and early afternoon, the physical therapist said that she had done about 75 min of therapy for the last couple of days with just her. When I asked the speech therapist how he was doing her exact words were "Awesome!". She suggested that we take a tape recorder and record Grandpa's stories plus we need to talk a lot with him about memories and things like that. As soon as he was done with the speech therapist the physical therapist whisked him back and had him walking around the common room in his pod using his walker. We walked just behind him both times he walked around (he had a couple minute rest in between laps) and the therapist said that he was doing great and didn't bobble once. She did use his gate belt but he did most of the work himself.
Now for the best news. Both therapists said he was doing so well that he is probably going to be moved to In-Patient Rehab next week!!! He won't be able to have much for visitors but they did say he will have his own private room and Grandma can probably stay in the room with him! The main reason is so that they can train her how to take care of him when he get's home, they also said it would be a good idea if I get that training as well since I plan on helping them.
That was good news for us since Grandpa had a difficult time with Grandma and I going home and only seeing him twice a week, but if all goes well she should be able to be with him even more while he is in the final leg of going home.
Also this afternoon a group of four guys played oldies for the patients/residents, they had an acoustic guitar, a steel guitar, an electric guitar, a fiddle, and a squeeze-box (concertina). Grandma and Grandpa went to listen and I went with them. Grandpa enjoyed the music and even commented on it.
Jasmine
Feb 24, 2010
He was walking around with the walker quite a bit more today, he is pretty much using the wheelchair as a chair but he did wheel himself around a little bit after supper.
This morning Grandma went in to see him and when she got back she told me that he had yet a new roommate and that the Doctors are planning a confab/evaluation sometime to decide what comes next etc. She also said that the speech therapist talked a little today about his coming home soon.
This afternoon when we got back he was still taking his nap but he woke up soon after we got there. He is now using the walker to get to the bathroom and Grandma is helping him into it and in/out of the wheelchair.
He ate most of his supper, couldn't manage more than half of the cheeseburger but he ate everything else. He was pretty cheerful as well.
After supper he did doze for awhile but he stayed awake longer than he has to this point.
Jasmine
This morning Grandma went in to see him and when she got back she told me that he had yet a new roommate and that the Doctors are planning a confab/evaluation sometime to decide what comes next etc. She also said that the speech therapist talked a little today about his coming home soon.
This afternoon when we got back he was still taking his nap but he woke up soon after we got there. He is now using the walker to get to the bathroom and Grandma is helping him into it and in/out of the wheelchair.
He ate most of his supper, couldn't manage more than half of the cheeseburger but he ate everything else. He was pretty cheerful as well.
After supper he did doze for awhile but he stayed awake longer than he has to this point.
Jasmine
Feb 23, 2010
He was walking with the walker again today, 40 feet in one shot and then 20 more a little while later. He was pretty cheerful today and joking. When one of the nurses came in to help him I teased him about "You just like telling the nurses what to do" , he turned his head to look at me and said "Why not?"
He ate most of his supper tonight, guess he likes meat loaf and mashed potatoes.
One of his doctors came in and was surprised to see how well Grandpa is doing so quickly. When he listened to Grandpa's heart he said he could hear an irregularity so he ordered up an EKG. A little while later three nurses came in with a portable EKG machine, we don't know what the results are yet of that test.
A couple came into Brendan House and played some music in another pod (section of the building). The were very good, he played a guitar and she played both the fiddle and mandolin. They did a mixture of waltzes, folk type tunes, Irish, and a couple of westerns. Grandpa came down and listened to the last little bit, which he enjoyed.
Jasmine
P.S. I forgot to add this last night.
While were there he was sitting on the bed and wanted to get up but we told him not without a nurse. He said "I'm going to stay here until you guys are leave".
He ate most of his supper tonight, guess he likes meat loaf and mashed potatoes.
One of his doctors came in and was surprised to see how well Grandpa is doing so quickly. When he listened to Grandpa's heart he said he could hear an irregularity so he ordered up an EKG. A little while later three nurses came in with a portable EKG machine, we don't know what the results are yet of that test.
A couple came into Brendan House and played some music in another pod (section of the building). The were very good, he played a guitar and she played both the fiddle and mandolin. They did a mixture of waltzes, folk type tunes, Irish, and a couple of westerns. Grandpa came down and listened to the last little bit, which he enjoyed.
Jasmine
P.S. I forgot to add this last night.
While were there he was sitting on the bed and wanted to get up but we told him not without a nurse. He said "I'm going to stay here until you guys are leave".
Feb 22, 2010
Up using the walker today a bit in therapy. Locked the place down again, he likes going into the chapel there for some reason. It's quiet in there. And it triggers their lock down.
Feb 21, 2010
Today went well. Dad is eating pretty good now with no real problems turning up so far. His memory is coming back a little at time. He even says he can feel it coming back. He was able with help to get from the wheelchair to the bed. He still doesn't like to be left there but is getting a better understanding about that therapy's importance. He says he still doesn't have control of the bowels but he's working on it.
Things are improving a little every day.
They thought he was going to take off outside, so they put a beeper/monitor on him, then he got too close to the door and locked everything down, all doors and all, locked up so no one could get in or out. Yep, that's dad.
diane
Things are improving a little every day.
They thought he was going to take off outside, so they put a beeper/monitor on him, then he got too close to the door and locked everything down, all doors and all, locked up so no one could get in or out. Yep, that's dad.
diane
Feb 20, 2010 7:30 PM
Today seemed to go pretty well at the home and he seems to be in decent spirits, a good sign. He's running around in the wheelchair and doing pretty good in it up and down the halls. Still wants to come home and said he'll do what it takes to get there. That's what he needs to do, too.
diane
diane
Feb 19, 2010 8:00PM
Well, today is the 2nd full day of Brendan House and he seems to be settling in to the routine. He is learning to handle the wheelchair and takes it on how own "tours". He's coming along with his therapy. Even the speech therapist is impressed with how quickly he's moving along. She will begin to work with him on other things than swallowing now and we hope things will continue moving along. A long ways to go still, but he's on the road to healing now....
He's still not eating enough but he is progressing...
He's worried about being abandoned and forgotten there, but we keep telling him that he needs to work hard on his therapy, it's the way home.
diane
He's still not eating enough but he is progressing...
He's worried about being abandoned and forgotten there, but we keep telling him that he needs to work hard on his therapy, it's the way home.
diane
Feb 18, 2010 Today
Today was a long and busy day, the first in Brendan House for the pre-rehab. He's eating better, still not enough, but better. They have him come to central dining room tables for meals rather than eating in his bed. This is good for him.
They had him up on his feet for a few minutes today with bars. And have him doing exercises to gain strength back in his legs and stomach muscles. He's doing pretty good. He does need to eat more.
diane the tired
They had him up on his feet for a few minutes today with bars. And have him doing exercises to gain strength back in his legs and stomach muscles. He's doing pretty good. He does need to eat more.
diane the tired
Feb 17, 2010
Just got a call from the nurse, he's being moved to the brendan house this afternoon! It's like a pre -rehab.. Good sign! Yaaay!
Feb 16, 2010 9:00 PM
He had a pretty good day today. Ate his supper pretty good, even feeding himself part of it! The speech therapist said she was going to change his focus from being on what he can eat to focusing on his cognition. Sounds like this is coming soon. More improvements :)
Still wants to go home, still wants to walk, still want out of there! Doesn't always know where he is yet, and day is still night and night is still day. Still weak yet, but, we hope things will keep improving.
diane
Still wants to go home, still wants to walk, still want out of there! Doesn't always know where he is yet, and day is still night and night is still day. Still weak yet, but, we hope things will keep improving.
diane
Feb 16, 2010 4:00 PM
Speech therapist just came in and worked with him again, said overall he's doing a lot better. And is scheduled to go to the early rehab sometime this week.
diane
diane
Feb 16, 2010 early afternoon
While we were out to lunch, the therapists came and got him up on his feet a couple of times and he seems to be none the worse for wear. No more tired than he was before. Spending more and more time awake.
Sat up supported himself, reached out in all directions, better understanding and interaction with therapists. Said it was the best session so far.
diane
Sat up supported himself, reached out in all directions, better understanding and interaction with therapists. Said it was the best session so far.
diane
Feb 16, 2010 1:00
I know this is short and soon from the last one but....
He just tried to toss a pillow from the chair over to the bed.. almost made it too! LOL
He just tried to toss a pillow from the chair over to the bed.. almost made it too! LOL
Feb 16, 2010 Noon
Did the EEG early this morning, waiting for the results. He's looking better this morning. Sitting in the chair, and still has color. Seems to be alert and aware this morning and his words are making sense. Wants to take a walk but has to wait for the PT, doesn't like having to wait. Wants to go home today. Has to wait for that, too.
Ate more of his lunch -not enough but it's an improvement. Fed himself the dessert which is an improvement, too.
diane
Ate more of his lunch -not enough but it's an improvement. Fed himself the dessert which is an improvement, too.
diane
Feb 15, 2010 9:00 PM
What an interesting evening. He had been acting a bit confused all day off and on. But this evening he started telling Mom he wants to be buried next to her and that it doesn't matter where that is. Reminded us that he loves us. Told Mom many times he loves her. Then he decided that all 3 of us were going with him.
He then asked that his bed be laid back, that we'd hold his hands and said he was ready to go. So we did it, he said "night night", then closed his eyes and lay there for awhile. He opened his eyes several times, looked at us as if to see if he was still on this side of life. Then close them again and seemingly wait to go.
After a time, he decided he was alive and asked to sit up, informing us that He gave him more time and that he'd be here a long while yet. And that he wanted to walk, and get a wheelchair in case he couldn't and a number of other things.
When the dr came in he told the him he had gotten a message that he had more time here. The dr wrote it off as "confusion".
Just as we were talking about heading back here, he said he was tired and that he would, with our help tomorrow, take a walk. He was very positive and determined that he wanted to walk tomorrow.
diane
He then asked that his bed be laid back, that we'd hold his hands and said he was ready to go. So we did it, he said "night night", then closed his eyes and lay there for awhile. He opened his eyes several times, looked at us as if to see if he was still on this side of life. Then close them again and seemingly wait to go.
After a time, he decided he was alive and asked to sit up, informing us that He gave him more time and that he'd be here a long while yet. And that he wanted to walk, and get a wheelchair in case he couldn't and a number of other things.
When the dr came in he told the him he had gotten a message that he had more time here. The dr wrote it off as "confusion".
Just as we were talking about heading back here, he said he was tired and that he would, with our help tomorrow, take a walk. He was very positive and determined that he wanted to walk tomorrow.
diane
Feb 15, 2010 4:15 PM
His leg fell off the bed a while ago and he got mad at trying to lift it up. So he jerked it up himself! And did it successfully!
Having a bit of trouble answering the questions of the occupational therapist in here now. But he's real tired. She said that it may be a bit early for Brendan House.
"It will all come back to us"
diane
Having a bit of trouble answering the questions of the occupational therapist in here now. But he's real tired. She said that it may be a bit early for Brendan House.
"It will all come back to us"
diane
Feb 15, 2010 3:00 PM
Asleep by the time we got here, he was asleep but looks pretty good.
Feb 15, 2010 Noon
Just talked to Mom on the phone. They have dad sitting up in a chair and eating lunch! He's still a bit pale but he is every time he sits up. PT was in and got him to the chair in the sling. Still too weak to get there himself. They did try to stand him up but he's still too weak for that, too. But he said "I'm alright", so I guess he's alright...LOL
The dr is talking Brendan House again (scary after the last 3 attempts).
The speech therapist came in at around lunch time and fed him his potatoes, gravy, meat, cottage cheese/ground salad, as much as he'd eat, only a few bites. He also is still on the "ensure" shake with added protein powder which is helping him.
diane
The dr is talking Brendan House again (scary after the last 3 attempts).
The speech therapist came in at around lunch time and fed him his potatoes, gravy, meat, cottage cheese/ground salad, as much as he'd eat, only a few bites. He also is still on the "ensure" shake with added protein powder which is helping him.
diane
Feb 14, 2010 Today
Today was a busy day with keeping him from pulling out the feeding tube. Les and Shirl had spent the night in his room to help with this. But after all that and fighting with it almost all day, the 2 CNAs came in to help him change positions and clean him up, telling us they'd come get us when done. They didn't and he managed to pull it out, even with the mitts on to prevent that. Frustrating us, the dr, the nurses -everyone.
At one point he managed to get one of the mitts off, held up his hand and said "I got it off". Jasmine and I grabbed it and put it back on. His response to which was "I finally get this thing off and you jackasses put it back on!" No, he was not a happy camper. Neither were we.
He's more alert and responsive all day. Some of his conversation made sense and a lot didn't.
The dr (Welch) said that if he didn't feel that his life would return to at least some happiness that he wouldn't recommend doing all this.
diane
At one point he managed to get one of the mitts off, held up his hand and said "I got it off". Jasmine and I grabbed it and put it back on. His response to which was "I finally get this thing off and you jackasses put it back on!" No, he was not a happy camper. Neither were we.
He's more alert and responsive all day. Some of his conversation made sense and a lot didn't.
The dr (Welch) said that if he didn't feel that his life would return to at least some happiness that he wouldn't recommend doing all this.
diane
Feb 13, 2010 Evening --I will be adding more to this entry as it comes back to memory.
This entry will be an odd one, but there's a reason. Everything that was said and done was odd.
I had been in the waiting room adding today's entry here along with a few other things. Jasmine an I decided to go to check on Mom and tell her we were going to do our laundry which needed to be done.
When we came to check on Mom, she was upset, looking up at me in tears as I walked into the room. She told me he was saying something about a train and a crossing and the whistle and was afraid of the train hitting us at the crossing. So we stayed and listened to what he was saying.. at one point he said it was a white train and was coming. 1st he could hear the whistle and then he couldn't, going back and forth between the 2 with most of the time, not hearing it.
After a time of being so fearful about the train and the crossing and the train whistle, something changed. He began to talk about us not forgetting him and that he loved us, giving us instructions on how we are all to love each other, and take care of Mom, repeating to us many times how much he loved us all, and didn't want to be forgotten.Then tears came to his eyes, he asked us to hold his hands, asked us to pray, and he said "Amen".
So we began to pray and ask him if he knew Jesus. After that he began to drift in and out, in the "awake" times he waffled back and forth between us asking if he knew Jesus and the final instructions and goodbyes. During this time he said saw someone standing in the room behind us and at one point Jasmine asked him if he saw Jesus and he answered with a yes. Jasmine asked if he knew Jesus and he said yes, he had for a long time, but didn't know how important He was till now. And he stopped crying and seemed to be much more peaceful. The scared rabbit look disappeared. At several points we talked to the nurse about what to do and she said that he just might be ready to go. She wanted us to decide what to do in the case of his passing, resuscitation/CPR or naturally. We said naturally. I then asked her to call the chaplain and that he'd bring some olive oil. He brought in Myrrh oil and we all prayed, he anointed each of us including dad. The chaplain then said he felt dad was very peaceful and that he could see it in his eyes. He was ready to meet his Maker.
After this, he drifted in and out, the sleep periods being longer. His waking periods were shorter and more peaceful, but he'd remind us he loved each of us and to take care of our families.
Earlier in the day a nurse asked Jasmine and I if we wanted anything to drink, like juice or anything. I asked for orange and Jasmine said grape which she does not drink unless it is white grape. We shared the orange juice and decided to drink the grape later.
Jasmine picked up on of the cans of the grape juice she had asked for earlier and asked me, "Do you know what this is?" I said "yes I do!" Let's do it! I turned to Mom and told her that we're going to have communion. So I ran over to the cafeteria and got some crackers.
We then had communion with just us in the room, Marion on the computer, Randy and Chris on the computer, and Darlene and Allan on the computer...
He laid there quietly and peacefully...then woke up with an odd look on his face looked at us, each one and said, "Am I alive?" We said, "Yes". He then said "I'm not dead yet?" Jasmine responded with "We're not angels" and Mom said, "Very much alive!" He seemed surprised! He then laid back and said, "I think I'm supposed to be alive then."
diane
I had been in the waiting room adding today's entry here along with a few other things. Jasmine an I decided to go to check on Mom and tell her we were going to do our laundry which needed to be done.
When we came to check on Mom, she was upset, looking up at me in tears as I walked into the room. She told me he was saying something about a train and a crossing and the whistle and was afraid of the train hitting us at the crossing. So we stayed and listened to what he was saying.. at one point he said it was a white train and was coming. 1st he could hear the whistle and then he couldn't, going back and forth between the 2 with most of the time, not hearing it.
After a time of being so fearful about the train and the crossing and the train whistle, something changed. He began to talk about us not forgetting him and that he loved us, giving us instructions on how we are all to love each other, and take care of Mom, repeating to us many times how much he loved us all, and didn't want to be forgotten.Then tears came to his eyes, he asked us to hold his hands, asked us to pray, and he said "Amen".
So we began to pray and ask him if he knew Jesus. After that he began to drift in and out, in the "awake" times he waffled back and forth between us asking if he knew Jesus and the final instructions and goodbyes. During this time he said saw someone standing in the room behind us and at one point Jasmine asked him if he saw Jesus and he answered with a yes. Jasmine asked if he knew Jesus and he said yes, he had for a long time, but didn't know how important He was till now. And he stopped crying and seemed to be much more peaceful. The scared rabbit look disappeared. At several points we talked to the nurse about what to do and she said that he just might be ready to go. She wanted us to decide what to do in the case of his passing, resuscitation/CPR or naturally. We said naturally. I then asked her to call the chaplain and that he'd bring some olive oil. He brought in Myrrh oil and we all prayed, he anointed each of us including dad. The chaplain then said he felt dad was very peaceful and that he could see it in his eyes. He was ready to meet his Maker.
After this, he drifted in and out, the sleep periods being longer. His waking periods were shorter and more peaceful, but he'd remind us he loved each of us and to take care of our families.
Earlier in the day a nurse asked Jasmine and I if we wanted anything to drink, like juice or anything. I asked for orange and Jasmine said grape which she does not drink unless it is white grape. We shared the orange juice and decided to drink the grape later.
Jasmine picked up on of the cans of the grape juice she had asked for earlier and asked me, "Do you know what this is?" I said "yes I do!" Let's do it! I turned to Mom and told her that we're going to have communion. So I ran over to the cafeteria and got some crackers.
We then had communion with just us in the room, Marion on the computer, Randy and Chris on the computer, and Darlene and Allan on the computer...
He laid there quietly and peacefully...then woke up with an odd look on his face looked at us, each one and said, "Am I alive?" We said, "Yes". He then said "I'm not dead yet?" Jasmine responded with "We're not angels" and Mom said, "Very much alive!" He seemed surprised! He then laid back and said, "I think I'm supposed to be alive then."
diane
Feb 13, 2010 2:30 PM
Speech therapist was in and said that he can have soft foods again, mashed potatoes, soup, and "ensure" shakes.
Feb 13, 2010 12:30 PM
He looks and acts much better today. 1st thing he said when we got here, is that he wants to go home. Has gained some strength, balance, color. Says he feels better, is able to carry on a conversation. Can understand almost all of the words. The feeding tube is getting him the nutrition he needed so badly. He left it in all night and that really helped.
The physical therapist came in an ran him thru some exercises and he did almost all of them without too much trouble. He worked his arms, legs, ankle, and balance. Still can't put a lot of weight on his legs yet but they did do a little. Lifted each leg (from the knee) and counted to 10 as he did it, on both legs.
Vitals look good, still fairly weak but doin much better than the last 2 days.
diane
The physical therapist came in an ran him thru some exercises and he did almost all of them without too much trouble. He worked his arms, legs, ankle, and balance. Still can't put a lot of weight on his legs yet but they did do a little. Lifted each leg (from the knee) and counted to 10 as he did it, on both legs.
Vitals look good, still fairly weak but doin much better than the last 2 days.
diane
Feb 12, 2010 7:30 PM
Well, the feeding tube is finally in place and if he'll leave it alone, he should start feeling better in the next day or 2 with nutrition going in. They had to give him a bit of plasma because of the blood being so thin and it's causing problems with the brain problem.
The dr showed us the last CT scan and it showed no change from the one just previous (about 3 days ago). It does show a fair amount of fluid still in the area where the surgery was done to drain it. He said they could do another surgery but he didn't recommend it because of everything he's already been thru. The dr said that they'd like to wait for it to resorb into the system.
He also said that the he may never regain all he's lost, it does happen, but it may not. Most people don't regain it all. He also said that the current lethargy is caused by the lack of nutrition but also the fluid still on the brain pushing things aside.
He still has the big mitts on his hands to try to keep him from pulling out the feeding tube. They had had it in place twice but he managed to get it pulled out. Then all the trouble today with getting it put back in.
Vitals look ok, heart rate is a bit fast but it's been that way the whole time.
diane
The dr showed us the last CT scan and it showed no change from the one just previous (about 3 days ago). It does show a fair amount of fluid still in the area where the surgery was done to drain it. He said they could do another surgery but he didn't recommend it because of everything he's already been thru. The dr said that they'd like to wait for it to resorb into the system.
He also said that the he may never regain all he's lost, it does happen, but it may not. Most people don't regain it all. He also said that the current lethargy is caused by the lack of nutrition but also the fluid still on the brain pushing things aside.
He still has the big mitts on his hands to try to keep him from pulling out the feeding tube. They had had it in place twice but he managed to get it pulled out. Then all the trouble today with getting it put back in.
Vitals look ok, heart rate is a bit fast but it's been that way the whole time.
diane
Feb 12, 2010 6:30 PM
Still waiting for the feeding tube situation to be solved. It's been on problem after another today. He's still able to eat and drink but so little that it's not enough to gain strength. He's been out of it most of the day but the speech therapist managed to get him to drink a little water and a little "ensure", but not enough to completely hydrate or nourish him.
diane
diane
Feb 12, 2010 12:40 PM
When I got here, they were having trouble with the feeding tube, they couldn't get anything through it. They had to pull it out and re-insert it twice more. His heart rate went way up. Mom and I had to assist them in inserting the tube, each of us held an arm down. He was quite angry during the process, saying he wasn't going to make it out alive. After they pulled the tube out he said two or three times "I'm fighting for my life" and we said "that's good". Heart rate went up.
They are going to stick with the NG tube and he will be going down shortly to Radiology to have them insert the feeding tube since they are unable to get it done in Intermediate Care.
Vitals are ok, and the heart rate did come down. He is weak and pale, not as alert as he was on his good days, still cant pull up his foot if it slides a little.
His seizure medicine was changed to a new one.
They are going to put a PICC line. This will ease any further blood draws, medicine that has to go in.. and a variety of other things.
We are supposed to encourage him to drink the Ensure since he isn't getting enough calories, just have to make sure he is wide awake and sitting upright at 45 degrees.
J
They are going to stick with the NG tube and he will be going down shortly to Radiology to have them insert the feeding tube since they are unable to get it done in Intermediate Care.
Vitals are ok, and the heart rate did come down. He is weak and pale, not as alert as he was on his good days, still cant pull up his foot if it slides a little.
His seizure medicine was changed to a new one.
They are going to put a PICC line. This will ease any further blood draws, medicine that has to go in.. and a variety of other things.
We are supposed to encourage him to drink the Ensure since he isn't getting enough calories, just have to make sure he is wide awake and sitting upright at 45 degrees.
J
Feb 11, 2010 9:00 PM
The feeding tube went in and and came back out. It didn't go in right. So they have to do it over again. And the dr had to be called before they could do it again. Les stayed in the room while they did it and came out somewhat shell-shocked looking. It's a painful experience and he stayed to help dad. It was hard but I think dad appreciated it.
diane
diane
Feb 11, 2010 4:30 PM
A few set backs today so far, today. He's less lucid, less alert, but not a lot. Recognizes everyone but is more confused. Said some things that alarmed us.. "this is my last hope", "tell him (Les? who was in the room) to take care of his mom" and some related things. Still weak, can't stand, even with help. He also said "see ya there" and we don't know what he's talking about.
Dr said that he isn't getting enough calories in him to keep going like this without losing ground so he's advising a temporary feeding tube to be put in place to help him get the nutrients and calories along with hydration he needs. Without it he's going to continue to lose ground. And he said he's come too far for that to happen. So they're inserting the feeding tube right now. They think the feeding tube will help get nutrients in there good enough to get his stomach and the digestion going better, making him feel better, and that we should see improvement in the next few days. (as a side note, they gave us a choice on the feeding tube. Scary thought when you consider the alternative).
Told the dr he thought he was in Superior, but a few minutes later mentioned the hospital, we're not sure if he knows exactly where he is. When asked what year it is, he said 2010, so that was good.
Can't go to Brendan House because of the eating problem..and his heart rate continues to stay too fast, as he can't seem to get the pills down very well. They haven't put the same meds in an IV yet (like he had up until a day or so ago).
Looks like it's gonna take more time here in Kalispell.
diane
Dr said that he isn't getting enough calories in him to keep going like this without losing ground so he's advising a temporary feeding tube to be put in place to help him get the nutrients and calories along with hydration he needs. Without it he's going to continue to lose ground. And he said he's come too far for that to happen. So they're inserting the feeding tube right now. They think the feeding tube will help get nutrients in there good enough to get his stomach and the digestion going better, making him feel better, and that we should see improvement in the next few days. (as a side note, they gave us a choice on the feeding tube. Scary thought when you consider the alternative).
Told the dr he thought he was in Superior, but a few minutes later mentioned the hospital, we're not sure if he knows exactly where he is. When asked what year it is, he said 2010, so that was good.
Can't go to Brendan House because of the eating problem..and his heart rate continues to stay too fast, as he can't seem to get the pills down very well. They haven't put the same meds in an IV yet (like he had up until a day or so ago).
Looks like it's gonna take more time here in Kalispell.
diane
Feb 11, 2010 Noon
Les and Mom went in earlier today, called to tell me he's doing good. Said he ate some of his lunch, still not eating well, tho. But he did feed himself a bit or 2 with help. The Dr sent a message thru the nurse that he wanted to talk to Mom. Don't know why yet but they suspect it's about the move to the beginning of rehab. Should find out more soon.
diane
diane
Feb 10, 2010 8:30 PM
Nurses told Les that the CT scan taken yesturday (why they didn't tell us about that previously-even when I asked-, I don't know) is normal on the brain which is good! Did a CT on the bladder in case there are problems there in passing water. Only one heplock left, all other IVs are gone. Headachey tonight. Still is saying his butt's sore.
He's on pills to control the heart rate and seizure meds to prevent the seizure caused by surgery on the brain.
Still wants to go home.
diane
He's on pills to control the heart rate and seizure meds to prevent the seizure caused by surgery on the brain.
Still wants to go home.
diane
Feb 10, 2010 6:00 PM.
Jasmine was just back and apparently Dad had a little problem with recognizing mom, but we think it's only temporary. They made him work hard today and he's awfully tired from that, and we think that could be contributing to it.
Mom went back in a few minutes later and he had no problem. He told Jasmine he was ready to go home and he thought Jasmine probably was too. Said he wanted to hold her hand because he wanted to hold hands with someone with "right sense".
diane
Mom went back in a few minutes later and he had no problem. He told Jasmine he was ready to go home and he thought Jasmine probably was too. Said he wanted to hold her hand because he wanted to hold hands with someone with "right sense".
diane
Feb 10, 2010 4:30 PM
The therapist told us he's reading complete small sentences and words were going better; name objects in the room; able to tell time on the clock in the room. He's coming along! More therapy tomorrow.
Allowed water and food with more texture now.
She told us that he will go to Brendan House, then on to inpatient rehab and it looks like a minimum of another month here in Kalispell.
Allowed water and food with more texture now.
She told us that he will go to Brendan House, then on to inpatient rehab and it looks like a minimum of another month here in Kalispell.
Feb 10, 2010 1:30 PM
Dad's not moved yet. The nurse said that they have to make room and the dr has to sign the forms for moving by 3:00 or he'll wait for tomorrow.
He was sitting in the chair when we got here. Looking like he felt a little dizzy from sitting, but otherwise looking good. Complained his butt was sore. (LOL) Speech is improving, strength is improving. Most of the monitors have been removed and he's now back on medication by mouth rather than IV. He ate a few bites of his lunch and we had to feed it to him as he can't yet do that, but he did hold the cup of milk and drank it on his own. Had to be reminded to swallow a few times but did it on his own, too. He's willing to eat more food types on his tray. All liquids still have to be thickened, including the milk and even water. But he can get them down without choking or aspirating this way.
Another all round good day so far, today!
diane
He was sitting in the chair when we got here. Looking like he felt a little dizzy from sitting, but otherwise looking good. Complained his butt was sore. (LOL) Speech is improving, strength is improving. Most of the monitors have been removed and he's now back on medication by mouth rather than IV. He ate a few bites of his lunch and we had to feed it to him as he can't yet do that, but he did hold the cup of milk and drank it on his own. Had to be reminded to swallow a few times but did it on his own, too. He's willing to eat more food types on his tray. All liquids still have to be thickened, including the milk and even water. But he can get them down without choking or aspirating this way.
Another all round good day so far, today!
diane
Feb 10, 2010 9:00 AM
Haven't been to the hospital yet this morning, but we just got word that Dad is being move to Brenden House to begin rehab this morning! Glad to hear that!
Feb 9, 2010 8:30 PM
Dad's doing well tonight. He was alert and said very little that made no sense. Only a couple of words didn't make sense. And he talked, told us all he loved us.. Had a hard time following too many people talking at once. Vitals, color, alertness all were good tonight. He was tired so we didn't stay long. He still is weak and tires easily but is gaining strength daily for the last 2 or 3 days now.
Feb 9, 2010 12:30 PM
Dad was moved back to IMC this morning sometime before we got here. He recognized me with no trouble, muscle control is improving, he's speaking with more clarity and alertness, eating a little more food (tho it's still not much), drinking thickened water. And wants to go home, says he misses everyone. Physical therapists had already be in and tired him out so he's still needing a lot of sleep and rest. More of the swelling is down and his color looks good, vitals are good. Still weak and can't feed himself, yet. If nothing else goes wrong and we continue to see progression, he'll be up to it soon.
All in all, today looks like more improvement.
All in all, today looks like more improvement.
Feb 8, 2010 Evening
Today was a pretty good day here. Dad sat up in the chair today, recognized Mom as she came into his room, saying Mom, Mom, You're here.
Talked to Mom pretty good. Recognized almost everyone that visited today. Couldn't always connect a name but all in all, did good today.
The occupational therapist said that he should get most or even all the strength back in his left side which is still very weak but strengthening.
He ate food better today, not much but at least something.
He put together a good sized sentence today, "I wanna change positions, my butt's gettin tired". Sounds like he's connecting things again.
He still has a long way to go yet, but, today showed more promise of improvement. The dr today said that it's possible for another seizure. We certainly hope that doesn't happen.
Talked to Mom pretty good. Recognized almost everyone that visited today. Couldn't always connect a name but all in all, did good today.
The occupational therapist said that he should get most or even all the strength back in his left side which is still very weak but strengthening.
He ate food better today, not much but at least something.
He put together a good sized sentence today, "I wanna change positions, my butt's gettin tired". Sounds like he's connecting things again.
He still has a long way to go yet, but, today showed more promise of improvement. The dr today said that it's possible for another seizure. We certainly hope that doesn't happen.
Feb 7, 2010 5:00 PM
Sorry for not getting some of this posted earlier today, but the website glitched and I couldn't add the latest. Then I've had connection problems all day.
Dad responded to Les favorably at about 2:00PM, asking where Mom was. Good sign! He recognized Mom when she went in an hour or so later, told her he loved her. Another good sign! He has had so many ups and downs, it's hard to say what will happen next.
Marina just came out and said he knew who she was, he recognized her! Mom said he's doing some groaning but is also trying to communicate. He also recognized Ramanda and Jasmine when they went in there this evening. I may add more to this section tomorrow, I'm too tired tonight.
diane
Dad responded to Les favorably at about 2:00PM, asking where Mom was. Good sign! He recognized Mom when she went in an hour or so later, told her he loved her. Another good sign! He has had so many ups and downs, it's hard to say what will happen next.
Marina just came out and said he knew who she was, he recognized her! Mom said he's doing some groaning but is also trying to communicate. He also recognized Ramanda and Jasmine when they went in there this evening. I may add more to this section tomorrow, I'm too tired tonight.
diane
Feb 7, 2010 11:15 AM
When we got here this morning, the physical therapists were preparing him for sitting up on the edge of the bed. When he saw me come in and wave, he waved back. He did sit up, the color drained from his face and he couldn't hold himself up, but he could follow a couple of commands such as touching the hand (in high 5 fashion) of the therapist. He looked at us several times during this. He could look at the physical therapist on command but had trouble with the strength of holding his head up. Tired quickly and had to be laid back down, after which he went into a deep sleep. He didn't really respond to anything else from us other than the wave.
He will not be moved over to IMC today but rather kept in ICU. Said he'd be the last of the 5 (in priority) to be moved to IMC, meaning he's probably better where he is. Some of the monitors have been removed and his care will be much like he'd receive in IMC unless something happens to require otherwise.
The nurse again said this is going to be a very long haul. And that we should probably go home and come back like every few days. We currently feel that keeping his mind stimulated by our talking to him is helping so we will likely be here another week. But we shall see what happens in the meantime.
diane
He will not be moved over to IMC today but rather kept in ICU. Said he'd be the last of the 5 (in priority) to be moved to IMC, meaning he's probably better where he is. Some of the monitors have been removed and his care will be much like he'd receive in IMC unless something happens to require otherwise.
The nurse again said this is going to be a very long haul. And that we should probably go home and come back like every few days. We currently feel that keeping his mind stimulated by our talking to him is helping so we will likely be here another week. But we shall see what happens in the meantime.
diane
Feb 6, 2010 6:30 PM
Pretty much the same as the 4:30 but maybe with a bit more response. He's been somewhat responsive all day like this... up and down. Tried to talk and even tried to respond to the nurse's teasing him about his freckled knees.
Vitals and color look the same... so he's not really losing ground.
diane
Vitals and color look the same... so he's not really losing ground.
diane
Feb 6, 2010 4:30 PM
As we walked toward Dad's room today, a nurse in IMC (intermediate care) stopped us and asked how he was doing. She knew about the seizure as part of her followup and had been praying for him. She also said he was scheduled to be moved back from ICU to IMC tomorrow.
He's out of it right now but it seems to be a deep sleep. No real groaning or anything like that to speak of. And his nurse said that he'd said something to her about retirement earlier. Not sure what he was talking about but he was at least talking to her. Most of what he's saying is still unintelligible but with some understandable content.
Vitals still look reasonable, color is ok, a bit paler than earlier today but not too bad.
diane
He's out of it right now but it seems to be a deep sleep. No real groaning or anything like that to speak of. And his nurse said that he'd said something to her about retirement earlier. Not sure what he was talking about but he was at least talking to her. Most of what he's saying is still unintelligible but with some understandable content.
Vitals still look reasonable, color is ok, a bit paler than earlier today but not too bad.
diane
Feb 6, 2010 2:30 PM
The Nurse told mom that she had sat him up and he said "Let me down" so his words are getting a bit better. This is good. Makes me wonder about that roller coaster again. Not that I wanna look at the negative but, it's been a roller coaster for 2 weeks now. Jasmine talked to him and he tried to respond. She told him the monitors all look good and she wasn't sure if he understood it or not, but he tried.
The nurse told him to grip her hand and he didn't but he'd grip Mom's hand. So we know he's trying to come out of it.
diane
The nurse told him to grip her hand and he didn't but he'd grip Mom's hand. So we know he's trying to come out of it.
diane
Feb 6, 2010 Noon
Some change this morning. He's more responsive, a bit more alert at times, but out of it most of the time. He grasped mom's hand when we got there and at several points tried to say something to us. We could only understand a small amount of it. And what we could understand made sense. The rest were unintelligible attempts. Very difficult and tiring for him. He's trying so hard and it wipes him out. I told him to keep trying and that we definitely were listening. Also followed us at times with his eyes as we moved about the room. Still groaning some but not as much as yesturday.
Vitals still look ok, so he's not going downhill there. Haven't talked to the dr yet today but the dr didn't change any orders from yesturday according to the nurse. Color is not bad.
Mom's still holding up on the outside but on the inside it's hard. She seems to need us around her to hold her up. Doesn't want to spend much time in his room without one of us.
diane
Vitals still look ok, so he's not going downhill there. Haven't talked to the dr yet today but the dr didn't change any orders from yesturday according to the nurse. Color is not bad.
Mom's still holding up on the outside but on the inside it's hard. She seems to need us around her to hold her up. Doesn't want to spend much time in his room without one of us.
diane
Feb 5, 2010 6:30 PM
Nothing new to report tonight. Things have remained pretty much the same as the last report. The nurse said he looked better than he did this morning after the seizure and that this is going to take time.
Mom is getting worn out, trying to hold up thru this... starting to think maybe he might not make it home.
diane
Mom is getting worn out, trying to hold up thru this... starting to think maybe he might not make it home.
diane
Feb 5, 2010 4:20 PM
Mom and Jasmine went to his room and found him to be in some pain and groaning pretty loudly. The bandage had slipped so they got the nurse to re-secure it. Not sure if they're going to give him pain meds or not.
The drainage tube has been removed; drainage was decreasing, we had noticed already.
Maybe pain receptors are starting to function, as the brain begins to work again? Hurry up and wait....
diane
The drainage tube has been removed; drainage was decreasing, we had noticed already.
Maybe pain receptors are starting to function, as the brain begins to work again? Hurry up and wait....
diane
Feb 5, 2010 11:45 AM
When we got here this morning, we found that he had had a seizure after their attempting to get him up and moving about. The upped the seizure meds and said this was to be expected. Didn't mean it was easy, tho. He is in a very deep sleep and the nurse said it will likely last all day. So we're, again, sitting in the waiting room for hours. He's pale, but not extremely so, and back on oxygen. The pacemaker seem to be pacing more often today. I could see it on the monitor. Other vitals seem to be ok.
The dr said that the CT scan showed a bit of swelling on the brain but no new bleeding, which is a good sign. Said he's not out of the woods yet, but he's seeing signs of improvement. The seizure did not surprise him, he said.
Ramanda says anytime you mess with the brain you can have any kind of reaction. Including seizures. The electrodes have been tampered with and will mess up till the swelling goes down, and the brain can function at its normal speed. The brain heals at its own rate for each person and everyone reacts differently to being tampered with. My guess is that when the (a fib ) started that the oxygen flow in the blood might have had some thing to do with the brains reaction now that its getting the correct pace of blood flow and adjusting to being what is its new normal.
diane
The dr said that the CT scan showed a bit of swelling on the brain but no new bleeding, which is a good sign. Said he's not out of the woods yet, but he's seeing signs of improvement. The seizure did not surprise him, he said.
Ramanda says anytime you mess with the brain you can have any kind of reaction. Including seizures. The electrodes have been tampered with and will mess up till the swelling goes down, and the brain can function at its normal speed. The brain heals at its own rate for each person and everyone reacts differently to being tampered with. My guess is that when the (a fib ) started that the oxygen flow in the blood might have had some thing to do with the brains reaction now that its getting the correct pace of blood flow and adjusting to being what is its new normal.
diane
Feb 4, 2010 6:30 PM
Still very weak and tired, didn't eat except for the applesauce to get his pills down. Seems to be still in plenty of pain so they gave him pain meds. Vitals on the monitor look pretty good. The drain is still in. They had said they would remove it today if they could, but obviously couldn't since it's still there. It doesn't seem to be filling up as fast as it did yesterday and the fluid inside looked a bit more watery. Still deep red but not as deep as it was yesterday.
He's up and down... a real rollercoaster. One minute it seems to look good then the next, not so good.
He recognized me for the 1st time in 2 days, said my name, 1st and last and squeezed my hand with a pretty good grip. He's following the nurses commands fairly well tonight, yet is still in and out of it. He can process one thing at a time tonight, but not more than just a few words, then looks blankly at us.
Seems to be a bit afraid but when he recognizes us, seems less afraid.
Said some words that were a bit alarming.. Out of the blue "It's almost the end". Jasmine came down to the waiting room to get me as mom was also quite alarmed. I went in and a couple of minutes later, he said the moose show was almost over. We think maybe he may have been referring to the tv program (animal planet) he was sort of watching being almost over. We couldn't really tell that he was watching it but he must have seen enough to know what was going on. At least we hope that's what it was.
I think mom is going back later after 8PM and if there are any further changes I will post them here. Otherwise the next update will likely be tomorrow morning sometime.
diane
He's up and down... a real rollercoaster. One minute it seems to look good then the next, not so good.
He recognized me for the 1st time in 2 days, said my name, 1st and last and squeezed my hand with a pretty good grip. He's following the nurses commands fairly well tonight, yet is still in and out of it. He can process one thing at a time tonight, but not more than just a few words, then looks blankly at us.
Seems to be a bit afraid but when he recognizes us, seems less afraid.
Said some words that were a bit alarming.. Out of the blue "It's almost the end". Jasmine came down to the waiting room to get me as mom was also quite alarmed. I went in and a couple of minutes later, he said the moose show was almost over. We think maybe he may have been referring to the tv program (animal planet) he was sort of watching being almost over. We couldn't really tell that he was watching it but he must have seen enough to know what was going on. At least we hope that's what it was.
I think mom is going back later after 8PM and if there are any further changes I will post them here. Otherwise the next update will likely be tomorrow morning sometime.
diane
Feb 4, 2010 2:45 PM
Ok, he's very weak, tired, but ate a bit of food, that was not just fruit, recognized mom, but not me and not Les's name when it was mentioned
Can't stand up at all, can't support his own weight but lifts his hands and moves them around, trying to ajdust the hearing aid, follows us around the room with his eyes and looks a bit scared and maybe confused. Nurse said this is normal.
His face on the right side is quite swollen but the nurse said that it's normal for that to happen after surgery. He does not seem to have any discomfort with it.
Knew he was in the hospital but thought it was 2002 this morning.
He knew who mom was and said her name when the nurse asked who she was.
They said this is all going to take time and lots of it, nurse said "he's got a long ways to go" her words.
He couldnt feed himself but took it from the nurse, had to be told to swallow every bite, he'd get it in his mouth but not remember to swallow it. But he is eating.
Mom us holding up but.. scared at the same time. This is tough on her. Big time. After 53 years this is not very surprising is it.
diane
Can't stand up at all, can't support his own weight but lifts his hands and moves them around, trying to ajdust the hearing aid, follows us around the room with his eyes and looks a bit scared and maybe confused. Nurse said this is normal.
His face on the right side is quite swollen but the nurse said that it's normal for that to happen after surgery. He does not seem to have any discomfort with it.
Knew he was in the hospital but thought it was 2002 this morning.
He knew who mom was and said her name when the nurse asked who she was.
They said this is all going to take time and lots of it, nurse said "he's got a long ways to go" her words.
He couldnt feed himself but took it from the nurse, had to be told to swallow every bite, he'd get it in his mouth but not remember to swallow it. But he is eating.
Mom us holding up but.. scared at the same time. This is tough on her. Big time. After 53 years this is not very surprising is it.
diane
Before
I am going to try to get more of this journal filled in with some of the things that happened before the 4th. In the end it may be full of holes but might answer a few questions... and maybe not. Who knows.
Feb. 3, 2010
Mom decided to go back to Libby to get bags packed again. This is going to be a longer stay than we anticipated.
Feb 2, 2010
As soon as we got to the hospital this afternoon and into Dad's room, he said the doc had told him he needed surgery. Jasmine and I went immediately to find nurses to see what's going.on. His nurse came into his room and told us the dr wanted to talk to us and ushered us into a tiny room where the dr had his CT scans up on a computer screen (one from this morning and one from the previous week). He showed us the reason surgery was immediately necessary and that he'd die in a short while without it.
Showed us that blood had pooled up where he had hit his head in the fall in the hospital in Libby. This blood was pushing his brain over and needed to be drained out and cleaned up. He stressed that this was risky surgery and that the outcome was unpredictable since it involved tampering with the brain. Surgery was scheduled for 8 PM but the dr said he was going to try to expedite it. At about 4:15, they came up to get him in ICU too take him down to the surgery dept and dad wanted us to go, and the dr allowed us to go down with him. Dad told us he's counting on us to be there for him.
As they were preparing to take him in and getting the proper signatures, I asked the dr what the odds are of there being problems. He gave me odds of 50/50 and again said it's very risky and gave me a whole gamut of possible outcomes. Everything from coming thru it with no negative affects all the way to not making it thru the surgery itself. Told us that surgery would last from 2-4 hours. We were sent to an OR waiting room, and it lasted a little over 2 hours.
The dr came out and said everything went well and that he's doing pretty good after the surgery. Now time will tell how his brain will handle being tampered with, stressed again that the brain could get angry from this.
We were then sent to the ICU waiting room where we waited a couple more hours for him to get out of recovery. He was taken back to ICU.
diane
stayed @ Econolodge
Showed us that blood had pooled up where he had hit his head in the fall in the hospital in Libby. This blood was pushing his brain over and needed to be drained out and cleaned up. He stressed that this was risky surgery and that the outcome was unpredictable since it involved tampering with the brain. Surgery was scheduled for 8 PM but the dr said he was going to try to expedite it. At about 4:15, they came up to get him in ICU too take him down to the surgery dept and dad wanted us to go, and the dr allowed us to go down with him. Dad told us he's counting on us to be there for him.
As they were preparing to take him in and getting the proper signatures, I asked the dr what the odds are of there being problems. He gave me odds of 50/50 and again said it's very risky and gave me a whole gamut of possible outcomes. Everything from coming thru it with no negative affects all the way to not making it thru the surgery itself. Told us that surgery would last from 2-4 hours. We were sent to an OR waiting room, and it lasted a little over 2 hours.
The dr came out and said everything went well and that he's doing pretty good after the surgery. Now time will tell how his brain will handle being tampered with, stressed again that the brain could get angry from this.
We were then sent to the ICU waiting room where we waited a couple more hours for him to get out of recovery. He was taken back to ICU.
diane
stayed @ Econolodge
Feb 1, 2010
Mom and Jasmine went to the hospital today and I stayed home to do our wash form the last few days.
When they got to the hospital they just about ran into him coming out the doorway of his room. They had him up and walking around. And it took only 1 assistant rather than the 3 it had taken before.
They said he'd go to Brendan House for rehab the next day. He seems to be doing pretty good tho they're still concerned about his not eating very well.
diane
When they got to the hospital they just about ran into him coming out the doorway of his room. They had him up and walking around. And it took only 1 assistant rather than the 3 it had taken before.
They said he'd go to Brendan House for rehab the next day. He seems to be doing pretty good tho they're still concerned about his not eating very well.
diane