Day 15
Two Weeks today since this all began. What a change we have seen, from the worst to a fair bit of hope. When I got to the ward today at around noon, the therapists came in and asked Glenn if he would like to sit up in a wheel chair. Needless to say, yes he did, they got him up and into the chair. ( They used a sling, which must have been a bit scary for Glenn, but all went well.) They did some movement exercises with him then, and commented on how well he was doing. They will take him to the therapy room on Wednesday (provided Glenn is OK) and start a bit more work with him. He tolerated sitting up for 2 hours yesterday, and his OT said that the usual amount of time up the first day is more like 1/2 to 1 hour, so she said he did wonderfully well. They also took a chest x-ray to make sure he doesn't have pneumonia, his white cells were up a bit, so they are checking out what that might be about.
I read through this and realise my grammar may not be the best, but bear with me, and forgive the run-on sentences!
We also saw the neurologist last night who wanted permission to apply for placement at Wascana. He said the sooner we apply the sooner we would get a bed, so of course I said yes. That is a good sign. He was watching Glenn's movement and wants to be sure that his feet stay flexed so that when he wants to use them they will be in good shape. That is the closest a Doctor has come to voicing future recovery. At this point, head movement is a big thing, and Glenn turned his head for the OT when he was sitting up. They said that was a first, so I was more encouraged yesterday than I've been. A lot of people are wondering if Glenn can talk and I'll tell you that at this point no, he can't, but he still has the trache tube in, so I can't say if he will never talk or if he will in time. That is something we have to wait for.
It was a big day, and I hope that Glenn doesn't have an infection started somewhere. The doctor said that there was a slight elevation, but they aren't going to take any chances, so I am content with that. I'll sign off for now, and keep praying that each day shows such encouraging progress. Glenn is a fighter, and has a depth of character that is awesome to see. I only hope he knows how many people are pulling for him. We tell him and share the cards and comments with him. Someone commented that this blog will be good if he wants to read it later, and I guess that is so.
Enough, talk to you later!
Louise
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Feb.26, 2007
Day 14
Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since we began this journey. A lot has happened and a lot has stood still. Glenn was moved out of the ICU this morning andup to 5A, the neurosciences unit. When I got there a little before lunch, he was having psysiotherapy, and this tired him out. Jackie, Chris and Dale came up after wandering around a bit ( we had been given the wrong Mitchell, who had been moved up to 6 F), but we found Glenn and were happy to see him out of the intensive care unit. He was showing more movement in his right leg today, but later in the afternoon, another Doctor came in as he has a sore ankle and quite a bit of swelling in the right leg. They were checking for gout, but I think one of his IV sights is leaking under the skin. They stopped the blood thinner and had a doctor check for the gout, so now we wait again to see how quickly that clears up.
We have posted his room for visiting by immediate family only. Please be patient until Glenn feels up to seeing more people. He gets very upset( who wouldn't), so wait to come see him. Hopefully he will be in a better frame of mind soon, in the meantime, he needs to rest and do his therapy, and I thank you in advance for your understanding.
I'm actually posting this on Tuesday morning from a computer at home, so I have had perserverence enough to conquor something! Keep praying for us, and thank you for your comments and cards. It's good to know Glenn is held in such high regard by so many.
Louise
Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since we began this journey. A lot has happened and a lot has stood still. Glenn was moved out of the ICU this morning andup to 5A, the neurosciences unit. When I got there a little before lunch, he was having psysiotherapy, and this tired him out. Jackie, Chris and Dale came up after wandering around a bit ( we had been given the wrong Mitchell, who had been moved up to 6 F), but we found Glenn and were happy to see him out of the intensive care unit. He was showing more movement in his right leg today, but later in the afternoon, another Doctor came in as he has a sore ankle and quite a bit of swelling in the right leg. They were checking for gout, but I think one of his IV sights is leaking under the skin. They stopped the blood thinner and had a doctor check for the gout, so now we wait again to see how quickly that clears up.
We have posted his room for visiting by immediate family only. Please be patient until Glenn feels up to seeing more people. He gets very upset( who wouldn't), so wait to come see him. Hopefully he will be in a better frame of mind soon, in the meantime, he needs to rest and do his therapy, and I thank you in advance for your understanding.
I'm actually posting this on Tuesday morning from a computer at home, so I have had perserverence enough to conquor something! Keep praying for us, and thank you for your comments and cards. It's good to know Glenn is held in such high regard by so many.
Louise
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Feb.25, 2007
Day 12 and 13
Yesterday I tried to post using the Mac at home, but I lost it in cyberspace. Probably just as well, as I was at home tired, frustrated and having a bit of a pity party. Today we got the word from the doctor that Glenn is good enough to move out of the ICU and into a regular ward. That means that he will really be starting the physio and moving around, so there will be more to report as we go along. We had a nice day today, just chilling and doing puzzles. (I did the puzzles). Glenn slept today, Don dropped in to see us and Chris and Colin stopped by for a bit, so really it was a quiet day.
I have not returned all the calls I've received and I would like to apologize if you are waiting for a call, I'll get to it, but had spent a few nights in Regina because the weather looked uncertain. I have some awesome friends and a snow angel who is keeping my yard clear. My thanks to you. Everyday there is marked improvement, both in my outlook and in Glenn mobility. He has good movement in his left leg, and showed more strength in the right one today, so I'll sign off right now, and try to post from the Mac again.
Louise
Yesterday I tried to post using the Mac at home, but I lost it in cyberspace. Probably just as well, as I was at home tired, frustrated and having a bit of a pity party. Today we got the word from the doctor that Glenn is good enough to move out of the ICU and into a regular ward. That means that he will really be starting the physio and moving around, so there will be more to report as we go along. We had a nice day today, just chilling and doing puzzles. (I did the puzzles). Glenn slept today, Don dropped in to see us and Chris and Colin stopped by for a bit, so really it was a quiet day.
I have not returned all the calls I've received and I would like to apologize if you are waiting for a call, I'll get to it, but had spent a few nights in Regina because the weather looked uncertain. I have some awesome friends and a snow angel who is keeping my yard clear. My thanks to you. Everyday there is marked improvement, both in my outlook and in Glenn mobility. He has good movement in his left leg, and showed more strength in the right one today, so I'll sign off right now, and try to post from the Mac again.
Louise
Friday, February 23, 2007
Feb 23, 2007
Day 11
Glenn is working hard on moving his limbs. Today I was in with Glenn when the OT came in and started his workout. She was stretching the muscles in his arms and then asked him to move his legs. He moved his left knee right up off the bed, so I was pretty excited (and teary) to see so much movement when asked. Voluntary movement is the expectation, so it is good to see. His right leg didn't move as much, but wow! what a boost. He was awake most of the day. We were in with him just before supper. He was sleepy, but didn't fall asleep, so we thought it might be better if we left for a while, just so he could snooze if he wanted. He also spent the entire day on the mask, and when we left tonight, the nurse thought he would probably stay on the mask overnight. Colin and Jackie were in with him, when Jackie, (who was wearing a mask because she has a bit of a cold) burped and complained that it is not a good thing to do, as the mask keeps the odor under your nose. Colin commented that it was like farting in a snow suit, and they said Glenn sort of laughed! So, if he can find his humour, he will get better.
I stayed with Chris and Aryn last night, and will stay in again because the weather is not
sounding very good. So, tomorrow is an new day, and we'll let you know what is happening.
Thank-you for your love and prayers.
Louise
This is Dale, and is my inaugural post on this new blog here. I finally got to see Dad awake for the probably the first time this week; between all the pain killers and whatnot, its been a little difficult to find a good time to go in and visit him. But it was nice to see him off the breathing machine, under his own steam so to speak and just kinda be, well, as normal as possible given the situation. He seems so much calmer and at peace lately which is nice to see. When he's zonked out nice and deep, its not hard to imagine him being asleep at home on the couch. He was sort of having some trouble with coughs tonight, but that's definately going to be less of an issue as they start to move him around more and more, which they are. So...um...yeah...I don't know if there's really much else to say, I just would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has come out, everyone who will come out, and everyone who, through their thoughts and prayers, has shared this difficult time with us, and we all appreciate it greatly. Uh...yeah...I guess that's all, thanks to everyone again, and keep on rockin in the free world!
Glenn is working hard on moving his limbs. Today I was in with Glenn when the OT came in and started his workout. She was stretching the muscles in his arms and then asked him to move his legs. He moved his left knee right up off the bed, so I was pretty excited (and teary) to see so much movement when asked. Voluntary movement is the expectation, so it is good to see. His right leg didn't move as much, but wow! what a boost. He was awake most of the day. We were in with him just before supper. He was sleepy, but didn't fall asleep, so we thought it might be better if we left for a while, just so he could snooze if he wanted. He also spent the entire day on the mask, and when we left tonight, the nurse thought he would probably stay on the mask overnight. Colin and Jackie were in with him, when Jackie, (who was wearing a mask because she has a bit of a cold) burped and complained that it is not a good thing to do, as the mask keeps the odor under your nose. Colin commented that it was like farting in a snow suit, and they said Glenn sort of laughed! So, if he can find his humour, he will get better.
I stayed with Chris and Aryn last night, and will stay in again because the weather is not
sounding very good. So, tomorrow is an new day, and we'll let you know what is happening.
Thank-you for your love and prayers.
Louise
This is Dale, and is my inaugural post on this new blog here. I finally got to see Dad awake for the probably the first time this week; between all the pain killers and whatnot, its been a little difficult to find a good time to go in and visit him. But it was nice to see him off the breathing machine, under his own steam so to speak and just kinda be, well, as normal as possible given the situation. He seems so much calmer and at peace lately which is nice to see. When he's zonked out nice and deep, its not hard to imagine him being asleep at home on the couch. He was sort of having some trouble with coughs tonight, but that's definately going to be less of an issue as they start to move him around more and more, which they are. So...um...yeah...I don't know if there's really much else to say, I just would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has come out, everyone who will come out, and everyone who, through their thoughts and prayers, has shared this difficult time with us, and we all appreciate it greatly. Uh...yeah...I guess that's all, thanks to everyone again, and keep on rockin in the free world!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Feb.22, 2007
Today was Dale's 22nd birthday, and the boys went up to see their Dad this morning and were happy to find him off the ventilator and breathing with a trache mask over his tube. He is starting to move his feet when asked to, both feet this time, and that is also a good sign.
This afternoon, the cardiologist decided to go ahead with a cardioversion (a light shock to his heart) to get it to start beating properly and to stop racing. It worked, and his heart rate has settled to where it was before Sat. night. They had sedated him again to do this procedure, but he woke up quite quickly, and stayed awake most of the afternoon.
He started physiotherapy yesterday, and it was good to know that he had actually sat up (with help) yesterday and today, so he is back on the road to recovery. He was back on the ventilator this afternoon, but they will probably take him off more and more as the days go by. At this point we still have no idea how much he will recover, but every day there is more, and it is really quite soon to be showing this much progress.
We again thank-you for your prayers and well wishes, Please keep thinking of us, it is of great comfort to us.
LOUISE
Hay all!!! Jackie here. Today dad was wiggling his toes and and moving around his feet. Mom and I did a little dance when we went in the room after the doctor fixed his heart. He's looking even more like himself, and life is getting a little easier, I think, for us all. Not much else I can say. Dad is just doing what dad does, and he seems to be progressing at a very fine rate. We continue to pray and hope for the best. Thank you all for your love and support. It means so much to us all. Thank you again.
Jackie-lou.
Chris here!
Just thought that I would put a few words down. As said above, Dad is doing well. I have to keep reminding myself that it has only been just over a week. With that in mind, his progress has been remarkable. I returned to work yesterday, as we all try to return some normalness (if that is a real word) to our lives. Can't think of much else to say, other than the weather really sucks today! Mom you are staying in town at our house tonight!
Thanks to everyone who has been keeping Dad in their thoughts and prayers.
C.G.
This afternoon, the cardiologist decided to go ahead with a cardioversion (a light shock to his heart) to get it to start beating properly and to stop racing. It worked, and his heart rate has settled to where it was before Sat. night. They had sedated him again to do this procedure, but he woke up quite quickly, and stayed awake most of the afternoon.
He started physiotherapy yesterday, and it was good to know that he had actually sat up (with help) yesterday and today, so he is back on the road to recovery. He was back on the ventilator this afternoon, but they will probably take him off more and more as the days go by. At this point we still have no idea how much he will recover, but every day there is more, and it is really quite soon to be showing this much progress.
We again thank-you for your prayers and well wishes, Please keep thinking of us, it is of great comfort to us.
LOUISE
Hay all!!! Jackie here. Today dad was wiggling his toes and and moving around his feet. Mom and I did a little dance when we went in the room after the doctor fixed his heart. He's looking even more like himself, and life is getting a little easier, I think, for us all. Not much else I can say. Dad is just doing what dad does, and he seems to be progressing at a very fine rate. We continue to pray and hope for the best. Thank you all for your love and support. It means so much to us all. Thank you again.
Jackie-lou.
Chris here!
Just thought that I would put a few words down. As said above, Dad is doing well. I have to keep reminding myself that it has only been just over a week. With that in mind, his progress has been remarkable. I returned to work yesterday, as we all try to return some normalness (if that is a real word) to our lives. Can't think of much else to say, other than the weather really sucks today! Mom you are staying in town at our house tonight!
Thanks to everyone who has been keeping Dad in their thoughts and prayers.
C.G.
Feb 20,2007
Feb. 20,2007
What a surprise, someone blew my yard out today! Thank-you, I can't tell you how touched I am. I'm sure the wind will blow it all back in, but it was a great thing to come home to tonight!
Glenn started therapy today, so needless to say he was sleeping when we were to see him, but it is encouraging to see him sitting up instead of just lying down. His trache tube starting bleeding this afternoon, so they stopped the blood thinner and the doctor came to seal it better. It was OK when we went back to say goodnight. His heart rhythm still hasn't straightened out, so hopefully tomorrow we will see a change for the better.
I guess some people are wondering how I'm doing. All I can say is that I'm OK considering. We are resting and eating, although Jackie and Chris feel colds coming on, but they are taking vitamins and mask when they go to see Glenn. Tomorrow is Dale's birthday, but we think we will have his cake at a later date.
I'm starting to babble a bit, so I'll just say goodnight, and hope tomorrow continues to show signs of improvement.
What a surprise, someone blew my yard out today! Thank-you, I can't tell you how touched I am. I'm sure the wind will blow it all back in, but it was a great thing to come home to tonight!
Glenn started therapy today, so needless to say he was sleeping when we were to see him, but it is encouraging to see him sitting up instead of just lying down. His trache tube starting bleeding this afternoon, so they stopped the blood thinner and the doctor came to seal it better. It was OK when we went back to say goodnight. His heart rhythm still hasn't straightened out, so hopefully tomorrow we will see a change for the better.
I guess some people are wondering how I'm doing. All I can say is that I'm OK considering. We are resting and eating, although Jackie and Chris feel colds coming on, but they are taking vitamins and mask when they go to see Glenn. Tomorrow is Dale's birthday, but we think we will have his cake at a later date.
I'm starting to babble a bit, so I'll just say goodnight, and hope tomorrow continues to show signs of improvement.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tues Feb 20th
Feb.20, Tues.
Glenn had surgery yesterday and was pretty medicated today. He has had a racing heart beat since Sat. night, so they are going to treat that overnight, and possibly give him a corrective shock tomorrow. He also has a fever, but the feeling about that is that his 'thermostat' has been affected by the stroke, so this may correct itself overtime.The good news is that they are going to try a trache mask, that is he will not be hooked up to the machine, but will be truly breathing on his own. They cover the trache tube with filters to hydrate and keep out 'bugs', but it is encouraging to hear.
On a personal note from me, I can't tell you how much we appreciate your support and prayers. We have had lots of visitors, and cards and calls. There is not much to do right now except wait and see how much Glenn will rally. My kids have been awesome, and I'm impressed with their partners as well. They have been with us all the way.I'm very worried and tired and starting to feel like too much time is passing without enough progress. I'm wrong, he's doing well all things considered, but it is hard not to imagine all sorts of things, especially at 2 in the morning. I'm sure lots of you are thinking 'why Glenn?' and I have thought that too, but this is just one of the things that happen that have no reason, it just happened, and now we have to cope with it.Tomorrow is a new day, so I hope we have a good night and a better tomorrow.
Louise
P.S. My bible verses are ROMANS 5 : 1-5. Please keep us in your prayers. LIM
Glenn had surgery yesterday and was pretty medicated today. He has had a racing heart beat since Sat. night, so they are going to treat that overnight, and possibly give him a corrective shock tomorrow. He also has a fever, but the feeling about that is that his 'thermostat' has been affected by the stroke, so this may correct itself overtime.The good news is that they are going to try a trache mask, that is he will not be hooked up to the machine, but will be truly breathing on his own. They cover the trache tube with filters to hydrate and keep out 'bugs', but it is encouraging to hear.
On a personal note from me, I can't tell you how much we appreciate your support and prayers. We have had lots of visitors, and cards and calls. There is not much to do right now except wait and see how much Glenn will rally. My kids have been awesome, and I'm impressed with their partners as well. They have been with us all the way.I'm very worried and tired and starting to feel like too much time is passing without enough progress. I'm wrong, he's doing well all things considered, but it is hard not to imagine all sorts of things, especially at 2 in the morning. I'm sure lots of you are thinking 'why Glenn?' and I have thought that too, but this is just one of the things that happen that have no reason, it just happened, and now we have to cope with it.Tomorrow is a new day, so I hope we have a good night and a better tomorrow.
Louise
P.S. My bible verses are ROMANS 5 : 1-5. Please keep us in your prayers. LIM
Monday, February 19, 2007
Everything thus far
February 18
Hi everyone
I want to thank eveyone for all the concern and prayers that we have been receiving this week.
It has been a rollercoaster ride for us this week, the very scary diagnosis given to us on Wednesday was followed by another nasty interview on Thursday.
Friday was a new day though , and a ray of hope shone through.
For those of you who haven't heard, Glenn suffered a brain stem stroke, and is incapable of moving. He can breathe by himself, and is fairly stable, although his heart started racing last night. Today he is waiting to have a tracheotomy and a feeding tube implanted so that the tubes can be pulled from his mouth. He will be much more comfortable, and hopefully he will improve enough to be moved to a regular ward soon.
Chris here. We also have been seeing other encouraging signs. He has been wiggling his left foot and his left hand. That may seem insignificant but in a situation like this it is a very big deal. Especially since it is still early on. We are not out of the woods yet, but we have a lot of reason to hope.
Colin here. Don't have much to say just that dad's doin' better everyday and his movements are more and more encouraging each day. A lesser man wouldn't be capable of such improvement at such an early stage, especially considering the odds he was given earlier on.
February 19
Chris again. Well, things continue to improve. Dad went in early this morning for his tracheotomy surgery today and looks much more comfortable. So we decided to turn off the radio and put on some Sprinsteen. Rock on dad.
Jackie here. What a long week. Things are finally on the up. Dad looks good. He looks like himself. Me and mom have found comfort and inspiration in Avril Lavigns song `Keep Holding On.` We all know that with dad its all or nothing. And I never doubt him for a second. I love him, and I can see how hard he is working to come back to us. He’s the strongest, toughest man I know, and he`ll never ever even think about giving up not even for a second. All we can do is hope and pray and be strong for him. Every day I give him my strength. One step, one day at a time. Love ya daddy.
The Koots(by Mike): We`re all rooting for you, keeping you in our thoughts and praying for you. Glenn we we believe in you, best of luck!
Hi everyone
I want to thank eveyone for all the concern and prayers that we have been receiving this week.
It has been a rollercoaster ride for us this week, the very scary diagnosis given to us on Wednesday was followed by another nasty interview on Thursday.
Friday was a new day though , and a ray of hope shone through.
For those of you who haven't heard, Glenn suffered a brain stem stroke, and is incapable of moving. He can breathe by himself, and is fairly stable, although his heart started racing last night. Today he is waiting to have a tracheotomy and a feeding tube implanted so that the tubes can be pulled from his mouth. He will be much more comfortable, and hopefully he will improve enough to be moved to a regular ward soon.
Chris here. We also have been seeing other encouraging signs. He has been wiggling his left foot and his left hand. That may seem insignificant but in a situation like this it is a very big deal. Especially since it is still early on. We are not out of the woods yet, but we have a lot of reason to hope.
Colin here. Don't have much to say just that dad's doin' better everyday and his movements are more and more encouraging each day. A lesser man wouldn't be capable of such improvement at such an early stage, especially considering the odds he was given earlier on.
February 19
Chris again. Well, things continue to improve. Dad went in early this morning for his tracheotomy surgery today and looks much more comfortable. So we decided to turn off the radio and put on some Sprinsteen. Rock on dad.
Jackie here. What a long week. Things are finally on the up. Dad looks good. He looks like himself. Me and mom have found comfort and inspiration in Avril Lavigns song `Keep Holding On.` We all know that with dad its all or nothing. And I never doubt him for a second. I love him, and I can see how hard he is working to come back to us. He’s the strongest, toughest man I know, and he`ll never ever even think about giving up not even for a second. All we can do is hope and pray and be strong for him. Every day I give him my strength. One step, one day at a time. Love ya daddy.
The Koots(by Mike): We`re all rooting for you, keeping you in our thoughts and praying for you. Glenn we we believe in you, best of luck!
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