HI EVERYONE,
Linda here... Well, I have really great news. After many attempts through the last several weeks, Hal finally passed the swallow test. With Doctor's permission I was present leading the cheering squad with encouragement, praise and hope. The last swallow test, Hal complained of how horrible the stuff tasted that they put in his mouth. Actually it is barium, because they follow the swallow on video. They try to flavor it, but I am sure it still tastes terrible.
My friend Susanne suggested putting a spoonful of honey in Hal's mouth (like the Mary Poppins receipe.."a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down"),well it worked. I actually used my finger and kept coating the inside of his mouth with it, Voila he swallowed everything they put in his mouth. The prize for doing this he now gets to eat "yummy" hospital food..pureed no less. BUT, IT"S A START I TOLD HIM.
After that success, and everyone cheering him when we brought him back upstairs, he said to me, "Now go downstairs and find out what's next". Interpretation: what more do I have to do to get out of here?
Well, progress is happening, and it does seem that he gets a tiny bit stronger everyday. He is enjoying being able to use the speed dial on his new cell phone and call me at least 4 times a day just to chat and mainly find out when I am coming to the hospital. And then he checks in with his daughters, so it is like he has re-joined the human race.
Please don't forget the good thoughts and prayers...see how much they are helping!!!
With love, Linda
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
My dad figured out how to work the phone
Ok, so those of you who have had the pleasure of talking to my dad on his cell phone know that for my father to work the phone pre-accident was a huge accomplishment!! Granted half the conversation was lost because he insisted on speaker phone, but that was the only was for dad to talk on his cell phone. He has been asking for his phone for a while now, and when Carrie and I were there over the holidays, we brought it to him and reminded him how to use it. Well, apparently he dropped it in the toilet or something funny like that, so my mom got him a new one with bigger buttons and a bigger screen (his thumbs are like bug toes!). So imagine my surprise when my cell phone rang the other day and my dad's picture popped up! It has been over 3 months since I received a phone call from him; I was so excited that my heart skipped a beat. I picked up the phone and heard in his raspy,low voice "Hi Tracy, it's dad". I was so ecstatic and proud of him for this gesture of communication and connection. We chatted for a few minutes, and I was able to tell him I am coming back to visit him soon, which he thanked me for. He told me that this was part of his speech therapy; initiating conversation and using functional language. I guess the number buttons are big enough for him to see! We said we loved each other and that we would talk soon. He has actually called me one time since, although he said it was an accident...apparently my mom, carrie and I are on his speed dial and I was not the intended receiver, but I was certainly glad to be the mistake. It was great to hear his voice again and know that he now has the ability to reach out to me when he wants and/or needs to. I hope he calls me again and again; even if I am busy, I will always make time for my dad.
Thanks again to all of you who have kept us in your hearts and thoughts. Your support and positive energy has made all the difference through this extremely difficult time.
Much love,
Tracy
Thanks again to all of you who have kept us in your hearts and thoughts. Your support and positive energy has made all the difference through this extremely difficult time.
Much love,
Tracy
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Hi good friends and family,
Really good news, (other than Hal fell again yesterday trying to get out of a chair which he was not supposed to do) BUT< he is really making leaps and bounds all of a sudden. His voice has become stronger, his cognitive awareness is so much better, he is walking everydayin his physical therapy with a walker, he is using his left hand better, AND he is starting to make complaints to me which is really a return to mornalcy.
Pat and Ira, good firneds of ours saw him about two weeks ago and then this week, and said they could not believe the difference, so it is not just my ovservation. He really is making huge strides all of a sudden.
Not that I want to get my hopes up, but this is really starting to look like Hal might be coming home sometime.
Please keep up the prayers and good thoughts; I do feel that has made a huge diference for us, and I thank asll of you.
With love, Linda
Really good news, (other than Hal fell again yesterday trying to get out of a chair which he was not supposed to do) BUT< he is really making leaps and bounds all of a sudden. His voice has become stronger, his cognitive awareness is so much better, he is walking everydayin his physical therapy with a walker, he is using his left hand better, AND he is starting to make complaints to me which is really a return to mornalcy.
Pat and Ira, good firneds of ours saw him about two weeks ago and then this week, and said they could not believe the difference, so it is not just my ovservation. He really is making huge strides all of a sudden.
Not that I want to get my hopes up, but this is really starting to look like Hal might be coming home sometime.
Please keep up the prayers and good thoughts; I do feel that has made a huge diference for us, and I thank asll of you.
With love, Linda
Hi good friends and family,
Really good news, (other than Hal fell yesterday trying to get out of a chair which he was not supposed to do) BUT, he is really making leaps and bounds all of a sudden. His voice has become stronger, his cognitive awareness is so much better, he is walking everyday in his physical therapy with a walker, and he is starting to make complaints to me which is really a return to normalcy.
Pat and Ira, very good friends of ours, saw him about two weeks ago and then this week, and said they could not believe the difference, so it is not just my observation. He really is making huge strides all of a sudden.
Not that I want to get my hopes up, but this is really starting to look like Hal might come home sometime.
Please keep up the prayers and good thoughts; I do feel that has make a huge difference for us, and I thank you.
With love, Linda
Really good news, (other than Hal fell yesterday trying to get out of a chair which he was not supposed to do) BUT, he is really making leaps and bounds all of a sudden. His voice has become stronger, his cognitive awareness is so much better, he is walking everyday in his physical therapy with a walker, and he is starting to make complaints to me which is really a return to normalcy.
Pat and Ira, very good friends of ours, saw him about two weeks ago and then this week, and said they could not believe the difference, so it is not just my observation. He really is making huge strides all of a sudden.
Not that I want to get my hopes up, but this is really starting to look like Hal might come home sometime.
Please keep up the prayers and good thoughts; I do feel that has make a huge difference for us, and I thank you.
With love, Linda
Friday, January 16, 2009
HI ALL:
Well Hal is doing about the same. SMALL BABY STEPS. I have to remind myself how lucky I am to still have him and be very patient with whatever progress he can make.
He once again failed the "swallow test". He must swallow this chalky type substance, because they have to be able to see it on video as it goes down. His report to me was, "it tasted vile". I asked him if he would have been able to swallow it if it had tasted good, and he said "maybe". So in speaking with his Rehab Doctor, I asked if I could be present at the next swallow test, with the hope of encouraging him to swallow. He must do this before he can start eating food, since he is still being fed through a tube into his stomach.
They are doubling up on the speech therapy since that is what will best prepare those throat and vocal cord muscles for swallowing. They tend to atrophy when not used, and especially since he spent so much time on the ventillator.
He continues to be very fatigued after his therapy, but tries hard to rally for visitors. The doctor has added 2 new medicines which will help with his activity level, hopefully.
Meanwhile, he hates it there and of course, would rather be home, but unfortunately, I think that is going to be a while. St. Mary's is an "acute care rehab" which is what he needs for now.
Your thoughts and prayers are still much appreciated.
With love,
Linda
Well Hal is doing about the same. SMALL BABY STEPS. I have to remind myself how lucky I am to still have him and be very patient with whatever progress he can make.
He once again failed the "swallow test". He must swallow this chalky type substance, because they have to be able to see it on video as it goes down. His report to me was, "it tasted vile". I asked him if he would have been able to swallow it if it had tasted good, and he said "maybe". So in speaking with his Rehab Doctor, I asked if I could be present at the next swallow test, with the hope of encouraging him to swallow. He must do this before he can start eating food, since he is still being fed through a tube into his stomach.
They are doubling up on the speech therapy since that is what will best prepare those throat and vocal cord muscles for swallowing. They tend to atrophy when not used, and especially since he spent so much time on the ventillator.
He continues to be very fatigued after his therapy, but tries hard to rally for visitors. The doctor has added 2 new medicines which will help with his activity level, hopefully.
Meanwhile, he hates it there and of course, would rather be home, but unfortunately, I think that is going to be a while. St. Mary's is an "acute care rehab" which is what he needs for now.
Your thoughts and prayers are still much appreciated.
With love,
Linda
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Hi All,
Hal was funny yesterday. Tired and a little cranky. He claimed that "Everyone around here must be taking directions from my wife". I had told them not to put him back into bed after his therapy, I wanted him dressed and in the wheelchair so we could go outside. Well he wanted to get in bed to go to sleep, so was a little mad that they were following my instructions.
We ended up staying in and I gave him a much needed shave, and even cut his hair a little. It is finally emerging into something beyond baldness or a buzz cut.
One normal "wifely duty" that has returned is that I am doing Hal's laundry again. He is wearing gym type clothing everyday now for his therapy sessions,. Sometime shorts and sometimes sweatpants, with shirts and sweatshirt jackets, so everday I am bringing home a small bundle of wash. At least it is something that feels normal and familiar.
He had a wonderful visit with Harvey, Stan and Norm, his good tennis buddies. I think the male companionship was a very good thing, and did a lot for him. Thanks guys for uplifting him.
He is asking to see Dexter, again. And I cannot begin to tell you how much Dexter misses his POPPOP. Dexter was always Hal's afternoon buddy when I was playing cards or mah jongg, so they really do have a special bond.
Carrie is in NYC at a opening of her part in show at a gallery in chelsea. I am so proud of her, and would have loved to have been there, but I can't leave Hal, so I will have to get the report from Carrie as to how it went.
All for now,
With love, Linda
Hal was funny yesterday. Tired and a little cranky. He claimed that "Everyone around here must be taking directions from my wife". I had told them not to put him back into bed after his therapy, I wanted him dressed and in the wheelchair so we could go outside. Well he wanted to get in bed to go to sleep, so was a little mad that they were following my instructions.
We ended up staying in and I gave him a much needed shave, and even cut his hair a little. It is finally emerging into something beyond baldness or a buzz cut.
One normal "wifely duty" that has returned is that I am doing Hal's laundry again. He is wearing gym type clothing everyday now for his therapy sessions,. Sometime shorts and sometimes sweatpants, with shirts and sweatshirt jackets, so everday I am bringing home a small bundle of wash. At least it is something that feels normal and familiar.
He had a wonderful visit with Harvey, Stan and Norm, his good tennis buddies. I think the male companionship was a very good thing, and did a lot for him. Thanks guys for uplifting him.
He is asking to see Dexter, again. And I cannot begin to tell you how much Dexter misses his POPPOP. Dexter was always Hal's afternoon buddy when I was playing cards or mah jongg, so they really do have a special bond.
Carrie is in NYC at a opening of her part in show at a gallery in chelsea. I am so proud of her, and would have loved to have been there, but I can't leave Hal, so I will have to get the report from Carrie as to how it went.
All for now,
With love, Linda
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
HI EVERYONE,
Linda here....It's been a while since I've done the blog. The girls have done such a good job, making it so interesting and with pictures etc., Both daughters have gone home, and our niece, also. It was wonderful having them here, they are such help and support, and are so wonderful to their Dad. Well,it's just me now and I am afraid I am not capable of making it as interesting.
BUT, the main thing is the content, and I can report that Hal is making progress...slow going, but steady progress, and that is more than acceptable.
He was able to walk the length of the hallway with a walker and the help of his physical therapist on Monday, and greeted me with "I have good news" when he told me of his accomplishment. That is really awesome, when you realize the last step he took was the one to get to the ambulance stretcher on that fateful day of the accident, Nov. 1.
We have had some interesting wheel chair rides lately, although I find he does not always remember them, because his "short term" memory is not so good. "Long term" memory seems to be perfect, so we will take that. Meanwhile I push him around the hospital corridors and outside on the sunshiny days. Maybe it helps me more than it does him to think he can get a ray of sunshine and a breath of fresh air.
He is starting to be stimulated by and enjoys having visits. Our long time friends, Patricia and Ira have been to see him, as well as Aunt Jinny. Louisa our neighbor and daughter Olivia (home from college) whom we have watched grow up from age 11, were there to sit in on his "occupational" therapy session, and then visit with him in his room. Today a few of Hal's tennis buddies are going to see him, and he is really looking forward to that. Hopefully, they will have some stories I can add to tomorrow's blog.
The problem is that by the time he finishes all of his therapy sessions in the morning he is exhausted by the afternoon (visiting time), so I sometimes watch him sleep for a while before I can wake him to talk.
I know that it will be a long time before he can come home, but it is with great hope and satisfaction to have gotten to this point.
Please keep the good thoughts and prayers going.
Thank You to all for your support,
With love, Linda
Linda here....It's been a while since I've done the blog. The girls have done such a good job, making it so interesting and with pictures etc., Both daughters have gone home, and our niece, also. It was wonderful having them here, they are such help and support, and are so wonderful to their Dad. Well,it's just me now and I am afraid I am not capable of making it as interesting.
BUT, the main thing is the content, and I can report that Hal is making progress...slow going, but steady progress, and that is more than acceptable.
He was able to walk the length of the hallway with a walker and the help of his physical therapist on Monday, and greeted me with "I have good news" when he told me of his accomplishment. That is really awesome, when you realize the last step he took was the one to get to the ambulance stretcher on that fateful day of the accident, Nov. 1.
We have had some interesting wheel chair rides lately, although I find he does not always remember them, because his "short term" memory is not so good. "Long term" memory seems to be perfect, so we will take that. Meanwhile I push him around the hospital corridors and outside on the sunshiny days. Maybe it helps me more than it does him to think he can get a ray of sunshine and a breath of fresh air.
He is starting to be stimulated by and enjoys having visits. Our long time friends, Patricia and Ira have been to see him, as well as Aunt Jinny. Louisa our neighbor and daughter Olivia (home from college) whom we have watched grow up from age 11, were there to sit in on his "occupational" therapy session, and then visit with him in his room. Today a few of Hal's tennis buddies are going to see him, and he is really looking forward to that. Hopefully, they will have some stories I can add to tomorrow's blog.
The problem is that by the time he finishes all of his therapy sessions in the morning he is exhausted by the afternoon (visiting time), so I sometimes watch him sleep for a while before I can wake him to talk.
I know that it will be a long time before he can come home, but it is with great hope and satisfaction to have gotten to this point.
Please keep the good thoughts and prayers going.
Thank You to all for your support,
With love, Linda
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Happy New Year Everyone!
Sorry for the delay in posts, my mom has been bugging me to post these pics but I have been in transit and have finally gotten back to tennessee...cold, rainy tennessee!
These are some great pics from my last few days with my dad. One is of me giving him a much needed shampoo and we were practicing the comb over for his scar on his head. You can see the big scar, no hair is growing over it so it is there to stay.
We brought the dogs with us on new years to give my dad a little boost! He has missed dexter and I know his buddy has missed him so we spent a little time outside with them and the dogs were excited to see him and I know he was happy to see them too. You know what everyone says about dog therapy! Also just getting my dad outside for a little everyday when we can is so good for him.
The rehab has been hard for my dad and you could say it has been hard for us as well. I think he is gaining a better understanding of his limitations and it is really frustrating. My dad, as most of you know is really active and social and for him to be in bed and then confined to a wheel chair (only for the moment) and rely on others for help is totally not like him so that would make any one depressed. I think this is all a part of the process but honestly, this has been the hardest part for me, because my dad is able to express his frustrations and talk about them, get angry at us, etc and that is a hard thing to witness. I do have to remember and remind him that things could be much worse, and in time things will get better and better. This has been especially hard on my mom, her daily life is completely different.
Being back is hard, my sister and I talk about this a lot, wanting to be with my dad and how things in our daily lives seem really insignificant. It was really comforting to be able to see him everyday and see the small changes, or deal with the problems there and not over the phone with my mom.
I don't want this to sound depressing.....I am so thankful for my dad's slow but steady progress and I couldn't have gotten a better gift then seeing him over the holidays and being able to spend time with him, even if it was watching him sleep.
Thank you again to everyone for all of your support and wishing you all a HEALTHY and happy new year!
-Carrie
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