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
No comments:
Post a Comment