Ted had appointments yesterday and today with his rehab doctor and neurosurgeon. Both docs are extremely happy and amazed at his progress and are now expectant for much more progress over the next 18-24 months! Ted will have surgery next Wednesday to replace the piece of skull that was removed in December to allow his brain to swell during the healing process. The skull is in his abdomen. It will be retrieved and put back with titanium clamps to stay. He is expected to be in the hospital 2-3 days. He is expected to walk out with no helmet, and he will be off 24-hour supervision. No visitors please while he is in the hospital this last time.
Ted "asked" Dr. Moncrief if he would improve so that he could teach again at Sinclair Community College. Ted was ecstatic when Dr. Moncrief saw no reason why that could not occur in time.
Ted is sick and tired of the helmet and 24-hour supervision. He is excited about this step in his progress. His feeding tube comes out on Thursday. He is close to becoming a "normal" human being, with some hints of The Bionic Man.
Since last Tuesday, Ted has consistently done the sudoku puzzle in the Dayton Daily News every day. He is very proud of that fact.
On Saturday, I took him to the Miami Valley Bridge Center for an hour to watch his partner, John Meinking, play the last part of a bridge game. Ted understood what was going on, but got very tired after 45 minutes. Stamina, Ted..... Stamina......
Ted is looking forward to playing bridge again,,,,, and also to golf. As I left him today after we returned home, he was going outside with his physical therapist. He is walking really well, and hopes to be carrying his golf bag and walking the links again.
Ted is starting to put together more words. He is putting together 4-5 words, but is still not completing a sentence. BUT, he is almost there! To be honest, Christine and I are very tired of the gesturing and are anxious for him to be fully conversational. Our discompassionate, callous natures have worked fairly well to get him to this level of progress. We have been putting the pressure on to speak in complete sentences. It will come!
If it is not too much of a burden, I ask you to continue to pray and support Ted in this next step of his journey. He is frustrated with the constant companionship by a caregiver or me, and yearns for his privacy. But, we are all learning patience. Your prayers have been so important and effective to get him and us this far, please don't stop now! Much appreciation from all of us........ Anne
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
It was a good weekend for Ted. His bridge partner John Meinking spent about an hour dealing out bridge hands for them to attempt to bid as if they were at a bridge game. Although Ted could not speak the bids, he could write them down ( most of the time) and he did pretty good on making appropriate bids! For those of you who don't play bridge, some bridge players never think that their partners make appropriate bids! Ted is hoping to go watch a bridge game later this week. He is aware that he can't really play yet, but he is hoping to ease back into it.
Before Ted's "incident", Ted played alot of electronic"Word with Friends" on his telephone with me, the kids, and others. Earlier this week, he wanted to try to play it, but he really couldn't. He had me playing for him and against him..... it was quite weird. BUT, yesterday, he was actually playing his own game (with no assistance) and he played a 36-point word and a 49-point word. Now, that I am getting beat by someone claiming to have brain damage, my competitive juices are revving up for a way to get back at him! He is very excited about being able to play, and would probably welcome games from any of you.
Ted is still not conversational, but he is making great progress. Sometimes the conversations going on around him are like a foregin language to him, but it is getting easier for him. He is putting words together and using bigger words. I am grateful for all of that progress, and grateful for all of your prayers and thoughts that keep this progress going! Keep it up! Happy President's Day, Anne
Before Ted's "incident", Ted played alot of electronic"Word with Friends" on his telephone with me, the kids, and others. Earlier this week, he wanted to try to play it, but he really couldn't. He had me playing for him and against him..... it was quite weird. BUT, yesterday, he was actually playing his own game (with no assistance) and he played a 36-point word and a 49-point word. Now, that I am getting beat by someone claiming to have brain damage, my competitive juices are revving up for a way to get back at him! He is very excited about being able to play, and would probably welcome games from any of you.
Ted is still not conversational, but he is making great progress. Sometimes the conversations going on around him are like a foregin language to him, but it is getting easier for him. He is putting words together and using bigger words. I am grateful for all of that progress, and grateful for all of your prayers and thoughts that keep this progress going! Keep it up! Happy President's Day, Anne
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
TED CAN EAT!
Ted had his swallowing test again today, and he passed! HOORAY! He swallowed everything well...... I watched the fluoroscopy with the technician and everything was going down the correct tube!! His first meal request - Panera Bread - broccoli cheese soup and a Greek salad! That would be a good advertisement for Panera.
They don't know when they will remove the feeding tube. They often keep it for awhile in case a supplement is needed or if there are any digestive issues. So far.... so good......
Thank you for all your prayers and support. This is a huge step..... Car won't need to stay until 10:30 every night to feed him, and she can have some time for herself as well! Anne
They don't know when they will remove the feeding tube. They often keep it for awhile in case a supplement is needed or if there are any digestive issues. So far.... so good......
Thank you for all your prayers and support. This is a huge step..... Car won't need to stay until 10:30 every night to feed him, and she can have some time for herself as well! Anne
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Ted's spelling test
I just learned from Heather ( Ted's speech therapist) that she gave him a spelling test today. She was pleased that he wrote 27 out of 38 words correctly. Some of the words that he missed were green, yellow, frog, house, and some other "h" words. He wrote "orange" independently to let her know that she forgot that color. She was pleased that he did spell 27 correctly. She said that he tends to misspell the words that he has trouble pronouncing. She said that his writing skills are extremely strong, and that he is a good student. She is pleased that he has been doing his homework and his exercises. He is probably not ready for a spelling bee at this time!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
Ted has been home for 12 days, and it is really going much better than I could have expected. He is walking, doing the stairs and steps, showering, and dressing quite well. He is getting most of his balance back, and is not as wobbly as before. He still needs some assistance, but is becoming quite independent in those areas. He was getting up three times a night, which was really wearing me out. But, now he gets up only once at night.... THANK YOU!
Ted loves his speech therapy sessions, and looks forward to them daily. She is willing to come daily! He "demanded" to go to Target yesterday, where he purchased two pairs of pants ( he has lost 45 pounds!) and a white board. He loves his white board! When he tried to communicate verbally yesterday and it didn't work, he would write on the white board. Some of it didn't make sense. He wrote 4 of the 7 days of the week, but not sure why. Then he wrote " appendix". We don't know if he was referring to the human body or the back of a book. Knowing Ted, it was probably the back of a book. But, where did that come from?
He takes another swallowing test tomorrow. His speech therapist is very encouraging about him having regained his ability to swallow. Keep him in your prayers for the big test at 11 am tomorrow! His last swallow test was on January 10. He wants to get off the feeding tube, as do I. He is very patient about being fed at 6am, 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm, and 10 pm. He is like an infant on a formula schedule!
We do not get any recreational therapy as part of home health care. He enjoyed his recreational therapy in rehab. I encouraged him to do golf therapy, and he agreed. He was leery about hiring a golf pro. I have hired a golf therapist - Christine Hoy - yes his daughter! She needs a job, she has been trained well by Ted and her coaches, and she has the patience of Job. He will do 4 one-hour sessions weekly. Their first session was on Sunday. It went quite well. He remembers his grip, but not much else. They have another session tonight! We will see what she has planned for him tonight.
Ted's speech is still very halted, but he is starting to put together several words and whole ideas, but much of it doesn't make sense yet. Some examples are : what day? may mean what time is it? Where are the people? may may refer to what time is swim team practice? Stomach may refer to his feeding schedule. Numbers may refer to when his next therapist is coming. It is good that I like charades.... I have been playing alot of it lately.
Ted did something uncharacteristically sweet today. When I came into the living room this morning, he went over to the organ, opened it up, and pointed to an envelope and box of candy inside. Yesterday, at Target, he had bought me a valentine and valentine candy! It was very sweet. Maybe that sweetness will stay......
Ted was very upset about Ohio State's loss to Michigan State's basketball team. Tonight we play Minnesota away ( Coach Tubby Smith and remember Luke Witte - Minnesota beat him to a bloody pulp in the 70's). He will be watching the game intently, as will I!
I am happy to have my blubbering valentine home. His blubberings are getting longer, becoming more intelligible, and are even starting to make some sense! There is much progress, and I am very grateful. I wish you all a happy valentine's day and much love to you and yours. I hope to have good news tomorrow from the swallowing test..... Fondly, Anne
Ted loves his speech therapy sessions, and looks forward to them daily. She is willing to come daily! He "demanded" to go to Target yesterday, where he purchased two pairs of pants ( he has lost 45 pounds!) and a white board. He loves his white board! When he tried to communicate verbally yesterday and it didn't work, he would write on the white board. Some of it didn't make sense. He wrote 4 of the 7 days of the week, but not sure why. Then he wrote " appendix". We don't know if he was referring to the human body or the back of a book. Knowing Ted, it was probably the back of a book. But, where did that come from?
He takes another swallowing test tomorrow. His speech therapist is very encouraging about him having regained his ability to swallow. Keep him in your prayers for the big test at 11 am tomorrow! His last swallow test was on January 10. He wants to get off the feeding tube, as do I. He is very patient about being fed at 6am, 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm, and 10 pm. He is like an infant on a formula schedule!
We do not get any recreational therapy as part of home health care. He enjoyed his recreational therapy in rehab. I encouraged him to do golf therapy, and he agreed. He was leery about hiring a golf pro. I have hired a golf therapist - Christine Hoy - yes his daughter! She needs a job, she has been trained well by Ted and her coaches, and she has the patience of Job. He will do 4 one-hour sessions weekly. Their first session was on Sunday. It went quite well. He remembers his grip, but not much else. They have another session tonight! We will see what she has planned for him tonight.
Ted's speech is still very halted, but he is starting to put together several words and whole ideas, but much of it doesn't make sense yet. Some examples are : what day? may mean what time is it? Where are the people? may may refer to what time is swim team practice? Stomach may refer to his feeding schedule. Numbers may refer to when his next therapist is coming. It is good that I like charades.... I have been playing alot of it lately.
Ted did something uncharacteristically sweet today. When I came into the living room this morning, he went over to the organ, opened it up, and pointed to an envelope and box of candy inside. Yesterday, at Target, he had bought me a valentine and valentine candy! It was very sweet. Maybe that sweetness will stay......
Ted was very upset about Ohio State's loss to Michigan State's basketball team. Tonight we play Minnesota away ( Coach Tubby Smith and remember Luke Witte - Minnesota beat him to a bloody pulp in the 70's). He will be watching the game intently, as will I!
I am happy to have my blubbering valentine home. His blubberings are getting longer, becoming more intelligible, and are even starting to make some sense! There is much progress, and I am very grateful. I wish you all a happy valentine's day and much love to you and yours. I hope to have good news tomorrow from the swallowing test..... Fondly, Anne
Monday, February 6, 2012
Ted is home
Ted came home on Groundhog Day....He was supposed to be discharged at 11 am, and it was closer to 1 p m before he could leave. I won't bore you with the details. The poor guy was sitting in his wheelchair with his helmet on at 10:30 am, ready to go, and he couldn't understand why the long, long delay. To be honest, neither could I! Things were not ready that were supposed to be ready.....
Ted is being a good boy.... most of the time. He understands that he must wear his helmet when he is walking, doing any activity, or around anyone. He is pretty good about putting it on, but sometimes forgets. He is showering, dressing, and shaving on his own. He is reading very well now ( silently, not out loud), and he is doing simple math. He is playing lots of solitaire, and rarely wins ( do any of us ever win?)
He is still on his feeding tube. He does not want me to feed him ( not a problem with me!). He likes the caregivers to do it --- works for me! It appears that he is starting to swallow some, and his talking is improving. He is still just saying one syllable words and often struggle with them. He cannot really put two words together. But, when discussing basketball yesterday with the boys, all of the sudden he said "Michigan State" in response to a question. We all jerked our heads in shock! That was four syllables!! And why Michigan State??
He has improved tremendously since he has been home. He does his exercises religiously. He is showing interest in the pets ( a good sign - thinking about something other than himself). He can work the TV clicker now.... much to my dismay!
He had physical therapy on Friday and starts speech therapy today. He likes his therapy sessions, and "asks" about them every morning.
He is walking well and doing stairs very well. He still needs to be "watched" but he is getting more and more stable.
Visitors will be welcome beginning on Thursday. They will be limited to 1 hours, and must be scheduled with me, so that they don't conflict with his therapy sessions and his nurse. Sorry.........
Your prayers and encouraging messages have been of unbelievable support over the past two months. I can actually start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. ( In law school, we always talked about the light at the end of the tunnel). Please keep those prayers and messages coming and going. I certainly appreciate them. Much love, A nne
Ted is being a good boy.... most of the time. He understands that he must wear his helmet when he is walking, doing any activity, or around anyone. He is pretty good about putting it on, but sometimes forgets. He is showering, dressing, and shaving on his own. He is reading very well now ( silently, not out loud), and he is doing simple math. He is playing lots of solitaire, and rarely wins ( do any of us ever win?)
He is still on his feeding tube. He does not want me to feed him ( not a problem with me!). He likes the caregivers to do it --- works for me! It appears that he is starting to swallow some, and his talking is improving. He is still just saying one syllable words and often struggle with them. He cannot really put two words together. But, when discussing basketball yesterday with the boys, all of the sudden he said "Michigan State" in response to a question. We all jerked our heads in shock! That was four syllables!! And why Michigan State??
He has improved tremendously since he has been home. He does his exercises religiously. He is showing interest in the pets ( a good sign - thinking about something other than himself). He can work the TV clicker now.... much to my dismay!
He had physical therapy on Friday and starts speech therapy today. He likes his therapy sessions, and "asks" about them every morning.
He is walking well and doing stairs very well. He still needs to be "watched" but he is getting more and more stable.
Visitors will be welcome beginning on Thursday. They will be limited to 1 hours, and must be scheduled with me, so that they don't conflict with his therapy sessions and his nurse. Sorry.........
Your prayers and encouraging messages have been of unbelievable support over the past two months. I can actually start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. ( In law school, we always talked about the light at the end of the tunnel). Please keep those prayers and messages coming and going. I certainly appreciate them. Much love, A nne
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
COUNTDOWN TO TED'S HOMECOMING
The countdown has begun ---- Ted is scheduled to come home tomorrow between 11 and 1. Depending upon when equipment is delivered, the nurses and therapists giving me my "final instructions", and their availability, Ted should be home early afternoon.
I had my last case management conference yesterday. I will not miss them. Last week I was at a high-anxiety level regarding his coming home, but I have settled in and we can do this! I am much more comfortable about the 24-hour care and supervision that Ted needs.
Ted came home for several hours last Sunday afternoon to watch the OhioState-Michigan basketball game and for a "trial run". It went very well. But, Ted was very tired, and was ready to go "back home." He was very nervous about being "fed" at home. With gestures and gibberish, he explained to the aides and nurses on Saturday that he did not want to be "fed" at home. They got the picture so they fed him right before he left on Sunday and as soon as he got back to the hospital. Surprisingly to me, he does experience hunger and fullness even though he is fed through a feeding tube.
Ted has progressed marvelously over the past week. He is reading simple words, but his pronunciations are poor. He needs a good phonics class! Oh.... we have "Hooked on Phonics" at home from when the kids were little...... That's an idea for helping his speech progress!
What can Ted do? Ted can walk, climb steps ( and we have alot of them), ride a stationery bike, do simple weights, shower, shave, get dressed, watch TV, play solitaire, free cell, and simple card games, and appears to understand most conversations.
What does Ted need to start doing? swallowing, drinking, eating, speaking conversationally, focusing better, reading at a higher level, increase his cognitive skills, have better balance.
I have been informed that there are 8 levels of progress in these situations. He was at level 1, when he had no cognitive ability when he was in intensive care. After reaching level 2, he was taken to the trauma unit. When he approached level 4, he was taken to the rehab unit. He is now between levels 7 and 8. Level 8 is functional, but not where you and I want to be, or where Ted wants to be. He needs to get way past level 8.
Yesterday, Dr. Pedoto informed me that it was a "miracle" where Ted is now compared to where he was when he entered the rehab unit right after Christmas. That "miracle" is due to all of your prayers and support. I thank you so very much.
Ted will continue his therapy ( physical, occupational, and speech) in the home for now, and will later advance to out-patient therapy. That will be scheduled soon.
I have been asked to keep the home quiet for the first week. ( Obviously, they have not been in my home). They explained to me that this transition is sometimes hard on patients, and they need limited stimulus while they transition. They have recommended no visitors, and after a week, only one visitor a day for a maximum of one hour.
If anyone has an interest in visiting Ted ( and we are not offended if you don't), you need to call and make an appointment! I know that sounds crazy, but I need to make sure that it does not conflict with the visiting nurses and his therapy sessions or other visits. When and if you visit, it is encouraged that you not just talk, but play games with him such as cards. I hope that you like to play cards! He can play War at this time. We are going to work on Crazy Eights this weekend.
I cannot express in words the gratitude that I have for all of you that have prayed for us, sent messages of comfort, confidence, and support, and have allowed me to lean on you. In the words of The Carpenters ( I believe that is who sang it), " we have only just begun....." Those prayers and that support is still needed! Much love and appreciation, Anne
I had my last case management conference yesterday. I will not miss them. Last week I was at a high-anxiety level regarding his coming home, but I have settled in and we can do this! I am much more comfortable about the 24-hour care and supervision that Ted needs.
Ted came home for several hours last Sunday afternoon to watch the OhioState-Michigan basketball game and for a "trial run". It went very well. But, Ted was very tired, and was ready to go "back home." He was very nervous about being "fed" at home. With gestures and gibberish, he explained to the aides and nurses on Saturday that he did not want to be "fed" at home. They got the picture so they fed him right before he left on Sunday and as soon as he got back to the hospital. Surprisingly to me, he does experience hunger and fullness even though he is fed through a feeding tube.
Ted has progressed marvelously over the past week. He is reading simple words, but his pronunciations are poor. He needs a good phonics class! Oh.... we have "Hooked on Phonics" at home from when the kids were little...... That's an idea for helping his speech progress!
What can Ted do? Ted can walk, climb steps ( and we have alot of them), ride a stationery bike, do simple weights, shower, shave, get dressed, watch TV, play solitaire, free cell, and simple card games, and appears to understand most conversations.
What does Ted need to start doing? swallowing, drinking, eating, speaking conversationally, focusing better, reading at a higher level, increase his cognitive skills, have better balance.
I have been informed that there are 8 levels of progress in these situations. He was at level 1, when he had no cognitive ability when he was in intensive care. After reaching level 2, he was taken to the trauma unit. When he approached level 4, he was taken to the rehab unit. He is now between levels 7 and 8. Level 8 is functional, but not where you and I want to be, or where Ted wants to be. He needs to get way past level 8.
Yesterday, Dr. Pedoto informed me that it was a "miracle" where Ted is now compared to where he was when he entered the rehab unit right after Christmas. That "miracle" is due to all of your prayers and support. I thank you so very much.
Ted will continue his therapy ( physical, occupational, and speech) in the home for now, and will later advance to out-patient therapy. That will be scheduled soon.
I have been asked to keep the home quiet for the first week. ( Obviously, they have not been in my home). They explained to me that this transition is sometimes hard on patients, and they need limited stimulus while they transition. They have recommended no visitors, and after a week, only one visitor a day for a maximum of one hour.
If anyone has an interest in visiting Ted ( and we are not offended if you don't), you need to call and make an appointment! I know that sounds crazy, but I need to make sure that it does not conflict with the visiting nurses and his therapy sessions or other visits. When and if you visit, it is encouraged that you not just talk, but play games with him such as cards. I hope that you like to play cards! He can play War at this time. We are going to work on Crazy Eights this weekend.
I cannot express in words the gratitude that I have for all of you that have prayed for us, sent messages of comfort, confidence, and support, and have allowed me to lean on you. In the words of The Carpenters ( I believe that is who sang it), " we have only just begun....." Those prayers and that support is still needed! Much love and appreciation, Anne
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