One of Ted's good friends, John Meinking, gave him flashcards ( for 4 years and up). Ted likes them! John worked with him on Wednesday. Ted wanted to do them last night. Ted cannot inform me what the items on the flashcards are or read the simple words. BUT, if two flashcards were held in front of him, he could point and differentiate monkey from snake, ice cream cone from giraffe, octopus from nest. After several attempts, it was obvious that he could not differentiate dog from cat, or king from ring. So, progress is needed.
I stated last week that he was a 2-year-old. I would guess that he is between 3 and 4 today... THAT IS PROGRESS!
Thomas went to therapy with him yesterday ( Thomas's day off) and plans to go to part of therapy today. It is an interesting process.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers.....Anne
Friday, January 27, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Ted is coming home on Groundhog Day
The latest news and also troubling news is that Ted is coming home on Thursday, February 2, Groundhog Day. Yesterday, at the case management meeting, which two caregivers, my personal consultant, and I attended, I was overwhelmed with the amount of equipment that has to be ordered, the number of people that will be coming into our home for "home health care", and the amount of work that the two caregivers and I will be doing. I have begged for him to stay at MVH, but he is determined to be "medically stable" and ready to come home.
Ted still can't swallow so he takes all liquids and "food" through a feeding tube into his stomach. His medications are given that way as well. It didn't dawn upon me until yesterday, that we will need to get up in the middle of the night to feed him, just like you feed a newborn baby. They are going to try to "measure" his feedings to maybe stretch it to a 6-hour stretch without feedings, but that is going to be tough due to the size of his stomach at this time. His stomach has shrunk and can't absorb the normal amount of calories. ( I WISH MY STOMACH HAD SHRUNK!)
Ted is getting up and walking very quickly. He is leaning to the right and sometimes runs into door jams, but he is moving. That is scary..... at home he can get up quickly and start moving before someone in the room has time to react. Someone has to assist him when he walks, because he is still wobbly and lacks some balance.
He still has the brain flap ( missing left parietal skull) so he must wear a helmet. He hates the helmet, and is always taking it off when he is out of bed. Of course, my concern is that he will take it off and take off walking somewhere and could fall or run into something. Three weeks ago, Dr. Moncrief informed me that he expected to put his skull back in six weeks. So, I was expecting that to occur about two weeks after Ted comes home. I learned yesterday that they want the brain to "settle down some more" before they do that so it may be several months with Ted in a helmet and having the brain flap.
At this time, he does not have the cognitive ability to assess safety risks - much like a two-year-old not be ing aware that running into the street is dangerous.
He is progressing well in language. He has put two words together and he has even said the three syllable word "Jeopardy." He often "lectures" us for several minutes, but it is mostly gibberish, and we have no idea what he is saying. We may make out a word or two. He is expecting to "celebrate Christmas" when he comes home. His gifts are still under the Christmas tree, and he "told us" that he wants Thomas, David, and Christine there. When he told me that, "David" was very clear. "Thomas and Christine" were difficult to understand.
The speech therapist and caregivers have told me that he can read some simple words - fork, spoon, knife, mug. However, when I attended the session, he could not read anything. The speech therapist suspected that he was tired that day. Ted is very fond of Jessica, his speech therapist, and loves to go to her classes. I think that he understands that those are the best classes for him at this time. Unfortunately, she does not do outpatient classes, so he will miss her. Pray that the outpatient speech therapist has the skills and chemistry of Jessica!
It was made very clear to all of us yesterday that they want stimulus to be at a minimum at home until he adjusts to his new environment. Supposedly, quiet environments are good in the healing process. Obviously, they have never been in my household. Quiet is not a word you would use to describe our home!
They have asked that there be no visitors for several weeks until he adjusts to the new environment and to the "home health care" with the therapists and nurses visiting. I learned that the nurses won't be "nursing" but only monitoring what the caregivers and I do..... that was disappointing!
Well......if you haven't picked up on it yet, I am overwhelmed, scared, and emotionally stretched. I am grateful that I don't feel tired and that I am sufficiently competitive that I am starting to strateguze a way to "win" this "battle." Schedules are being made for me and the caregivers to allow me to work and also have a life. JUST SO YOU KNOW - I have been told to take care of myself and to do something for myself..... that won't be hard!
You have all come through over the last 54 days in praying for Ted, me and the family. Those prayers have certainly helped him to progress from the "near death" situation he was in to where he is now. I was initially told that he would not come home for six months ( and what happened to that!). If you can still find the time and/or energy to pray for us, we continue to welcome those prayers, because they are effective and still needed.
I cannot tell you in words how much it means to ME to feel your prayers, to sense your warm and caring thoughts, and to receive notes of support, comfort, love, and those votes of confidence. I think that many of you have more confidence in what I can do than what I think that I can do . That keeps me going and will continue to keep me going...... ..Love to all of you and from my heart...... Anne
Ted still can't swallow so he takes all liquids and "food" through a feeding tube into his stomach. His medications are given that way as well. It didn't dawn upon me until yesterday, that we will need to get up in the middle of the night to feed him, just like you feed a newborn baby. They are going to try to "measure" his feedings to maybe stretch it to a 6-hour stretch without feedings, but that is going to be tough due to the size of his stomach at this time. His stomach has shrunk and can't absorb the normal amount of calories. ( I WISH MY STOMACH HAD SHRUNK!)
Ted is getting up and walking very quickly. He is leaning to the right and sometimes runs into door jams, but he is moving. That is scary..... at home he can get up quickly and start moving before someone in the room has time to react. Someone has to assist him when he walks, because he is still wobbly and lacks some balance.
He still has the brain flap ( missing left parietal skull) so he must wear a helmet. He hates the helmet, and is always taking it off when he is out of bed. Of course, my concern is that he will take it off and take off walking somewhere and could fall or run into something. Three weeks ago, Dr. Moncrief informed me that he expected to put his skull back in six weeks. So, I was expecting that to occur about two weeks after Ted comes home. I learned yesterday that they want the brain to "settle down some more" before they do that so it may be several months with Ted in a helmet and having the brain flap.
At this time, he does not have the cognitive ability to assess safety risks - much like a two-year-old not be ing aware that running into the street is dangerous.
He is progressing well in language. He has put two words together and he has even said the three syllable word "Jeopardy." He often "lectures" us for several minutes, but it is mostly gibberish, and we have no idea what he is saying. We may make out a word or two. He is expecting to "celebrate Christmas" when he comes home. His gifts are still under the Christmas tree, and he "told us" that he wants Thomas, David, and Christine there. When he told me that, "David" was very clear. "Thomas and Christine" were difficult to understand.
The speech therapist and caregivers have told me that he can read some simple words - fork, spoon, knife, mug. However, when I attended the session, he could not read anything. The speech therapist suspected that he was tired that day. Ted is very fond of Jessica, his speech therapist, and loves to go to her classes. I think that he understands that those are the best classes for him at this time. Unfortunately, she does not do outpatient classes, so he will miss her. Pray that the outpatient speech therapist has the skills and chemistry of Jessica!
It was made very clear to all of us yesterday that they want stimulus to be at a minimum at home until he adjusts to his new environment. Supposedly, quiet environments are good in the healing process. Obviously, they have never been in my household. Quiet is not a word you would use to describe our home!
They have asked that there be no visitors for several weeks until he adjusts to the new environment and to the "home health care" with the therapists and nurses visiting. I learned that the nurses won't be "nursing" but only monitoring what the caregivers and I do..... that was disappointing!
Well......if you haven't picked up on it yet, I am overwhelmed, scared, and emotionally stretched. I am grateful that I don't feel tired and that I am sufficiently competitive that I am starting to strateguze a way to "win" this "battle." Schedules are being made for me and the caregivers to allow me to work and also have a life. JUST SO YOU KNOW - I have been told to take care of myself and to do something for myself..... that won't be hard!
You have all come through over the last 54 days in praying for Ted, me and the family. Those prayers have certainly helped him to progress from the "near death" situation he was in to where he is now. I was initially told that he would not come home for six months ( and what happened to that!). If you can still find the time and/or energy to pray for us, we continue to welcome those prayers, because they are effective and still needed.
I cannot tell you in words how much it means to ME to feel your prayers, to sense your warm and caring thoughts, and to receive notes of support, comfort, love, and those votes of confidence. I think that many of you have more confidence in what I can do than what I think that I can do . That keeps me going and will continue to keep me going...... ..Love to all of you and from my heart...... Anne
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
God works in mysterious ways
I pushed a button too soon........One of the many mistakes we make in praying is trying to tell God what to do instead of letting God do what is best for all of us. When I made my desperate plea for prayer today, I was thinking more about Ted's condition instead of mine. Since my earlier post today, God has put a big smile on my face twice today. I received a very generous gift for the Stivers swim team which takes a huge financial burden off of the swim team and me. Then, I was asked to join a client at the U.D./Xavier basketball game this Saturday - as Ted would say - a very hot ticket! So.... Ted's condition may not have changed much since noon, but I am smiling again and I know that your prayers are effective and that God will always provide away for each of us.
Don't take this too lightly. We still need prayers...... I am still feeling overwhelmed, but at least I am smiling again. I am leaving now to go back to the hospital to see my 2-year-old....... and 2-year-olds do grow up! Maybe he will be 3 or 4 tonight!
From my heart to yours, Anne
Don't take this too lightly. We still need prayers...... I am still feeling overwhelmed, but at least I am smiling again. I am leaving now to go back to the hospital to see my 2-year-old....... and 2-year-olds do grow up! Maybe he will be 3 or 4 tonight!
From my heart to yours, Anne
Good News and Bad News - they are the same
Today was my third weekly meeting with Ted's case manager of the MVH rehab unit. The good news and bad news are the same. Ted will probably be discharged and come home in approximately 2 weeks. The GOOD part of that is Ted is walking fairly well ( still needs assistance - cane, walker, or person to lean on) and he is medically stable. The BAD part of that is Ted will need 24-hour supervision when he comes home - and they mean 24-hour supervision. He cannot be left alone even for a minute and no one can leave the room to do anything else, such as laundry, food preparation, etc. The concern is the brain flap - he still is missing the left part of his skull and it will need to be replaced. Any fall or knock to that area could cause permanent brain damage. He is not expected to have that part of his skull replaced for about a month or more. Right now his brain is still healing, and I am told that it is healing very well and very quickly.
I have jokingly said that Ted has passed from the vegetable state ( when he was in a coma for about a week), to pet state ( where we can walk him, toilet him, and get him to nod occasionally), and now to person state. Unfortunately, in the person state, he is cognitively about a 2-year-old. Accordingly, he does not understand risks, has not yet regained his reasoning ability, and can not differentiate symbols, letters, numbers, etc.
My assessment may sound harsh and callous, but folks, that is amazing progress. I heard him count from 1 to 10 today, with much prompting from the speech therapist. I heard him sing "Happy Birthday" poorly, but he got most of the words out. He said his name, Anne, and all of the children's names as well as Hoy. He cannot say Frayne yet and has much trouble with Christine. Those are harder sounds to make.
We all love 2-year-olds and Ted is still loveable. He has been 2 before and made it to and through puberty and beyond. We are expecting that journey from childhood through adolescence to adulthood to be much quicker this time, but it is a journey that must be made - fast or slow. I am entrusting to God that it will be fast.
He was very sad today. I was informed that is a sign of his cognitive ability increasing. When they become sad, they have awareness of what is going on with them and around them, so that awareness is a big indicator of progress. I tried to lighten it up. There were a couple of smiles, but he had several more classes today, and seemed very sad. I was told that he has had tears a couple of times over the last couple of days. I am told that is a sign of progress.
For those of you who desire to visit, that will not occur until some time after he returns home. He will still be having physical therapy, occupation therapy, and speech therapy several times each week in our home and that needs to take priority. When the time comes and you REALLY, REALLY want to visit him, you will need to call me and schedule a visit. I know that sounds cold and mechanical, but Ted's progress needs to stay on track, and chaos and confusion with visitors, therapists, etc. needs to be minimized.
If you haven't gleaned it from this post, I have now hit the point of feeling totally overwhelmed. Although I have taken care of three 2-year-olds, none of them had the size or strength of Ted and none of them had part of their head missing with the brain being exposed except for a flap of skin over it. It scares me to death....... Ted is still not swallowing and is still on a feeding tube, so Car and I need to learn how to feed him every four hours through his feeding tube. He has made progress in swallowing, but it is not there yet.
SO...... all of you out there who have been following the Ted Hoy blog, who have been quietly and consistenly supporting us, there is more for you to do...... KEEP THOSE PRAYERS GOING..... Right now, I think that I may need them more than Ted! In all honesty, I very much appreciate your support, your prayers, your caring. KEEP THOSE PRAYERS GOING..... Whenever I have made a call for prayerful support, you have all come through.
Since December 2, I have not broken down and cried. I have come close, but always got it together. Today, it may happen. I am not sure how I am going to be able to take care of him, even though I have Car and others to help me. I began to shake and tremble when it sunk in about the amount of work that needs to be done to take care of him at home and the amount of supervision that he requires. I can't put him in a playpen like I did Thomas, David, and Christine!
But, tears can be cleansing. And, he has made amazing progress. Please pray for that progress to continue, especially over the next couple of weeks. I am trusting that it is "the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing." In one word, GODSPEED. Thanks again to all of you who are supporting us, Anne
I have jokingly said that Ted has passed from the vegetable state ( when he was in a coma for about a week), to pet state ( where we can walk him, toilet him, and get him to nod occasionally), and now to person state. Unfortunately, in the person state, he is cognitively about a 2-year-old. Accordingly, he does not understand risks, has not yet regained his reasoning ability, and can not differentiate symbols, letters, numbers, etc.
My assessment may sound harsh and callous, but folks, that is amazing progress. I heard him count from 1 to 10 today, with much prompting from the speech therapist. I heard him sing "Happy Birthday" poorly, but he got most of the words out. He said his name, Anne, and all of the children's names as well as Hoy. He cannot say Frayne yet and has much trouble with Christine. Those are harder sounds to make.
We all love 2-year-olds and Ted is still loveable. He has been 2 before and made it to and through puberty and beyond. We are expecting that journey from childhood through adolescence to adulthood to be much quicker this time, but it is a journey that must be made - fast or slow. I am entrusting to God that it will be fast.
He was very sad today. I was informed that is a sign of his cognitive ability increasing. When they become sad, they have awareness of what is going on with them and around them, so that awareness is a big indicator of progress. I tried to lighten it up. There were a couple of smiles, but he had several more classes today, and seemed very sad. I was told that he has had tears a couple of times over the last couple of days. I am told that is a sign of progress.
For those of you who desire to visit, that will not occur until some time after he returns home. He will still be having physical therapy, occupation therapy, and speech therapy several times each week in our home and that needs to take priority. When the time comes and you REALLY, REALLY want to visit him, you will need to call me and schedule a visit. I know that sounds cold and mechanical, but Ted's progress needs to stay on track, and chaos and confusion with visitors, therapists, etc. needs to be minimized.
If you haven't gleaned it from this post, I have now hit the point of feeling totally overwhelmed. Although I have taken care of three 2-year-olds, none of them had the size or strength of Ted and none of them had part of their head missing with the brain being exposed except for a flap of skin over it. It scares me to death....... Ted is still not swallowing and is still on a feeding tube, so Car and I need to learn how to feed him every four hours through his feeding tube. He has made progress in swallowing, but it is not there yet.
SO...... all of you out there who have been following the Ted Hoy blog, who have been quietly and consistenly supporting us, there is more for you to do...... KEEP THOSE PRAYERS GOING..... Right now, I think that I may need them more than Ted! In all honesty, I very much appreciate your support, your prayers, your caring. KEEP THOSE PRAYERS GOING..... Whenever I have made a call for prayerful support, you have all come through.
Since December 2, I have not broken down and cried. I have come close, but always got it together. Today, it may happen. I am not sure how I am going to be able to take care of him, even though I have Car and others to help me. I began to shake and tremble when it sunk in about the amount of work that needs to be done to take care of him at home and the amount of supervision that he requires. I can't put him in a playpen like I did Thomas, David, and Christine!
But, tears can be cleansing. And, he has made amazing progress. Please pray for that progress to continue, especially over the next couple of weeks. I am trusting that it is "the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing." In one word, GODSPEED. Thanks again to all of you who are supporting us, Anne
Monday, January 16, 2012
UPDATE
Ted is getting stronger moment by moment, and day by day. He is moving easily in his bed, walking much more balanced, and moving around easier. It is still hard for him because he must still wear the helmet when he is out of bed - but he is not fighting it as much.
This weekend, Ted put two words together - which is a big improvement over "no" and "yes". Several times, he asked "where is........" but couldn't finish the question. But, this is progress for him to compound two words. Someone also heard him say "fasten it" when he was referring to his safety belt. I have also been told that he has said "Anne Frayne" and his name a couple of times, but I have not heard that yet.
When not in therapy ( which is very limited over the weekend) , he was very "busy" watching the NFL playoffs this weekend. He is aware that he is involved in two Fantasy Football Leagues and that he is in the "positive" for the season. But, he is confused as to who the various players are that he "owns". He appears to be happy at the " right times" and disappointed at the "right times" when watching the games.
He is still not swallowing - so he is still on a feeding tube. When asked if he ever thinks about eating, he nods in the negative. I am somewhat envious of that lack of desire to eat! He is starting to look more like himself and to adopt those "Ted Hoy behaviors" again.
Today, he is "back to work" in his therapy classes. He is having classes from 8:30 am until 3:00 pm. He is typically very tired after his classes and naps for a couple of hours afterwards.
I very much appreciate all of your prayers and warm thoughts. Keep them coming our way! Have a great week, Anne
This weekend, Ted put two words together - which is a big improvement over "no" and "yes". Several times, he asked "where is........" but couldn't finish the question. But, this is progress for him to compound two words. Someone also heard him say "fasten it" when he was referring to his safety belt. I have also been told that he has said "Anne Frayne" and his name a couple of times, but I have not heard that yet.
When not in therapy ( which is very limited over the weekend) , he was very "busy" watching the NFL playoffs this weekend. He is aware that he is involved in two Fantasy Football Leagues and that he is in the "positive" for the season. But, he is confused as to who the various players are that he "owns". He appears to be happy at the " right times" and disappointed at the "right times" when watching the games.
He is still not swallowing - so he is still on a feeding tube. When asked if he ever thinks about eating, he nods in the negative. I am somewhat envious of that lack of desire to eat! He is starting to look more like himself and to adopt those "Ted Hoy behaviors" again.
Today, he is "back to work" in his therapy classes. He is having classes from 8:30 am until 3:00 pm. He is typically very tired after his classes and naps for a couple of hours afterwards.
I very much appreciate all of your prayers and warm thoughts. Keep them coming our way! Have a great week, Anne
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
UPDATES - GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS
Today was my second meeting with Ted's case manager. My good friend Jenny Heckler Versteeg accompanied me - her nursing and law background is extremely helpful. In addition, her husband
Ted has traveled this road himself having experienced serious injuries from a motorcycle accident. Her husband is back to work after approximately two years and her Ted's experience gives me much hope for my Ted. She helps to fill in many of the blanks that are not completed by the hospital staff.
I met Ted's rehab phsyician ( physiatrist) Dr. Pedoto for the first time today. He is very happy with Ted's progress and considers him "on track" but made it clear that he makes no prognoses. He informed me that Ted's brain is healing well. Ted is doing well in most of his various therapies. He is walking 300 feet, climbing steps, and dressing. Unfortunately, he failed his swallowing test today ( again) so the feeding tube will have to stay in for awhile. Otherwise, he is progressing in speech therapy. I have been told that he has said "Anne" a couple of times as well as "no." This evening, I did hear him say "yes" when I asked him if he wanted to watch the NH primary results. But, he still is quite mute and communicates by gestures, nodding, and raising of eyebrows.
They are working him hard in his therapy classes - a very good thing...... so he is tired during his breaks. He is now starting to sleep through the night, which hasn't happened for over a month.
At my request, they are "upgrading" his feeding tube so that it will detach when he moves around. There were reasons why they wanted him "attached" continually. But he has progressed in the digestion process.
As of this evening, he no longer has to drag or push his IV stand when he walks or otherwise moves about. This is a great step in progress. As I left tonight, he was walking with his "caregiver" to the bathroom without having to negotiate with the IV stand. This will make it much easier for him to move.He still needs assistance because he is somewhat wobbly and still bumps into things. They suspect that he has blurry vision or double vision which supposedly often occurs with brain trauma. They expect that to correct itself \- hopefully soon
As for being ready to leave rehab and come home, they told me that they will review that on a weekly basis. At this time, I cannot imagine him being at home.... he has a 24-hour sitter in addition to the nurses that come in and "do things" on an hourly basis. Our housekeeper Car ( of 25 years) has offered to be with Ted when he comes home. At the case manager's request, she will start attending therapy sessions with him on Thursday. That should be interesting!
When I left the hospital tonight, I had a voicemail message from Christine. She received her acceptance letter from The Ohio State University today. So, we have added another Buckeye to our family. She is very excited as are the boys and me. I will give Ted the "good news" tomorrow. I expect him to gesture with an " O-H".
Tomorrow will be day 40 in this wilderness journey. There have been "pillars of fire" and "pillars of cloud" to guide me from time to time although at times it seems that I have been engulfed by the Red Sea instead of being blessed by its parting. It has been EXTREMELY COMFORTING to know that so many of you are following this blog and supporting me and our family in your own way. That has parted the Red Sea of turbulence and drowning many times and during many moments. Your thoughts and prayers are of unbelievable support to me during this challenging time. For those of you who have re-connected with me after many, many years, I cannot tell you the joy and strength that has given me. For those of you who are always there and to whom I rarely say "thank you" because you are so close, I appreciate you so very much and I apologize for taking advantage of your love and/or friendship.
I thank God for His blessings and presence during this challenge. I also thank God for all of you who have been there - for the messages, love, support. Please do not stop sending those warm thoughts and prayers. They are of utmost importance...... Whenever I have made a plea for prayer, there has been a turnaround within 24 hours. You are all wonderful! From my heart to yours, Anne
Ted has traveled this road himself having experienced serious injuries from a motorcycle accident. Her husband is back to work after approximately two years and her Ted's experience gives me much hope for my Ted. She helps to fill in many of the blanks that are not completed by the hospital staff.
I met Ted's rehab phsyician ( physiatrist) Dr. Pedoto for the first time today. He is very happy with Ted's progress and considers him "on track" but made it clear that he makes no prognoses. He informed me that Ted's brain is healing well. Ted is doing well in most of his various therapies. He is walking 300 feet, climbing steps, and dressing. Unfortunately, he failed his swallowing test today ( again) so the feeding tube will have to stay in for awhile. Otherwise, he is progressing in speech therapy. I have been told that he has said "Anne" a couple of times as well as "no." This evening, I did hear him say "yes" when I asked him if he wanted to watch the NH primary results. But, he still is quite mute and communicates by gestures, nodding, and raising of eyebrows.
They are working him hard in his therapy classes - a very good thing...... so he is tired during his breaks. He is now starting to sleep through the night, which hasn't happened for over a month.
At my request, they are "upgrading" his feeding tube so that it will detach when he moves around. There were reasons why they wanted him "attached" continually. But he has progressed in the digestion process.
As of this evening, he no longer has to drag or push his IV stand when he walks or otherwise moves about. This is a great step in progress. As I left tonight, he was walking with his "caregiver" to the bathroom without having to negotiate with the IV stand. This will make it much easier for him to move.He still needs assistance because he is somewhat wobbly and still bumps into things. They suspect that he has blurry vision or double vision which supposedly often occurs with brain trauma. They expect that to correct itself \- hopefully soon
As for being ready to leave rehab and come home, they told me that they will review that on a weekly basis. At this time, I cannot imagine him being at home.... he has a 24-hour sitter in addition to the nurses that come in and "do things" on an hourly basis. Our housekeeper Car ( of 25 years) has offered to be with Ted when he comes home. At the case manager's request, she will start attending therapy sessions with him on Thursday. That should be interesting!
When I left the hospital tonight, I had a voicemail message from Christine. She received her acceptance letter from The Ohio State University today. So, we have added another Buckeye to our family. She is very excited as are the boys and me. I will give Ted the "good news" tomorrow. I expect him to gesture with an " O-H".
Tomorrow will be day 40 in this wilderness journey. There have been "pillars of fire" and "pillars of cloud" to guide me from time to time although at times it seems that I have been engulfed by the Red Sea instead of being blessed by its parting. It has been EXTREMELY COMFORTING to know that so many of you are following this blog and supporting me and our family in your own way. That has parted the Red Sea of turbulence and drowning many times and during many moments. Your thoughts and prayers are of unbelievable support to me during this challenging time. For those of you who have re-connected with me after many, many years, I cannot tell you the joy and strength that has given me. For those of you who are always there and to whom I rarely say "thank you" because you are so close, I appreciate you so very much and I apologize for taking advantage of your love and/or friendship.
I thank God for His blessings and presence during this challenge. I also thank God for all of you who have been there - for the messages, love, support. Please do not stop sending those warm thoughts and prayers. They are of utmost importance...... Whenever I have made a plea for prayer, there has been a turnaround within 24 hours. You are all wonderful! From my heart to yours, Anne
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
YOUR PRAYERS ARE WORKING - BACK ON TRACK!
Thank you all for answering the call to prayer. There has been much improvement yesterday and today. Ted actually wrote his name - and it looked like his signature! But, when asked to do it later, he did nothing. So....connections are being made at times and will continue to be made.
I learned today that he was extremely ill several days ago. This had never been shared with me. There is an obvious lack of commmunication in the hospital - no one told me that he was ill but only that he was not ready for his rehab activities. They have since changed their conclusions, are no longer going to write him off and send him to a nursing home, and are ready to work with him again. Your prayers have helped to turn around that situation quickly. The therapists and nurses are very excited about his progress yesterday and today and are very eager to help him to progress now.
Ted is getting alot of physical strength back. He is walking alot and is getting up on his own alot, so he has to be restrained. Right now, he does not seem to understand risks and consequences because he sometimes knocks things over and bangs into things if he is walking without assistance. He does not like the restraint and gives me that angry look about it. It is not my fault that he knocked over the IV stand which resulted in pulling out his feeding tube! He will learn....... maybe the hard way.....
In occupational therapy, he did very well in sorting coins! That should not surprise anybody. But, in recreational therapy, he could not tell the difference between the Pittsburg Pirate logo and the Ohio State logo. That is sad.......He smiled alot when the therapist brought up the 1978 Pirates pitcher, Kent Tekulve. Ted loved him in the 1978 World Series. Despite Ted's minimal ways to communicate, he knew when to smile and when to frown during the Gator Bowl. Unfortunately for Buckeye Nation, there were more frowns than smiles for all of us.
Ted is still not talking but is beginning to use his lips - which is a very positive sign.
He seems to understand that his favorite current candidate, Newt Gingrich, did not do well in the Iowa Caucus. He was frowning alot during that telecast. He seemed uninterested in Michelle Bachmann leaving the race.
He has lots of classes during the day - physical therapy twice a day, occupational therapy twice a day, speech therapy twice a day, and recreational therapy once a day. He is fairly tired between his classes and usually naps. When I visited today, he waved me off after his speech therapy class and was anxious to snooze before his next class.
It is recommended that there be no visitors unless you want to go to classes with him! I have been to them.....it is alot like pre-school. I understand that the classes are strenuous for him and that rest and naps are best for him between them. That sounds good to me! We all remember those days in college..... a little nap between classes! So, please don't visit for awhile. There will be plenty of time for visits in the future.
Thank you all for your prayers and please continue with them. We are hopeful that we are back on track now. Anne
I learned today that he was extremely ill several days ago. This had never been shared with me. There is an obvious lack of commmunication in the hospital - no one told me that he was ill but only that he was not ready for his rehab activities. They have since changed their conclusions, are no longer going to write him off and send him to a nursing home, and are ready to work with him again. Your prayers have helped to turn around that situation quickly. The therapists and nurses are very excited about his progress yesterday and today and are very eager to help him to progress now.
Ted is getting alot of physical strength back. He is walking alot and is getting up on his own alot, so he has to be restrained. Right now, he does not seem to understand risks and consequences because he sometimes knocks things over and bangs into things if he is walking without assistance. He does not like the restraint and gives me that angry look about it. It is not my fault that he knocked over the IV stand which resulted in pulling out his feeding tube! He will learn....... maybe the hard way.....
In occupational therapy, he did very well in sorting coins! That should not surprise anybody. But, in recreational therapy, he could not tell the difference between the Pittsburg Pirate logo and the Ohio State logo. That is sad.......He smiled alot when the therapist brought up the 1978 Pirates pitcher, Kent Tekulve. Ted loved him in the 1978 World Series. Despite Ted's minimal ways to communicate, he knew when to smile and when to frown during the Gator Bowl. Unfortunately for Buckeye Nation, there were more frowns than smiles for all of us.
Ted is still not talking but is beginning to use his lips - which is a very positive sign.
He seems to understand that his favorite current candidate, Newt Gingrich, did not do well in the Iowa Caucus. He was frowning alot during that telecast. He seemed uninterested in Michelle Bachmann leaving the race.
He has lots of classes during the day - physical therapy twice a day, occupational therapy twice a day, speech therapy twice a day, and recreational therapy once a day. He is fairly tired between his classes and usually naps. When I visited today, he waved me off after his speech therapy class and was anxious to snooze before his next class.
It is recommended that there be no visitors unless you want to go to classes with him! I have been to them.....it is alot like pre-school. I understand that the classes are strenuous for him and that rest and naps are best for him between them. That sounds good to me! We all remember those days in college..... a little nap between classes! So, please don't visit for awhile. There will be plenty of time for visits in the future.
Thank you all for your prayers and please continue with them. We are hopeful that we are back on track now. Anne
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