| Wednesday, February 28, 2007 |
| "May I have this dance" |
Such a heart warming phrase said by Carl at lunch. There was a man who played the organ and so many of the songs were from the 50's and Carl sang quietly and tears filled his eyes and his words were "May I have this dance, Generose". We both cried and as I write this blog I am filled with tears and no doubt many of you feel the same way. It was such a delight to hear that.
Tomorrow at lunch we are having a date for lunch per his request so I went to the office to order one for me to be served at the same time. It will be interesting to see what I get, as so much of his food is ground and thickened.
I guess I started in the middle of the day but per his request he can have a nebulizer treatment as often as he wants so his first one was around 9:00 am. Around 10:00 am was physical and occupational therapy. They seem to combine both so he can do them both somewhat together. I want to say he did quite well. He was quite tired after that but all in all it was worth his time.
The doctor even came to see him this afternoon and asked him about his stomach cramps and told him that there is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis but the are doing what the can and how important therapy is for him in his condition. Hopefully he listened and will work even harder. The only cure for the pulmonary fibrosis is a lung transplant and that will never happen at his age.
Looking forward to our date at lunch.
Generose |
posted by Generose @ 7:18 PM  |
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| More pictures |
| The gallery is filling up. Today's pictures include Uncle George helping Dad with his "professorial" beard and a great shot of the brothers. Enjoy. Labels: More pictures |
| posted by Carlene @ 6:06 AM |
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| Tuesday, February 27, 2007 |
| Great therapy day |
It was great to see Carl try so hard to do therapy today. With the walker he did so great walking at least 12 steps and then back another 12. He also did some arm exercises and holding the walker with one arm and pulling the handle from a fake slot machine and only using one arm to hold the walker and doing something different with the other arm.
This afternoon he got his shower and that was such a treat and after that he was so hungry but dinner either was going down too fast and he didn't seem to be able to hold it down as he seemed to upchuck some of it.
His best thing was his brother, George came and trimmed his mustache and beard and gave him a shave. He really felt good after that. That was so special to him.
Keep praying as we hope tomorrow will be better.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 7:01 PM |
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| Monday, February 26, 2007 |
| Wonderful Monday |
This was a great day, as Carl walked 12 steps with the walker and he too was delighted with his accomplishment. His appetite was good and his occupational therapy was done with must vigor.
We are working on setting up a goal of bringing him home. One of the physical therapists has talked to me about someone she may know that would be interested in the job. Right now we are doing some checking on when this can happen etc.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 6:07 PM |
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| Sunday, February 25, 2007 |
| Snowy Sunday |
Today was a good day to stay indoors. There was a lot of snow and heavy too.
The day at Victory Lakes was uneventful but great to be with Carl. He is such a delight to be with. His big complaint was his gas pains but at 4:00 pm the evening nurse took care of that and he was relieved.
We were able to both receive Holy Communion as they have services at Victory Lakes. Everyone has been so nice and accommodating there.
The meals were well eaten by Carl and he even asks for a snack in between meals. They are more than happy to give it to him. The big thing is it has to be thickened and he is not objecting to that at all. With the nourishment I can certainly see an improvement in his strength. Looking forward for him to have therapy tomorrow (Monday). I am sure the physical therapist will be happy to see his eagerness to try. The only drawback will be if his blood pressure is low but now that his is not getting Flomax it should be somewhat normal.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 6:54 PM |
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| Saturday, February 24, 2007 |
| Snowy evening |
It is good to be home as we really are having a blizzard outside. As far as the day at the spa/rehab/Victory Lakes went quite well. The big thing is his gas pain. I kept timing them and they were about 10 - 15 minutes apart and lasted from 20 - 30 seconds. When the nurse came at the afternoon shift I asked for something and he gave Carl a anti-gas liquid and would you believe within the hour it subsided. It was like a miracle drug.
Tom, Jeanette and Maria Szostak spent some time with us this afternoon and it was such a delight to have them visit. Again I try to remember to take pictures so the pictures should get on the blog with Carlene's & Rachael's help.
This morning Carl's blood pressure was low again but no I.V. and no Flomax so that should help. I guess we must try one thing or another to get things balanced. Carl has a new roommate and the roommate has a monitor so that when he tries to get out of bed it beeps. It is quite a nuisance to hear that. Carl mentioned to the aide I should go and pull it out of the wall and the aide agreed, but of course nothing will be done and hopefully it will be okay for the night.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 6:38 PM |
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| Friday, February 23, 2007 |
| Day mostly in bed |
It appeared that when dad got up for breakfast he said he was very dizzy but he ate a fairly good breakfast. Because of Carl's low blood pressure the doctor ordered that he spend today mostly in bed and then an I.V. and to stop the Flomax that was prescribed for him. He is anxious to start therapy as he knows that will make him closer to coming home.
Earlier this afternoon Carl had visitors and he enjoyed both Terry and Louie Bunk (his boss from the school district). We had a nice visit but around 4:00 pm Jeanette stopped and that was perhaps the time that I fell asleep in the chair for some much needed rest. Sorry I missed you Jeanette and the teddy bear and note was much appreciated. There should be a picture in the gallery.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 8:02 PM |
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| Thursday, February 22, 2007 |
| Washington's Birthday |
It was a good day at Victory Lakes. Carl had company and he seemed to enjoy George & Eva and Paula & Jeff tremendously. His big thing was his gas bubble but that is nothing new. I keep telling him that it will get better once he spends more time in an upright position so he can expel it. He needs the excersises and he will do them. Today his blood pressure was quite low early in the day and he was dizzy then; but when the doctor came to see him, it was mentioned that the new medication Flomax for his bladder problem was the culprit and it should get better and not get so low. He also requested an albuterol treatment and that should raise his pressure a little so it will all even out.
Carl has certainly been a trooper with everything that has been happening with him and his faith in the Lord has grown even more.
Each meal is eaten heartily and he seems to enjoy whatever they serve. Here at Victory Lakes he doesn't get a selection but he accepts whatever they serve. I know with all the nourishment he will get stronger and be walking soon.
Since I had the camera with me I took a picture of Carl and his guests.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 6:04 PM |
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| Wednesday, February 21, 2007 |
| Victory Lakes |
As always, I called the hospital each morning whenever Carl was there and they told me that he was restless at night so I tried to get there earlier and I found him sleeping and he said "Is it morning? I slept realy well." His breakfast was sitting waiting for him to indulge. He was very hungry and ate 98% of what was there (cream of wheat, scrambled eggs, large warm danish, thickened milk, thickened apple juice) and he enjoyed ever bit. Carl knows he needs all the nourishment he can get to strengthen his legs so he can walk again.
Another meal came at 12:00 and again he ate almost everything. The nurse shaved him but left both his beard and mustache and he said he felt good. Sometime between breakfast and lunch they tried to give him therapy but he appeared too faint to go so the therapist came up to his bed and helped him with some excersises. At 2:15 pm they came from Murphy's ambulance service to transport him back to Victory Lakes.
Another group of the same questions were asked of him to see how he responds. All in all he did quite well and was joking again. It is good to see him in such great humor.
Looking forward as to what tomorrow will bring and hopefully he will be in good spirits and feeling stronger and ready for therapy. I reminded him that I get my hair done on Thursday so I will be a little later and he understood.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 6:53 PM |
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| Tuesday, February 20, 2007 |
| Scan done |
Wait, wait & wait to hear the results of the scan of the bladder. Carl has the catheter in and one reason he is presently in the hospital is because of the blood in the urine. It was clear for a day but later this afternoon it showed blood again. I can't wait to hear the results some time tomorrow.
Today Carl was tired but the cardiologist said now that he is back on cardizem his heart rate is more normal for him. My big worry is his weakness in his legs but I am sure with more therapy it will return. I try to instill upon him the importance of excersing.
We talk about Home Services and tomorrow the nurse is going to return and talk about Hospice. I am sure that they will give us much support.
Keep up your prayers as the are so needed to make the right decision.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 6:49 PM |
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| Monday, February 19, 2007 |
| Monday-Still at Condell |
Carl was not able to leave today because they want to be sure that the blood in the catheter was not from the coumadin he is on. A urologist stopped to see him and he will be scheduling him for a scan to be sure that there isn't a stone or a problem with prostate before they take the catheter out and have him go on his own. He seems to like the catheter as he said he doesn't have to worry about getting up from bed. Right now Carl is having a problem walking. He lost a lot of his muscle from lack of using his muscles so we must do therapy, therapy and more therapy. Our plans are to get him home ASAP.
Another problem was his heart rate but the cardiologist suggested some medication for that. The heart rate was 168 (if that means anything for any of you). When I left this evening around 6:30 pm he was in good spirits and ate about 90% of his meal. As the doctor told him, he needs to eat for nourishment and that will get him strong.
Each day is a new experience for both of us and he apologized to me for anything that he may have said to me that offended me.
The nurses and aides all like his sense of humor. His only pain that he complains about is the soreness of his bottom. They are trying to remedy that too.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 6:11 PM |
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| Sunday, February 18, 2007 |
| New Photos |
| I forgot to mention that Carl and Generose's 5 daughters were in town on Sunday, February 11. You can find pictures in the gallery. Enjoy. |
| posted by Carlene @ 8:36 AM |
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| Morning at Condell |
After last night in the ER neither Mom nor I had any idea what we were going to face when we arrived at Condell Rm 223A (Dad's new room).
We talked about how each daughter was only a phone call away and with warp speed any and/or all of us would be back here...we are at her beck and call. We also confirmed that there was phone calls to both the social work at the "spa" as well as the Home Health specialists that could easily and seamlessly be handled by her "take charge " daughters from afar. So we will be working behind the scenes to figure out the best way and timeframe to bring Dad back to the lake. This will free up Mom so she can concentrate on supporting Dad and keeping her strength up.
So we finally arrive at Condell Rm 223 and were suddenly faced with a man looking 60, not his 81 years, smiling back at us with his trademark twinkle in his eyes, and a voice...yes, you heard me right Dad's voice is back! With his therapy and his commitment to practice...go, go, go, google, igloo, king kong, etc even after therapy was over, he woke up to find his voice. It even surprised him that it was back!
Moods are high, we were at the hospital early so we are unsure of the next steps. It is either another day at Condell or back to the "spa", more details to follow.
So, I leave Chicago with a picture of Dad happily smiling and talking, in my mindseye. In addition I have the added peace of mind to know that Mom has a great support structure with family and friends around her. Thanks for being here for her and Dad.
CarleneLabels: Morning at Condell |
| posted by Carlene @ 8:14 AM |
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| Saturday, February 17, 2007 |
| Good News, Bad News |
Today was a mixed day for Dad. First the good news...
We arrived at the "spa" to find Dad up, dressed and sitting at the table with breakfast being served. He again ate a hearty meal and even though he was facing institutional scrambled eggs (even at a 5 star restaurant they are suspect) he devoured everything else on his plate, the oatmeal, the toast and all the great "thickened" drinks. The speech doctor was working on Saturday reinforcing how great Dad is eating and with his focused work on his gutteral sounds and projecting his voice he was moving smoothly forward with his vocal recover.
In the food department Dad continued his appetite through both lunch and dinner with even a few "thickened" shakes in between.
Dad's physical therapists had Dad taking STEPS, 7 in all...one giant leap in less than 24 hours. In addition, Dad found time to exercise in his room to speed up his strength recover...now I know where I got that "type A" personality!
The bad news is that Dad was increasing tired all day requesting sleep throughout the day even with great, stimulating conversations with Mom and I, Uncle George and even Hank and his wife Lil. As the evening wore on, Dad continued to complain about being tired and in addition there was blood in his urine...something that we believe the "spa" should have noticed. Lucky for us, Mom was on top of it and once she got the nurses going they found that Dad's blood pressure was also 80/50 (for you non-medical folks that too low) and she called the doctor to recommend he travel to Condell.
Where we are now is that Dad is resting comfortably in ER waiting for a room. His urine is clear, his blood pressure stable and color is back in in cheeks. We don't know what the root cause is of this sudden change but under the care of the Condell team we are confident we will find out shortly.
We gave Dad our love and promise that we are all keeping him in our prayers and went home for a well deserved nights sleep.
CarleneLabels: Bad News, Good News |
| posted by Carlene @ 9:33 PM |
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| Friday, February 16, 2007 |
| It's all in your head...and legs |
Today was Dad's first full day back at Victory Lakes Spa resort and rehab center. We arrived at the "spa" to find that Dad, Carl/Grandfather spent the night WITHOUT having used any oxygen through the night. No, he didn't decide on this course of treatment himself. Rather his oxygen level was considered strong enough for him to sleep and breathe freely, and so he did.
He induldged in three strong "squares" today with a fine dining cuisine and tasty thicken water that would be the envy of any five star restaurant. The hit of the dinner meal was the ruby red beets that complimented his fish sandwich.
On the therapy side he participated in his therapy evaluation with Maria so his course of action to stregthen what's needed was laid out. With speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy his dance card is filling up fast.
All the nurses have set Dad straight explaining, in no uncertain terms, that if he wants to get home it's only through a positive attitude and succeeding at therapy. Dad listened well and we even found him "practicing" on his own so he can accelerate his release.
Dad has indicated that it would be nice to see visitors...a great sign.
Thanks again for everyone's prayers, thoughts and support.
CarleneLabels: Come on home... |
| posted by Carlene @ 7:21 PM |
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| Thursday, February 15, 2007 |
| Back at the Spa |
Busy day for Carl, as he was transported from Condell Hospital to the Spa/Rehab/Victory Lakes. He had breakfast and lunch at Condell and dinner at Victory Lakes and ate a good part of his meal without encouragement. It appears that he was good and hungry. We are so looking forward to his physical therapy tomorrow and we know he will do his best. He is in a different room with another nice roommate named Zygmunt.
Rosemarie & John left this morning and later in the day Carlene arrived and Carl was so happy to see her again.
The room is cheery and he has the window bed in room 217B. Thank you all for your good wishes and prayers as they are much appreciated.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 6:53 PM |
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| Wednesday, February 14, 2007 |
| Wednesday, Feb. 14th |
A wonderful Valentine's Day at the hospital was had by all. Maryann had to leave to go back home with a flight from Milwaukee to Las Vegas. Madeline drove back home to Mason, Ohio and Rosemarie & John are here until tomorrow (Thursday). Later tomorrow Carlene should be arriving. At this time I don't know if she will come directly to Condell or go to Victory Lakes. They talk about transferring him back to Victory Lakes. What would we do without cell phones, as I will leave Carlene a message as to where and when Carl will be leaving.
Carl is starting to get his appetite back but as yet isn't sure about trying to stand. He needs to get more confidence in himself, especially if he wants to return home after his days at the spa/rehab/Victory Lakes.
He wants to get out of the room and go and see people so I'm sure he will be more content at the spa since he can have meals in a dining room.
Until tomorrow, we appreciate your love and prayers from each and everyone of you.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 7:29 PM |
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| Tuesday, February 13, 2007 |
| Good appetite |
Today was a good day as Carl was hungry and ate a better portion of his meals. I wasn't there for breakfast but I was there for lunch and dinner and was pleased on what he had eaten. He has lost so much weight and now we must build him up. We even brought a banana from home and also a fruit bar and he had that before lunch.
His bottom was so sore that they got medication to put on his butt that is used for burn victims and he is feeling 100% better in that area now.
We have so much snow and we shoveled early this morning (John & I). John, Rosemarie and Madeline went home from the hospital earlier so they could shovel but Tom already had moved the snow that was blown over. That was so nice of him to beat them. Maryann & I stayed until dad got through eating and we wanted to make sure that he got his ointment treatment before we left. What a slow, nasty drive home.
Our big concern yet is his voice. It is only a whisper and we must all get close to him to really hear him express himself and he needs to continue to drink thickened fluids.
We are looking forward to our visit on Wednesday.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 7:23 PM |
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| Monday, February 12, 2007 |
| Magnificant Monday |
Dad was able to have all of his daughters in today again this morning. He was very happy to see everyone. We spent some time in the morning visiting and joking with him. Some of them had to leave again. Carlene and Charlotte flew out of town. Rosemarie's husband, John, came in to visit and help.
Dad had a very good day. His mood was positive as he tried to do some of his exercises. His eating was good compared to last week. They took another swallow test on video to see how he was progressing with his swallowing. He is still on antibiotics for any infection. |
| posted by Mad @ 7:14 PM |
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| Sunday written on Mondayy |
Arrived early and found Carl anxious but happ to know the 5 daughters were coming to visit later in the day. He wondered if he was going to die soon but we told him they are going to talk to all the doctors to straighten them and help me with things. Aunt Jean, George & Eva spent a good deal of time laughing and joking with him as he really had a wonderful sense of humor. Carl kept telling George how honest he was and has always been with him and how he does love him.
It was long after George & Eva left that there was a time when we thought Carl actually died because his condition seem to worsen but then he came through and said he died and saw Jesus and also how beautiful everything was and how white and bright it was there. He then had no pain. He remembers seeing his whole family.
Early in the evening Rosemarie, Carlene, Maryann and Charlotte arrived by limo from O'Hare to join Madeline & me and the party began. Carl was in his glory with all the daughters together with him where he could express himself and talk to them individually. What a wonderful time we all spent together.
Hopefully he will improve and get stronger daily and perhaps return to the spa/rehab/Victory Lakes shortly.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 6:46 PM |
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| Saturday, February 10, 2007 |
| Day in ER |
| This morning mom went to Victory Lakes to find that dad had a hard time breathing. They decided to take him back to the emergency room at 8 am Saturday. We spent the whole day trying to get his breathing under control. It was very labored breathing. They gave him 100% oxygen, an hour long breathing treatment and a machine called BiPap. The BiPap is positive pressure to force air into his lungs. It is non-evasive and does not do the breathing for him. He ended up going into a state of unconsciousness for about 3 hours. Dr. Hoffman came to visit and said the BiPap was making him uncomfortable so they removed it. To get his state of consciousness back they took off his pain patch and gave him medicine to reverse the effects of the drug. He quickly got out of the state of unconsciousness and became aware of his surroundings. He understood mom talking to him as well as the doctors. Although he is very restless, he says he is not in any pain. He cannot talk, but he gave mom several hugs and kisses. He can nod yes and no to our questions. Finally about 8:30pm he was admitted to the hospital (not ICU). He seemed stable enough for us to say goodnight and to see him in the morning. |
| posted by Mad @ 7:26 PM |
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| Friday, February 9, 2007 |
| Therapy #3 - Good Session |
There was therapy morning and afternoon and Carl has been very cooperative. He wants to get home and that is a promise that once he walks he is out of the spa/rehab/Victory Lakes.
All 3 meals were eaten in the dining room, as Carl really enjoys eating with people. A good deal of them are asleep while they eat but everyone has some problem and perhaps that makes him feel that his problem isn't that bad. Carl particularly enjoyed looking at the snow outdoors while he is eating. He so much wants to go out and even shovel the snow. Hopefully his appetite will increase and I didn't even sample any of his food. Madeline brought me a nice big juicy chicken sandwich when she came.
We even went down to the dining room for cake and a homemade dreamsicle. It was announced that they were serving it for all the residents and guests and Carl wanted to join them. It was delicious.
Both Madeline & I are looking forward to seeing him early in the morning.
Oh, yes, what he really liked this morning before breakfast was his shower. He had 3 women helping him with it and he said that it was sooooooooooooooo good and refreshing.
Hope all of you reading this have a wonderful weekend. I understand that on Sunday there will be a Mass for all the Catholics who wish to attend at 10:30 am.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 5:58 PM |
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| Thursday, February 8, 2007 |
| Therapy Day #2 |
Today Maria and Cindi worked with Carl with a walker. He seems to listen to Maria, since she is bigger than Carl and very stern. His big problem is his bottom. I guess he is sore when he sits because that is what he does a lot of but soon we hope he will be walking more. Once he gets more confidence in himself, he should be on the road to recovery and home. He is told time and again that he will come home once he walks.
Spoke to the social worker &/or case worker and they feel that he may be needing some sort of a medication for his anxiety and possibly depression. We know that the steroids play a good part also on his not feeling good about himself.
Madeline will be arriving sometime tomorrow and maybe between the two of us we can discuss the condition with them at Victory Lakes and see what we can work out.
Each day we are hoping and anticipating improvement so keep those prayers coming.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 6:43 PM |
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| Wednesday, February 7, 2007 |
| Therapy here I come |
Carl did quite well in therapy for the first day in the therapy room. I was so proud of him. They said if he walks with help to the end (which is only about 8 feet) he could get a kiss from me. He did that 3 times. He also did some excersies with his arms. It was such a pleasure seeing him do it and trying. He still has some ways to go but I'm sure every day he will progress.
Also, I only got a 1/2 of sandwich for dinner tonight from his meal as he ate the other 1/2. That is fine by me. I hated to see his food go to waste so oftentimes I would help him, only if he doesn't want any more. He also ate all his pudding and I didn't even get a sample of that. There was some fruit but I would say he ate one chunk of, I believe, it was watermelon or something of that color, as again I didn't taste it. He enjoys the thickened milk they give him and I did have a sip of that (yum, yum).
I have been encouraging the thickened water as they really don't want him to get dehydrated. That too is good and he can have all he wants at any time. He has been feeding himself so that is a plus.
There are times when he is very down or anxious and depressed but I told him he has to work to get himself out of that. Whether or not he listens I'm not sure. I brought him a calendar and am having him count the days to when I am hoping he comes home. I said perhaps Ash Wednesday. If therap goes well, he may make it. Time will tell as long as he doesn't have any setbacks.
Today Lou Bunk paid him a visit and that he seemed to enjoy.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 5:34 PM |
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| Tuesday, February 6, 2007 |
| ER |
Today was a busy day, as Carl had to return to ER to clear his bladder. When he went to the Spa/Rehab/Victory Lakes on Friday they removed his catheter (I think on Sat.) and he has not urinated since the removal of the catheter. The urge was there, he says but nothing would come. The nurse tried twice to insert a new catheter to no avail so she said we must send him to ER for a doctor to remove it. Murphy's ambulance picked him up and took him there and after a couple of hours and the removal of the urine with another catheter (quart plus of urine); they inserted a different one. I understand he will have it for 2 days and a doctor will look at it when they come to the rehab center. Hopefully everything will be okay. When he returned to the spa/Rehab/Victory Lakes they all were happy to see him back so I guess that made him feel good and welcomed. He is trying so hard to push his voice to speak as it is more than a whisper now and sometimes very loud.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 6:21 PM |
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| Monday, February 5, 2007 |
| What a day makes |
Since Saturday (2/3/07) until now the medication (ativan) has seemed to wear off and Carl is improving and not as confused. Madeline spoke to both Dr. Hoffman & Dr. Vu and got some answers to our many questions. The steroid prednisone is making him a little confused but each week the amount will be decreased and he should do better. His sore throat has improved and he still has a few more days of the swish and swallow stuff which he looks forward to but that is only every 8 hours.
The results of his bronchoscopy was non-conclusive. In about a month Dr. Hoffman wants to do another catscan which I must make an appointment for. His ankles are a little swollen but he must be reminded to elevate his legs when he is sitting during the day.
While parked at the nursing home yesterday, my rear driver side tire was flat so luckily enough Rosemarie was there with a rental car and got us both home. This morning I called and the spare was put on and I was able to get home safely. Tomorrow morning I will get my original tire put back on the cadillac and spare back in the trunk.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 5:30 PM |
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| Sunday, February 4, 2007 |
| Sunday |
It turned out to be an o.k. day. Carl was up a little more and ate more. I asked him to try feeding himself which he tried but no doubt I spoiled him and he looks for me to feed him. Perhaps the Ativen is still in his system. That medication did not work for him at all. I felt it made him too relaxed and tired.
Rosemarie & I and of course many other guests and patients watched the Bears vs. Colts game. I wore the shirt that Tom & Jeanette got for Carl over my turtleneck. We left at half-time only to find out that my left rear tire on the driver's side was flat. Someone was kind enough to leave me a note on my windshield wiper; so the car is left in the parking lot overnight. I will be calling early tomorrow morning for A-tire to repair it. Luckily Rosemarie had a rental so I was able to get home without a problem.
Hopefully many of my questions to the doctors will be answered.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 5:42 PM |
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| Saturday, February 3, 2007 |
| Sleepy Head |
After his interview at the spa/rehab/victory lakes, he told them that he was very nervous and he wanted something to calm his nerves. At 12:00 midnight, after consulting and getting approval from the doctor, they gave him ativan 1 mg. The drug was way too strong for him and he slept the whole day. He started in the wheelchair; then rocking chair (which he loved) and back to the wheelchair. To get food down him or medication was a chore. I phoned the doctor and he said that perhaps 1 mg (which is a normal dose for most people) is way too much for him. I told them not to give him any of that any more. They said the are making a note of it in his record. When Rosemarie & I left at 7:00 pm, we managed to get a little food in him and he even said "I love you more". They were going to put him to bed and perhaps after they give him his last swishing medicine for his throat, he may get only a sleeping pill. We expect to see him bright and early for his 8:00 am breakfast. I clocked the mileage and it is exactly 5 miles from our home. It beats the 11 or so miles to Condell, especially traffic wise. No pictures today as I don't want to remember him this way nor does he want to see himself that way.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 6:55 PM |
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| Friday, February 2, 2007 |
| SPA/REHAB |
The day has arrived and Carl is at the spa/rehab/Victory Lakes. The ambulance picked him up about 1:30 pm and he is in a semi-private room 223 bed 2. As of Saturday, he should have his cell phone with him. His cell phone # is: 224-538-9905. Carl hated to leave all his dear friends at Condell. He surely made some good friends with all the nurses, aides, therapists, doctors etc. Now it is a new experience there and he knows that as soon as he can walk himself he can come home. What a happy thought to have him home at the lake.
Meals are served at 8:00 am breakfast; 12:00 noon lunch; 5:30 pm dinner. As yet, I don't know his schedule for therapy. I should be finding that out tomorrow.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 6:09 PM |
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| Archives |
If anyone wants to read an earlier postings, you can go to Archives.
Generose |
| posted by Generose @ 2:16 AM |
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| Thursday, February 1, 2007 |
| Therapy |
Today was a good physical therapy day as dad tried so hard to walk the parallel bars. He keeps practicing in his room to elevate his legs to strengthen them. He is a determined young man. Speech therapy is also working him hard and he is very cooperative. His throat seems better also. He really doesn't have any complaints. What a trooper.
Some of the aides and nurses feel that he is going to the spa/rehab on Friday but when we go to Physical Therapy they say we will see you tomorrow and the doctor (Dr. Hoffman - pulmonologist) still hasn't spoke to me. The internist (Dr. Zakarya, Dr. Vu's associate) seems to think he is ready to be transferred. I may even get a phone call late tonight or early tomorrow morning.
Dr. Zakarya pulled me aside and said that they can't find a tumor nor any cancer and that is wonderful news but he did tell me that Dr. Hoffman will be talking to him and me to discuss the treatment, which sounds like prednisone to start. I can't wait to talk to Dr. Hoffman. Dad did question me after the talk with Dr. Zakarya and I told him just what he said. He did say let Dr. Hoffman tell you exactly but it is good news he said.
Keep the prayers coming as it sounds like good news so far. Now we have to get dad stronger and he seems to be willing to try.
Generose
P.S. Should be sending the pictures at therapy this evening to Carlene to post. |
| posted by Generose @ 7:12 PM |
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| Victory Lakes |
Mom,
Any news on the time of day's for Dad's move to the "spa?"Is it still happening on Friday? |
| posted by Carlene @ 4:16 PM |
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