Dear Friends:
Another great day ... Paul had a full night sleep and slept in this morning but when the therapists came in around 1pm he was ready for them. He helps them get him out of bed and he sits well on the side of the bed. He can reposition his body to be where he can help or be more comfortable. When he got downstairs the really good stuff started!! He wasn't very interested in working with the dowels (dropping when Sheila hits a pan). He had the cap for the trach on for a total of about an hour. He isn't making much sound with it yet but breathing through his mouth and nose should help improve that. Sheila asked him to blow a Kleenex and he really tried hard. She also had a breathing exercise tool that the patient blows into a tube attached to a bottle. At the bottom of the bottle there is a ping pong ball. If he blows hard enough he should be able to move the ping pong ball. He couldn't move the ball yet but he worked very hard and was able to blow into the tube. He even grabbed the device with his left hand and tried to get it up to his mouth….by himself! He blew into it about 4 times. When they moved on to the cones that he has to pull apart he was ready and was able to pull them apart and reach with his left hand over to Tabby on his right side. He was asked to reach as far as he could to reach her. After a few tries he moved his left arm across his body and then turned his body at the waist to the right side in order to reach further!! WOW…what great reasoning! The best thing today was that they worked with the pulley/sandbag exercise and he was able to grip the handle and pull the sandbag up. He did that about 6 times. He has a lot of strength in his left arm. The right arm didn't go as well but he tried really hard ... he even wanted to use his left hand to help his right hand work!! He is able to nod his head in response to questions more now and can give us an idea when he is too tired to continue. It is really nice to get feedback from him about what he needs. It isn't all the time but at least he is able to do it from time to time. He stayed in the wheelchair for about another hour and a half after he got back to his room but was totally exhausted after that. Bobby was there when we left and is staying overnight. What a miracle this week has been. We are seeing glimpses of our Paul coming back! Praise God!! Have a great & safe weekend!!
Love and Hugs, Lynne & Carl
Friday, February 10, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/09/06
Dear Friends:
Today was another great day. Paul was very responsive and did what the therapists asked him to do. He must have just been tired yesterday. This morning he had shifted to side of the bed and was laying sideways, Dad asked if he wanted to be straightened out and he shook his head "no". About 3pm the therapists came into Paul's room. The speech therapist asked him to open his mouth, he did that right away. She also asked him to try to sit up by himself. He was trying to do it but didn't have enough abdominal strength so she put out her hand to help him and he pulled himself up into a sitting position. He was able to sit on the side of the bed for a little by himself. Then it was time to go downstairs to the therapy room. The speech therapist put on the trach cap and he wore that for almost 1/2 hour. He couldn't make any noises with his voice but he seemed to try. She asked him to blow a Kleenex tissue that she had in front of him. He tried to do it a couple of times. He didn't have much breath but he at least tried. She also had him hold some dowel rods while she banged on a pot. She asked him to drop the dowel when she hit the pot. He did really good with that. This is suppose to encourage his brain to respond to noises more quickly. The physical therapist tried to get him to use a pulley with sandbags to work out his arms. He would do it as long as she held his hand on the bar but he wasn't interested doing it by himself. She asked him if he wanted to continue he shook his head "no". He allowed them to stretch and exercise his arms and worked on balancing himself on the side of the bench. We are definitely seeing more and more response to us. He tracks with his eyes better, he responds to our voices, he nods his head "yes" and "no". Kissing has become a regular occurrence now. Tabby really enjoys that. Carolyn was the recipient of a "blown kiss" today. He is still coughing a lot of fluids up but he seems to feel pretty good. He really doesn't like it when we say we are leaving. He keeps trying to sit up and get out of bed. This is also a really good thing ... it will motivate him to work hard!! Tabby will spend the night tonight then Friday night will be Bobby's turn to spend the night with Paul. I think he is really looking forward to time alone with his little brother!! Have a great Friday!! TGIF
Love, Lynne & Carl
Today was another great day. Paul was very responsive and did what the therapists asked him to do. He must have just been tired yesterday. This morning he had shifted to side of the bed and was laying sideways, Dad asked if he wanted to be straightened out and he shook his head "no". About 3pm the therapists came into Paul's room. The speech therapist asked him to open his mouth, he did that right away. She also asked him to try to sit up by himself. He was trying to do it but didn't have enough abdominal strength so she put out her hand to help him and he pulled himself up into a sitting position. He was able to sit on the side of the bed for a little by himself. Then it was time to go downstairs to the therapy room. The speech therapist put on the trach cap and he wore that for almost 1/2 hour. He couldn't make any noises with his voice but he seemed to try. She asked him to blow a Kleenex tissue that she had in front of him. He tried to do it a couple of times. He didn't have much breath but he at least tried. She also had him hold some dowel rods while she banged on a pot. She asked him to drop the dowel when she hit the pot. He did really good with that. This is suppose to encourage his brain to respond to noises more quickly. The physical therapist tried to get him to use a pulley with sandbags to work out his arms. He would do it as long as she held his hand on the bar but he wasn't interested doing it by himself. She asked him if he wanted to continue he shook his head "no". He allowed them to stretch and exercise his arms and worked on balancing himself on the side of the bench. We are definitely seeing more and more response to us. He tracks with his eyes better, he responds to our voices, he nods his head "yes" and "no". Kissing has become a regular occurrence now. Tabby really enjoys that. Carolyn was the recipient of a "blown kiss" today. He is still coughing a lot of fluids up but he seems to feel pretty good. He really doesn't like it when we say we are leaving. He keeps trying to sit up and get out of bed. This is also a really good thing ... it will motivate him to work hard!! Tabby will spend the night tonight then Friday night will be Bobby's turn to spend the night with Paul. I think he is really looking forward to time alone with his little brother!! Have a great Friday!! TGIF
Love, Lynne & Carl
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/08/06
Dear Friends:
Just when you think you have so little … you get the biggest surprises!! Paul had a really quiet day. He wouldn't do anything for Dad. He wouldn't cooperate with the therapists or even sit up straight. He seemed so tired today. It is really hard to know if he is tired or doesn't feel good. Tabby was worried today. She plans to call Dr. Azzam to see when the next CT scan is and because Paul stays up so much during the night she wants to ask him how he feels about something to make him sleep at night. Maybe he wouldn't be so tired during the day! She was so worried she even had the nurse take his temperature to see if he had a fever!Wednesday Part II -- Dr. Alareif (the nursing home staff doctor) came in to check on Paul this evening. He has only examined Paul one other time, just after he came to the nursing home in December. He said he thought Paul looked much more alert. He asked Tabby if Paul appeared to know who she is. Tabby said she thought so since he touches her stomach and responds to her but she doesn't really know. Then came the blessing!! Tabby climbed in the bed with Paul to rest since she had a headache and was tired. While she was laying there, Paul lifted his head and turned to her and KISSED her forehead!!! What a moment!! We were amazed but then he did it again ... and again. Tabby looked up at him and right into his eyes. She puckered to kiss him and he leaned over, puckered up and kissed her on the lips!! That is confirmation to us! He DEFINITELY knows her!! I've said it before … we get something good every day! We praise God for each of these blessings!!
Love & Hugs, Lynne & Carl
Just when you think you have so little … you get the biggest surprises!! Paul had a really quiet day. He wouldn't do anything for Dad. He wouldn't cooperate with the therapists or even sit up straight. He seemed so tired today. It is really hard to know if he is tired or doesn't feel good. Tabby was worried today. She plans to call Dr. Azzam to see when the next CT scan is and because Paul stays up so much during the night she wants to ask him how he feels about something to make him sleep at night. Maybe he wouldn't be so tired during the day! She was so worried she even had the nurse take his temperature to see if he had a fever!Wednesday Part II -- Dr. Alareif (the nursing home staff doctor) came in to check on Paul this evening. He has only examined Paul one other time, just after he came to the nursing home in December. He said he thought Paul looked much more alert. He asked Tabby if Paul appeared to know who she is. Tabby said she thought so since he touches her stomach and responds to her but she doesn't really know. Then came the blessing!! Tabby climbed in the bed with Paul to rest since she had a headache and was tired. While she was laying there, Paul lifted his head and turned to her and KISSED her forehead!!! What a moment!! We were amazed but then he did it again ... and again. Tabby looked up at him and right into his eyes. She puckered to kiss him and he leaned over, puckered up and kissed her on the lips!! That is confirmation to us! He DEFINITELY knows her!! I've said it before … we get something good every day! We praise God for each of these blessings!!
Love & Hugs, Lynne & Carl
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/07/06
Dear Friends:
Oh … where to start!! What an exciting day. The day started with Tabby & Carolyn off to the sonogram. Carolyn took a video of the event ... although she couldn't take the video into the actual sonogram procedure she did take video along the way and after it was over. Then they were off to tell Paul the exciting news!!! It's (going to be) a BOY! Tabby could hardly contain herself. She and Carolyn went out and got a balloon that said "It's a boy" and bought some very cute outfits. It is a day she will always remember. This afternoon the therapists came and took Paul to the therapy room downstairs in the nursing home. The speech therapist worked with him to get him to follow commands. She also applied an ice pack to Paul's leg to get him to kick his foot. He did that but he did something they DIDN'T expect. He reached out with his left hand and pulled his pants leg back down over his leg and then sat back with a smile on his face!!! It wasn't a large smile but the fact that it was a smile is great ... and he reasoned out how to cover his leg and prevent the ice pack from touching his skin. He did it twice!! Dad said he actually saw Paul give the therapist "the finger"! Remember ... anger is good!! LOL Then they worked with cones. He wasn't very interested in doing the cones but he cooperated a little. He was repositioning himself in his wheelchair a lot by himself and when they got him up and sat him on the side of a bench he sat completely by himself for several minutes. He seems to have great control and balance. The speech therapist also put the cap on the trach today and that stayed on for about an hour. He did great with it. Tonight when Tabby went to leave Paul actually tried to put his legs to the floor and was attempting to get up from the bed. Bobby and Dad had to stop him from getting himself out of the bed!! It seems he does more and more each day. We are so blessed with good things!
Have a great day!!
Love Lynne & Carl
Oh … where to start!! What an exciting day. The day started with Tabby & Carolyn off to the sonogram. Carolyn took a video of the event ... although she couldn't take the video into the actual sonogram procedure she did take video along the way and after it was over. Then they were off to tell Paul the exciting news!!! It's (going to be) a BOY! Tabby could hardly contain herself. She and Carolyn went out and got a balloon that said "It's a boy" and bought some very cute outfits. It is a day she will always remember. This afternoon the therapists came and took Paul to the therapy room downstairs in the nursing home. The speech therapist worked with him to get him to follow commands. She also applied an ice pack to Paul's leg to get him to kick his foot. He did that but he did something they DIDN'T expect. He reached out with his left hand and pulled his pants leg back down over his leg and then sat back with a smile on his face!!! It wasn't a large smile but the fact that it was a smile is great ... and he reasoned out how to cover his leg and prevent the ice pack from touching his skin. He did it twice!! Dad said he actually saw Paul give the therapist "the finger"! Remember ... anger is good!! LOL Then they worked with cones. He wasn't very interested in doing the cones but he cooperated a little. He was repositioning himself in his wheelchair a lot by himself and when they got him up and sat him on the side of a bench he sat completely by himself for several minutes. He seems to have great control and balance. The speech therapist also put the cap on the trach today and that stayed on for about an hour. He did great with it. Tonight when Tabby went to leave Paul actually tried to put his legs to the floor and was attempting to get up from the bed. Bobby and Dad had to stop him from getting himself out of the bed!! It seems he does more and more each day. We are so blessed with good things!
Have a great day!!
Love Lynne & Carl
Monday, February 06, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/06/05
Dear Friends:
Today was "re-admit" day. Since Paul left the nursing home last week then returned they need to go through the admission process again. The therapists came in to "evaluate" Paul. They were very pleased at how alert he is compared to the last time they saw him (last Monday). The occupational therapist wanted to sit him up, but first she started with "squeeze my hand" then "open your hand", he did that several times which pleased her. When they went to sit him up they asked him to scoot over in the bed, he moved one foot and they moved the other. Then they tried to have him sit up, he tried to pull himself up into position but he couldn't sit up so he held out his hand to have someone help him. Once he was sitting up Keith was trying to get him to track a finger with his eyes. He followed Keith's finger to the left easily but with more work he was able to get him to look to the right also. Keith checked Paul's leg reflexes and said they were normal which was pleasing since some brain injury patients become hypersensitive in their reflexes. They had him try to kick out with his foot, he attempted to do it but he had some trouble with that. Once the exam was done they decided to wait until tomorrow to do more rehab work. They didn't say what level he is at yet, maybe we will get more tomorrow. He stayed awake most of the day and Dad spent lots of time exercising him. Tabby came in around 5pm. He responded to her very well. He was rubbing her stomach a lot. Hopefully that means he is aware of the baby!! Tuesday is the sonogram...maybe Tabby will be able to share whether they have a boy or girl!! Tabby spends a great deal of time making sure he is groomed (face washing, teeth brushing, etc). She also spends a lot of time talking to him, hugging & kissing him and laying in bed with him. I think she is really the best rehab he can get!!
Blessings, Lynne & Carl
Today was "re-admit" day. Since Paul left the nursing home last week then returned they need to go through the admission process again. The therapists came in to "evaluate" Paul. They were very pleased at how alert he is compared to the last time they saw him (last Monday). The occupational therapist wanted to sit him up, but first she started with "squeeze my hand" then "open your hand", he did that several times which pleased her. When they went to sit him up they asked him to scoot over in the bed, he moved one foot and they moved the other. Then they tried to have him sit up, he tried to pull himself up into position but he couldn't sit up so he held out his hand to have someone help him. Once he was sitting up Keith was trying to get him to track a finger with his eyes. He followed Keith's finger to the left easily but with more work he was able to get him to look to the right also. Keith checked Paul's leg reflexes and said they were normal which was pleasing since some brain injury patients become hypersensitive in their reflexes. They had him try to kick out with his foot, he attempted to do it but he had some trouble with that. Once the exam was done they decided to wait until tomorrow to do more rehab work. They didn't say what level he is at yet, maybe we will get more tomorrow. He stayed awake most of the day and Dad spent lots of time exercising him. Tabby came in around 5pm. He responded to her very well. He was rubbing her stomach a lot. Hopefully that means he is aware of the baby!! Tuesday is the sonogram...maybe Tabby will be able to share whether they have a boy or girl!! Tabby spends a great deal of time making sure he is groomed (face washing, teeth brushing, etc). She also spends a lot of time talking to him, hugging & kissing him and laying in bed with him. I think she is really the best rehab he can get!!
Blessings, Lynne & Carl
Whoa Nelly
Well, another weekend has come and gone. Friday Night into Saturday was spent riding in a truck, eating the fine cuisine from a truck stop, and trying to drink coffee while bouncing all over the place. Mind you I didn't say the driver couldn't find the least bumpy path but those chuck holes that most cars miss, this truck found with unerring accuracy. All in all, it was a fun trip with a lot of time to talk.
Saturday's Mexican food feast was as good as usual. The funny part was that Lou fell asleep on the way over and slept all through dinner. So, we had to hit the MacDonald’s drive through for a kid’s meal with chicken. I do wish they would hire people that could speak the minimum of English to serve people correctly. I ordered the happy meal, she asked "for a boy or girl," I responded "Boy". Needless to say we got a girl's meal. Does Boy mean Girl in Spanish?
Virginia is considering a surgical castration procedure for violent sex offenders to stop these people. From what I have been reading they are wasting their time but placating their conscious. From what I read, they are slowed down but as one guy said, "When I want to (have sex) I can." Yes the drive is decreased but it does remain. They all said they are weaker, good for the victim but a gun, knife, or other object is a force multiplier. I continue to think these crimes are violent and provide a feeling of control and domination and the sex part is just a minor part used to debase the victim. So what do we gain? I would rather see the "single bullet between the eyes" method applied. We are really doing very little to protect our children, women and other vulnerable people. Let's get serious and stop these predators ... dead in their tracks.
Gee, I am surprised. With the price of oil hitting $70 a barrel, the Oil Companies would be struggling to provide us affordable gasoline. Well, they (Exxon) did struggle last quarter by only being able to post a 10.1 Billion profit. With this paltry profit they are feeling the economic squeeze that warrants the Federal Government support with tax cuts and subsidies. While I doubted the Governments logic, I now understand in the face of Exxon's near economic collapse. To preserve these business that have trouble managing in this volatile environment -- Regulate them -- this would minimize their exposure. Gasoline is an essential item for the survival of the family. We have regulated other industries so let's regulate this one. Regulate the price of fuel back to $1.50 a gallon; also mandate the Auto companies to produce vehicles (cars, vans and trucks) with an EPA rating of 50 miles per gallon (city). This mandate for vehicles would take effect in 2 years and the consumers would have 4 years to acquire a new vehicle meeting this requirement. This way everyone does their part.
How does the Government support this price of fuel? Stop all pork barrel projects (earmarks).
Yes, I know. These will never happen because of the lobbyist have our best interest in their thoughts. But that is the problem; it is in their thoughts and not in their actions.
Saturday's Mexican food feast was as good as usual. The funny part was that Lou fell asleep on the way over and slept all through dinner. So, we had to hit the MacDonald’s drive through for a kid’s meal with chicken. I do wish they would hire people that could speak the minimum of English to serve people correctly. I ordered the happy meal, she asked "for a boy or girl," I responded "Boy". Needless to say we got a girl's meal. Does Boy mean Girl in Spanish?
Virginia is considering a surgical castration procedure for violent sex offenders to stop these people. From what I have been reading they are wasting their time but placating their conscious. From what I read, they are slowed down but as one guy said, "When I want to (have sex) I can." Yes the drive is decreased but it does remain. They all said they are weaker, good for the victim but a gun, knife, or other object is a force multiplier. I continue to think these crimes are violent and provide a feeling of control and domination and the sex part is just a minor part used to debase the victim. So what do we gain? I would rather see the "single bullet between the eyes" method applied. We are really doing very little to protect our children, women and other vulnerable people. Let's get serious and stop these predators ... dead in their tracks.
Gee, I am surprised. With the price of oil hitting $70 a barrel, the Oil Companies would be struggling to provide us affordable gasoline. Well, they (Exxon) did struggle last quarter by only being able to post a 10.1 Billion profit. With this paltry profit they are feeling the economic squeeze that warrants the Federal Government support with tax cuts and subsidies. While I doubted the Governments logic, I now understand in the face of Exxon's near economic collapse. To preserve these business that have trouble managing in this volatile environment -- Regulate them -- this would minimize their exposure. Gasoline is an essential item for the survival of the family. We have regulated other industries so let's regulate this one. Regulate the price of fuel back to $1.50 a gallon; also mandate the Auto companies to produce vehicles (cars, vans and trucks) with an EPA rating of 50 miles per gallon (city). This mandate for vehicles would take effect in 2 years and the consumers would have 4 years to acquire a new vehicle meeting this requirement. This way everyone does their part.
How does the Government support this price of fuel? Stop all pork barrel projects (earmarks).
Yes, I know. These will never happen because of the lobbyist have our best interest in their thoughts. But that is the problem; it is in their thoughts and not in their actions.
Paul's Update - 02/05/05
Dear Friends:
Today was a quiet and mostly uneventful day but Paul was awake much more today. He spent most of the day awake and was awake when we left tonight at 10pm. Dad was able to exercise him quiet a bit. It is very difficult for him to lift his arms but Dad is able to work with him to loosen up the joints. His legs move pretty easily but the arms are stiff and painful for him to move. Dad repeated the work with him to reach for the stuffed kitty and have him hand it back. Dad also told him to pass the kitty to Tabby who was sitting on his right side. He actually reached across his body with his left hand to give it to Tabby!! Wow ... how great is that! He was very active on his own as well, he was moving his covers on and off of himself and kicking his feet a lot. When he has his boot off he seems to like pushing his feet against the end of the bed. He also had the cap on his trach today for about 1/2 hour. The cap actually makes it a talking trach. The goal is to get him to tolerate breathing with it for about 2 hours a day. He didn't do as well with it today ... tomorrow he will try again. Tabby has started introducing a wet sponge into his mouth. He does a chewing action and then swallows the water he gets from the sponge. This will encourage him to be ready for more foods by mouth. Tabby wants to check with the nutritionist on Monday to see if she can start giving him small tastes of popsicles. Monday will be a great day ... we can finally get back to the physical therapy. He hasn't had any real therapy since last Monday. I think he will be ready since he's had four full days to recover from the surgery. Keith (the physical therapist) will be glad to see him back. All of the therapist at the nursing home seem to take a sincere interest in Paul and his recovery. Work, work, work ... no results without hard work!! I'm so thankful for them!! Have a great week. :-)
Love Lynne & Carl
Today was a quiet and mostly uneventful day but Paul was awake much more today. He spent most of the day awake and was awake when we left tonight at 10pm. Dad was able to exercise him quiet a bit. It is very difficult for him to lift his arms but Dad is able to work with him to loosen up the joints. His legs move pretty easily but the arms are stiff and painful for him to move. Dad repeated the work with him to reach for the stuffed kitty and have him hand it back. Dad also told him to pass the kitty to Tabby who was sitting on his right side. He actually reached across his body with his left hand to give it to Tabby!! Wow ... how great is that! He was very active on his own as well, he was moving his covers on and off of himself and kicking his feet a lot. When he has his boot off he seems to like pushing his feet against the end of the bed. He also had the cap on his trach today for about 1/2 hour. The cap actually makes it a talking trach. The goal is to get him to tolerate breathing with it for about 2 hours a day. He didn't do as well with it today ... tomorrow he will try again. Tabby has started introducing a wet sponge into his mouth. He does a chewing action and then swallows the water he gets from the sponge. This will encourage him to be ready for more foods by mouth. Tabby wants to check with the nutritionist on Monday to see if she can start giving him small tastes of popsicles. Monday will be a great day ... we can finally get back to the physical therapy. He hasn't had any real therapy since last Monday. I think he will be ready since he's had four full days to recover from the surgery. Keith (the physical therapist) will be glad to see him back. All of the therapist at the nursing home seem to take a sincere interest in Paul and his recovery. Work, work, work ... no results without hard work!! I'm so thankful for them!! Have a great week. :-)
Love Lynne & Carl
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/04/06
Dear Friends:
Not much to report today. Paul was pretty tired all day. We started off to the nursing home around 10a.m. Tabby had gone out for coffee with Carolyn, Billy & Alysa. They got there soon after we arrived. Paul was awake but not very active. Dad tried to exercise his left arm a bit since it was a little stiff. Once he limbered up some he was able to grab his little stuffed kitty from Dad's hand and hand it back to him. His arms seemed pretty relaxed but they are weak and stiff at the joints. All the staff at the nursing home were noticing that we were back but in a different room today. It doesn't take long to get re-oriented when they already know the patient! Tabby & Carolyn went back out this afternoon to do some registrations for baby items. It won't be long before she will be needing baby things!!! June 8 is the due date. On Tuesday this upcoming week is the sonogram. Maybe the baby will cooperate enough to tell whether we will have a boy or girl!! I think Paul will enjoy knowing! Bobby was gone today…he spent the day with a friend. Tomorrow I suspect all the boys will be watching the Superbowl. We will put it on for Paul…although I don't know who he would be cheering for! We are looking forward to Monday when Paul can get back into the rehab routine. Hopefully we will be able to get a wheelchair to keep in his room again. He lost the other one when we went to the hospital. As always … thanks for your prayers … it was a busy week and God has blessed us well.
Love, Lynne & Carl
Not much to report today. Paul was pretty tired all day. We started off to the nursing home around 10a.m. Tabby had gone out for coffee with Carolyn, Billy & Alysa. They got there soon after we arrived. Paul was awake but not very active. Dad tried to exercise his left arm a bit since it was a little stiff. Once he limbered up some he was able to grab his little stuffed kitty from Dad's hand and hand it back to him. His arms seemed pretty relaxed but they are weak and stiff at the joints. All the staff at the nursing home were noticing that we were back but in a different room today. It doesn't take long to get re-oriented when they already know the patient! Tabby & Carolyn went back out this afternoon to do some registrations for baby items. It won't be long before she will be needing baby things!!! June 8 is the due date. On Tuesday this upcoming week is the sonogram. Maybe the baby will cooperate enough to tell whether we will have a boy or girl!! I think Paul will enjoy knowing! Bobby was gone today…he spent the day with a friend. Tomorrow I suspect all the boys will be watching the Superbowl. We will put it on for Paul…although I don't know who he would be cheering for! We are looking forward to Monday when Paul can get back into the rehab routine. Hopefully we will be able to get a wheelchair to keep in his room again. He lost the other one when we went to the hospital. As always … thanks for your prayers … it was a busy week and God has blessed us well.
Love, Lynne & Carl
Paul's Update - 02/03/06
Dear Friends:
God blesses us each day. Today was no different. Another CT was done today and the doctor said it looks good. The trauma team replaced Paul's trach to the speaking trach. When the speech therapist came in to see him she liked the "chewing action" & swallowing he is doing. Once he can tolerate the speaking trach for more than 20 minutes at a time they can start trying to introduce food by mouth. The physical therapist came in this morning and tried to sit him up in the bed. He apparently threw up after he'd wobbled a bit. The nurse said that the orthopedist was pleased with the x-ray of his foot. All looks good there. Once everyone had seen him he was cleared to go back to Manor Care as soon as possible. They ordered a transport for 5pm tonight and he was back in a room at the nursing home by 6pm. He is now in room 126 which is actually a nicer room and he has a view of the woods and the townhouse development behind the nursing home. This room is a little bigger and has a shower (the other one didn't). Tabby decided to stay with Paul through the night. He will start again on Monday with physical therapy. Today was the completion of 13 weeks (91 days) since the accident. It is amazing that so much has happened in that time. Have a great weekend.
Love, Lynne & Carl
God blesses us each day. Today was no different. Another CT was done today and the doctor said it looks good. The trauma team replaced Paul's trach to the speaking trach. When the speech therapist came in to see him she liked the "chewing action" & swallowing he is doing. Once he can tolerate the speaking trach for more than 20 minutes at a time they can start trying to introduce food by mouth. The physical therapist came in this morning and tried to sit him up in the bed. He apparently threw up after he'd wobbled a bit. The nurse said that the orthopedist was pleased with the x-ray of his foot. All looks good there. Once everyone had seen him he was cleared to go back to Manor Care as soon as possible. They ordered a transport for 5pm tonight and he was back in a room at the nursing home by 6pm. He is now in room 126 which is actually a nicer room and he has a view of the woods and the townhouse development behind the nursing home. This room is a little bigger and has a shower (the other one didn't). Tabby decided to stay with Paul through the night. He will start again on Monday with physical therapy. Today was the completion of 13 weeks (91 days) since the accident. It is amazing that so much has happened in that time. Have a great weekend.
Love, Lynne & Carl
Friday, February 03, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/02/06
Dear Friends:
Paul had a pretty good day today. Dr. Azzam (neurosurgeon) talked to Dad & Tabby and said that the CT scan that was done today shows a 20% reduction in the fluid on the brain since the surgery. He has ordered another one for Friday morning. It is his opinion that from a neurological standpoint Paul is ready to be released back to the nursing home. Tabby will consult with the Trauma team sometime Friday to get their opinion. If everyone agrees and the nursing home has a bed he might be moved as early as Saturday. The IVC filter (that catches blood clots) was turned today. When he went down for the procedure he displayed more of the anger that he exhibited yesterday. The doctor gave him something to calm him down so the procedure could be done. Of course, as soon as Paul was sedated …. the physical therapy team came to evaluate him. He (of course) was not responsive!! Duh!! The consolation we have is that the neurosurgeon's partner told Dad that if Paul is really doing all the things we say he is …. he would rate him about a level 4 … maybe even a level 5!!! We are realistic to know that he is probably only a level 4 but it would be nice if the therapist could SEE that!! Friday is suppose to be the trach replacement. This new trach will allow the air that Paul breathes to go in through the trach and out through the mouth and nose. After that is installed … IF Paul can talk it will allow the air across his vocal cords to enable him to talk. Paul currently breathes regular air and his oxygen level stays normal. Eventually he will have the trach removed. Tonight we had a visit from the orthopedic surgeon who said that after the 17th of February Paul should be able to start doing some weight bearing on his left foot. Good news ….. since he enjoys standing and trying to walk! Once we get him back to the nursing home he will resume his physical therapy. It is really good to see Paul look so good. This is the first surgery that Paul has bounced back from so quickly. He watches us when we talk to him. He watches the nurses when they work with him. We are so thankful that God is restoring him to us! Have a great Friday!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Paul had a pretty good day today. Dr. Azzam (neurosurgeon) talked to Dad & Tabby and said that the CT scan that was done today shows a 20% reduction in the fluid on the brain since the surgery. He has ordered another one for Friday morning. It is his opinion that from a neurological standpoint Paul is ready to be released back to the nursing home. Tabby will consult with the Trauma team sometime Friday to get their opinion. If everyone agrees and the nursing home has a bed he might be moved as early as Saturday. The IVC filter (that catches blood clots) was turned today. When he went down for the procedure he displayed more of the anger that he exhibited yesterday. The doctor gave him something to calm him down so the procedure could be done. Of course, as soon as Paul was sedated …. the physical therapy team came to evaluate him. He (of course) was not responsive!! Duh!! The consolation we have is that the neurosurgeon's partner told Dad that if Paul is really doing all the things we say he is …. he would rate him about a level 4 … maybe even a level 5!!! We are realistic to know that he is probably only a level 4 but it would be nice if the therapist could SEE that!! Friday is suppose to be the trach replacement. This new trach will allow the air that Paul breathes to go in through the trach and out through the mouth and nose. After that is installed … IF Paul can talk it will allow the air across his vocal cords to enable him to talk. Paul currently breathes regular air and his oxygen level stays normal. Eventually he will have the trach removed. Tonight we had a visit from the orthopedic surgeon who said that after the 17th of February Paul should be able to start doing some weight bearing on his left foot. Good news ….. since he enjoys standing and trying to walk! Once we get him back to the nursing home he will resume his physical therapy. It is really good to see Paul look so good. This is the first surgery that Paul has bounced back from so quickly. He watches us when we talk to him. He watches the nurses when they work with him. We are so thankful that God is restoring him to us! Have a great Friday!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/01/06
Dear Friends:
Surgery is over and all is well. He was moved to pre-op around 3 pm for the 4 pm scheduled surgery. It took about 2 hours before the doctor called and told Tabby that he was done and that it went well. He was moved to recovery for about and hour. Tabby & I went into recovery around 7pm to see him. He started to wake up while we were there. He got anxious and his heart rate went up briefly. He opened his eyes and looked at us. Within about a minute he calmed down and went back to sleep. When the transport people came to take him back to intermediate care he was wide awake, he was watching people all around him. He seemed to be somewhat alarmed about all the activity. He was finally settled in his room about 8:30. We stayed for about 1/2 hour before we left to go home. He was sleeping when we left. Paul started his day in an unusual form. After his nurse came in and started his antibiotic he began to exhibit much anger. His face got red, his arms and legs were moving violently ..... he was mad about something!! This is a really good thing because as I said before stage 4 is displays of anger and frustration. We are hopeful that this is what we are seeing and that it is just the beginning. He was moving his right side as much as his left. He actually crossed his right leg up and over his knee on the left leg. Thursday will be a busy day. The trach will be replaced by a speaking trach, the IVC filter will be turned and he will probably be moved to another room if he does well tonight. Thank you for all your prayer. God is honoring our faith and patience!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Surgery is over and all is well. He was moved to pre-op around 3 pm for the 4 pm scheduled surgery. It took about 2 hours before the doctor called and told Tabby that he was done and that it went well. He was moved to recovery for about and hour. Tabby & I went into recovery around 7pm to see him. He started to wake up while we were there. He got anxious and his heart rate went up briefly. He opened his eyes and looked at us. Within about a minute he calmed down and went back to sleep. When the transport people came to take him back to intermediate care he was wide awake, he was watching people all around him. He seemed to be somewhat alarmed about all the activity. He was finally settled in his room about 8:30. We stayed for about 1/2 hour before we left to go home. He was sleeping when we left. Paul started his day in an unusual form. After his nurse came in and started his antibiotic he began to exhibit much anger. His face got red, his arms and legs were moving violently ..... he was mad about something!! This is a really good thing because as I said before stage 4 is displays of anger and frustration. We are hopeful that this is what we are seeing and that it is just the beginning. He was moving his right side as much as his left. He actually crossed his right leg up and over his knee on the left leg. Thursday will be a busy day. The trach will be replaced by a speaking trach, the IVC filter will be turned and he will probably be moved to another room if he does well tonight. Thank you for all your prayer. God is honoring our faith and patience!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Soap Box
It seems staying busy is the word for today. Tomorrow is the meeting in New Jersey. I hope I don't get mugged and dumped in the river by the mob. February is here .. Can someone tell me what happened to January?
I love what some people say to get me to work on their computer.
1. The laptop you set me up at work won't recognize the Ethernet connection I plug it into when I get home. But it works fine on the wireless at Work. ((We don't have wireless at work, she connects by Ethernet cable. She had no idea what the blue cat 5 cable was and thought the blinking hard drive light was actually her wireless and the blinking was the wireless activity.))
2. I am tired of switching from the user to the administrator on my laptop when I install software. Come and make my user account have administrator rights. ((Then go and give yourself the rights, you are logged in as Administrator.))
3. My printer hasn't worked all day. I have tried everything I know to get it too work. ((Put it back online))
4. Come help me. My email is broke. I haven't received any email for two days and I know my clients would send me something. So the server must be broke. (( Press the Send/Receive button. It was not set to automatically check for email. ))
5. I am missing my memory storage device. I know it was here since I used it last week. ((This Einstein was holding a 5 1/4 inch Floppy Disk. I have yet to see Dell ship a Pentium 4 with a 5 1/4 Drive.))
For my two cents -- I believe all major programs should be funded first (Social Security, Medicare, Military Spending, Education and such) before ANY pork barrel (earmarks) are funded. The Congress person's would only have what is leftover after the real programs are funded. But I don't think we will ever see that because the Congress person needs that to slush money in order to win re-election. In my system, the Congress person would have make sure Military Spending was done efficiently and at the best cost consistent with quality. Let the vendor overcharge by 200% and your pork barrel fund would get that much less.
I love what some people say to get me to work on their computer.
1. The laptop you set me up at work won't recognize the Ethernet connection I plug it into when I get home. But it works fine on the wireless at Work. ((We don't have wireless at work, she connects by Ethernet cable. She had no idea what the blue cat 5 cable was and thought the blinking hard drive light was actually her wireless and the blinking was the wireless activity.))
2. I am tired of switching from the user to the administrator on my laptop when I install software. Come and make my user account have administrator rights. ((Then go and give yourself the rights, you are logged in as Administrator.))
3. My printer hasn't worked all day. I have tried everything I know to get it too work. ((Put it back online))
4. Come help me. My email is broke. I haven't received any email for two days and I know my clients would send me something. So the server must be broke. (( Press the Send/Receive button. It was not set to automatically check for email. ))
5. I am missing my memory storage device. I know it was here since I used it last week. ((This Einstein was holding a 5 1/4 inch Floppy Disk. I have yet to see Dell ship a Pentium 4 with a 5 1/4 Drive.))
For my two cents -- I believe all major programs should be funded first (Social Security, Medicare, Military Spending, Education and such) before ANY pork barrel (earmarks) are funded. The Congress person's would only have what is leftover after the real programs are funded. But I don't think we will ever see that because the Congress person needs that to slush money in order to win re-election. In my system, the Congress person would have make sure Military Spending was done efficiently and at the best cost consistent with quality. Let the vendor overcharge by 200% and your pork barrel fund would get that much less.
Paul's Update - 01/31/06
Dear Friends:
Dad arrived early at the Hospital today. He wanted to be there when the doctor came in for rounds. According to Dr. Azzam, the fluid level in Paul's brain is even worse than it was last Friday. The CT showed large amounts of fluid that would cause problems in any normal person such as vision, hearing, ability to stand or talk. These are most of the things we have been concerned about since the adjustment was done last Monday. His physical condition seemed to be worse .... he slept most of the week last week. The doctor said the first shunt was apparently damaged by an MRI that was done shortly after it was installed. After they remove the current shunt they may know why it doesn't seem to be working. They plan to replace the tube that drains the fluid into his stomach because there is speculation that it could be clogged. All of the doctors and other staff that saw Paul when he was at the hospital before were amazed at the improvement he has had since he left at the end of December. We are hopeful that after surgery Wednesday he will make a more marked improvement. Surgery is scheduled for late in the day (possibly 4pm). Dad & Tabby will be at the hospital early in the morning to attempt to talk to the doctor again. Paul had more therapy & testing done today. He had a specimen collected to test for signs of active staff and the respiratory therapist worked with him to clear some of the congestion he is having. Tonight he seemed to have lots less mucous. He was awake off & on all day. Since there was not real physical therapy except what Dad did he wasn't very active. He did watch a little TV with Dad (This Old House ... pretty good stuff!) While Paul is at the hospital recovering we are hoping that the smaller trach will be put in. Tabby also would like to have the IVC Filter turned and have the orthopedist come in to see Paul. They might as well try to have a "all purpose" visit while he is there!!! Please pray for Paul, his doctors & nurses, and our family as we go through surgery. I pray that this is the beginning of much recovery ......
Blessings, Lynne & Carl
Dad arrived early at the Hospital today. He wanted to be there when the doctor came in for rounds. According to Dr. Azzam, the fluid level in Paul's brain is even worse than it was last Friday. The CT showed large amounts of fluid that would cause problems in any normal person such as vision, hearing, ability to stand or talk. These are most of the things we have been concerned about since the adjustment was done last Monday. His physical condition seemed to be worse .... he slept most of the week last week. The doctor said the first shunt was apparently damaged by an MRI that was done shortly after it was installed. After they remove the current shunt they may know why it doesn't seem to be working. They plan to replace the tube that drains the fluid into his stomach because there is speculation that it could be clogged. All of the doctors and other staff that saw Paul when he was at the hospital before were amazed at the improvement he has had since he left at the end of December. We are hopeful that after surgery Wednesday he will make a more marked improvement. Surgery is scheduled for late in the day (possibly 4pm). Dad & Tabby will be at the hospital early in the morning to attempt to talk to the doctor again. Paul had more therapy & testing done today. He had a specimen collected to test for signs of active staff and the respiratory therapist worked with him to clear some of the congestion he is having. Tonight he seemed to have lots less mucous. He was awake off & on all day. Since there was not real physical therapy except what Dad did he wasn't very active. He did watch a little TV with Dad (This Old House ... pretty good stuff!) While Paul is at the hospital recovering we are hoping that the smaller trach will be put in. Tabby also would like to have the IVC Filter turned and have the orthopedist come in to see Paul. They might as well try to have a "all purpose" visit while he is there!!! Please pray for Paul, his doctors & nurses, and our family as we go through surgery. I pray that this is the beginning of much recovery ......
Blessings, Lynne & Carl
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Paul's Update - 01/30/06
Dear Friends:
Paul went back to Fairfax Hospital today. He has been scheduled to have the shunt replaced on Wednesday. A transport came to get him around 5pm tonight. We got to the hospital just before the nurses were ready to do the shift change. They did his vitals and got the paperwork started. Dr. Azzam came by to give us some idea of the plan for the next couple of days. He ordered some tests ... X-ray & CT scan. He wants the infectious disease group to look at him (because of the staff mostly). He ordered the respiratory therapy & feeding tube to be resumed. They are discontinuing the blood thinner until after the surgery. Needless to say, we are not thrilled that Paul will have to endure another surgery .... but it is comforting that he is getting such a good look over and will have excellent nursing care. He will stay at the hospital for three days after surgery for observation. The nursing home said they can't hold the room for Paul but we are hopeful that they will have a bed for him when he needs to leave the hospital. The administrative staff and the therapists would really like to see him be able to come back. Dad said today was a really good day for Paul. The new brace on his right leg seems to make him move the leg and foot more. When I came into the nursing home this afternoon he had both legs hanging off the right side of the bed. Dad said that he had done that himself and that he was hanging them off then pulling them back onto the bed. He really seems to look around and AT us more and more. It seems like there is more "warmth" in his look. Dad also said he is holding up his left hand and turning it at the wrist like he is "checking it out". He is relaxing both arms more since Dad has been working with him on it. He also gets frustrated with Dad doing personal hygiene stuff. It seems like he is getting very close to moving to stage 4. We've been told that many patients take a long time to get to 4 but usually progress more quickly to 8. This gives us much hope!! If you want to come to the hospital the visiting is from 10am-8pm. He is in room 354. Have a good day!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Paul went back to Fairfax Hospital today. He has been scheduled to have the shunt replaced on Wednesday. A transport came to get him around 5pm tonight. We got to the hospital just before the nurses were ready to do the shift change. They did his vitals and got the paperwork started. Dr. Azzam came by to give us some idea of the plan for the next couple of days. He ordered some tests ... X-ray & CT scan. He wants the infectious disease group to look at him (because of the staff mostly). He ordered the respiratory therapy & feeding tube to be resumed. They are discontinuing the blood thinner until after the surgery. Needless to say, we are not thrilled that Paul will have to endure another surgery .... but it is comforting that he is getting such a good look over and will have excellent nursing care. He will stay at the hospital for three days after surgery for observation. The nursing home said they can't hold the room for Paul but we are hopeful that they will have a bed for him when he needs to leave the hospital. The administrative staff and the therapists would really like to see him be able to come back. Dad said today was a really good day for Paul. The new brace on his right leg seems to make him move the leg and foot more. When I came into the nursing home this afternoon he had both legs hanging off the right side of the bed. Dad said that he had done that himself and that he was hanging them off then pulling them back onto the bed. He really seems to look around and AT us more and more. It seems like there is more "warmth" in his look. Dad also said he is holding up his left hand and turning it at the wrist like he is "checking it out". He is relaxing both arms more since Dad has been working with him on it. He also gets frustrated with Dad doing personal hygiene stuff. It seems like he is getting very close to moving to stage 4. We've been told that many patients take a long time to get to 4 but usually progress more quickly to 8. This gives us much hope!! If you want to come to the hospital the visiting is from 10am-8pm. He is in room 354. Have a good day!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Monday, January 30, 2006
Paul's Update - 01/29/06
Dear Friends:
As I said before, weekends are pretty quiet. Today was very quiet. We had some visitors but Paul was not very active. He would wake up and move around a bit but he wasn't up much. Tabby took a break and did some work at home today. Bobby took the day away too. It was a good day to rest for all of us. We certainly do enjoy having our friends come to visit though. Paul's boss & his wife came by to visit, also some friends from church. Tabby tried to call the doctor today but we never got a response. The doctor was not on call today so we will have to wait for tomorrow to hear what he wants to do about the shunt. This week we will be looking at another trip to Fair Oaks Hospital to have the IVC filter (the umbrella to catch blood clots) turned. This prevents it from becoming embedded in Paul's vein and becoming permanent. The other thing we expect to happen this week is the change of the trach to a talking trach. That could happen as early as Monday. He isn't trying to do any talking yet but it would be nice for him to be able to when he's ready! Have a great week!
Love, Lynne & Carl
As I said before, weekends are pretty quiet. Today was very quiet. We had some visitors but Paul was not very active. He would wake up and move around a bit but he wasn't up much. Tabby took a break and did some work at home today. Bobby took the day away too. It was a good day to rest for all of us. We certainly do enjoy having our friends come to visit though. Paul's boss & his wife came by to visit, also some friends from church. Tabby tried to call the doctor today but we never got a response. The doctor was not on call today so we will have to wait for tomorrow to hear what he wants to do about the shunt. This week we will be looking at another trip to Fair Oaks Hospital to have the IVC filter (the umbrella to catch blood clots) turned. This prevents it from becoming embedded in Paul's vein and becoming permanent. The other thing we expect to happen this week is the change of the trach to a talking trach. That could happen as early as Monday. He isn't trying to do any talking yet but it would be nice for him to be able to when he's ready! Have a great week!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Boom, Pow, Zap
This weekend has continued to go downhill. We missed the Mexican food. I can't remember the last time we missed it when we were in town. That was because Lou got sick (as in barf) as we were getting ready. He had done that earlier in the week, so not wanting to tempt fate we stayed home. Would you believe it, he never got sick again the rest of the weekend. Then I had an argument with a good friend over something that for the most part was miscommunications on both sides.
To add insult to injury, another friend opened their mouth when the better part of common sense should have ruled and kept it shut. I just don't like people putting words in my mouth when I kept mine shut. Am I mad .. No .. Just disappointed and feeling alone. Is this medium worth all the issues it brings? I doubt it but the few friends somehow counterbalance it, at least enough to drag me back occasionally. It is interesting how over time we have gone from RP every possible moment we can spare to almost feeling obligated to show up and then trying to make the exposure as short as possible.
Bowling did go fairly well but concentration was erratic. Concentration is the difference between the really good scores and the just average ones. Concentration is the missing a spare and losing as to picking the spare up and winning, it was that close. Next week I bowl against the two young ladies I have coached for the last year or more. That should prove interesting. Teacher vs. Student. --- wax on .. wax off.
After a long week of short nights, my knight server has been upgraded and everything squared away. The old server lasted 3 months short of 8 years. It never grew bigger than a Pentium 200. They don't make them as good as the old ones anymore.
This week I will be in New Jersey for a Radio Systems demonstration. That should prove interesting, as it will give us some great ideas for the three new studios we are building later in February. What scares me is going that deep into Yankee territory.
8 weeks till Nationals in Corpus Christi, TX.
To add insult to injury, another friend opened their mouth when the better part of common sense should have ruled and kept it shut. I just don't like people putting words in my mouth when I kept mine shut. Am I mad .. No .. Just disappointed and feeling alone. Is this medium worth all the issues it brings? I doubt it but the few friends somehow counterbalance it, at least enough to drag me back occasionally. It is interesting how over time we have gone from RP every possible moment we can spare to almost feeling obligated to show up and then trying to make the exposure as short as possible.
Bowling did go fairly well but concentration was erratic. Concentration is the difference between the really good scores and the just average ones. Concentration is the missing a spare and losing as to picking the spare up and winning, it was that close. Next week I bowl against the two young ladies I have coached for the last year or more. That should prove interesting. Teacher vs. Student. --- wax on .. wax off.
After a long week of short nights, my knight server has been upgraded and everything squared away. The old server lasted 3 months short of 8 years. It never grew bigger than a Pentium 200. They don't make them as good as the old ones anymore.
This week I will be in New Jersey for a Radio Systems demonstration. That should prove interesting, as it will give us some great ideas for the three new studios we are building later in February. What scares me is going that deep into Yankee territory.
8 weeks till Nationals in Corpus Christi, TX.
Paul's Update - 01/28/06
Dear Friends:
Weekends are always most restful. Today was mostly that. Dad got there early as usual and Bobby was still there from the last night. Paul had been up most of the night according to Bobby. We are pretty convinced that he has his nights and days mixed up. Since there is no therapy on the weekends it was up to Dad & Bobby to exercise him. It was a pretty day and Paul loves getting outside so they went out for about 45 minutes and walked around the townhouse community. He seems pretty alert when he is awake. That is not to say he acknowledges us much yet but he seems to look at things more intentionally each day. Paul also got a new accessory today. He now has a brace on his right foot to help keep it from drooping. Since he doesn't move that foot much it tends to drop down. This makes the muscles in the leg tight and difficult for him to lift his foot. The brace is spring loaded and will attempt to push his foot up which will stretch the calf muscle but will still allow him to move the foot in both directions independent from the brace. It was made specifically for Paul (custom fitted). Tabby was gone all day today. She took the opportunity to go to visit her parents in Martinsburg WV. They haven't seen her for several weeks. It was a good time for Tabby to "get away". Since she was out of state she couldn't get cell phone range so she wasn't able to talk to the doctor today. She will try again tomorrow. I'm sure nothing will be decided until Monday but it would be nice to know what we will be looking at with regard to the shunt.
As always... we thank you for your continued love and prayers!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Weekends are always most restful. Today was mostly that. Dad got there early as usual and Bobby was still there from the last night. Paul had been up most of the night according to Bobby. We are pretty convinced that he has his nights and days mixed up. Since there is no therapy on the weekends it was up to Dad & Bobby to exercise him. It was a pretty day and Paul loves getting outside so they went out for about 45 minutes and walked around the townhouse community. He seems pretty alert when he is awake. That is not to say he acknowledges us much yet but he seems to look at things more intentionally each day. Paul also got a new accessory today. He now has a brace on his right foot to help keep it from drooping. Since he doesn't move that foot much it tends to drop down. This makes the muscles in the leg tight and difficult for him to lift his foot. The brace is spring loaded and will attempt to push his foot up which will stretch the calf muscle but will still allow him to move the foot in both directions independent from the brace. It was made specifically for Paul (custom fitted). Tabby was gone all day today. She took the opportunity to go to visit her parents in Martinsburg WV. They haven't seen her for several weeks. It was a good time for Tabby to "get away". Since she was out of state she couldn't get cell phone range so she wasn't able to talk to the doctor today. She will try again tomorrow. I'm sure nothing will be decided until Monday but it would be nice to know what we will be looking at with regard to the shunt.
As always... we thank you for your continued love and prayers!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Paul's Update - 01/27/06
Below is the message that was suppose to go out Friday night. I had a
"snafu" with my computer. Sorry about the delay! -- Lynne
Dear Friends:
We had an exhausting day. Paul was to go to have the CT at Fair Oaks. The transport came around noon to pick him up. He went to the hospital and they did the CT which only takes a few minutes and got him ready to go back to the nursing home. While in route Paul threw up!! This is the first time we've ever encountered that. They turned around and took him right back to the hospital to make sure he was ok and run tests. They did all sorts of testing including an X-ray to determine if there was any fluids in the lungs. All looked OK so they don't really know what caused the vomiting. All of this took several hours in the hospital. He wasn't ready to go back to the nursing home until 8PM. As disturbing as all that was ... there was more. The tech that did the CT read the results and told Carl that there was an 8% difference in this CT and the last one they did almost three weeks ago. He called Dr. Azzam and the doctor is concerned that there is even MORE fluid .... ughhhhhhh. I don't really know what this is going to mean yet. The doctor said he will be in touch with Tabby at the first of next week to talk about what he thinks needs to be done. I pray that this doesn't mean more surgery but it might! Paul seemed OK but sleepy when he got back to the nursing home. Bobby was going to stay the night with him so Tabby could go home and rest. He has been doing so well this last few days and now we have another setback! We will keep praying that God hold Paul and heal him!! He's come a long way and God has protected him through a lot!
Enjoy your weekend!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
"snafu" with my computer. Sorry about the delay! -- Lynne
Dear Friends:
We had an exhausting day. Paul was to go to have the CT at Fair Oaks. The transport came around noon to pick him up. He went to the hospital and they did the CT which only takes a few minutes and got him ready to go back to the nursing home. While in route Paul threw up!! This is the first time we've ever encountered that. They turned around and took him right back to the hospital to make sure he was ok and run tests. They did all sorts of testing including an X-ray to determine if there was any fluids in the lungs. All looked OK so they don't really know what caused the vomiting. All of this took several hours in the hospital. He wasn't ready to go back to the nursing home until 8PM. As disturbing as all that was ... there was more. The tech that did the CT read the results and told Carl that there was an 8% difference in this CT and the last one they did almost three weeks ago. He called Dr. Azzam and the doctor is concerned that there is even MORE fluid .... ughhhhhhh. I don't really know what this is going to mean yet. The doctor said he will be in touch with Tabby at the first of next week to talk about what he thinks needs to be done. I pray that this doesn't mean more surgery but it might! Paul seemed OK but sleepy when he got back to the nursing home. Bobby was going to stay the night with him so Tabby could go home and rest. He has been doing so well this last few days and now we have another setback! We will keep praying that God hold Paul and heal him!! He's come a long way and God has protected him through a lot!
Enjoy your weekend!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Friday, January 27, 2006
Putzing Along
The week started out so good just to end on such a sour note. The best part of the day was the catered BBQ schmooze at work. Gee, that is kind of funny that work was better today than everything else.
#1 wants me to take him with me to work so he can get paid. Seems now he has a desire to pay off the bills that he accumulated when he quit work and got all the collections notices. Could be a cold day in the southern regions!
#2 was supposed to go to a job interview but haven't heard anything yet.
Started writing this and then took a break to have a birthday dinner with Carl (#54). It was interesting to hear the perspectives on life from a person over-the-hill. Hope I can be as objective when I get to that plateau.
RP this week has been a bit of a roller coaster. So I am still not sure what I really want to do. One moment all is great and the jets kick into overdrive than it swings to the rip your hair out level and all I do is piss my toupee person off when I destroy his rug creation. I do get dual use by gluing it to my chest. Won’t take much till I look like Big-Foot.
#1 wants me to take him with me to work so he can get paid. Seems now he has a desire to pay off the bills that he accumulated when he quit work and got all the collections notices. Could be a cold day in the southern regions!
#2 was supposed to go to a job interview but haven't heard anything yet.
Started writing this and then took a break to have a birthday dinner with Carl (#54). It was interesting to hear the perspectives on life from a person over-the-hill. Hope I can be as objective when I get to that plateau.
RP this week has been a bit of a roller coaster. So I am still not sure what I really want to do. One moment all is great and the jets kick into overdrive than it swings to the rip your hair out level and all I do is piss my toupee person off when I destroy his rug creation. I do get dual use by gluing it to my chest. Won’t take much till I look like Big-Foot.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Paul's Update - 01/26/06
Dear Friends:
Today was a very good day. Therapy went very well. Paul was the most responsive he has ever been. The day started with work on upper body stuff, working with the cones. When the therapist (speech) put the cone in front of him he took it and reached over to drop it in Dad's hand. He did this about 9 times. Then they put a table in front of him with a platform that had wheels on it (sorta like a roller skate). The therapist put his right hand on it to see if he could move it back and forth. He wasn't able to do it with the right hand so he moved his left hand over to the right hand and he was trying to move his right hand with the left one. When Dad called Paul's name he would look over towards him. The therapist had a wire whisk that is like tongs that she wanted him to clamp with his hand. He couldn't do that but Dad asked him to put it on the table in front of him and he did it! They asked him to remove a tennis ball from a velcro pad, he couldn't pull it off but Dad asked him to put the ball ON the pad. He had to reach over and out a little to do that but he did it about 3 times. Keith (PT) tried to get Paul to wipe his mouth with a cloth in his own hand. He held Paul's arm up with the cloth to his mouth but Paul got VERY frustrated with Keith. This could be VERY good as the next stage of recovery is anger. I got there around 4:00 pm and when I walked in his back was to me so I walked to his left side and called his name. His head was drooped down and he lifted his head to look directly at me. He seemed so aware....what an exciting moment. The last part of the therapy was to stand him up and then sit him on the side of the bed to balance himself. He was pretty tired by then and didn't do quite as well so we took him back to the room. He rested for a while but was awake when I left around 6:15 pm. Most of the rest of the evening was quiet but he'd had a busy day! Tomorrow is the CT scan at Fair Oaks hospital. The transport is suppose to come around noon for his 1:00 pm appointment. Therapy will probably be early tomorrow (before the transport). I'm praying that the CT will show even more improvement in the fluid amount in the brain. If it does it could be the reason for such a good day today!! I pray that it means we will see only more improvements each day!
God Bless! Love, Lynne & Carl
Today was a very good day. Therapy went very well. Paul was the most responsive he has ever been. The day started with work on upper body stuff, working with the cones. When the therapist (speech) put the cone in front of him he took it and reached over to drop it in Dad's hand. He did this about 9 times. Then they put a table in front of him with a platform that had wheels on it (sorta like a roller skate). The therapist put his right hand on it to see if he could move it back and forth. He wasn't able to do it with the right hand so he moved his left hand over to the right hand and he was trying to move his right hand with the left one. When Dad called Paul's name he would look over towards him. The therapist had a wire whisk that is like tongs that she wanted him to clamp with his hand. He couldn't do that but Dad asked him to put it on the table in front of him and he did it! They asked him to remove a tennis ball from a velcro pad, he couldn't pull it off but Dad asked him to put the ball ON the pad. He had to reach over and out a little to do that but he did it about 3 times. Keith (PT) tried to get Paul to wipe his mouth with a cloth in his own hand. He held Paul's arm up with the cloth to his mouth but Paul got VERY frustrated with Keith. This could be VERY good as the next stage of recovery is anger. I got there around 4:00 pm and when I walked in his back was to me so I walked to his left side and called his name. His head was drooped down and he lifted his head to look directly at me. He seemed so aware....what an exciting moment. The last part of the therapy was to stand him up and then sit him on the side of the bed to balance himself. He was pretty tired by then and didn't do quite as well so we took him back to the room. He rested for a while but was awake when I left around 6:15 pm. Most of the rest of the evening was quiet but he'd had a busy day! Tomorrow is the CT scan at Fair Oaks hospital. The transport is suppose to come around noon for his 1:00 pm appointment. Therapy will probably be early tomorrow (before the transport). I'm praying that the CT will show even more improvement in the fluid amount in the brain. If it does it could be the reason for such a good day today!! I pray that it means we will see only more improvements each day!
God Bless! Love, Lynne & Carl
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