Today Dad was taken to see an audiologist because of concerns about his hearing. It was confirmed that Dad has lost nearly all hearing in his right ear as a result of the accident. This hearing loss is permanent, unfortunately. He cannot hear voices at all, but does have minimal hearing of some tones. The audiologist indiated that it is possible that this hearing loss was actually caused from the cerebral spinal fluid leak rather than from the accident itself, but there is no way of knowing that.
The hearing in Dad's left ear is good. Dad was told that it will be very important for him to protect his left ear from this point on. He needs to wear an ear plug whenever he is surrounded by loud noise, such as when he mows the lawn.
The audiologist also referred Dad to an ENT (ear nose and throat specialist) to have his balance issues and dizziness evaluated and hopefully taken care of.
Thanks to all of you for your continued prayers, thoughts, and support as Dad continues on his road to recovery.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Just a quick update on developments since Dad has left the hospital.
Dad has not been feeling well ever since he left the hospital on Friday. He has seemed extra tired and not up to much visiting. He has had a bit of a cold, so that may be part of it. It may also be that the move has worn him out. Hopefully he will start gaining more energy again.
Today Dad met with the Dr. who performed his facial surgery. Dr. Leyngold indicated that Dad's left eye is doing great, but that the vision in his right eye is very poor. He only gives it about a 10 percent chance of improving any further. He has scheduled Dad for another minor surgery next week. He would like to repair Dad's eyelid further, for both comfort and appearance.
Dad is still struggling with a lack of appetite. The dietician met with Mom today and indicated that she thinks it will take Dad about 20 days to be eating enough to get off of the feeding tube. She does not want to send Dad home from the rehabilitation center until he is eating enough to sustain himself. So it appears that he will not be returning home for a while yet.
Dad has not been feeling well ever since he left the hospital on Friday. He has seemed extra tired and not up to much visiting. He has had a bit of a cold, so that may be part of it. It may also be that the move has worn him out. Hopefully he will start gaining more energy again.
Today Dad met with the Dr. who performed his facial surgery. Dr. Leyngold indicated that Dad's left eye is doing great, but that the vision in his right eye is very poor. He only gives it about a 10 percent chance of improving any further. He has scheduled Dad for another minor surgery next week. He would like to repair Dad's eyelid further, for both comfort and appearance.
Dad is still struggling with a lack of appetite. The dietician met with Mom today and indicated that she thinks it will take Dad about 20 days to be eating enough to get off of the feeding tube. She does not want to send Dad home from the rehabilitation center until he is eating enough to sustain himself. So it appears that he will not be returning home for a while yet.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Leaving the Hospital
Today was Dad's big day. He left the hospital after spending nearly six weeks (39 days) there. Here he is on the elevator:
Here is the scene on the rehab floor as he left:
Before Dad left, the therapists all conducted his discharge tests. They all agree that he has made a ton of improvements since entering rehab. Physically, he could barely walk a few steps assisted or sit up in a chair by himself when he entered, and now he can walk up stairs and all the way through the hospital unassisted. He does still have some balance concerns and needs to keep working on rebuilding strength.
Cognitively Dad has also made great strides. He went from not remembering all of his family's names, not knowing what month or year it was, and not remembering much of anything from one day to the next to being able to answer all questions easily about his life and family and the time of year and day, talk about past memories with ease, and use his reasoning skills to win board games. He still struggles a bit with higher levels of reasoning, with some short term memory, with paying attention to things that are not interesting to him, and with perseverating on certain topics.
When Dad entered rehab he was only able to say a few words while using a device hooked up to his trach. The trach is gone and he is now speaking with ease. His voice does sound different than before. It may be that the vocal chords were injured while intubated, and it may or may not correct itself. Time will tell.
At the beginning of rehab we did not know if Dad would ever be able to see out of his right eye, and the whole right side of his face was paralyzed. We now know that he has some sight in that eye and the movement is slowly returning back to his face. Today an EMG test was performed on his facial nerves and they found that although parts of the main nerve died from compression during the injury, the nerves are still viable and will rebuild. Within 8-9 months it is possible that he could have full movement back on that side of his face. Dad will probably always struggle with sight issues and mobility of his right eye. His left eye also has a permanently dilated pupil, which may or may not correct itself (hence the sunglasses).
Dad has made great strides. The one area of most concern now is still with his eating. He just has no appetite or interest in food, even when the feeding tube is turned off for a day or two. This is very concerning to the doctors and to us, and seems to be unusual. We are definitely praying that his appetite will return so that he can go home.
Of long term concern are his sight and cognitive issues. The doctor said that it is possible that he may not ever be able to drive again and may not ever be the same as he was before. Time will tell. . . With how much he has improved already, our family has high hopes that he can make a great, if not full, recovery. For his sake, we all hope he will be able to drive again, as he has such a strong sense of independence!
Dad is currently housed at the Compass Rehabilitation Clinic located at 1371 West South Jordan Parkway. We do not have any idea how long he will be there. Hopefully not too long as Dad is anxious to return home. We just need to get him to eat! Visiting hours at this clinic are open, so feel free to continue the visits.
As a family we would like to thank all of the talented and amazing staff members at Intermountain Medical Center. Especially those on the 5th floor (ICU) and 12th floor (Rehab). The ICU doctors and nurses saved Dad's life, more than once, for which we will be forever grateful. The rehab therapists and staff helped him regain some quality of life. Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts! We hope to bring Dad back when he is all recovered to thank you himself!
Now on to the next step of recovery . . . We will keep you posted.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Moving On From the Hospital
We wanted to let everyone know that tomorrow evening Dad will most likely be moved to a rehabilitation center in South Jordan. The website for the center is: http://compassrehabilitation.com/ .
Dad was not yet quite ready to be released from the hospital this week. The plan was for him to stay until sometime next week and then hopefully be released to go home. However, after much deliberation, Mom made the decision to transfer him to a rehab clinic first instead. Dad still requires much supervision and care, which Mom had some concerns about being able to provide at home. Dad was ready for a change of scenery (as were all of us), so the decision was made to bump up his release to tomorrow.
We feel really good about the location where Dad will be heading. It comes highly recommended from a friend of my parents who visits all of the rehab clinics in the area as a nurse. Mike also toured the facility yesterday and met the people in charge and was very impressed. He said that the facility looks more like a resort than a medical clinic. The clinic also sent some medical personnel to the hospital to evaluate Dad today to make sure that he was a good fit for their services. They said that they believe that they will really be able to help him on his road to recovery. One more plus, the food is much better than hospital food, so hopefully they will be able to tempt him into eating a little more (which still remains one of his major stumbling blocks).
Dad will receive less intensive therapy at this clinic, but he has progressed enough that we feel comfortable with that. Yesterday Dad was able to climb six flights of stairs. Today he was able to beat the occupational therapist in the board game Blokus (after explaining how to play it to the therapist), and he also aced the test that the speech therapist gave him today. His swallowing has improved enough that he is now allowed to eat soft foods (such as pasta, bread, etc.) as well as take his medications by mouth. So he is making good progress.
We as a family are excited for this change, as it signifies progress. Dad was disappointed to not be going home from the hospital, but he indicates that he understands why Mom made this decision and he is cooperating with it.
I don't yet have the information on the visiting hours and policy at this clinic, but I will post that information when I receive it. Dad has enjoyed all of his visits and messages. Thank you to all of you!
Dad was not yet quite ready to be released from the hospital this week. The plan was for him to stay until sometime next week and then hopefully be released to go home. However, after much deliberation, Mom made the decision to transfer him to a rehab clinic first instead. Dad still requires much supervision and care, which Mom had some concerns about being able to provide at home. Dad was ready for a change of scenery (as were all of us), so the decision was made to bump up his release to tomorrow.
We feel really good about the location where Dad will be heading. It comes highly recommended from a friend of my parents who visits all of the rehab clinics in the area as a nurse. Mike also toured the facility yesterday and met the people in charge and was very impressed. He said that the facility looks more like a resort than a medical clinic. The clinic also sent some medical personnel to the hospital to evaluate Dad today to make sure that he was a good fit for their services. They said that they believe that they will really be able to help him on his road to recovery. One more plus, the food is much better than hospital food, so hopefully they will be able to tempt him into eating a little more (which still remains one of his major stumbling blocks).
Dad will receive less intensive therapy at this clinic, but he has progressed enough that we feel comfortable with that. Yesterday Dad was able to climb six flights of stairs. Today he was able to beat the occupational therapist in the board game Blokus (after explaining how to play it to the therapist), and he also aced the test that the speech therapist gave him today. His swallowing has improved enough that he is now allowed to eat soft foods (such as pasta, bread, etc.) as well as take his medications by mouth. So he is making good progress.
We as a family are excited for this change, as it signifies progress. Dad was disappointed to not be going home from the hospital, but he indicates that he understands why Mom made this decision and he is cooperating with it.
I don't yet have the information on the visiting hours and policy at this clinic, but I will post that information when I receive it. Dad has enjoyed all of his visits and messages. Thank you to all of you!
Monday, May 21, 2012
As I mentioned in the last post, the goal was to release Dad to go home tomorrow. Unfortunately, Dad is not yet ready. He will need to remain in the hospital for at least a couple of additional days. Hopefully by the end of this week he will be ready.
The biggest hold up is that Dad is still not interested in eating. As of today, his diet restrictions have been loosened up a bit. So hopefully we will now be able to find some foods that are appetizing enough to tempt him into eating. He did have a few french fries today, as well as a few bites of a soft, thinly sliced steak sandwich that he had been asking everyone to get him from the cafeteria for a few days. So he is making progress. He is still not allowed any thin liquids; only thick liquids and very soft food. His diet is still mainly through the feeding tube at this point.
Dad also needs to be evaluated by a urologist and an audiologist before being released. Dad does not seem to be hearing much from his right ear. He has also complained that his ear "echoes." That could be another effect of the fall on his right side.
I know that Dad would rather be home and that he is tired of being in the hospital (although he really only remembers the last week or so of his hospital stay). We are anxious for him to be at that point, but don't want him released before he is ready. We worry about my mom having to care for him with all of the complications he still has. So it is for the best that they wait until he is doing a little better before sending him home.
I have personally noticed that Dad has made huge leaps in memory and cognitive skills over the course of the last week. It is encouraging to see that. There are still difficult moments, of course, and will most likely continue to be for quite some time, but his progress gives us hope.
We will keep you updated on the release date and any other developments. Once Dad is home, he will continue to need rehabilitation therapy. We were told that he is beyond the point of needing a rehab therapist to come into his home to work with him. He will be going to outpatient therapy at a rehab clinic instead. We do not yet have the details worked out.
We still can't thank you all enough for the love and support. And thank you to all who have taken time to visit Dad or send him messages and cards. We have been passing all of those things on to him and we can tell that it means so much to him.
The biggest hold up is that Dad is still not interested in eating. As of today, his diet restrictions have been loosened up a bit. So hopefully we will now be able to find some foods that are appetizing enough to tempt him into eating. He did have a few french fries today, as well as a few bites of a soft, thinly sliced steak sandwich that he had been asking everyone to get him from the cafeteria for a few days. So he is making progress. He is still not allowed any thin liquids; only thick liquids and very soft food. His diet is still mainly through the feeding tube at this point.
Dad also needs to be evaluated by a urologist and an audiologist before being released. Dad does not seem to be hearing much from his right ear. He has also complained that his ear "echoes." That could be another effect of the fall on his right side.
I know that Dad would rather be home and that he is tired of being in the hospital (although he really only remembers the last week or so of his hospital stay). We are anxious for him to be at that point, but don't want him released before he is ready. We worry about my mom having to care for him with all of the complications he still has. So it is for the best that they wait until he is doing a little better before sending him home.
I have personally noticed that Dad has made huge leaps in memory and cognitive skills over the course of the last week. It is encouraging to see that. There are still difficult moments, of course, and will most likely continue to be for quite some time, but his progress gives us hope.
We will keep you updated on the release date and any other developments. Once Dad is home, he will continue to need rehabilitation therapy. We were told that he is beyond the point of needing a rehab therapist to come into his home to work with him. He will be going to outpatient therapy at a rehab clinic instead. We do not yet have the details worked out.
We still can't thank you all enough for the love and support. And thank you to all who have taken time to visit Dad or send him messages and cards. We have been passing all of those things on to him and we can tell that it means so much to him.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Dad continues to slowly but surely progress, physically and cognitively. In fact, his release date from the hospital has tentatively been set for Tuesday. That is not set in stone and will depend on how he does the next few days. He should be able to return to his home rather than to a care center, but will still need supervision and help from the family. He will also be attending frequent outpatient rehabilitation therapy.
Dad still needs to work on getting stronger. Today he was able to ride the stationary bike for about 10 minutes, but he was really tired after that. He also seems to have some balance issues at times, and has been complaining of dizziness. So he will need to be continually monitored if he is up and about.
Cognitively, Dad has made a lot of progress. He is usually pretty clear on the time of day, the month, etc., which had not been the case up until this last week. His memory also seems to be returning to him a bit. Today he told me about his trip to California with my mom, which was in April right before his accident. At one point we had been told that the month of April was gone from his memory completely, but that does not seem to be the case. There are times when he is still a bit fuzzy and confused, his short term memory is still unreliable, and there are still some cognitive tasks that are difficult for him, but looking at where he was even a week ago, the progress is significant. Dad continues to not recognize how much progress he is making, and has been struggling with feeling a bit down. He has enjoyed having visitors this week and the visits seem to perk him up.
Dad has also been having quite a bit of pain this week, especially in his head. Where all of his facial fractures are, it is very painful for him and the pain radiates into his head giving him severe headaches. He always asks whichever family member is there to rub his head, neck, and back continually. He has probably had more massages in the last week than most people have in their entire life (we are all at his beck and call)!
The biggest struggles for Dad right now are that he will not eat and therefore remains on a feeding tube and that that they have not been able to get him off of the catheter. They can send him home with both the feeding tube and catheter if they have to, but they were hoping to resolve those issues first. Dad just hasn't had any appetite (I can't blame him when I see what they are trying to feed him). He will not eat more than a couple of bites at a time or take more than a couple of sips. He is only allowed to eat very thick liquids and pureed foods at this time, as his swallowing still needs to get stronger. However, his swallowing will not get stronger until he actually agrees to eat. So we are hoping that he will quickly regain his appetite! We would love for him to return home without his feeding tube.
Dad reminds us often about what is really important in life. In his own words, "FAMILY and the GOSPEL are all that matter in this world. Everything else is just fluff."
Dad still needs to work on getting stronger. Today he was able to ride the stationary bike for about 10 minutes, but he was really tired after that. He also seems to have some balance issues at times, and has been complaining of dizziness. So he will need to be continually monitored if he is up and about.
Cognitively, Dad has made a lot of progress. He is usually pretty clear on the time of day, the month, etc., which had not been the case up until this last week. His memory also seems to be returning to him a bit. Today he told me about his trip to California with my mom, which was in April right before his accident. At one point we had been told that the month of April was gone from his memory completely, but that does not seem to be the case. There are times when he is still a bit fuzzy and confused, his short term memory is still unreliable, and there are still some cognitive tasks that are difficult for him, but looking at where he was even a week ago, the progress is significant. Dad continues to not recognize how much progress he is making, and has been struggling with feeling a bit down. He has enjoyed having visitors this week and the visits seem to perk him up.
Dad has also been having quite a bit of pain this week, especially in his head. Where all of his facial fractures are, it is very painful for him and the pain radiates into his head giving him severe headaches. He always asks whichever family member is there to rub his head, neck, and back continually. He has probably had more massages in the last week than most people have in their entire life (we are all at his beck and call)!
The biggest struggles for Dad right now are that he will not eat and therefore remains on a feeding tube and that that they have not been able to get him off of the catheter. They can send him home with both the feeding tube and catheter if they have to, but they were hoping to resolve those issues first. Dad just hasn't had any appetite (I can't blame him when I see what they are trying to feed him). He will not eat more than a couple of bites at a time or take more than a couple of sips. He is only allowed to eat very thick liquids and pureed foods at this time, as his swallowing still needs to get stronger. However, his swallowing will not get stronger until he actually agrees to eat. So we are hoping that he will quickly regain his appetite! We would love for him to return home without his feeding tube.
Dad reminds us often about what is really important in life. In his own words, "FAMILY and the GOSPEL are all that matter in this world. Everything else is just fluff."
Monday, May 14, 2012
Ready For Visitors
Dad continues to make improvements daily, especially physically. He is getting physically stronger and is now being taken on daily walks out to the front of the hospital where he is able to sit for a while and enjoy the sunshine. Just these brief excursions still wear him out quickly, however, and he still has a long way to go. But we are pleased with his progress in this area.
Cognitively Dad is also making progress. He is able to have sustained conversations with us at times, and is quick to give out his opinions and advice. He has told us that the most important thing in life is that we learn to be kind. He used Christ as the ultimate example of kindness and told us that we need to be like him.
Dad's sense of humor is still intact and he is quick to quip jokes at the medical personnel. If anything, he is even more of a jester now (I know that it's hard to believe). Maybe he is using humor to help himself get through this situation.
There are still some obvious cognitive issues that need to be worked on, and Dad still gets confused and mixed up about things. For example, when asked how many kids Kathie and Jim have, he said that they have 10 (they have 2). Also, nearly every time he is asked what month it is he says "March." He does not seem to have retained any memories from the month of April (even the vacation he just took with my Mom to California). We have been told that those memories have been erased and he will not get them back. We have been working with him on realizing that it is now May, so he has started responding either "May" or "Summer" when asked the time of year.
Dad's short term memory is still lacking as well. Sometimes he does not remember things from one day to the next, but this should improve with time.
We are so relieved and grateful that Dad is still "himself." We had been told that his personality and sense of humor may be changed as a result of where is brain injury had occurred. Maybe time will show there to be some changes in these areas, but for the most part Dad seems to still be the Dad we know and love.
Dad has been feeling some frustration and discouragement with his situation (as anyone would!). He does not always want to cooperate with his therapists and he gets annoyed at the nurses having to help him with everything. He doesn't know/ remember how critically he was injured, so he does not see himself making as much progress as we can see that he has made. This has him feeling down at times. He does seem to enjoy having visitors. Visits from those he loves seem to perk him up.
When we asked Dad if he is ready for visitors from outside the immediate family, he responded that he was. My mom asked me to share this information with you. Those of you who have been waiting to visit Dad until he was stronger can now do so. He is currently on the 12th floor of the Intermountain Medical Center. Visiting hours are from 4-8 PM each day. Sundays are more open as the therapy schedule is light. He will probably be there for at least the next week. If he makes great progress this week it is possible he could leave the hospital sometime this week. If that is the case, we will let everyone know.
If you do visit Dad, please plan on making your visits fairly brief and keeping them within the visiting hours. Dad still gets worn out easily and also has been experiencing terrible headaches in the area that the brain injury occurred. Also, during the non-visiting hours Dad is involved in therapy, so he would be unavailable at those times. It helps Dad to know that people love and care about him, so short visits from his friends and extended family may contribute to the healing process. Some days Dad is very social and likes to talk, other days he does not feel up to much chatting. Please just be aware of this as you make your visits. If he seems unsocial at the time, he may have just had an exhausting day or not be feeling well.
In other news, Dad did get his trach out last Thursday. That should be completely healed soon. He is also off of the antibiotics now and is doing great with no sign of returning infection. Unfortunately, he still has his feeding tube in. He has not yet passed the swallow test, and aspirates into his lungs when he is given food or drink. Thus, it is still not safe for him to eat or drink. The speech therapists are working with him daily on getting his muscles back to where they need to be to eat safely again. He will not be able to leave the hospital until that occurs. He often asks the therapists for ice cream, one time stopping at the nurse's station during his walk to ask (jokingly) for a caramel malt. Now you all know what kind of treat he has been craving once he is able to eat again :).
We want to thank all of you once again for the love and support that you have shown to us during this challenging time. We are very blessed!
Cognitively Dad is also making progress. He is able to have sustained conversations with us at times, and is quick to give out his opinions and advice. He has told us that the most important thing in life is that we learn to be kind. He used Christ as the ultimate example of kindness and told us that we need to be like him.
Dad's sense of humor is still intact and he is quick to quip jokes at the medical personnel. If anything, he is even more of a jester now (I know that it's hard to believe). Maybe he is using humor to help himself get through this situation.
There are still some obvious cognitive issues that need to be worked on, and Dad still gets confused and mixed up about things. For example, when asked how many kids Kathie and Jim have, he said that they have 10 (they have 2). Also, nearly every time he is asked what month it is he says "March." He does not seem to have retained any memories from the month of April (even the vacation he just took with my Mom to California). We have been told that those memories have been erased and he will not get them back. We have been working with him on realizing that it is now May, so he has started responding either "May" or "Summer" when asked the time of year.
Dad's short term memory is still lacking as well. Sometimes he does not remember things from one day to the next, but this should improve with time.
We are so relieved and grateful that Dad is still "himself." We had been told that his personality and sense of humor may be changed as a result of where is brain injury had occurred. Maybe time will show there to be some changes in these areas, but for the most part Dad seems to still be the Dad we know and love.
Dad has been feeling some frustration and discouragement with his situation (as anyone would!). He does not always want to cooperate with his therapists and he gets annoyed at the nurses having to help him with everything. He doesn't know/ remember how critically he was injured, so he does not see himself making as much progress as we can see that he has made. This has him feeling down at times. He does seem to enjoy having visitors. Visits from those he loves seem to perk him up.
When we asked Dad if he is ready for visitors from outside the immediate family, he responded that he was. My mom asked me to share this information with you. Those of you who have been waiting to visit Dad until he was stronger can now do so. He is currently on the 12th floor of the Intermountain Medical Center. Visiting hours are from 4-8 PM each day. Sundays are more open as the therapy schedule is light. He will probably be there for at least the next week. If he makes great progress this week it is possible he could leave the hospital sometime this week. If that is the case, we will let everyone know.
If you do visit Dad, please plan on making your visits fairly brief and keeping them within the visiting hours. Dad still gets worn out easily and also has been experiencing terrible headaches in the area that the brain injury occurred. Also, during the non-visiting hours Dad is involved in therapy, so he would be unavailable at those times. It helps Dad to know that people love and care about him, so short visits from his friends and extended family may contribute to the healing process. Some days Dad is very social and likes to talk, other days he does not feel up to much chatting. Please just be aware of this as you make your visits. If he seems unsocial at the time, he may have just had an exhausting day or not be feeling well.
In other news, Dad did get his trach out last Thursday. That should be completely healed soon. He is also off of the antibiotics now and is doing great with no sign of returning infection. Unfortunately, he still has his feeding tube in. He has not yet passed the swallow test, and aspirates into his lungs when he is given food or drink. Thus, it is still not safe for him to eat or drink. The speech therapists are working with him daily on getting his muscles back to where they need to be to eat safely again. He will not be able to leave the hospital until that occurs. He often asks the therapists for ice cream, one time stopping at the nurse's station during his walk to ask (jokingly) for a caramel malt. Now you all know what kind of treat he has been craving once he is able to eat again :).
We want to thank all of you once again for the love and support that you have shown to us during this challenging time. We are very blessed!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Mother's Day
Dad is getting better with each and every day that passes. It sure is a wonderful thing to see. We thank all of you for your prayers and well wishes. Our family has felt the love from each of you as we have been going through this time in our lives. As Mother's Day is tomorrow, we have planned a small family get-together tomorrow. We have talked to Mom about what to do about leaving Dad. She mentioned maybe we could see if there was any extended family member who would like to sit by Dad for a little while, from around 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. We don't want to interrupt any family plans you already have. If there is anyone who's schedule permits, and would like to do this please call Kathleen's home number and leave a message. Thank you again for your love, faith and prayers. We love you all!
Jeff & Corrine
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Dad continues to make big improvements. With the smaller trach he has learned how to push air past the opening to speak, and is talking to us more and more each day. Tomorrow he is scheduled to have the trach removed completely, which should improve his ease of speech even further. There are moments when Dad seems just like himself and things seem clear, and moments when he is still very confused and doesn't make much sense. That is to be expected for quite a while with the magnitude of his brain injury. Tonight has been one of the clear moments. My mom made the following comment and asked me to post it: "Tonight I think we have witnessed a miracle. Ed's mind seems to have awakened and he just keeps talking to us. Most everything he says is correct. We are in tears as he tells what flowers he likes, where to get them, how much to water etc., etc. It has been amazing."
The good news is that Dad still has his same sense of humor. The personnel in rehab call him "spunky" or "feisty" because he jokes back with them and is often sarcastic. One example of his brand of humor: today the nurse was telling him that she was sorry that they were making him do all of these annoying things but that they were doing so because they want him to get better and they love him. He looked at her and told her, "I bet you tell that to all the boys." He is always making the medical staff laugh (and us)!
Dad's love for his family is evident as we are there with him. Today he said that the most important thing is to love and be loved. He also told Shari, "the family is so great!" Last night when Jake was leaving he asked Jake, "can I bum a ride with you?" . . . and a little later "do you have room in your car for me?" Later that night, at 11 PM, he had the medical staff call my mom for him. When she answered after being awakened he told her that he just wanted his family. Today we asked him if he remembered calling Mom last night. He indicated that he did, so we asked him why. His answer: "I wanted to ask her for a date." Just more evidence of his humor AND his love for my mom. Today Dale told Dad how glad he is that he is still with us and Dad said that he was glad too.
Dad is growing stronger physically as well. In physical therapy they have him walking further each day, doing stairs, squats, and other simple exercises. Any physical exertion really wears him out, but he is getting stronger every day.
Dad is expected to be in rehab for a total of 10-14 days. At that point he should not have any physical limitations, but will still have cognitive issues that will need to be worked with. The long-term effect is unknown at this point.
Tomorrow the speech pathologists will be conducting a swallow study to see if he is ready to start drinking and then eating again. Once he is ready they will keep the feeding tube in for 3 days just to ensure that he is receiving enough calories.
Another positive note, today the nurse practitioner was checking Dad's right eye. He had the left eye covered and asked Dad they type and color of his shirt. Dad was able to tell him, showing that he does have some vision in that eye.
It has been so encouraging to see Dad coming back to us little by little. We cherish the moments when he is clear and alert enough to talk with us. Shari was showing him pictures today of family vacations and reminiscing with him. She also played the Kendall family theme song, "Love Remains" for him, which he instantly recognized. We were encouraged when he was able to name some extended family members in Shari's pictures.
We know that there will be ups and downs in the healing process, but are hopeful that there will continue to be more ups (like today) than downs.
The good news is that Dad still has his same sense of humor. The personnel in rehab call him "spunky" or "feisty" because he jokes back with them and is often sarcastic. One example of his brand of humor: today the nurse was telling him that she was sorry that they were making him do all of these annoying things but that they were doing so because they want him to get better and they love him. He looked at her and told her, "I bet you tell that to all the boys." He is always making the medical staff laugh (and us)!
Dad's love for his family is evident as we are there with him. Today he said that the most important thing is to love and be loved. He also told Shari, "the family is so great!" Last night when Jake was leaving he asked Jake, "can I bum a ride with you?" . . . and a little later "do you have room in your car for me?" Later that night, at 11 PM, he had the medical staff call my mom for him. When she answered after being awakened he told her that he just wanted his family. Today we asked him if he remembered calling Mom last night. He indicated that he did, so we asked him why. His answer: "I wanted to ask her for a date." Just more evidence of his humor AND his love for my mom. Today Dale told Dad how glad he is that he is still with us and Dad said that he was glad too.
Dad is growing stronger physically as well. In physical therapy they have him walking further each day, doing stairs, squats, and other simple exercises. Any physical exertion really wears him out, but he is getting stronger every day.
Dad is expected to be in rehab for a total of 10-14 days. At that point he should not have any physical limitations, but will still have cognitive issues that will need to be worked with. The long-term effect is unknown at this point.
Tomorrow the speech pathologists will be conducting a swallow study to see if he is ready to start drinking and then eating again. Once he is ready they will keep the feeding tube in for 3 days just to ensure that he is receiving enough calories.
Another positive note, today the nurse practitioner was checking Dad's right eye. He had the left eye covered and asked Dad they type and color of his shirt. Dad was able to tell him, showing that he does have some vision in that eye.
It has been so encouraging to see Dad coming back to us little by little. We cherish the moments when he is clear and alert enough to talk with us. Shari was showing him pictures today of family vacations and reminiscing with him. She also played the Kendall family theme song, "Love Remains" for him, which he instantly recognized. We were encouraged when he was able to name some extended family members in Shari's pictures.
We know that there will be ups and downs in the healing process, but are hopeful that there will continue to be more ups (like today) than downs.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Rehab
Today, on the 3 week anniversary of the accident, Dad was discharged from the "hospital" to the rehabilitation center, which is located just a floor above where he previously was.
With his move to the rehabilitation center, my mom has suggested that maybe we should cut back a bit on our blog updates. We will continue posting updates on Dad's progress and any milestones that he reaches, but it won't necessarily be every day. As Dad is improving, we are beginning to sense that he may feel a bit self-conscious about his condition right now, so we are going to allow him a little more privacy as he heals. We feel that it may be best to show him the respect of not publicizing all of the smallest details of his cognitive functioning. Up until now we have felt good about sharing those things with everyone, and there will still be things that we share, but we are going to be more selective from now on to save him from any embarrassment.
Dad is expected to remain in rehab for around 2 weeks. From there we are not sure what to expect. We have been given differing outlooks, depending upon which medical professional we are speaking with. He may go home after rehab and require the care of a home nurse, or he may need to go to a care facility for a while longer as his brain continues to heal. Best case scenario would be that he would be able to go home with minimal help. In any case, the brain healing process will not occur quickly and will have many ups and downs.
Medically speaking, Dad still has the trach and is being given oxygen through that to assist with his breathing. He is expected to get that out within a couple of days. He also still has a feeding tube. Ideally, they would like to remove that as soon as possible, but need to make sure that he is ready first. Dad also continues to receive antibiotics through an I.V., but those are being reduced. Once the antibiotics are finished, his I.V. can also be removed.
Dad will be having 6 sessions of rehab per day. Because of this heavy schedule they have told us that visitors are discouraged. They do encourage his family to be there learning and participating in the rehab process, so we will continue taking shifts being with Dad through this time. For those very closest to Dad (such as his siblings) the best time of day to visit him is between 3-4, as he will not be in therapy at that time. Also, his Sunday schedule is lighter. But again, we have been asked to continue limiting his visitors to those who are very closest to him.
We feel confident that Dad continues to get the best possible medical care and attention. He is currently being tested so that his rehab can be tailored specifically to his needs. He has a nurse assigned to him and just 2 other patients, so he continues to get constant monitoring. We have been very impressed with all of the medical staff who have been working with Dad and know that he is in good hands.
We cannot express enough thanks to all of you for the love, concern, comments, support, and prayers that you have given to us. It means more than you can know!! Keep checking back, as we would love to share Dad's future triumphs with all of you.
With his move to the rehabilitation center, my mom has suggested that maybe we should cut back a bit on our blog updates. We will continue posting updates on Dad's progress and any milestones that he reaches, but it won't necessarily be every day. As Dad is improving, we are beginning to sense that he may feel a bit self-conscious about his condition right now, so we are going to allow him a little more privacy as he heals. We feel that it may be best to show him the respect of not publicizing all of the smallest details of his cognitive functioning. Up until now we have felt good about sharing those things with everyone, and there will still be things that we share, but we are going to be more selective from now on to save him from any embarrassment.
Dad is expected to remain in rehab for around 2 weeks. From there we are not sure what to expect. We have been given differing outlooks, depending upon which medical professional we are speaking with. He may go home after rehab and require the care of a home nurse, or he may need to go to a care facility for a while longer as his brain continues to heal. Best case scenario would be that he would be able to go home with minimal help. In any case, the brain healing process will not occur quickly and will have many ups and downs.
Medically speaking, Dad still has the trach and is being given oxygen through that to assist with his breathing. He is expected to get that out within a couple of days. He also still has a feeding tube. Ideally, they would like to remove that as soon as possible, but need to make sure that he is ready first. Dad also continues to receive antibiotics through an I.V., but those are being reduced. Once the antibiotics are finished, his I.V. can also be removed.
Dad will be having 6 sessions of rehab per day. Because of this heavy schedule they have told us that visitors are discouraged. They do encourage his family to be there learning and participating in the rehab process, so we will continue taking shifts being with Dad through this time. For those very closest to Dad (such as his siblings) the best time of day to visit him is between 3-4, as he will not be in therapy at that time. Also, his Sunday schedule is lighter. But again, we have been asked to continue limiting his visitors to those who are very closest to him.
We feel confident that Dad continues to get the best possible medical care and attention. He is currently being tested so that his rehab can be tailored specifically to his needs. He has a nurse assigned to him and just 2 other patients, so he continues to get constant monitoring. We have been very impressed with all of the medical staff who have been working with Dad and know that he is in good hands.
We cannot express enough thanks to all of you for the love, concern, comments, support, and prayers that you have given to us. It means more than you can know!! Keep checking back, as we would love to share Dad's future triumphs with all of you.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
We don't have much to report today. Dad continued to grow stronger. He was able to walk around the entire floor with just one person assisting. He was also able to sit up in the recliner for a good share of the day.
Dad also continued to make progress during speech therapy, eliciting a laugh from everyone at a couple of his comments. As his brain continues to heal from the trauma and swelling, he still struggles with words and names. That should improve with time. He did indicate that he remembers his fall, but he did not want to talk or think about it, so we will not press the matter with him unless he is ready. It still takes all of his energy to speak or to make one lap of the hallway.
Kathie's husband Jim, who is visiting from California for a few days, was able to assist in giving Dad the sacrament and singing a hymn to him this morning. Tonight I played music for him as well, which caused him to tear up a few times (as well as tap his feet in time with a rousing song from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir). I think that his spirit needs healing along with his body. Hopefully we can help provide that for him.
Of medical note, they were able to swap out Dad's trach for a smaller one today (they went from a 9 to a 6). The next step will be to remove the trach entirely, but they have to see how he does with this smaller one first. He seems to be doing fine with it so far.
The plan for tomorrow is to move Dad to the rehab floor where he can begin receiving more intense therapy. Dad is still not up to many visitors. We are able to sense that his current limitations are causing him some embarrassment and he does not seem to like having people see him in this state. We are very hopeful that he will continue progressing quickly so that he will be up to visiting with all of those who love him soon. We will keep you updated.
Dad also continued to make progress during speech therapy, eliciting a laugh from everyone at a couple of his comments. As his brain continues to heal from the trauma and swelling, he still struggles with words and names. That should improve with time. He did indicate that he remembers his fall, but he did not want to talk or think about it, so we will not press the matter with him unless he is ready. It still takes all of his energy to speak or to make one lap of the hallway.
Kathie's husband Jim, who is visiting from California for a few days, was able to assist in giving Dad the sacrament and singing a hymn to him this morning. Tonight I played music for him as well, which caused him to tear up a few times (as well as tap his feet in time with a rousing song from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir). I think that his spirit needs healing along with his body. Hopefully we can help provide that for him.
Of medical note, they were able to swap out Dad's trach for a smaller one today (they went from a 9 to a 6). The next step will be to remove the trach entirely, but they have to see how he does with this smaller one first. He seems to be doing fine with it so far.
The plan for tomorrow is to move Dad to the rehab floor where he can begin receiving more intense therapy. Dad is still not up to many visitors. We are able to sense that his current limitations are causing him some embarrassment and he does not seem to like having people see him in this state. We are very hopeful that he will continue progressing quickly so that he will be up to visiting with all of those who love him soon. We will keep you updated.
Today was a good day. Dad has found his sense of humor. He seemed more like himself. He opened his right eye more than we have seen in the past, although still not opened all the way. He was rubbing his eyes and the nurse asked if they were bothering him. He nodded yes, so they put some cream on them. The nurse then asked if anything else was bothering him. Dad nodded yes and pointed to the nurse. We all laughed and dad reached up and rubbed and patted the nurse's arm with a big smile on his face, so the nurse knew he was joking. It was refreshing to see his personality come through a little.
The occupational therapist came and he continued to write in answer to questions. He was responding very quickly, which is encouraging. He was also much more accurate with the questions, just a few extra letters here and there. He did know the year without being prompted. After the writing they walked him around the entire 11 floor loop. He sat down for a few minutes in the middle but he made it all the way with someone supporting him on each side. They were teasing him about sleep walking because he kept closing his eyes. They want to work on him watching and directing the movement. We ran into the trauma doctor while walking and he was excited to see dad doing so well. He asked Dad to give a thumbs up, to which dad responded with a thumbs down. He had a really funny frown on his face and it all made everyone laugh. Dad then gave a thumbs up and smiled. The doctor asked dad to say hello, he tried but only air came out. The doctor said they were going to put a smaller trach tube in sometime soon. That might help him regain his voice.
Speech therapy also went well today. He couldn't respond to all of questions, but answered most of them. A few highlights were, that he was able to recite all of his kids names in order. He recognized Lauren and Sydney (Mikes kids) from a picture, but couldn't get Tyler's name. He also saw a picture of Kelsey and he couldn't get her name, but then when Mike said Kelsey and asked who that was he said "Granddaughter". Mike asked if he knew what important thing happened to her recently and he said "4 year". Mike said "college degree" and Dad nodded. Mike asked him if he was in St George and he said no. Then asked him if he was in Salt Lake and he said yes. Mike asked him if he knew why he was in the hospital and he gave a diving motion with his hand. He pressed the question (trying to get him to speak) and he motioned what they guessed was a ladder falling out from someone. He seemed a little shaken up or bothered. Mike asked him if he didn't want to think about it and he nodded to confirm. He has seemed confused in the past as to why he is in the hospital, but he seems to understand now. It will be interesting to find out if he remembers any of it.
Today he was showing a lot of love to us all. When I got to the hospital he motioned for me to come sit by him and he took my hand and brought it to his face and held it for a few moments. It was a sweet gesture. Kelsey came to visit in the evening and he was very happy to see her. He actually mouthed the word "hug" and held out his arms three or four times for Kelsey to give him a hug. She said "I love you too, Grandpa" and he gave a big smile. It was so good to see a little more of his personality and love shine through today.
The occupational therapist came and he continued to write in answer to questions. He was responding very quickly, which is encouraging. He was also much more accurate with the questions, just a few extra letters here and there. He did know the year without being prompted. After the writing they walked him around the entire 11 floor loop. He sat down for a few minutes in the middle but he made it all the way with someone supporting him on each side. They were teasing him about sleep walking because he kept closing his eyes. They want to work on him watching and directing the movement. We ran into the trauma doctor while walking and he was excited to see dad doing so well. He asked Dad to give a thumbs up, to which dad responded with a thumbs down. He had a really funny frown on his face and it all made everyone laugh. Dad then gave a thumbs up and smiled. The doctor asked dad to say hello, he tried but only air came out. The doctor said they were going to put a smaller trach tube in sometime soon. That might help him regain his voice.
Speech therapy also went well today. He couldn't respond to all of questions, but answered most of them. A few highlights were, that he was able to recite all of his kids names in order. He recognized Lauren and Sydney (Mikes kids) from a picture, but couldn't get Tyler's name. He also saw a picture of Kelsey and he couldn't get her name, but then when Mike said Kelsey and asked who that was he said "Granddaughter". Mike asked if he knew what important thing happened to her recently and he said "4 year". Mike said "college degree" and Dad nodded. Mike asked him if he was in St George and he said no. Then asked him if he was in Salt Lake and he said yes. Mike asked him if he knew why he was in the hospital and he gave a diving motion with his hand. He pressed the question (trying to get him to speak) and he motioned what they guessed was a ladder falling out from someone. He seemed a little shaken up or bothered. Mike asked him if he didn't want to think about it and he nodded to confirm. He has seemed confused in the past as to why he is in the hospital, but he seems to understand now. It will be interesting to find out if he remembers any of it.
Today he was showing a lot of love to us all. When I got to the hospital he motioned for me to come sit by him and he took my hand and brought it to his face and held it for a few moments. It was a sweet gesture. Kelsey came to visit in the evening and he was very happy to see her. He actually mouthed the word "hug" and held out his arms three or four times for Kelsey to give him a hug. She said "I love you too, Grandpa" and he gave a big smile. It was so good to see a little more of his personality and love shine through today.
They are looking to move Dad rehab on Monday where he will start on even more therapy. It is a long road but we are all hanging in.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Just a short update tonight.
Today was a blessedly quiet day for Dad. He was calm and sleepy all day (which he needs for his healing!).
The facial surgeon's partner did stop in to do another post-surgery check-up and proclaimed that Dad was healing excellently. In fact, Dad has barely any swelling or bruising from the surgery. He really looks like himself again!
They have decided that Dad does not have pneumonia, just bronchitis. His chest x-rays looked good. Because he does have quite a bit of congestion, they will be leaving the trach in for a few more days for more convenient suctioning. Dad is now easily coughing on his own, which is great. They are still treating him with antibiotics to prevent any further infection in his lungs.
Dad had a visit from the speech therapist today. She once again hooked up the voice device to his trach to allow him to speak normally. He did not want to wake up for her and was not very communicative at that time. When I asked him who I am, he did say my name, which was awesome to hear. He had a hard time coming up with names of those who weren't present, however. Even when we showed him photographs of some family members, he was not able to tell us their names. He did come out with 2 sentences on his own. When the therapist asked him if there is anything he would like to say, he told her, "I want my head back down"(meaning he wanted his bed to be reclined again so that he could go back to sleep). Also, when my mom was speaking, he said to her, "I can't hear you." Those were the first sentences he has spoken aloud on his own since the accident.
The best moment of the day came when my mom was leaving for the night. As she told my dad that she was leaving, he beckoned her over to him. When she reached his side, he lifted both arms and reached around her to hug her. He then mouthed the words, "I love you" to her.
Dad is scheduled to be transferred to the rehab floor on Monday, if he is cleared medically at that time. Once there, he will have a heavy therapy schedule, with physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and recreational therapy each day. Once he is in rehab he should really start making some progress.
Please take a minute to read my mom's note of thanks below.
Today was a blessedly quiet day for Dad. He was calm and sleepy all day (which he needs for his healing!).
The facial surgeon's partner did stop in to do another post-surgery check-up and proclaimed that Dad was healing excellently. In fact, Dad has barely any swelling or bruising from the surgery. He really looks like himself again!
They have decided that Dad does not have pneumonia, just bronchitis. His chest x-rays looked good. Because he does have quite a bit of congestion, they will be leaving the trach in for a few more days for more convenient suctioning. Dad is now easily coughing on his own, which is great. They are still treating him with antibiotics to prevent any further infection in his lungs.
Dad had a visit from the speech therapist today. She once again hooked up the voice device to his trach to allow him to speak normally. He did not want to wake up for her and was not very communicative at that time. When I asked him who I am, he did say my name, which was awesome to hear. He had a hard time coming up with names of those who weren't present, however. Even when we showed him photographs of some family members, he was not able to tell us their names. He did come out with 2 sentences on his own. When the therapist asked him if there is anything he would like to say, he told her, "I want my head back down"(meaning he wanted his bed to be reclined again so that he could go back to sleep). Also, when my mom was speaking, he said to her, "I can't hear you." Those were the first sentences he has spoken aloud on his own since the accident.
The best moment of the day came when my mom was leaving for the night. As she told my dad that she was leaving, he beckoned her over to him. When she reached his side, he lifted both arms and reached around her to hug her. He then mouthed the words, "I love you" to her.
Dad is scheduled to be transferred to the rehab floor on Monday, if he is cleared medically at that time. Once there, he will have a heavy therapy schedule, with physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and recreational therapy each day. Once he is in rehab he should really start making some progress.
Please take a minute to read my mom's note of thanks below.
Personal Thank You from Kathleen
I have been feeling a need to post my great love and appreciation to all of you as it is too overwhelming to write individual notes at this time. My words are inadequate, but heartfelt. First of all I want to thank my Heavenly Father for His love and great plan for us. I am thankful for my Savior and His atoning sacrifice which gives us strength beyond our own. I have felt that. I am thankful for the peace and comfort that comes from the Holy Ghost.
Thank you to the doctors, nurses and incredible staff at the IHC Hospital for your care and great abilities in caring for Ed and being an instrument in saving his life. You have been so wonderful!
Thank you to the man who rendered immediate aid and called 911.
Thank you to our amazing family of sons and daughters (all of you) for your constant support and selfless acts and hours of service watching over your parents. I am humbled by the truly great individuals you are. We could not have done this without you!
Thank you to each of our sons for being worthy priesthood bearers who can administer those blessings in times of need, and for being so protective of your father.
Thank you to our daughters for your tender nurturing and for the wonderful blog and updates to each other through the days. (And for cheering him on.)
Thank you to our grandchildren for your faith, prayers, visits, notes, and pictures. Thank you for being so patient as you have had your routines interrupted and have been bounced around so your parents could watch over grandpa. We are so sorry Kelsey to have missed your college graduation. We are proud of you and also Bella who chose to go ahead with her baptism on her birthday. You all bring us great joy.
Thank you to Scott, Mary, Chad, Ryan, and any others who have helped keep the business going. Ed is blessed by your being so trustworthy and efficient. We know he has many friends in the industry as well.
Thank you to siblings and extended family members for your support and prayers. We know it has been hard for many who have wanted to be at his side as well as close friends and associates. Thank you for your fasting, prayers, and caring. We have all been so helpless, yet not alone. Thank you to all who have sent cards, messages, telephone calls, and to those who have brought food or other gifts of love. Ed has so many who love and appreciate him. Thank you for your friendships through the years. We so appreciate our ward and stake family as well. We know of your desires to help out. There will still be needs in the future when Ed gets back to visiting. He is very much a "people person".
Thank you to new friends at the temple who are filling in for us during our leave and adding your faith to ours. You are special! (Also to those helping in our other church callings.)
Thank you Ed for your strength, for enduring and not giving up. You have come through many great trials in your life and have always had the courage to keep going. You are my hero. I know you will be back to complete your assignments on earth . Thank you for loving me.
I have been feeling a need to post my great love and appreciation to all of you as it is too overwhelming to write individual notes at this time. My words are inadequate, but heartfelt. First of all I want to thank my Heavenly Father for His love and great plan for us. I am thankful for my Savior and His atoning sacrifice which gives us strength beyond our own. I have felt that. I am thankful for the peace and comfort that comes from the Holy Ghost.
Thank you to the doctors, nurses and incredible staff at the IHC Hospital for your care and great abilities in caring for Ed and being an instrument in saving his life. You have been so wonderful!
Thank you to the man who rendered immediate aid and called 911.
Thank you to our amazing family of sons and daughters (all of you) for your constant support and selfless acts and hours of service watching over your parents. I am humbled by the truly great individuals you are. We could not have done this without you!
Thank you to each of our sons for being worthy priesthood bearers who can administer those blessings in times of need, and for being so protective of your father.
Thank you to our daughters for your tender nurturing and for the wonderful blog and updates to each other through the days. (And for cheering him on.)
Thank you to our grandchildren for your faith, prayers, visits, notes, and pictures. Thank you for being so patient as you have had your routines interrupted and have been bounced around so your parents could watch over grandpa. We are so sorry Kelsey to have missed your college graduation. We are proud of you and also Bella who chose to go ahead with her baptism on her birthday. You all bring us great joy.
Thank you to Scott, Mary, Chad, Ryan, and any others who have helped keep the business going. Ed is blessed by your being so trustworthy and efficient. We know he has many friends in the industry as well.
Thank you to siblings and extended family members for your support and prayers. We know it has been hard for many who have wanted to be at his side as well as close friends and associates. Thank you for your fasting, prayers, and caring. We have all been so helpless, yet not alone. Thank you to all who have sent cards, messages, telephone calls, and to those who have brought food or other gifts of love. Ed has so many who love and appreciate him. Thank you for your friendships through the years. We so appreciate our ward and stake family as well. We know of your desires to help out. There will still be needs in the future when Ed gets back to visiting. He is very much a "people person".
Thank you to new friends at the temple who are filling in for us during our leave and adding your faith to ours. You are special! (Also to those helping in our other church callings.)
Thank you Ed for your strength, for enduring and not giving up. You have come through many great trials in your life and have always had the courage to keep going. You are my hero. I know you will be back to complete your assignments on earth . Thank you for loving me.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
The Roller Coaster Ride Continues
Last night and today have been quite the roller coaster ride with Dad.
It all started last night when Dad was in obvious pain in his stomach area. He kept pointing to his stomach and then nodding when asked if he was in pain. He also started shaking all over. When he started coughing up blood (a significant amount) and his oxygen level dipped, the trauma team was alarmed enough that they felt he needed to be back in ICU for closer monitoring and testing. This was of course alarming to the family as well and Dale ended up staying at the hospital all night with Dad (Jeff also stayed most of the night).
The main issues were getting to the bottom of why he was coughing up blood and finding the cause of his pain.
He continued coughing up blood through the night (although it started getting darker which indicated that it was old blood).
The first concern was pneumonia. Dad's lungs hadn't looked great on the last chest x-ray. His morning x-ray today showed his lungs looking "stable" but he does still appear to have pneumonia brewing. He had 3 of the 5 indicators needed before they consider it full-fledged pneumonia. As a result, they have changed the mix of antibiotics they are giving him. But pneumonia did not appear to be the cause of bleeding.
With the bleeding issue, first they told us that he had been improperly suctioned out, which had caused the bleeding. Then they were concerned that the tracheotomy itself was causing the bleeding (Dad's is located very close to a main artery, which they were looking at). After they did a CT scan of his neck and chest they ruled out that theory. So they were still assuming that the blood was caused by improper suctioning of his trach (someone had used the wrong tool) and they were very apologetic to our family.
They finally got to the bottom of the bleeding issue tonight when Dr Leyngold (the Dr. who performed the facial surgery) came in to check up on Dad post-surgery. He was shocked to find Dad in ICU and asked why. When he was told about the bleeding he indicated that it was most definitely drainage from the surgery Dad had just had, and nothing to be alarmed over. The amount of blood Dad had coughed up was not excessive for the surgery he had had. The blood had not been aspirated into the lungs but had merely drained into the mouth/throat and upper airway. This had clogged up his trach a bit and was also the cause of his oxygen level dip.
A cause was also found for the intense stomach pain Dad had been having along with the "shakes". I won't go into much detail, but since the catheter had been removed from Dad, he apparently had not been voiding as he should. In the ICU they re-catheterized him and they drained 1300cc from him. The normal bladder only holds 300-400cc. A bladder that is as full as Dad's was can cause intense pain, delusion, shakes, and other problems. They are going to be leaving the catheter in for a while now, as his bladder will need time to shrink back down so that the bladder muscles can work properly again.
The entire ICU return trip appears to have been somewhat of a false alarm. However, we would much rather have them being overly cautious than not cautious enough. They expect to move Dad back out of ICU and to the Trauma floor sometime tonight or tomorrow. As a family we are so relieved that Dad's problems last night did not end up being more serious. We know that prayers and blessings are working!
Other notes from the day, Dad's face is not as swollen as expected after surgery. He is recovering well from that. The Dr. did indicate that during surgery he found Dad's eyeball to be lodged in with the broken bones and scar tissue, making it immobile. He freed it and the eyeball should now start moving again. However, there was no way to assess the nerve damage to the nerves that control the movement of Dad's eyeball, the eyelid, and facial movement. Each of these areas are controlled by separate nerves and there is no way to know which are damaged, and if so, how much. They will wait for 6 months to reevaluate and then will try some surgical repairs if necessary.
Dad was extra sleepy and calm today and slept peacefully most of the day (I'm sure he felt so much better after getting rid of his stomach pain). The Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapist did make him wake up for some therapy this afternoon. Today Dad was able to walk down most of a hallway and back (with 2 helpers)! At the end of therapy they had him sit up in a recliner for an hour. It is better for his lungs to have him upright.
The therapists also worked on his cognitive skills. They again today asked him to write answers to questions. When they asked him what month and year he thought it was, he wrote "March 1908". When they explained that it was May 2012, he wrote "May 1212". When they asked if he knew where he was he could not answer. They asked if he was "home" and he nodded yes. When they explained where he really was, he nodded as if he understood. They also asked him to look at a clock and write down the time. It was 2:30 and he wrote 2:300 PM. I share these things with all of you not with the intent to embarrass or exploit Dad, but to show everyone just how seriously his brain was injured, and to let you all see the gains he is making. He will continue to make progress and will hopefully eventually regain full ability after some time. His brain is still very injured, and information is still quite "scrambled" for him (like the most terrible concussion). That all should improve and one of the major goals of therapy will be to help him regain full cognitive function.
Dad's blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate were all great today. They are working on moving Dad to rehab on Monday.
Thank you again to all of you for your prayers, thoughts, and support. The experiences we are having with Dad are reaffirming and strengthening our faith in the power of prayer.
The first concern was pneumonia. Dad's lungs hadn't looked great on the last chest x-ray. His morning x-ray today showed his lungs looking "stable" but he does still appear to have pneumonia brewing. He had 3 of the 5 indicators needed before they consider it full-fledged pneumonia. As a result, they have changed the mix of antibiotics they are giving him. But pneumonia did not appear to be the cause of bleeding.
With the bleeding issue, first they told us that he had been improperly suctioned out, which had caused the bleeding. Then they were concerned that the tracheotomy itself was causing the bleeding (Dad's is located very close to a main artery, which they were looking at). After they did a CT scan of his neck and chest they ruled out that theory. So they were still assuming that the blood was caused by improper suctioning of his trach (someone had used the wrong tool) and they were very apologetic to our family.
They finally got to the bottom of the bleeding issue tonight when Dr Leyngold (the Dr. who performed the facial surgery) came in to check up on Dad post-surgery. He was shocked to find Dad in ICU and asked why. When he was told about the bleeding he indicated that it was most definitely drainage from the surgery Dad had just had, and nothing to be alarmed over. The amount of blood Dad had coughed up was not excessive for the surgery he had had. The blood had not been aspirated into the lungs but had merely drained into the mouth/throat and upper airway. This had clogged up his trach a bit and was also the cause of his oxygen level dip.
A cause was also found for the intense stomach pain Dad had been having along with the "shakes". I won't go into much detail, but since the catheter had been removed from Dad, he apparently had not been voiding as he should. In the ICU they re-catheterized him and they drained 1300cc from him. The normal bladder only holds 300-400cc. A bladder that is as full as Dad's was can cause intense pain, delusion, shakes, and other problems. They are going to be leaving the catheter in for a while now, as his bladder will need time to shrink back down so that the bladder muscles can work properly again.
The entire ICU return trip appears to have been somewhat of a false alarm. However, we would much rather have them being overly cautious than not cautious enough. They expect to move Dad back out of ICU and to the Trauma floor sometime tonight or tomorrow. As a family we are so relieved that Dad's problems last night did not end up being more serious. We know that prayers and blessings are working!
Other notes from the day, Dad's face is not as swollen as expected after surgery. He is recovering well from that. The Dr. did indicate that during surgery he found Dad's eyeball to be lodged in with the broken bones and scar tissue, making it immobile. He freed it and the eyeball should now start moving again. However, there was no way to assess the nerve damage to the nerves that control the movement of Dad's eyeball, the eyelid, and facial movement. Each of these areas are controlled by separate nerves and there is no way to know which are damaged, and if so, how much. They will wait for 6 months to reevaluate and then will try some surgical repairs if necessary.
Dad was extra sleepy and calm today and slept peacefully most of the day (I'm sure he felt so much better after getting rid of his stomach pain). The Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapist did make him wake up for some therapy this afternoon. Today Dad was able to walk down most of a hallway and back (with 2 helpers)! At the end of therapy they had him sit up in a recliner for an hour. It is better for his lungs to have him upright.
The therapists also worked on his cognitive skills. They again today asked him to write answers to questions. When they asked him what month and year he thought it was, he wrote "March 1908". When they explained that it was May 2012, he wrote "May 1212". When they asked if he knew where he was he could not answer. They asked if he was "home" and he nodded yes. When they explained where he really was, he nodded as if he understood. They also asked him to look at a clock and write down the time. It was 2:30 and he wrote 2:300 PM. I share these things with all of you not with the intent to embarrass or exploit Dad, but to show everyone just how seriously his brain was injured, and to let you all see the gains he is making. He will continue to make progress and will hopefully eventually regain full ability after some time. His brain is still very injured, and information is still quite "scrambled" for him (like the most terrible concussion). That all should improve and one of the major goals of therapy will be to help him regain full cognitive function.
Dad's blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate were all great today. They are working on moving Dad to rehab on Monday.
Thank you again to all of you for your prayers, thoughts, and support. The experiences we are having with Dad are reaffirming and strengthening our faith in the power of prayer.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Dad had his facial reconstruction surgery this afternoon and it went well. He was in surgery for about 2 1/2 hours. There were titanium plates placed under Dad's right eye and on the left side of his nose. His right eye socket also needed to be built up with a plastic piece reinforced with titanium mesh. His nose was splinted and his eye will be covered with a patch for about 24 hours. This surgery was for "looks" and will have no impact on the nerve damage and vision issues in Dad's right eye. That is something that will have to heal itself and Dad will probably always have at least some vision loss in that eye as well as a droopy eyelid. The Dr. feels that with time it probably should improve.
Dad has had a much quieter day today and has been resting more peacefully. There have not been any more hospital escape attempts!
Medically, he has had a small setback. When they took his chest x-ray this morning they found that his lungs were looking quite a bit worse than yesterday. They are now concerned and watching him for pneumonia again. They are treating this with bi-hourly breathing treatments of albuterol and lung suctioning. They are hoping that this will clear his lungs out. If not, he may need to return to the ICU. So far, his lungs seem to be responding to the treatments and are sounding better. The morning chest x-ray should give us a fuller picture.
Due to the surgery schedule and his breathing treatments, Dad did not have any physical therapy today. He did, however, have a speech therapist come and work with him for a bit. Once again Mike was the lucky child who was there to witness Dad speaking. The therapist hooks a device onto his trach that allows enough air to get pushed past it for him to verbalize. He again was able to name my mom and Mike. He also said, "I love you" to my mom. His voice seemed a bit stronger today, but it still takes him extra time to get the words out.
The therapist also gave him a pen and paper and asked him to write some answers to questions. First they asked him to write his name, which he was able to do, although he wrote "Ed" in the middle of about 8 letters. When she asked him how many kids he has, he wrote 17, but then circled the 7. She asked him how old he is and he thought about it but could not verbalize it. She asked him if he was older than 25, to which he gave her a look like, "get real," so then she asked if he is older than my mom. He nodded yes to this. He was not able to write how old he is, either, until they told him his age, and then he was able to write it.
The nurse told Mike that she has seen a lot of progress in Dad over the last three days. It is impossible to predict how long recovery from brain injuries will take. The most important thing is that Dad is progressing each day, which is the best sign that they can hope for.
Dad has had a much quieter day today and has been resting more peacefully. There have not been any more hospital escape attempts!
Medically, he has had a small setback. When they took his chest x-ray this morning they found that his lungs were looking quite a bit worse than yesterday. They are now concerned and watching him for pneumonia again. They are treating this with bi-hourly breathing treatments of albuterol and lung suctioning. They are hoping that this will clear his lungs out. If not, he may need to return to the ICU. So far, his lungs seem to be responding to the treatments and are sounding better. The morning chest x-ray should give us a fuller picture.
Due to the surgery schedule and his breathing treatments, Dad did not have any physical therapy today. He did, however, have a speech therapist come and work with him for a bit. Once again Mike was the lucky child who was there to witness Dad speaking. The therapist hooks a device onto his trach that allows enough air to get pushed past it for him to verbalize. He again was able to name my mom and Mike. He also said, "I love you" to my mom. His voice seemed a bit stronger today, but it still takes him extra time to get the words out.
The therapist also gave him a pen and paper and asked him to write some answers to questions. First they asked him to write his name, which he was able to do, although he wrote "Ed" in the middle of about 8 letters. When she asked him how many kids he has, he wrote 17, but then circled the 7. She asked him how old he is and he thought about it but could not verbalize it. She asked him if he was older than 25, to which he gave her a look like, "get real," so then she asked if he is older than my mom. He nodded yes to this. He was not able to write how old he is, either, until they told him his age, and then he was able to write it.
The nurse told Mike that she has seen a lot of progress in Dad over the last three days. It is impossible to predict how long recovery from brain injuries will take. The most important thing is that Dad is progressing each day, which is the best sign that they can hope for.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Today continued to bring progress for dad. But along with that progress came some tough moments.
I will start with the updates from Corrine's morning shift (we are all still taking turns with hospital shifts, which is needed even more now than when he was in ICU).
The first thing that Corrine noticed when she got to the hospital this morning was that Dad was missing his feeding tube. He had somehow managed to yank it out during the night. They left it out for a while but then scheduled a procedure to have it looped through his nose and tied inside so that it can no longer be pulled out. Doesn't sound fun, does it?
Dad continued to be "de-hospitalized" this morning. His side stitches, side drain, catheter and pic line all came out. Only his feeding tube and trach/ oxygen mask remain. He is medically making progress, although his white blood cell count this morning was slightly high.
Dad's facial surgery was scheduled for tomorrow evening. He was cleared to go to rehab tomorrow, but because of his surgery, his release from the hospital to the rehab floor has been pushed off until at least Friday.
The trauma team PA explained to Corrine that Dad is currently experiencing delirium, and told her to google it. So, if you want to know more about what that entails, I would encourage you to google it too. But, in short, it means that Dad's brain is a bit "foggy" right now. She mentioned that our family can all help him through this by going out of our way to orient him to the time of day and let him know what is happening. We should explain things to him and just try to update him on what is going on around him. One way that we can help is by pointing out the clock on the wall and talking to him often in our normal voices (not extra loud as we sometimes feel the tendency to do).
Shari had an eventful afternoon shift with Dad. While she was there, physical therapy came in to work with him and they got him up and walking! He had two people supporting him, one person following behind him with a wheelchair (just in case) and Shari following along with the feeding tube. By the time he got to the door of his room he was already exhausted and plopped down in the chair. They told him from there that they wanted him to take 10 steps and he did! He was wobbly, required support, and had a hard time focusing his vision, but he was able to do it. After he rested in the wheelchair for a while they talked him into taking 10 more steps. That was his limit. But he did sit in the wheelchair for a while and had his hair combed (he wasn't able to do it himself). When they got him back in bed he was immediately asleep. As Shari said, "one step at a time. . . and today he took 20!"
I had the evening shift and it was a doozy. Dad was by far the most "with it" that I have seen him since the accident. But I guess he thought that he was feeling pretty good, good enough to do what he wanted, so he spent the entire evening trying to climb out of bed and trying to grab onto me to pull him out of bed. I am not strong enough to support him and there were a few times he almost fell out of bed, so it was a pretty emotionally and physically draining evening. Dad was "talking" the entire time I was there through mouthing words and making hand gestures. Towards the end of my shift I could read his lips and he mouthed, "Mary, I need to go," while pointing to the door. At least he really knows my name now! But, seriously, it broke my heart. He kept trying to pull off his oxygen mask, feeding tube, and even the cast on his left arm. He just wanted out of that bed, out of the hospital so very badly. And I could see how terribly frustrated he was that he couldn't talk. He was trying so very, very hard to talk to me and tell me what he wanted, and I could see how disappointed he was when I couldn't understand him or wouldn't help him.
He also kept pointing to his right eye, which is sewn shut and isn't working properly right now anyway, and then looking at me with a questioning face. I tried to explain to him about what had happened, and about his injuries and tell hm that he was getting better, etc., but that just seemed to make him more frustrated. I could see where the delirium was coming in to play with him. He is acting more impulsively than he would otherwise.
He did display a sense of humor when Josh and my kids stopped in for a quick minute. And he was calm and attentive to Kelsey when she stopped in, but when the grand kids were gone, he was back to begging me to help him out of there. I originally thought that he was telling me that he wanted to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, but that was making him more upset that I wasn't understanding. I later figured out that he really was trying to get me to take him home.
Right before I left, the nurse's assistant, who is parked 24/7 at the side of his bed, turned on the TV for him, which seemed to calm him down. I think they were going to give him a sleep aid to help him settle down and rest tonight.
I can tell through Dad's actions that he is starting to physically feel so much better. He is trying to take initiative and be back in control of his own life. It is great to see that, but at the same time, it is so hard to see him so uncomfortable and unhappy. Hopefully things will continue to improve quickly so that he can be up and about and talking again soon.
Tomorrow is surgery day. We will keep you all updated.
I will start with the updates from Corrine's morning shift (we are all still taking turns with hospital shifts, which is needed even more now than when he was in ICU).
The first thing that Corrine noticed when she got to the hospital this morning was that Dad was missing his feeding tube. He had somehow managed to yank it out during the night. They left it out for a while but then scheduled a procedure to have it looped through his nose and tied inside so that it can no longer be pulled out. Doesn't sound fun, does it?
Dad continued to be "de-hospitalized" this morning. His side stitches, side drain, catheter and pic line all came out. Only his feeding tube and trach/ oxygen mask remain. He is medically making progress, although his white blood cell count this morning was slightly high.
Dad's facial surgery was scheduled for tomorrow evening. He was cleared to go to rehab tomorrow, but because of his surgery, his release from the hospital to the rehab floor has been pushed off until at least Friday.
The trauma team PA explained to Corrine that Dad is currently experiencing delirium, and told her to google it. So, if you want to know more about what that entails, I would encourage you to google it too. But, in short, it means that Dad's brain is a bit "foggy" right now. She mentioned that our family can all help him through this by going out of our way to orient him to the time of day and let him know what is happening. We should explain things to him and just try to update him on what is going on around him. One way that we can help is by pointing out the clock on the wall and talking to him often in our normal voices (not extra loud as we sometimes feel the tendency to do).
Shari had an eventful afternoon shift with Dad. While she was there, physical therapy came in to work with him and they got him up and walking! He had two people supporting him, one person following behind him with a wheelchair (just in case) and Shari following along with the feeding tube. By the time he got to the door of his room he was already exhausted and plopped down in the chair. They told him from there that they wanted him to take 10 steps and he did! He was wobbly, required support, and had a hard time focusing his vision, but he was able to do it. After he rested in the wheelchair for a while they talked him into taking 10 more steps. That was his limit. But he did sit in the wheelchair for a while and had his hair combed (he wasn't able to do it himself). When they got him back in bed he was immediately asleep. As Shari said, "one step at a time. . . and today he took 20!"
I had the evening shift and it was a doozy. Dad was by far the most "with it" that I have seen him since the accident. But I guess he thought that he was feeling pretty good, good enough to do what he wanted, so he spent the entire evening trying to climb out of bed and trying to grab onto me to pull him out of bed. I am not strong enough to support him and there were a few times he almost fell out of bed, so it was a pretty emotionally and physically draining evening. Dad was "talking" the entire time I was there through mouthing words and making hand gestures. Towards the end of my shift I could read his lips and he mouthed, "Mary, I need to go," while pointing to the door. At least he really knows my name now! But, seriously, it broke my heart. He kept trying to pull off his oxygen mask, feeding tube, and even the cast on his left arm. He just wanted out of that bed, out of the hospital so very badly. And I could see how terribly frustrated he was that he couldn't talk. He was trying so very, very hard to talk to me and tell me what he wanted, and I could see how disappointed he was when I couldn't understand him or wouldn't help him.
He also kept pointing to his right eye, which is sewn shut and isn't working properly right now anyway, and then looking at me with a questioning face. I tried to explain to him about what had happened, and about his injuries and tell hm that he was getting better, etc., but that just seemed to make him more frustrated. I could see where the delirium was coming in to play with him. He is acting more impulsively than he would otherwise.
He did display a sense of humor when Josh and my kids stopped in for a quick minute. And he was calm and attentive to Kelsey when she stopped in, but when the grand kids were gone, he was back to begging me to help him out of there. I originally thought that he was telling me that he wanted to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, but that was making him more upset that I wasn't understanding. I later figured out that he really was trying to get me to take him home.
Right before I left, the nurse's assistant, who is parked 24/7 at the side of his bed, turned on the TV for him, which seemed to calm him down. I think they were going to give him a sleep aid to help him settle down and rest tonight.
I can tell through Dad's actions that he is starting to physically feel so much better. He is trying to take initiative and be back in control of his own life. It is great to see that, but at the same time, it is so hard to see him so uncomfortable and unhappy. Hopefully things will continue to improve quickly so that he can be up and about and talking again soon.
Tomorrow is surgery day. We will keep you all updated.
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