Saturday morning, Mom had scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. This statement alone is amazing in that she ever got to this point.. She appears to be more relaxed and cognitive of her reality. She certainly isn't accepting of it which is fine with us. She takes more initiative in talking and her sentences are more complete and understandable. Her speech and pronounciation is progress also. Signs of her quick wit are popping up more frequently. I received a report from her occupationa...
Some more good news came today as Mom demonstrated she can swallow moisture and a little soft food like applesauce. They will proceed slowly with this, but Mom has got to be estatic for she can now have some cool and moisten water in what must feel like the a desert.....her mouth and throat. This will be good for Mom's spirits as she continues to see progress in her capabilities. When being told the good news, Mom asked that yogurt be a consideration besides applesauce. She has been de...
Since Thursday, Mom has shown an obvious improvement in her speech and capability for understanding conversation going on around her. Her medication had been changed and that which she received in ICU has pretty much worn off. She spoke 4-6 word sentences coherently and fluently. Mom has yet to prove she can swallow without any risk of aspiration occuring. Can you imagine how dry her mouth feels? Remember when Esau gave up his inheritance for a meal? Mom is pretty much there. After clip...
I and the family are very appreciative for all your kind words, support and reaching out. It has been four months. Those that do not have access to the internet of course want to know the latest. It can be tough to respond with upbeat comments, but still be realistic. One recent email comment to me was, "She has a lot of courage and grit". Some ask how we are doing. Often the response is, "just fine, thanks for asking". Other times it is, "We have our moments now and then". Your pr...
Mom's rehab classes have increased from 2 to 4 a day. Her speech has improved some but still difficult to make out most of what she is trying to communicate. X-rays were taken of her neck where the 2nd vertabrae shows signs of healing but not completely yet. The neck brace will have to remain until then. She has been sitting up more and standing with assistance during rehab. Please continue to pray for the pneumonia, infections and Mom's attitude remaining positive and patient as she ...
Mom is back in a rehab center! They placed her there Thursday in a single room with a view outside. She seems to be a little more oriented and comfortable. She is still coughing up some fluid from the lungs but managing. Shea and I put up her collage of pictures and the Valentine heart for her to view. The nurses and doctor are glad to see her back looking forward to getting her back to where she was and beyond. Mom's speech has diminished and may come back with rehab but no one knows ...
Three and a half months after the accident, I am grateful that Mom is a well as she is though certainly not to the point of being content. We're fortunate to still have her and good odds that she might be able to return home someday. She has improved some to where she is in the "general population" resting, healing and receiving some physical therapy. Hopefully, they will admit her to rehab sometime soon when they think her endurance and stagmina is such to be able to sustain the level of t...
My apologies in being away so long. I'll try not to neglect the update for so long again. Mom's condition has improved in ICU. In fact, as of now, they may have moved her in step down ICU. I'll know tomorrow morning. They have been trying to wean her off the respirator the past few days having some success for 3-5 hrs at a time. Last I knew, she had been off the respiratory most of today. Mom is alert and anxious to communicate but hindered with the ventilator tube in her mouth. It's...
Mom has shown more stability and movement with the medication wearing off and her being more aware. She responds a little to our presence by opening her eyes slightly. She did respond to yes and no questions today for the nurses telling them if she had pain or needing the bed adjusted. They tried to wean her from the respirator some but to no avail. The nurses are doing a good job of playing her music regularly. The heart and respiratory failure was due to excess fluid and blood inf...
It has been confirmed that there was some heart failure Monday morning when Mom was rushed to ICU. There are several factors that could have attributed to this condition or a combination there of: infection, age, heart muscle, heart valve(s), fluid in the lungs from the pneumonia or asphyxiation from the swallowing of fluids going down the wrong pipe. What ever the reason, we are back to early december 03 status where you don't take each day for granted. (not that we should anyways) Mom is...
Mom has been moved to a secure ICU unit. There was an infection from her pic line a few days ago and a suspected blockage in the esophagus or intentine. X-rays were taken that has ruled out the blockage for now. Mom is having problems with breathing and has been put back on a ventilator to stabilize her. It has also been detected that she has a blood infection. The breathing problems could be contributed to the infections, pnemonia, swallowing issues or all of the above. More news will fol...
Visiting Mom today, she was sitting up eating some shredded chicken, rice and beans. Lots of water was being consumed. After lunch was settled down to tackle the NY Times crossword puzzle that Mom faithfully tried to complete every Sunday. She got 4. I ....guessed.... at 5.( I know Keith Palmer concur with that statement ). She talked with Marty over the phone expressing in so many words how much she is enjoying her 5 ft by 6ft valentine heart with everyone's valentine message. The fam...
Mom seemed to be in good spirits for the most part. She is anxious to come home though. Mike and I tried to explain to her that more rehab time would be necessary before that happens. I told her the best thing she can do to make it happen is to continue working hard with her therapist. I did notice that she was able to operate the tv remote control with her right hand. There has been such a night and day difference compared to when she was admitted to rehab and yet so far to go. Good n...
Mom's progress is slow and cumbersome, but there is progress. She has a long way to go and with God's grace, she will return home this year hopefully. She continues to move and exercise her extremities with very limited movement of the left arm and hand still. Her speech is progressing but not yet able to put a full sentence together. Her memory is good from what we can tell up until the accident when it is suspected she blacked out. It's suspect with short term events. This may improve o...
Apparently, my update on 2/4/04 somehow got deleted. I know I did it, because it was an eventful day. I've since changed the password in case we have a hacker. Let me review.... Wednesday, 2/5 : Mom has a germ, VRE, that is causing problems similiar to a bad case of a intestinal bug. The hospital and family are asking that there be no more visits except immediate family until this passes and she has had a chance to build up her strength and immune system. Actually, the strength may no...