Day 46
Jackie here. I thought I would give mom a little break from this. I type day 46 and go wow. 46 days have been and gone, and we have seen so much. Today was a very good day. Mom and I arrived at the hospital at about 1:30 pm. Dad was up in his chair, looking a little agitated and annoyed. So we dug out his picture board and found out quickly that he wanted a walk. Well we unhooked his oxygen hose, and I was looking for his pee bag, and discovered it was not there!!!! WOOO HOOOOO! I said, and the nurses came to see what was going on!!! Lol, oh the things that can excite us now hay??!! So that was some very good news to start out the day! And in the words of my father, "happy day in the Mitchell house!!!"
When we returned from our walk, mom and I gave dad the full "spa" treatment. We gave him a nice little hair cut, and put lotion on his hands and his feet, and mom cut his nails. I really hadn't noticed how long his hair was! After his hair cut he wanted to go for another walk,(probably to show off his new "do". We all know how dad is! Lol. And the nurses and his O.T. were all saying how much better he looked, and how they were glad he had finally given up on the "hippy " look. Oh dad. We also found out from dad that Amy and or Dale, is who he spelled out, hadn't capped his trache today as they had listened to his lungs and decided to hold off for a little while longer. It's great to watch him spell and concentrate on something and finally we can help him with what he actually needs. Colin was saying today that he had had a pretty good conversation with dad about computers, and that Dad responded with hand gestures and shoulder shrugs. It's so nice to see. He's also smiling and laughing a lot more these days. His smile is getting brighter, and his eyes smile too. All in all he just seems bored to me, and when we leave I think it's hard for him, because all he wants to do is come home. Pretty soon dad, pretty soon. The physio is doing wonders, and today I asked him to move his right leg up, so could cover up his foot, and he did it. Mom also went to put on his splint and he just strait up opened up his right hand and spread his fingers. It was the most movement we have seen in his right side. It's all very promising. All I can say is I'm proud. God knows what he is going through.
Well I guess that's all I have to say, and this is getting long. Funny, I was just teasing my mom about her "novel" she wrote last night. Lol. Shut my mouth. But it's true, writing about the day is soothing and it helps to gather one's thoughts on the subject. So thank you all for your love and support for dad and us, it helps to get us through each day. I can't thank you all enough.
One more day is behind us, tomorrow is a new one. Good night all, and thank you again.
Jackie
Louise here
What a nice posting, I really have nothing more to add, other than Chris and Aryn were also up to see Glenn today. All the kids were wearing masks because of lingering cold bugs, so we were incongnito. Jackie was helping Glenn with TV choices. She noticed that he was watching "Ellen", so she said "Ellen? What the hell Dad!" Glenn laughed, and we eventually changed the channel. Chris is going to try to bring Glenn's mom up tomorrow, so we'll see Grandma again. Glenn looked much better when we left, and he will have a bit of trouble with the potty thing for a few days, but it is one less thing to be hooked up to. All in all, it was a good day. Hopefully we will get a break in the weather so we can venture outside again.
'Til next time,
Louise
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
March 29, 2007
Day 45
I have the worst time keeping track of what day we are on. I usually read the comments after the last posting, and check out the date while I'm there, otherwise I'd have no idea where we are. A wise person told me at the beginning of this journey that you don't know what you can do until you have to do it. There's not much more to say other than that. The kids are getting over their colds, and I'm drinking lots of tea and taking my vitamins, so we'll see what happens. I feel OK today, had a good sleep last night, and that really makes a difference.
Glenn had his trache tube capped a couple of times today. He will suffer from a feeling of breathlessness for a while, so he has to be broken into breathing without the tube. The RT was still concerned about how much stuff he was coughing up, but said that they would continue with the capping. It is scarey for him, I could tell. They put an oxygen mask under his nose, and he still got breathless. The RT told him that is usually what happens, and as he gets used to breathing through his nose and mouth again, he will be more comfortable, but it will take a bit of time. It is just one challenge after another, and I do wish I could help him more.
He was telling me (with the letter board) that Colin had been to see him before work today. He also said that he had a good therapy session. We visited with my brother, and Glenn was trying to tell us something about farming down east. It is a bit slow, but he is getting better at getting his words across all the time. It is a relief to be able to understand him. He isn't as clear in the evening when he is getting tired, but stimulation is the key.
I am happy that we missed the snow fall, I actually had coffee with the Sewing Ladies today. Jackie and I drove separately because she was babysitting tonight, and wasn't sure how late she was going to be. That's the first time this week, so we are getting better at co-ordinating that as well. The price of gas is not going down ( surprise, surprise) so we are trying to save as much as we can. It is also nicer to have company when driving back and forth.
That was the big news for today, we'll see how quickly we can get rid of the tube now, so keep praying for Glenn's stamina and will power. We've a long way to go, but have already come a long way. Tomorrow is Friday, so we will have a couple of days off again. I hope the weather will allow us to go outside, that is really a nice break for Glenn and for me.
'Til next time,
Louise
I have the worst time keeping track of what day we are on. I usually read the comments after the last posting, and check out the date while I'm there, otherwise I'd have no idea where we are. A wise person told me at the beginning of this journey that you don't know what you can do until you have to do it. There's not much more to say other than that. The kids are getting over their colds, and I'm drinking lots of tea and taking my vitamins, so we'll see what happens. I feel OK today, had a good sleep last night, and that really makes a difference.
Glenn had his trache tube capped a couple of times today. He will suffer from a feeling of breathlessness for a while, so he has to be broken into breathing without the tube. The RT was still concerned about how much stuff he was coughing up, but said that they would continue with the capping. It is scarey for him, I could tell. They put an oxygen mask under his nose, and he still got breathless. The RT told him that is usually what happens, and as he gets used to breathing through his nose and mouth again, he will be more comfortable, but it will take a bit of time. It is just one challenge after another, and I do wish I could help him more.
He was telling me (with the letter board) that Colin had been to see him before work today. He also said that he had a good therapy session. We visited with my brother, and Glenn was trying to tell us something about farming down east. It is a bit slow, but he is getting better at getting his words across all the time. It is a relief to be able to understand him. He isn't as clear in the evening when he is getting tired, but stimulation is the key.
I am happy that we missed the snow fall, I actually had coffee with the Sewing Ladies today. Jackie and I drove separately because she was babysitting tonight, and wasn't sure how late she was going to be. That's the first time this week, so we are getting better at co-ordinating that as well. The price of gas is not going down ( surprise, surprise) so we are trying to save as much as we can. It is also nicer to have company when driving back and forth.
That was the big news for today, we'll see how quickly we can get rid of the tube now, so keep praying for Glenn's stamina and will power. We've a long way to go, but have already come a long way. Tomorrow is Friday, so we will have a couple of days off again. I hope the weather will allow us to go outside, that is really a nice break for Glenn and for me.
'Til next time,
Louise
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
March 27 & 28
Day 43 & 44
Tuesday and Wednesday saw the weather change again, so no more tours outside for Glenn. He continues to work hard, and I asked today how he is doing. The OT said that he is doing extremely well, and althought he seems pretty emotional, he does what they ask him to do. He has a sore elbow, so he hasn't been able to tolerate the new splint on his right arm, and they said that he is very able to let them know that he does not want it on. I also talked to the doctor this evening, and he said that he was writing up orders for removal of the trache. So that means that the therapists will cap it and we will see how soon it will be gone. Let's hope that he can lose it soon.
Movement continues to improve in his left arm and leg, and the therapists again commented on how Glenn can bridge. I do wish to see more motion in his right arm, but patience is the key.
The nurses are very good with us, and we are making friends. I admire them, that is not a job I could do very easily. Jackie was pushing the wheelchair around the unit today, and people we passed were saying "Hi Glenn, how's it going?" He just seems to be able to charm people even though he cannot actually talk to them. I hope that he can talk to them soon, he is even more charming then. Chris was shaking his head and said that it must be the Mitchell charm coming through.
I don't know how soon we may be moving to Wascana, they are monitoring Glenn's progress, but I don't know what the criteria is that will get him moved. They are ready when he is though, so again, I trust that they know what they are doing. I've got a lot more trust in the health care system than I did before, that is for sure, not that I had any real reason to mistrust it. They do get a lot of bad press though.
I'm feeling tired again, and hope I don't get the cold that the kids have been going through. Jackie is catching it now, so I'll have to be pumping vitamins to avoid it.
That's all for now, I'm going to bed, we'll see what the new day brings. At least we avoided a bunch more snow so far. 'Til next time
Louise
Tuesday and Wednesday saw the weather change again, so no more tours outside for Glenn. He continues to work hard, and I asked today how he is doing. The OT said that he is doing extremely well, and althought he seems pretty emotional, he does what they ask him to do. He has a sore elbow, so he hasn't been able to tolerate the new splint on his right arm, and they said that he is very able to let them know that he does not want it on. I also talked to the doctor this evening, and he said that he was writing up orders for removal of the trache. So that means that the therapists will cap it and we will see how soon it will be gone. Let's hope that he can lose it soon.
Movement continues to improve in his left arm and leg, and the therapists again commented on how Glenn can bridge. I do wish to see more motion in his right arm, but patience is the key.
The nurses are very good with us, and we are making friends. I admire them, that is not a job I could do very easily. Jackie was pushing the wheelchair around the unit today, and people we passed were saying "Hi Glenn, how's it going?" He just seems to be able to charm people even though he cannot actually talk to them. I hope that he can talk to them soon, he is even more charming then. Chris was shaking his head and said that it must be the Mitchell charm coming through.
I don't know how soon we may be moving to Wascana, they are monitoring Glenn's progress, but I don't know what the criteria is that will get him moved. They are ready when he is though, so again, I trust that they know what they are doing. I've got a lot more trust in the health care system than I did before, that is for sure, not that I had any real reason to mistrust it. They do get a lot of bad press though.
I'm feeling tired again, and hope I don't get the cold that the kids have been going through. Jackie is catching it now, so I'll have to be pumping vitamins to avoid it.
That's all for now, I'm going to bed, we'll see what the new day brings. At least we avoided a bunch more snow so far. 'Til next time
Louise
Monday, March 26, 2007
March 26, 2007
Day 42
I didn't see the therapists long enough today to know if we progressed over the weekend. Glenn was in a fair bit of distress when I got there today, and my Mom and Dad came to visit at the time I was trying to console him. It is upsetting for them, but they went to visit my auntie who is also in the hospital. I again took Glenn for a stroll outside, but he found it a bit cold, so we didn't stay out too long. He wanted to go back to bed, and when Mom and Dad came back, we went for coffee while they settled Glenn back into bed. He was better, the fresh air really seems to help, which is no surprise I guess. He was content to watch TV and Chris, Jackie and Colin came to visit, so he was entertained for the evening. I notice that he moves his right leg quite a bit more when he is in bed, so it really is coming back. He still has the trache in, and can't seem to cough up whatever is bothering his breathing. I am praying that it can be removed soon, so that we can start talking. The inability to communicate is truly frustrating for both of us, although we are getting better at signs and spelling. Tonight when we left, he waved good-bye, so it was easier to leave than when he is crying.
Our kids are doing really well with all that is going on. It is hard, of course, to see Dad so helpless, but they are faithfully visiting as much as they can and do try to be entertaining. I've learned about alot of stuff that was going on while we were away or busy, but they are mostly unscathed, and I remember doing stuff that my Mom and Dad probably don't know about either!
As I talk to friends and neighbours, I'm impressed by how many people are following our progress on the blog. We are read about all over the country it would seem, so to eveyone who is reading this entry, thanks, we're doing not too badly, and say hello to everyone from us. Hopefully Glenn will be able to post to this sight soon, and we can start to get his prespective on what has been going on. Won't that be interesting? You are doing a good job of sharing the information, although I know some people are still a bit in the dark. This has become a good exercise for me to keep track of everything that has gone on. I realize how shocked I was. The good news is that my clothes are getting too big! I don't expect that to last too long! Anyway, that's all folks, so 'til next time,
Louise
I didn't see the therapists long enough today to know if we progressed over the weekend. Glenn was in a fair bit of distress when I got there today, and my Mom and Dad came to visit at the time I was trying to console him. It is upsetting for them, but they went to visit my auntie who is also in the hospital. I again took Glenn for a stroll outside, but he found it a bit cold, so we didn't stay out too long. He wanted to go back to bed, and when Mom and Dad came back, we went for coffee while they settled Glenn back into bed. He was better, the fresh air really seems to help, which is no surprise I guess. He was content to watch TV and Chris, Jackie and Colin came to visit, so he was entertained for the evening. I notice that he moves his right leg quite a bit more when he is in bed, so it really is coming back. He still has the trache in, and can't seem to cough up whatever is bothering his breathing. I am praying that it can be removed soon, so that we can start talking. The inability to communicate is truly frustrating for both of us, although we are getting better at signs and spelling. Tonight when we left, he waved good-bye, so it was easier to leave than when he is crying.
Our kids are doing really well with all that is going on. It is hard, of course, to see Dad so helpless, but they are faithfully visiting as much as they can and do try to be entertaining. I've learned about alot of stuff that was going on while we were away or busy, but they are mostly unscathed, and I remember doing stuff that my Mom and Dad probably don't know about either!
As I talk to friends and neighbours, I'm impressed by how many people are following our progress on the blog. We are read about all over the country it would seem, so to eveyone who is reading this entry, thanks, we're doing not too badly, and say hello to everyone from us. Hopefully Glenn will be able to post to this sight soon, and we can start to get his prespective on what has been going on. Won't that be interesting? You are doing a good job of sharing the information, although I know some people are still a bit in the dark. This has become a good exercise for me to keep track of everything that has gone on. I realize how shocked I was. The good news is that my clothes are getting too big! I don't expect that to last too long! Anyway, that's all folks, so 'til next time,
Louise
March 25, 2007
Day 41
Sunday, almost 6 weeks, and we have a bit of a routine going. There is spring in the air, and it is good to be able to enjoy the change of seasons. Spring is the rebirth after winter, and reflects my feelings today somehow. I went to church to get a bit of a lift, and of course got exactly what I needed to hear. In a nut shell, to be a good friend you need to be able to accept friendship when you need it. Thank- you to my friends and family, I'm honoured to be among you.
I took Glenn outside today. When I got to the hospital, the nurse said he was feeling sad, so I went in to see him, and decided that today was a day off. I tidied him up and didn't worry about the splints, just took him for a walk. As we left his room, the nurse said, "Go outside". I was going to ask if it would be OK to do that, so when she said that we were off. I took him out the 15th Ave. entrance as there is less traffic and no smokers out there. It also is on the south side of the building, so we were in the sun, and out of the breeze, although it wafted through enough to be refreshing. We just sat outside and enjoyed the birds, dogs barking, kids yelling in the playground a ways away, and generally took a welcome break from the hospital air. Glenn got something in his eye, so he took off his glasses and wiped his eye! I felt amazed at how much fine motor control his left hand has. I'm sure his right hand will come along too. There is more movement in his right leg, so that side is just taking its time. I have to be more patient, and let him heal on his own time. I'm anxious to have him back though, so I'm having trouble with that.
Jackie, Dale and Des came to see Glenn around supper, so after visiting hours, we went for supper. It was late, and my Greek salad gave me some grief through the night, but it was a nice end to a peaceful day. Taking care of yourself when your partner is in such distress is a hard thing to remember to do. Spiritually, physically, one goes with the other. I backed off the therapy for Glenn, and tried to just heal the spirit within both of us. I feel better for it, and I hope Glenn does too.
I'm going for lunch with some of the friends I was referring to before. I realize I need to let people other than myself start to help Glenn now. He is needing the support more , so we will start something and see how he does. Again, thanks for your love, concern and support, this would be a lonely journey without them.
Louise
Sunday, almost 6 weeks, and we have a bit of a routine going. There is spring in the air, and it is good to be able to enjoy the change of seasons. Spring is the rebirth after winter, and reflects my feelings today somehow. I went to church to get a bit of a lift, and of course got exactly what I needed to hear. In a nut shell, to be a good friend you need to be able to accept friendship when you need it. Thank- you to my friends and family, I'm honoured to be among you.
I took Glenn outside today. When I got to the hospital, the nurse said he was feeling sad, so I went in to see him, and decided that today was a day off. I tidied him up and didn't worry about the splints, just took him for a walk. As we left his room, the nurse said, "Go outside". I was going to ask if it would be OK to do that, so when she said that we were off. I took him out the 15th Ave. entrance as there is less traffic and no smokers out there. It also is on the south side of the building, so we were in the sun, and out of the breeze, although it wafted through enough to be refreshing. We just sat outside and enjoyed the birds, dogs barking, kids yelling in the playground a ways away, and generally took a welcome break from the hospital air. Glenn got something in his eye, so he took off his glasses and wiped his eye! I felt amazed at how much fine motor control his left hand has. I'm sure his right hand will come along too. There is more movement in his right leg, so that side is just taking its time. I have to be more patient, and let him heal on his own time. I'm anxious to have him back though, so I'm having trouble with that.
Jackie, Dale and Des came to see Glenn around supper, so after visiting hours, we went for supper. It was late, and my Greek salad gave me some grief through the night, but it was a nice end to a peaceful day. Taking care of yourself when your partner is in such distress is a hard thing to remember to do. Spiritually, physically, one goes with the other. I backed off the therapy for Glenn, and tried to just heal the spirit within both of us. I feel better for it, and I hope Glenn does too.
I'm going for lunch with some of the friends I was referring to before. I realize I need to let people other than myself start to help Glenn now. He is needing the support more , so we will start something and see how he does. Again, thanks for your love, concern and support, this would be a lonely journey without them.
Louise
Saturday, March 24, 2007
March 23 & 24
Day 39 & 40
Friday was a no therapy day, and I worked on getting the elbow splint on a couple of times. I succeeded once, but the second time Glenn only tolerated 15 minutes, so I didn't push it. I think that he was a bit grumpy with me. He seemed mostly unhappy in the late afternoon. I had been taking him around the unit, and we, or I, visited with more than a few people as we went. I guess that is hard for him to do, although he is better than he was a week ago.
Today when I tried to put the splint on, he spelled "stop" on the letter board and did not co-operate. I guess he likes the therapists more than me when it comes to some of this stuff. I decided again not to push it, as I may be doing more harm than good if I force it. I tried to shake his arm to relax the muscles, but he was having none of that either. Oh well, tomorrow is a new day, and I will persevere.
We had a quiet day otherwise, I almost fell asleep in the chair beside him. I tried reading, but really didn't want to make that much of an effort. I was treated to supper by a friend and enjoyed the nice evening weather. I think I may be suffering from spring fever, my ambition is out the window, and I'm mostly sleepy. Maybe it's nothing a good nights sleep won't fix.
We really don't have much more to say today. The weekend is for resting, and I think we both did that today. Tomorrow may be busier, I'll see how I feel in the morning.
'Til next time
Louise
Friday was a no therapy day, and I worked on getting the elbow splint on a couple of times. I succeeded once, but the second time Glenn only tolerated 15 minutes, so I didn't push it. I think that he was a bit grumpy with me. He seemed mostly unhappy in the late afternoon. I had been taking him around the unit, and we, or I, visited with more than a few people as we went. I guess that is hard for him to do, although he is better than he was a week ago.
Today when I tried to put the splint on, he spelled "stop" on the letter board and did not co-operate. I guess he likes the therapists more than me when it comes to some of this stuff. I decided again not to push it, as I may be doing more harm than good if I force it. I tried to shake his arm to relax the muscles, but he was having none of that either. Oh well, tomorrow is a new day, and I will persevere.
We had a quiet day otherwise, I almost fell asleep in the chair beside him. I tried reading, but really didn't want to make that much of an effort. I was treated to supper by a friend and enjoyed the nice evening weather. I think I may be suffering from spring fever, my ambition is out the window, and I'm mostly sleepy. Maybe it's nothing a good nights sleep won't fix.
We really don't have much more to say today. The weekend is for resting, and I think we both did that today. Tomorrow may be busier, I'll see how I feel in the morning.
'Til next time
Louise
Thursday, March 22, 2007
March 22
Day 38
What a beautiful day! Finally! That in itself lifts your spirits. I visited the people at Glenn's work today and was happy to share with them how well Glenn is doing. He touched and still touches a lot of people because he is so generous and caring. He's not a bad listener (sometimes not to me!), but I find myself somewhat surprised how people have taken to him, and how very concerned for him and us they are now. We continue to receive cards, prayers and comments on the blog. We apparently have a very devoted following. Thank-you for that.
Today, I was informed by some very pleased therapists that Glenn had "bridged". Well, I had no idea what that meant, so they informed me that they held his legs and got him to lift his butt off the bed! They said that is a prelude to his being able to walk, so I'm thinking it was a pretty big step. They have also devised a new splint for his right arm (well it has been used on one other person), to help keep the bicep muscle extended. This will help reduce the tone, and allow Glenn's ability to move his hand and arm to come through.
We had a few visitors today, and Glenn seemed a bit more emotional than he was yesterday. When I got there, his pants were pinching (his words) so I tried to pull the legs down, and finally got some help from a nurse to get them down where they were comfortable. It is good that he can let us know if he is in discomfort and be specific about what the problem is. We then went for a walk around the unit, and were caught by the therapists who put the new brace on his arm. They showed me how to put it on, and advised that it be on no longer than 1/2 hr at a time, and to be sure to watch for bruising. I also will try to shake his arm to release some of the tension in the muscle. I hope we make a difference. We'll know Monday.
All in all, it was another day of progress. As someone pointed out, we haven't hit a plateau yet, but there is time for that yet. My brother came to see Glenn today, and said he is noticably more himself. Glenn does get upset when people come, but he also settles down after a minute and pays attention to what they are saying. We can soon welcome visitors, so just a little longer please.
Spring is here, we've seen crows and gophers. The days are longer, and so far the weather is taking care of the snow. We'll probably have another blast or two, but it won't last too much longer. Our journey is easier if we don't have to worry about the weather and commuting in the cold. Tomorrow is a new day, we'll keep an eye out for more signs.
'Til next time
Louise
What a beautiful day! Finally! That in itself lifts your spirits. I visited the people at Glenn's work today and was happy to share with them how well Glenn is doing. He touched and still touches a lot of people because he is so generous and caring. He's not a bad listener (sometimes not to me!), but I find myself somewhat surprised how people have taken to him, and how very concerned for him and us they are now. We continue to receive cards, prayers and comments on the blog. We apparently have a very devoted following. Thank-you for that.
Today, I was informed by some very pleased therapists that Glenn had "bridged". Well, I had no idea what that meant, so they informed me that they held his legs and got him to lift his butt off the bed! They said that is a prelude to his being able to walk, so I'm thinking it was a pretty big step. They have also devised a new splint for his right arm (well it has been used on one other person), to help keep the bicep muscle extended. This will help reduce the tone, and allow Glenn's ability to move his hand and arm to come through.
We had a few visitors today, and Glenn seemed a bit more emotional than he was yesterday. When I got there, his pants were pinching (his words) so I tried to pull the legs down, and finally got some help from a nurse to get them down where they were comfortable. It is good that he can let us know if he is in discomfort and be specific about what the problem is. We then went for a walk around the unit, and were caught by the therapists who put the new brace on his arm. They showed me how to put it on, and advised that it be on no longer than 1/2 hr at a time, and to be sure to watch for bruising. I also will try to shake his arm to release some of the tension in the muscle. I hope we make a difference. We'll know Monday.
All in all, it was another day of progress. As someone pointed out, we haven't hit a plateau yet, but there is time for that yet. My brother came to see Glenn today, and said he is noticably more himself. Glenn does get upset when people come, but he also settles down after a minute and pays attention to what they are saying. We can soon welcome visitors, so just a little longer please.
Spring is here, we've seen crows and gophers. The days are longer, and so far the weather is taking care of the snow. We'll probably have another blast or two, but it won't last too much longer. Our journey is easier if we don't have to worry about the weather and commuting in the cold. Tomorrow is a new day, we'll keep an eye out for more signs.
'Til next time
Louise
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