Well, Merry Christmas! Christmas was a little bitter sweet this year. Sweet because we had Dad here. I can't imagine and hate to imagine where we could have been this holiday season. Bitter because for some of us Christmas doesn't bring any relief from our sorrows, being several loved ones were missed this season.
Let's see what happened this week. Oh, I did forget to mention that we found out that Dad's foot was broken. Mom took Dad to a foot specialist and they x-rayed Dad's foot again. The podiatrist asked who looked at Dad's foot at the hospital because the foot was obviously broken. In fact the bone that was broken has been shattered and the doctor is hoping he does not have to operate to remove the part of the bone that was broken. In the doctor report from the hospital it states that there was no fracture found. Hmmm, need some better people reading x-rays then. Well, at least Dad's brain is healing! Hope the hospital didn't overlook anything there! So now Dad's foot is in a "wet" cast and he has a boot on. He walks, OBVIOUSLY, much better now and only needs a crutch to walk instead of a walker. This doesn't make Mom any less nervous with him going up and down stairs! Ice is our worst enemy right now! And avoiding falls is our main objective.
Some of you may have received a phone call or an e-mail from Dad this week. Pretty awesome, I know. The fact that Dad can call/e-mail friends is amazing since we didn't think he would be talking at all. If you got an e-mail or phone call you would understand that Dad still is having difficulty with his speech. The best way to describe Dad's speech problem is that he seems to forget nouns or the subject of his sentence. He can't think of the word. He can explain it or maybe draw a picture, but he calls lots of things "stuff" or "things." E-mails are a little bit harder to understand but if you read them more phonetically you will be able to understand Dad's e-mails better.
We do have a request for those that are receiving calls or e-mails from Dad. If Dad invites you over to the house PLEASE call Mom first before making the plans official. Like we have said before, Dad gets tired very fast, and Mom may have plans for Dad that he can't remember. So please e-mail or call Mom or ask to speak to Mom if Dad makes plans with you. Right now is a very, very, very frustrating time for both Mom and Dad. Dad is bored and is worried about friends that don't know what might have happened to him. Dad starts to obsess about things, like visiting a friend, or if his dogs are okay. Mom is trying to take care of Dad. She sees what makes him tired and how he acts once he is tired. She tries to tell Dad what he needs to get better and Dad will get extremely agitated with her. We were told this would happen but for Mom to have to take care of Dad all on her own and have him continually get angry with her wears her down.
We didn't do much for Christmas this year. We wanted to play things by ear because we wanted to see how Dad was feeling. So Christmas eve we didn't do anything, well together as a family. Dad was going to play at the Midnight Service at church but became too agitated to be able to make it. So I didn't see Mom or Dad on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day we had dinner at Erin's house. Erin made a delicious turkey dinner. Dad has gotten his appetite back, finally! Dad had two giant helpings of turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Dad kept insisting that it would be okay to give the turkey bones to the dogs and we had to continually remind him that turkey was like chicken and the bones could kill the dogs. After dinner and the kids opening presents Dad got tired, so we took him home. I think Dad was only out of the house for two hours with us before he was tired. See he gets overstimulated very quickly. And that was our Christmas.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Week 7 of Jim's Recovery
Well, since I am now writing on a weekly basis I have to change the titles to each of my entry's. Dad went into the hospital on the night of November 3rd, so I am just counting that entire week as number one. So anyways, this week has been great! Dad improves just a little everyday.
At the beginning of the week Dad decided he wanted to make some Chili Verde. Mom called me and told me that Dad would be making dinner. I offered to come over with my recipe Dad had given me and just keep an eye out in case Dad had trouble remembering what was needed. I grabbed Ramie from school and stopped at the store to pick up something for Mom before heading out to their house. As I was leaving the store my phone rang. I looked at who was calling and it said "Dad's Cell." I thought perhaps Mom was calling on Dad's phone because I hadn't talked to Dad on the phone since before his accident. I didn't even think he could use the phone yet! Well, you probably could understand my surprise when I answered and Dad was on the other end. Here's how the conversation went!
"Hey Dad, I'm surprised to have you call me."
"Yes, well I was wondering if you were coming out for dinner? I made some of my stuff."
"Yeah, Mom told me you were making Chili Verde. You already made it?"
"Yeah, that's it, but I need some more of those things that you put in the stuff."
"Chili's?"
"Yeah, chili's. Could you get me some of those?"
"Sure, anything else?"
"Nope, see you in a bit. Bye."
"Bye!"
Okay two things about this. First, this is how Dad talks. So whenever you talk with Dad it's like you have to be one step ahead of him so that you know what "stuff" he is talking about! Dad gets frustrated because he knows what he wants to say but can't remember the words. He does a good job of either spelling the word or drawing a picture. Usually, if you give him a minute he can explain what he wants. I think with Mom, Erin, and I we don't let him describe what he wants enough because we are always one step ahead of him in the conversation. It's hard for us to remember to let him explain things first before giving him the word he is looking for.
Second, I couldn't believe Dad had made the Chili Verde all on his own! I thought for sure that he would need help remembering the recipe, but he made it without the recipe! When I got there I was surprised to see that the dishes were all done also. Mom said that Dad cooked and cleaned the dishes all himself!! EXCELLENT. Then I thought that the Chili Verde would not taste very good. Again, to my surprise it was excellent! I think it was even better then when Dad made it before. Dad may have a hard time remembering words but his excellent cooking skills are still there. It's so hard to believe that it is only his speech that has been affected.
Then Wednesday Aunt Jody and Uncle Tom came in town. Jody is Dad's sister. It was so wonderful to have them in town and to be able to visit with Dad. Dad had a great time visiting with them. You know you look at people differently when you think you have lost them. To watch Dad and Jody together was wonderful. They have always been friends but, I don't know, to watch them from afar I could almost get a sense of what it would have been like to watch them as kids. It's kind of a sobering moment when you see your parents and relatives as children or as humans other then your parents or relatives. Do you know what I mean? It was so wonderful to watch Dad and Jody listening to music on the Internet, I could see the brother and sister love between them. It was really cool. Sorry if that sounds cheesy. It's just really hard to explain.
The greatest thing that happened this week, I think, was that Dad sang in church. He wanted to play his guitar and wasn't sure if he could sing the words. We let Dad choose the song, which was "Jehovah, the Lord will Provide." This was sung by Harry Belefonte and is Dad's favorite Christmas song. Actually, the Harry Belefonte Christmas album is a huge Crowley Family tradition. If you haven't listened to it, do. It's not officially Christmas until we listen to this album. I think it started with my Grandma Rachel because she had the record and played it all the time.
So our little choir group practiced the song on Saturday. Dad had a hard time remembering the verses, so we had Dad sing the chorus and we sang the verses. It was simple, sweet, and the most beautiful song I have ever heard. Dad played his guitar and had the song down flawless. Then on Sunday, Dad said a few words to the congregation before we sang. He told everyone that he hadn't forgotten a thing about the Bountiful Community Church or about the people. He said he has forgotten names, but not faces! He said he was so thankful for everyone and all their friendship. Dad said that he cries all the time now. He said that before the accident he saw crying as a weakness but now he has learned that it is the best way to express emotion because it is so powerful. He said that crying actually shows love not weakness and he is happy that he can now cry. He also said that he has always felt the love of the people at church but that he now knows the love of Jesus. Dad has NEVER said that before.
One thing I am so thankful for this season is the gift of miracles. Everyone has miracles in their lives. Sometimes we just can't see them at the time. Dad's fall has been a miracle and a curse. No one is more blessed over another, we weren't more blessed then the next person because Dad made it through this. We just are. We are thankful. We are sad. We will continue. We will remember. We will never take for granted. We will hug. We will love. We will help. We will appreciate life with all it's ups and downs.
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Healing Christmas, and a Hopeful New Year.
P.S. If you would like to see Dad play his guitar. I think he will be playing at the Christmas Eve service at the Bountiful Community Church. All are welcome to come. It starts at 11:00PM. I don't know the exact address.
At the beginning of the week Dad decided he wanted to make some Chili Verde. Mom called me and told me that Dad would be making dinner. I offered to come over with my recipe Dad had given me and just keep an eye out in case Dad had trouble remembering what was needed. I grabbed Ramie from school and stopped at the store to pick up something for Mom before heading out to their house. As I was leaving the store my phone rang. I looked at who was calling and it said "Dad's Cell." I thought perhaps Mom was calling on Dad's phone because I hadn't talked to Dad on the phone since before his accident. I didn't even think he could use the phone yet! Well, you probably could understand my surprise when I answered and Dad was on the other end. Here's how the conversation went!
"Hey Dad, I'm surprised to have you call me."
"Yes, well I was wondering if you were coming out for dinner? I made some of my stuff."
"Yeah, Mom told me you were making Chili Verde. You already made it?"
"Yeah, that's it, but I need some more of those things that you put in the stuff."
"Chili's?"
"Yeah, chili's. Could you get me some of those?"
"Sure, anything else?"
"Nope, see you in a bit. Bye."
"Bye!"
Okay two things about this. First, this is how Dad talks. So whenever you talk with Dad it's like you have to be one step ahead of him so that you know what "stuff" he is talking about! Dad gets frustrated because he knows what he wants to say but can't remember the words. He does a good job of either spelling the word or drawing a picture. Usually, if you give him a minute he can explain what he wants. I think with Mom, Erin, and I we don't let him describe what he wants enough because we are always one step ahead of him in the conversation. It's hard for us to remember to let him explain things first before giving him the word he is looking for.
Second, I couldn't believe Dad had made the Chili Verde all on his own! I thought for sure that he would need help remembering the recipe, but he made it without the recipe! When I got there I was surprised to see that the dishes were all done also. Mom said that Dad cooked and cleaned the dishes all himself!! EXCELLENT. Then I thought that the Chili Verde would not taste very good. Again, to my surprise it was excellent! I think it was even better then when Dad made it before. Dad may have a hard time remembering words but his excellent cooking skills are still there. It's so hard to believe that it is only his speech that has been affected.
Then Wednesday Aunt Jody and Uncle Tom came in town. Jody is Dad's sister. It was so wonderful to have them in town and to be able to visit with Dad. Dad had a great time visiting with them. You know you look at people differently when you think you have lost them. To watch Dad and Jody together was wonderful. They have always been friends but, I don't know, to watch them from afar I could almost get a sense of what it would have been like to watch them as kids. It's kind of a sobering moment when you see your parents and relatives as children or as humans other then your parents or relatives. Do you know what I mean? It was so wonderful to watch Dad and Jody listening to music on the Internet, I could see the brother and sister love between them. It was really cool. Sorry if that sounds cheesy. It's just really hard to explain.
The greatest thing that happened this week, I think, was that Dad sang in church. He wanted to play his guitar and wasn't sure if he could sing the words. We let Dad choose the song, which was "Jehovah, the Lord will Provide." This was sung by Harry Belefonte and is Dad's favorite Christmas song. Actually, the Harry Belefonte Christmas album is a huge Crowley Family tradition. If you haven't listened to it, do. It's not officially Christmas until we listen to this album. I think it started with my Grandma Rachel because she had the record and played it all the time.
So our little choir group practiced the song on Saturday. Dad had a hard time remembering the verses, so we had Dad sing the chorus and we sang the verses. It was simple, sweet, and the most beautiful song I have ever heard. Dad played his guitar and had the song down flawless. Then on Sunday, Dad said a few words to the congregation before we sang. He told everyone that he hadn't forgotten a thing about the Bountiful Community Church or about the people. He said he has forgotten names, but not faces! He said he was so thankful for everyone and all their friendship. Dad said that he cries all the time now. He said that before the accident he saw crying as a weakness but now he has learned that it is the best way to express emotion because it is so powerful. He said that crying actually shows love not weakness and he is happy that he can now cry. He also said that he has always felt the love of the people at church but that he now knows the love of Jesus. Dad has NEVER said that before.
One thing I am so thankful for this season is the gift of miracles. Everyone has miracles in their lives. Sometimes we just can't see them at the time. Dad's fall has been a miracle and a curse. No one is more blessed over another, we weren't more blessed then the next person because Dad made it through this. We just are. We are thankful. We are sad. We will continue. We will remember. We will never take for granted. We will hug. We will love. We will help. We will appreciate life with all it's ups and downs.
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Healing Christmas, and a Hopeful New Year.
P.S. If you would like to see Dad play his guitar. I think he will be playing at the Christmas Eve service at the Bountiful Community Church. All are welcome to come. It starts at 11:00PM. I don't know the exact address.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Day 39 of Jim's Recovery
Because Dad has reached a plateau in his development I'm only going to be updating this on Fridays and Mondays. If there are any significant events I will post them. Right now not much has changed. Dad continues to slowly get better but then goes backward in his development. We were told this from the beginning by the doctors. They said that Dad would get better quickly, then plateau, then later and all of a sudden there will be another big development, and so on. Dad continues to work on his language skills. Some days are better then others. One day Dad will start talking really well and the next he can hardly remember the right words he wants to say.
Dad's moods change drastically also. Mom said that the other night he was really tired around 7:00PM and needed to take a nap. Dad asked Mom to wake him at 8:00 because he said he kept waking up in the middle of the night. Well, of course Mom woke Dad up and when she did he was really mean and short with her. Very uncharacteristic of Dad. Yeah Mom and Dad get irritated at each other like any married couple, but apparently this was really bad. I can't recall the things Dad said but they were harsher then being agitated that he was woken up from his nap. I guess he did it again later that evening when she went into the bedroom to check on him and he was almost falling off the bed.
Dad gets extremely anxious also. He worries about little things that Dad never worried about before. On Thursday, my sister and I, and our kids went over to Mom and Dad's to help them decorate their Christmas tree. As the kids were putting on the non-fragile items Dad was extremely anxious about how the kids were putting the ornaments on the tree, that they kept dropping them, walking around the tree, and the correct way they should have been putting the ornaments on the tree. Dad never worried about silly stuff like that. Perhaps, he did but just had the coping skills necessary to not let them show. I'm not sure, but it is so strange to see Dad get worked up over little things like that.
One little thing that I noticed the other day that is uncharacteristic of Dad is his like for stupid movies! Dad has always been an extreme critic about movies. It's hard for people like Dad who have been raised to appreciate good literature to ignore bad plots in movies. If the story line has no body and is easily seen through then what is the purpose of watching the show, according to Dad. I'm also one who loves good literature but I do love to turn off my suspension of disbelief and just watch the movie and enjoy it for what it is! Well, the other day Dad was watching "The Time Machine"(2002). Now I apologize to any out there that liked this movie, but this is one of those shows that no matter how hard I tried to enjoy the movie, it just rubbed me the wrong way and in my book was really stupid! Dad thought so too, I remember! Anyways, he finished watching it and said that it was a great show. I couldn't believe my ears. I even stopped putting lights on the Christmas tree to look at Mom. I didn't have to say anything for her to understand why I looked at her. She said "I know! He likes movies now that before he would have thought were stupid." Oh, man I hope that doesn't last. I loved critiquing movies with Dad.
It's so hard to be around Dad sometimes because he seems so normal and yet he isn't. And it is so hard to explain to people that he is doing wonderful but he still isn't there. Don't get me wrong I am positive Dad will get back a lot that has been lost, but how much? I would rather have Dad the way he is now then loosing him so suddenly to such an awful accident, trust me. It just still blows my mind when he does things non Jim-esk! I think it will just take time to get used to.
Things aren't all negative like this post is starting to sound like. I apologize for that I'm not feeling pessimistic or depressed in anyway. I guess I just had more on my mind then I thought I did. It was wonderful to decorate the tree at Mom and Dad's the other day. We turned on our traditional "Harry Belafonte Christmas" and had a great time decorating the tree. We used a lot of old ornaments that were my Dad's as a child. They are the best ornaments ever. They are made of wood and are just different characters, some Christmas-y, some not. For instance, there is a basketball player and an angel. We added Dad's favorite Icicle Men and two little elves at the top. Dad sat by the fire and freaked out every time one of us stood on the ladder to reach the top branches! We drank hot chocolate and then let the kids have their turn. Erin and I sat by Dad while Mom helped the kids. We had a wonderful time and I am so thankful to add this to my Christmas memories.
One thing that I am extremely grateful that Dad has not carried over from before the accident is his kind of stand offish behavior when it came to showing affection to Erin and I. I mean, Dad always gave us hugs to say Hi and Bye, and always told us he loved us. It's very hard to explain. For instance, in church today I was sitting next to Dad and I put my arm around his back and was rubbing his shoulders or just relaxing my arm on the back of his seat. Before this Dad would just sit there and not really return the affection. Sometimes I felt bad but I knew that it wasn't because Dad didn't love me but that he was just raised in a different time. Well, today Dad put his hand on my knee to return the affection and left it there. I was so happy that Dad responded to my affections. I thought to myself, I hope that he doesn't loose this as he regains what he lost.
Dad's moods change drastically also. Mom said that the other night he was really tired around 7:00PM and needed to take a nap. Dad asked Mom to wake him at 8:00 because he said he kept waking up in the middle of the night. Well, of course Mom woke Dad up and when she did he was really mean and short with her. Very uncharacteristic of Dad. Yeah Mom and Dad get irritated at each other like any married couple, but apparently this was really bad. I can't recall the things Dad said but they were harsher then being agitated that he was woken up from his nap. I guess he did it again later that evening when she went into the bedroom to check on him and he was almost falling off the bed.
Dad gets extremely anxious also. He worries about little things that Dad never worried about before. On Thursday, my sister and I, and our kids went over to Mom and Dad's to help them decorate their Christmas tree. As the kids were putting on the non-fragile items Dad was extremely anxious about how the kids were putting the ornaments on the tree, that they kept dropping them, walking around the tree, and the correct way they should have been putting the ornaments on the tree. Dad never worried about silly stuff like that. Perhaps, he did but just had the coping skills necessary to not let them show. I'm not sure, but it is so strange to see Dad get worked up over little things like that.
One little thing that I noticed the other day that is uncharacteristic of Dad is his like for stupid movies! Dad has always been an extreme critic about movies. It's hard for people like Dad who have been raised to appreciate good literature to ignore bad plots in movies. If the story line has no body and is easily seen through then what is the purpose of watching the show, according to Dad. I'm also one who loves good literature but I do love to turn off my suspension of disbelief and just watch the movie and enjoy it for what it is! Well, the other day Dad was watching "The Time Machine"(2002). Now I apologize to any out there that liked this movie, but this is one of those shows that no matter how hard I tried to enjoy the movie, it just rubbed me the wrong way and in my book was really stupid! Dad thought so too, I remember! Anyways, he finished watching it and said that it was a great show. I couldn't believe my ears. I even stopped putting lights on the Christmas tree to look at Mom. I didn't have to say anything for her to understand why I looked at her. She said "I know! He likes movies now that before he would have thought were stupid." Oh, man I hope that doesn't last. I loved critiquing movies with Dad.
It's so hard to be around Dad sometimes because he seems so normal and yet he isn't. And it is so hard to explain to people that he is doing wonderful but he still isn't there. Don't get me wrong I am positive Dad will get back a lot that has been lost, but how much? I would rather have Dad the way he is now then loosing him so suddenly to such an awful accident, trust me. It just still blows my mind when he does things non Jim-esk! I think it will just take time to get used to.
Things aren't all negative like this post is starting to sound like. I apologize for that I'm not feeling pessimistic or depressed in anyway. I guess I just had more on my mind then I thought I did. It was wonderful to decorate the tree at Mom and Dad's the other day. We turned on our traditional "Harry Belafonte Christmas" and had a great time decorating the tree. We used a lot of old ornaments that were my Dad's as a child. They are the best ornaments ever. They are made of wood and are just different characters, some Christmas-y, some not. For instance, there is a basketball player and an angel. We added Dad's favorite Icicle Men and two little elves at the top. Dad sat by the fire and freaked out every time one of us stood on the ladder to reach the top branches! We drank hot chocolate and then let the kids have their turn. Erin and I sat by Dad while Mom helped the kids. We had a wonderful time and I am so thankful to add this to my Christmas memories.
One thing that I am extremely grateful that Dad has not carried over from before the accident is his kind of stand offish behavior when it came to showing affection to Erin and I. I mean, Dad always gave us hugs to say Hi and Bye, and always told us he loved us. It's very hard to explain. For instance, in church today I was sitting next to Dad and I put my arm around his back and was rubbing his shoulders or just relaxing my arm on the back of his seat. Before this Dad would just sit there and not really return the affection. Sometimes I felt bad but I knew that it wasn't because Dad didn't love me but that he was just raised in a different time. Well, today Dad put his hand on my knee to return the affection and left it there. I was so happy that Dad responded to my affections. I thought to myself, I hope that he doesn't loose this as he regains what he lost.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Day 36 of Jim's Recovery
Didn't get a chance to visit Dad again today. It's like now that he is home I'm not so worried about him. But I still feel awful when I can't go see him. Mom says that today Dad had a ton of visitors. He did pretty well because he got a chance to sleep between the visits. Thank you so much to Dad's friends at Coldwell Banker who brought my parents a Christmas tree. I was going to go buy one but you guys beat me to it! And thank you for doing that because mine was going to be a small Charlie Brown tree, apparently yours is big and beautiful. We are going over tomorrow night to help decorate. I'm so excited. Thank you guys for bringing Christmas to my parents. When Dad was beginning to remember the house he told us he wanted a real tree this year!
Mom had a serious scare today. She took the dogs for a walk and when she got back Dad told her he almost passed out. I guess he was at the computer (I don't know why, he can't read or write yet) and felt really dizzy then had a small black out. Now Mom is petrified to ever leave Dad. We are going to have to get babysitters for him whenever we leave. Dad goes back to the doctor on Monday. We will see what is going on. I'm wondering if perhaps there is something else going on besides his head injury. What if this was happening before the accident and he just never mentioned it to anyone, then finally one day he passed out completely and fell down the stairs? Matt (hubby) says with all of his MRI's something serious in the brain would have been detected. Perhaps and inner ear infection? Don't know but it makes me nervous.
Mom had a serious scare today. She took the dogs for a walk and when she got back Dad told her he almost passed out. I guess he was at the computer (I don't know why, he can't read or write yet) and felt really dizzy then had a small black out. Now Mom is petrified to ever leave Dad. We are going to have to get babysitters for him whenever we leave. Dad goes back to the doctor on Monday. We will see what is going on. I'm wondering if perhaps there is something else going on besides his head injury. What if this was happening before the accident and he just never mentioned it to anyone, then finally one day he passed out completely and fell down the stairs? Matt (hubby) says with all of his MRI's something serious in the brain would have been detected. Perhaps and inner ear infection? Don't know but it makes me nervous.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Day 35 of Jim's Recovery
Not much happened today. Yesterday, Mom took Dad to his primary physician. She called the doctor who was scheduled to see Dad after his discharge but the guy is a Nero Surgeon (of course he doesn't have time) and wasn't scheduled to see Dad until December 30th. I couldn't believe that Dad didn't have daily check-up care scheduled after his discharge from the rehab facility. I guess if you can't pay then your on your own. Love the system!
Anyways, Dad's been taking blood pressure medicine and we were told by a good friend that the medicine could be making him dizzy. So Mom took Dad in yesterday and they took him off the meds. Mom needs to watch Dad's blood pressure very carefully in case it goes up again.
Dad had been complaining about, well basically, restless leg syndrome! I guess that is his problem when we are in places like my cousins funeral and why Dad seemed so uncomfortable. He said that during the funeral he felt like he needed to kick his legs so bad it was painful. Plus, he complains about how his legs are weird. I don't know if you remember but when Dad was in his "sleepy" coma he would kick and flail his legs. I don't know what the doctor is doing to treat this or even if he can. This could be something Dad just has to work through as his brain heals.
Also, Dad is still having trouble with his right foot being painful. The doctor asked for the x-rays from the hospital. It almost seems as though he has pinched a serious nerve in his back. I went to rub his foot and barely had touched the bottom of his toes when he flinched away and said that it hurt. It was as if stretching the toe pulled something that caused him pain. So for now we have Dad's foot wrapped and he is on crutches. I guess that is better then a walker, I know Dad thinks so!
Dad is going to see a speech therapist this week who will help us do exercises at home. This is the most frustrating part because Dad gets so mad when we try to do exercises to get his speech back. He thinks the games are dumb or thinks he is too dumb to do them.
That's it for now. Will let you know how the therapy goes.
Anyways, Dad's been taking blood pressure medicine and we were told by a good friend that the medicine could be making him dizzy. So Mom took Dad in yesterday and they took him off the meds. Mom needs to watch Dad's blood pressure very carefully in case it goes up again.
Dad had been complaining about, well basically, restless leg syndrome! I guess that is his problem when we are in places like my cousins funeral and why Dad seemed so uncomfortable. He said that during the funeral he felt like he needed to kick his legs so bad it was painful. Plus, he complains about how his legs are weird. I don't know if you remember but when Dad was in his "sleepy" coma he would kick and flail his legs. I don't know what the doctor is doing to treat this or even if he can. This could be something Dad just has to work through as his brain heals.
Also, Dad is still having trouble with his right foot being painful. The doctor asked for the x-rays from the hospital. It almost seems as though he has pinched a serious nerve in his back. I went to rub his foot and barely had touched the bottom of his toes when he flinched away and said that it hurt. It was as if stretching the toe pulled something that caused him pain. So for now we have Dad's foot wrapped and he is on crutches. I guess that is better then a walker, I know Dad thinks so!
Dad is going to see a speech therapist this week who will help us do exercises at home. This is the most frustrating part because Dad gets so mad when we try to do exercises to get his speech back. He thinks the games are dumb or thinks he is too dumb to do them.
That's it for now. Will let you know how the therapy goes.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Day 34 of Jim's Recovery
So apparently Dad has become a very anxious ball of yarn! Today Mom took Crowja in to be groomed and all day Dad worried about Crowja. He wanted to know why it was taking so long, why the person hadn't called, if he was done yet, was anxious that my mom wasn't checking on him, wanted to go get him, got mad at Mom for talking on the phone when she should be checking on Crowja, etc... Wow, I hope this is only a faze. Dad was really ornery with Mom today too.
I stopped by to bring Mom and Dad some dinner and Dad seemed normal. Dad was sitting on the couch watching basketball. Dad has become slightly demanding. When he wants something he doesn't say "oh, I was wondering if you could get me..." Dad says "I need some of this..." Part of me has to smile because before Dad hit his head he would always say "someone needs to get up and get me a..." Most of the time we would tell him to get it himself, sometimes when we were feeling generous or already up we would get it for him. So part of me is wondering if Dad is taking advantage of knowing we will wait on him! The reason being is because Dad wanted some hot cocoa and told me to get him some. I said that Mom didn't have any. I didn't know or not I just didn't want to get him any hot cocoa at the moment! I know I'm mean. Well, about 20 min later I guess Dad still wanted that cocoa so he got up, went to the pantry, and found the hot cocoa mix. I came down from the loft and found Dad in the pantry with the cocoa mix. So I told him to go sit down and I would finish making it for him. So I made it but not too hot because I didn't want him to drop it or burn himself. Well, I took him the cocoa and he sipped it and said "no this is not hot enough, go warm it up!" Picky, Picky. So of course I fixed it and made it hot.
Now I think most of it is due to his brain injury, but I think shortly here we will need to start teaching Dad how to do a few things on his own! I guess Mom had to take the phone away from Dad because he started calling everyone in his address book inviting them to come over for a visit! Then tonight he was asking if my girls wanted to have a sleep over. I felt heartbroken over this because I wish they could stay with Gwanpa.
It's hard to keep Dad entertained right now. Oh, and if any of you want to visit Dad or just want an update, send all e-mail to Jimsrecovery@gmail.com. I'm going to start taking care of all of Dad's correspondences. Mom is having a hard time getting through all of her e-mails. She will forward e-mails to me and I will answer your e-mails as soon as I can. Thanks so much.
I stopped by to bring Mom and Dad some dinner and Dad seemed normal. Dad was sitting on the couch watching basketball. Dad has become slightly demanding. When he wants something he doesn't say "oh, I was wondering if you could get me..." Dad says "I need some of this..." Part of me has to smile because before Dad hit his head he would always say "someone needs to get up and get me a..." Most of the time we would tell him to get it himself, sometimes when we were feeling generous or already up we would get it for him. So part of me is wondering if Dad is taking advantage of knowing we will wait on him! The reason being is because Dad wanted some hot cocoa and told me to get him some. I said that Mom didn't have any. I didn't know or not I just didn't want to get him any hot cocoa at the moment! I know I'm mean. Well, about 20 min later I guess Dad still wanted that cocoa so he got up, went to the pantry, and found the hot cocoa mix. I came down from the loft and found Dad in the pantry with the cocoa mix. So I told him to go sit down and I would finish making it for him. So I made it but not too hot because I didn't want him to drop it or burn himself. Well, I took him the cocoa and he sipped it and said "no this is not hot enough, go warm it up!" Picky, Picky. So of course I fixed it and made it hot.
Now I think most of it is due to his brain injury, but I think shortly here we will need to start teaching Dad how to do a few things on his own! I guess Mom had to take the phone away from Dad because he started calling everyone in his address book inviting them to come over for a visit! Then tonight he was asking if my girls wanted to have a sleep over. I felt heartbroken over this because I wish they could stay with Gwanpa.
It's hard to keep Dad entertained right now. Oh, and if any of you want to visit Dad or just want an update, send all e-mail to Jimsrecovery@gmail.com. I'm going to start taking care of all of Dad's correspondences. Mom is having a hard time getting through all of her e-mails. She will forward e-mails to me and I will answer your e-mails as soon as I can. Thanks so much.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Day 33 of Jim's Recovery
Every Sunday I go to the Bountiful Community Church (BCC) early around 10:00AM to practice with our singing group. We do a special music each week, which Dad used to be part of the core of our group. Today while I was practicing my little Sage came running up to me and started hitting me on the leg. Now this is not unusual for Sage, she hates when my attention is diverted somewhere else instead of on her. So I kept singing trying to ignore her. She kept hitting my leg and calling for me with more fervor then usual so I looked down at her while singing to scold her. When I did she pointed to the end of the chapel. I looked up and there was Dad hobbling with his walker down the isle!
Needless to say I stopped singing and ran up to Dad to give him a great big hug. Of course Sagey did too, she was just as excited as I to see "gwampa" there. I had no clue that Dad was going to make it to church today. I assumed Mom would keep him home, and apparently she tried. Mom said as soon as he woke up today he wanted to go and she could hardly keep him from leaving. So of course she had to bring him. Dad has been talking about going back to church ever since he could start communicating. Of course everyone was just as shocked and ecstatic to see Dad there. I think during what we call "Passing of the Peace," where everyone goes around and greets one another with peace, the entire congregation came to say hi to Dad. I could feel Dad's joy radiating off of him and see it in his face. He was so thankful to be there with all of his good friends.
During each of our choir songs I would look at Dad and just grin from ear to ear. Dad had a huge smile and was bobbing his head to the music. He would smile even bigger when I smiled at him. I think I sung louder today then usual because I was so happy Dad was in the seats. I was so glad to have Mom there also. To see her doing the things she loved again made me also smile. Poor Mom needs to find some stability in her crazy routine. I was so happy to sing to her too. I had one of those moments today when you see your parents as if you were a child again. I am so happy to have such great parents!
This evening Matt, the kids, and I went to Mom and Dad's for dinner. Mom cooked Dad one of his favorite dishes, Corned Beef. Yum yum! I couldn't believe we were sitting around the table eating dinner together. I said a silent prayer of thanks. Dad still can't eat very much. He thinks it is still because of the PEG tube which was taken out last week. Matt thinks it's just because his stomach has shrunk.
During dinner Dad started telling us more about his Irish guy that was on the bed with him. You know I almost want to say that Dad had an out of body experience. He talks about this guy as if he was watching him. Dad says he couldn't see himself, or will say that he was not there. He talks about the Irish Guy as if he were a patient. Dad even told us the Irish Guy was a patient, but that he was getting better. I tried to get more of an explanation of the room from Dad. I asked if Dad could see the ceiling when he saw his Irish friend, he said no. I asked if he could see monitors, he said no, he could not see anything because "he was not there." I asked so the only thing you could see was the Irish Guy in the bed and he said "yes." To me the perspective that Dad seems to be giving us is if he were floating above the bed and looking at himself. I can tell you right now the hospital doesn't allow patients into other peoples rooms, and Dad never shared a room with anyone. I will keep trying to get more details. I find Dad's enthusiasm to talk about his guy amazing and want to figure out what his brain is trying to convey. Who knows perhaps it was just a vivid dream that Dad can recall. As Dad gets better it will be extremely interesting to learn more about this.
We had a very peaceful evening just watching t.v. and sitting by the fire. Dad fell asleep on the couch and my little girls played up in the loft bedroom. Dad is doing a great job with taking naps when he gets tired. I don't think he can keep from falling asleep, especially after having a ton of stimulus like going to church. We do still get worried about Dad. Dad might be talking and doing tons better then before but he isn't totally Jim yet. He does a great job describing the things that he needs or wants (or we are just getting better at guessing his needs!) But he still isn't quite the easy going, silly, make you smile Jim. Dad talks about himself a lot in the third person. I guess last night he was telling Mom how he missed Jim. He said that Jim was funny and he missed how Jim could make people laugh. Then he started crying.
I'm just speechless as to what to say. My heart tells me Dad will get better and be able to speak again. But it also tells me that we may not get the Jim we remember back. Who knows, I always try to stay positive because we have already seen such miracle from Dad. Perhaps he will be the fun loving Jim again. Let's all pray that he will.
Needless to say I stopped singing and ran up to Dad to give him a great big hug. Of course Sagey did too, she was just as excited as I to see "gwampa" there. I had no clue that Dad was going to make it to church today. I assumed Mom would keep him home, and apparently she tried. Mom said as soon as he woke up today he wanted to go and she could hardly keep him from leaving. So of course she had to bring him. Dad has been talking about going back to church ever since he could start communicating. Of course everyone was just as shocked and ecstatic to see Dad there. I think during what we call "Passing of the Peace," where everyone goes around and greets one another with peace, the entire congregation came to say hi to Dad. I could feel Dad's joy radiating off of him and see it in his face. He was so thankful to be there with all of his good friends.
During each of our choir songs I would look at Dad and just grin from ear to ear. Dad had a huge smile and was bobbing his head to the music. He would smile even bigger when I smiled at him. I think I sung louder today then usual because I was so happy Dad was in the seats. I was so glad to have Mom there also. To see her doing the things she loved again made me also smile. Poor Mom needs to find some stability in her crazy routine. I was so happy to sing to her too. I had one of those moments today when you see your parents as if you were a child again. I am so happy to have such great parents!
This evening Matt, the kids, and I went to Mom and Dad's for dinner. Mom cooked Dad one of his favorite dishes, Corned Beef. Yum yum! I couldn't believe we were sitting around the table eating dinner together. I said a silent prayer of thanks. Dad still can't eat very much. He thinks it is still because of the PEG tube which was taken out last week. Matt thinks it's just because his stomach has shrunk.
During dinner Dad started telling us more about his Irish guy that was on the bed with him. You know I almost want to say that Dad had an out of body experience. He talks about this guy as if he was watching him. Dad says he couldn't see himself, or will say that he was not there. He talks about the Irish Guy as if he were a patient. Dad even told us the Irish Guy was a patient, but that he was getting better. I tried to get more of an explanation of the room from Dad. I asked if Dad could see the ceiling when he saw his Irish friend, he said no. I asked if he could see monitors, he said no, he could not see anything because "he was not there." I asked so the only thing you could see was the Irish Guy in the bed and he said "yes." To me the perspective that Dad seems to be giving us is if he were floating above the bed and looking at himself. I can tell you right now the hospital doesn't allow patients into other peoples rooms, and Dad never shared a room with anyone. I will keep trying to get more details. I find Dad's enthusiasm to talk about his guy amazing and want to figure out what his brain is trying to convey. Who knows perhaps it was just a vivid dream that Dad can recall. As Dad gets better it will be extremely interesting to learn more about this.
We had a very peaceful evening just watching t.v. and sitting by the fire. Dad fell asleep on the couch and my little girls played up in the loft bedroom. Dad is doing a great job with taking naps when he gets tired. I don't think he can keep from falling asleep, especially after having a ton of stimulus like going to church. We do still get worried about Dad. Dad might be talking and doing tons better then before but he isn't totally Jim yet. He does a great job describing the things that he needs or wants (or we are just getting better at guessing his needs!) But he still isn't quite the easy going, silly, make you smile Jim. Dad talks about himself a lot in the third person. I guess last night he was telling Mom how he missed Jim. He said that Jim was funny and he missed how Jim could make people laugh. Then he started crying.
I'm just speechless as to what to say. My heart tells me Dad will get better and be able to speak again. But it also tells me that we may not get the Jim we remember back. Who knows, I always try to stay positive because we have already seen such miracle from Dad. Perhaps he will be the fun loving Jim again. Let's all pray that he will.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Day 32 of Jim's Recovery
Well I didn't have a chance to see Dad today. But Erin did talk to Mom and she said they had a very relaxing day. I didn't want to go over because I just wanted to give both Dad and Mom time to rest. Mom was so excited to be able to sleep in today. Today was probably the first day she has rested since the accident.
And I can't imagine what it was like for Dad to sleep in his own bed. Oh I bet his doggies were happy too. Angelo, Dad's black labradoodle, has been keeping a vigil on Dad's bed ever since the accident. Last night they hardly left Dad's side and Dad was grinning from ear to ear to see them.
Oh, I do remember Erin informed me that Mom had Dad did try some physical therapy exercises today. I guess she had him walk up the stairs, I assume up to their loft room because the stairs are carpeted! Dad was able to go up just fine but he didn't feel he could go back down, so he scooted down on his bum. Poor Dad has never had any fears in his life. Now he is terrified of stairs. I'm thinking it was a mixture of fear and strength that made him feel he could not make it down the stairs. I wonder if his fear will ever truly go away?
And I can't imagine what it was like for Dad to sleep in his own bed. Oh I bet his doggies were happy too. Angelo, Dad's black labradoodle, has been keeping a vigil on Dad's bed ever since the accident. Last night they hardly left Dad's side and Dad was grinning from ear to ear to see them.
Oh, I do remember Erin informed me that Mom had Dad did try some physical therapy exercises today. I guess she had him walk up the stairs, I assume up to their loft room because the stairs are carpeted! Dad was able to go up just fine but he didn't feel he could go back down, so he scooted down on his bum. Poor Dad has never had any fears in his life. Now he is terrified of stairs. I'm thinking it was a mixture of fear and strength that made him feel he could not make it down the stairs. I wonder if his fear will ever truly go away?
Friday, December 4, 2009
Day 30 and 31 of Jim's Recovery
I apologize to those of you who are avid readers of this blog for not posting yesterday. This weekend is very somber for us as we mourn our beloved cousin Brian and our dear friend Brittany. I know that I am not required to do this and I know that you folks don't mind if I miss a day, but I feel like I am letting everyone down if I don't send you just a little information. I feel it is so terribly important to keep our friends and loved ones informed because life is so precious and you all love Dad so very much. In this crazy world we all have to knit together and stay close.
I was up late last night practicing songs with the BCC choir for Brittany's funeral tomorrow on Saturday. Today I have been at my cousin Bri's funeral. You know since this awful tragedy happened to Dad people have told us how much they admire us as a family because we are so close. Well, I admire my Aunt Jan and Uncle Dan, my wonderful cousins Courtney, Jordan, and Chelsea and Brian's wife, Collette. I could not believe how strong they were today. Where people should have been consoling them, they were consoling others. What a strong, loving family.
Dad was able to go to the funeral today. I am so thankful for this. I was so glad Dad could say goodbye to Brian and give his love to everyone. Dad was so happy to see everyone. As we drove through Salt Lake on our way to the funeral Dad said that everything looked different. He explained it kind of like the home sick feeling one gets when you look at something you have driven by a million times but actually see it for the first time. You notice things you never noticed before or see a house that you never paid attention to before. Dad was the same when he saw our cousins. It was like Dad knew who they were and remembered them, but was seeing them for the first time. It was almost like Dad had pictures in his head of how he remembered our cousins and it didn't match with what they looked like today. Dad's face lit up each time our cousins came to talk to him.
We were able to take Dad home today, which was more somber then happy. I am so glad Dad is home but am a little worried. Seeing Dad react to the funeral today made me more worried. Yes, I do think Dad is getting better, but now I totally understand why head trauma patients go up and down in their progress to get better. It's like a broken bone in a cast, once you take the cast off you can't go running around the block. You have to slowly make that leg stronger. You can stand or walk for awhile but you have to eventually sit down. Well, Dad's brain is doing the same thing, it still is working on healing itself but the brain is running all the time. Dad just can't say "Oh I need to sit down" and this will rest his brain. No the brain is still processing everything around him. So as I watched Dad through the funeral, he was sitting down, but all of a sudden he would lean forward as if he was falling asleep. We had to take Dad home early because he was beginning to slur his words even though he said he was fine and wanted to stay.
So with Dad going home it will be great because we can help him and he can have things and people around him that will help him to regain his memory. But he is going to be one stubborn donkey when it comes to trying to make him relax. We have to make him take a nap every hour if at all possible. But knowing Dad he is going to see things around the house that need to be done and try to do them. So I have a feeling Dad is going to be taking a large step backwards here shortly because he wont take the rest he needs.
Because Dad still needs rest we are asking that you e-mail Mom or myself before you go visit. Please don't just drop by it will be too hard for Mom and we aren't sure of Dad's rigorous physical therapy schedule yet. Please let us know when you would like to stop by a few days in advance. This will help us to be able to even out the times and keep Dad from getting too inundated with visitors at one time. I know it is so hard to wait and Dad is a million times better then what he was a week ago, but it is so difficult to understand a head trauma and what that person needs. So we are taking things slowly and following orders from doctors and physical therapists. Keep reading and keep Dad in your prayers and by all means please be patient with us.
I was up late last night practicing songs with the BCC choir for Brittany's funeral tomorrow on Saturday. Today I have been at my cousin Bri's funeral. You know since this awful tragedy happened to Dad people have told us how much they admire us as a family because we are so close. Well, I admire my Aunt Jan and Uncle Dan, my wonderful cousins Courtney, Jordan, and Chelsea and Brian's wife, Collette. I could not believe how strong they were today. Where people should have been consoling them, they were consoling others. What a strong, loving family.
Dad was able to go to the funeral today. I am so thankful for this. I was so glad Dad could say goodbye to Brian and give his love to everyone. Dad was so happy to see everyone. As we drove through Salt Lake on our way to the funeral Dad said that everything looked different. He explained it kind of like the home sick feeling one gets when you look at something you have driven by a million times but actually see it for the first time. You notice things you never noticed before or see a house that you never paid attention to before. Dad was the same when he saw our cousins. It was like Dad knew who they were and remembered them, but was seeing them for the first time. It was almost like Dad had pictures in his head of how he remembered our cousins and it didn't match with what they looked like today. Dad's face lit up each time our cousins came to talk to him.
We were able to take Dad home today, which was more somber then happy. I am so glad Dad is home but am a little worried. Seeing Dad react to the funeral today made me more worried. Yes, I do think Dad is getting better, but now I totally understand why head trauma patients go up and down in their progress to get better. It's like a broken bone in a cast, once you take the cast off you can't go running around the block. You have to slowly make that leg stronger. You can stand or walk for awhile but you have to eventually sit down. Well, Dad's brain is doing the same thing, it still is working on healing itself but the brain is running all the time. Dad just can't say "Oh I need to sit down" and this will rest his brain. No the brain is still processing everything around him. So as I watched Dad through the funeral, he was sitting down, but all of a sudden he would lean forward as if he was falling asleep. We had to take Dad home early because he was beginning to slur his words even though he said he was fine and wanted to stay.
So with Dad going home it will be great because we can help him and he can have things and people around him that will help him to regain his memory. But he is going to be one stubborn donkey when it comes to trying to make him relax. We have to make him take a nap every hour if at all possible. But knowing Dad he is going to see things around the house that need to be done and try to do them. So I have a feeling Dad is going to be taking a large step backwards here shortly because he wont take the rest he needs.
Because Dad still needs rest we are asking that you e-mail Mom or myself before you go visit. Please don't just drop by it will be too hard for Mom and we aren't sure of Dad's rigorous physical therapy schedule yet. Please let us know when you would like to stop by a few days in advance. This will help us to be able to even out the times and keep Dad from getting too inundated with visitors at one time. I know it is so hard to wait and Dad is a million times better then what he was a week ago, but it is so difficult to understand a head trauma and what that person needs. So we are taking things slowly and following orders from doctors and physical therapists. Keep reading and keep Dad in your prayers and by all means please be patient with us.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Day 29 of Jim's Recovery
I don't have much new to report from yesterday. We still are not totally clear on Dad coming home on Saturday. Dad continues to progress, yet gets extremely tired. Because of this I waited to go visit Dad until after Ramie got home from school. I decided to take Dad some of the Erin's Potato Cheese soup for dinner because he hasn't been eating well. I guess today he threw up but he thinks, and the nurses think, it is due to the medicine they give him at night to help him sleep. So they are changing that prescription and hopefully he will get his appetite back.
When I got to the rehab center Dad didn't look like he was in his room. But as I opened the door I saw Dad sitting in a chair playing his guitar. I was tickled pink to see Dad playing. I sat down with my girls and we just kind of listened to Dad for a bit. Dad had no trouble playing chords or songs. He did have trouble remembering the words and he would get really frustrated. He was trying to remember the words to the Warren Zevon song he likes to play. (Apparently, I have been spelling Zevon's name wrong and no one has corrected me!) I helped Dad to remember the words to the chorus. If you give Dad a cue he can figure out the rest.
Dad then tried to remember the words to his song "Ralph and Rachel." I thought that when I saw Dad trying to sing his songs I would be sad, but I wasn't. I must know for sure that he will relearn them. In fact I'm banking on it. It's almost like Dad just has a brain fart and has to work around it! So I wasn't sad for Dad that he couldn't remember. I know Dad was very frustrated, as we all would be.
Actually, it was great that the girls were there to listen because it made Dad play some silly songs. Dad would always make up silly songs as he practiced guitar. Usually, Dad is quick witted when it comes to thinking up words to silly songs. At first he couldn't come up with many rhymes, but as he continued to practice and tried to make up songs he started coming up with more rhyming words. I don't think he noticed but I certainly did. That was my favorite part of seeing Dad play was to see how his mind was starting to flow and find the right patterns.
Dad and I didn't talk much about things. It was like the times when Dad would write songs and I would just listen. Dad and I don't feel like we have to say much or fill the silence with words. It's just a feeling of relaxation and contentment. So I just hung out with Dad, listened to him play, and watched the girls dance and be silly. Finally, I could tell Dad was getting tired and he went to lay down on the bed. As soon as Dad laid down, my little Sagey went and cuddled up into his arms. She is so much like me when I was little. I could sit in Dad's arms for hours and be content just to sit there. Well, she nestled right into her Grandpa and laid there for a few minutes. Now if you know Sage a few seconds is an accomplishment for her to hold still, so for her to hold still for longer then a minute is a miracle!
So I told the girls we needed to go and both didn't want to leave. Sagey didn't want to leave Grandpa and I was so grateful they both expressed their frustration with leaving. I felt that their reaction to leaving was so important for Dad. Ramie was such a sweetheart. When Grandpa couldn't say a word she would help him to sound it out. Or when he couldn't remember a word she wouldn't give him the word but again would sound it out with him. She was acting like a mature adult! When Dad was playing with Sage, Ramie came and sat next to me and whispered in my ear, "I really think Grandpa is doing much better. It's amazing how well he can talk. I really feel he may be able to come home this weekend." Yeah, Ramie is 5 going on 25. I just had to smile and agree with her!
When I got to the rehab center Dad didn't look like he was in his room. But as I opened the door I saw Dad sitting in a chair playing his guitar. I was tickled pink to see Dad playing. I sat down with my girls and we just kind of listened to Dad for a bit. Dad had no trouble playing chords or songs. He did have trouble remembering the words and he would get really frustrated. He was trying to remember the words to the Warren Zevon song he likes to play. (Apparently, I have been spelling Zevon's name wrong and no one has corrected me!) I helped Dad to remember the words to the chorus. If you give Dad a cue he can figure out the rest.
Dad then tried to remember the words to his song "Ralph and Rachel." I thought that when I saw Dad trying to sing his songs I would be sad, but I wasn't. I must know for sure that he will relearn them. In fact I'm banking on it. It's almost like Dad just has a brain fart and has to work around it! So I wasn't sad for Dad that he couldn't remember. I know Dad was very frustrated, as we all would be.
Actually, it was great that the girls were there to listen because it made Dad play some silly songs. Dad would always make up silly songs as he practiced guitar. Usually, Dad is quick witted when it comes to thinking up words to silly songs. At first he couldn't come up with many rhymes, but as he continued to practice and tried to make up songs he started coming up with more rhyming words. I don't think he noticed but I certainly did. That was my favorite part of seeing Dad play was to see how his mind was starting to flow and find the right patterns.
Dad and I didn't talk much about things. It was like the times when Dad would write songs and I would just listen. Dad and I don't feel like we have to say much or fill the silence with words. It's just a feeling of relaxation and contentment. So I just hung out with Dad, listened to him play, and watched the girls dance and be silly. Finally, I could tell Dad was getting tired and he went to lay down on the bed. As soon as Dad laid down, my little Sagey went and cuddled up into his arms. She is so much like me when I was little. I could sit in Dad's arms for hours and be content just to sit there. Well, she nestled right into her Grandpa and laid there for a few minutes. Now if you know Sage a few seconds is an accomplishment for her to hold still, so for her to hold still for longer then a minute is a miracle!
So I told the girls we needed to go and both didn't want to leave. Sagey didn't want to leave Grandpa and I was so grateful they both expressed their frustration with leaving. I felt that their reaction to leaving was so important for Dad. Ramie was such a sweetheart. When Grandpa couldn't say a word she would help him to sound it out. Or when he couldn't remember a word she wouldn't give him the word but again would sound it out with him. She was acting like a mature adult! When Dad was playing with Sage, Ramie came and sat next to me and whispered in my ear, "I really think Grandpa is doing much better. It's amazing how well he can talk. I really feel he may be able to come home this weekend." Yeah, Ramie is 5 going on 25. I just had to smile and agree with her!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Day 28 of Jim's Recovery
Okay, so I have been really excited to tell you all about Dad's angel, but yesterday's blog was so long I had to wait until today. Yesterday I was just chatting with Dad and we got on the subject of him falling down the stairs. Dad can not remember anything from the accident, or being in the hospital. It seems like his memory will only go back a couple days, obviously his short term memory is still affected. I was telling Dad about his fall and my perspective on what had happened. Then just to tease Dad I said "So did you have an out of body experience?" "What did heaven look like?" He smiled and said he didn't have an out of body experience. Darn it I was hoping he could tell us something cool about the other side.
Then Dad said "But I did have that guy that sat with me on the thing..." I assumed Dad was talking about a doctor or nurse. He said it wasn't a doctor but that they guy was from across the... It took Dad a minute to think of the word "sea." I thought Dad was talking about a doctor that looked like he was from India. So I said "Oh, your doctor from India." He said no. "The guy had an accent and was from...Ireland," Dad final figured out the correct words. Well I couldn't remember any doctors or nurses with an accent or from Ireland. So I asked him where the guy was sitting again. Dad couldn't think of the word. Then I thought perhaps it was a doctor I didn't know. So I asked Dad if it was a doctor that took an x-ray or MRI. He said no. Finally, Dad remembered the word "bed." He said "there was a guy with an accent from Ireland, with red hair, that sat with Dad on his bed."
Okay, now here is the twist for those of you who don't know our ancestry, we are from Ireland. Dad's Grandfather Crowley was from Ireland, Court County to be exact. Anyone know if he had red hair? (Hee Hee) Pretty cool, huh? Well, I think so at least. Dad didn't say much after that and knowing Dad if you ask him about it he will only poo-poo the idea of an angel. Dad has never believed in any unexplainable events. But I know someone was there with Dad. A guardian angel, or a relative, who knows? Perhaps it was only a trick of the mind because it was dealing with such severe trauma. I'm leaning more towards a guardian angel or relative. Energy is everlasting.
So anyways, I thought that was really cool. Well, today not much happened. Erin and I visited Dad around 1:00PM. Dad keeps asking when he can go home, of course. We think it will be this Saturday. Dad's contract will be up on Friday and we were told he would be discharged on Saturday. But with head trauma patients, if they are exhibiting progress the hospital will take them back and continue with physical therapy until they feel he can go home safely. So we aren't sure if Dad will be coming home on Saturday or going back to the U.
Also, head trauma patients have their ups and downs as they progress. They will go up the coaster of progress then decline. Dad isn't declining but we are hitting a downward slope. Dad gets extremely exhausted very easily. He says he doesn't understand why he will all of a sudden feel overwhelmingly tired. He asked Erin and I to leave he was so tired. It's good that he is asking us to leave though, instead of trying to stay awake. So if Dad does come home on Saturday we would love to start having visitors but we will have to limit visit times to 15-20 min. Those of you who are visiting now please try not to stay more then 20 min. We have to give Dad's brain a wind down period. Thanks all.
Then Dad said "But I did have that guy that sat with me on the thing..." I assumed Dad was talking about a doctor or nurse. He said it wasn't a doctor but that they guy was from across the... It took Dad a minute to think of the word "sea." I thought Dad was talking about a doctor that looked like he was from India. So I said "Oh, your doctor from India." He said no. "The guy had an accent and was from...Ireland," Dad final figured out the correct words. Well I couldn't remember any doctors or nurses with an accent or from Ireland. So I asked him where the guy was sitting again. Dad couldn't think of the word. Then I thought perhaps it was a doctor I didn't know. So I asked Dad if it was a doctor that took an x-ray or MRI. He said no. Finally, Dad remembered the word "bed." He said "there was a guy with an accent from Ireland, with red hair, that sat with Dad on his bed."
Okay, now here is the twist for those of you who don't know our ancestry, we are from Ireland. Dad's Grandfather Crowley was from Ireland, Court County to be exact. Anyone know if he had red hair? (Hee Hee) Pretty cool, huh? Well, I think so at least. Dad didn't say much after that and knowing Dad if you ask him about it he will only poo-poo the idea of an angel. Dad has never believed in any unexplainable events. But I know someone was there with Dad. A guardian angel, or a relative, who knows? Perhaps it was only a trick of the mind because it was dealing with such severe trauma. I'm leaning more towards a guardian angel or relative. Energy is everlasting.
So anyways, I thought that was really cool. Well, today not much happened. Erin and I visited Dad around 1:00PM. Dad keeps asking when he can go home, of course. We think it will be this Saturday. Dad's contract will be up on Friday and we were told he would be discharged on Saturday. But with head trauma patients, if they are exhibiting progress the hospital will take them back and continue with physical therapy until they feel he can go home safely. So we aren't sure if Dad will be coming home on Saturday or going back to the U.
Also, head trauma patients have their ups and downs as they progress. They will go up the coaster of progress then decline. Dad isn't declining but we are hitting a downward slope. Dad gets extremely exhausted very easily. He says he doesn't understand why he will all of a sudden feel overwhelmingly tired. He asked Erin and I to leave he was so tired. It's good that he is asking us to leave though, instead of trying to stay awake. So if Dad does come home on Saturday we would love to start having visitors but we will have to limit visit times to 15-20 min. Those of you who are visiting now please try not to stay more then 20 min. We have to give Dad's brain a wind down period. Thanks all.
Day 27 of Jim's Recovery
Tonight Dad and I had the most amazing, awesome experience. It seemed like it was right out of the pages of a fairy tale or like an episode of , oh what's the name of that darn show where they tear down one crappy house to build a better one for people who truly deserve it?
Anyway, I went to visit Dad tonight around 7:00Pm. Mom told me that Dad would be watching a folk music show. I assumed it was going to be on the t.v. When I arrived the room was empty. I had brought Dad some of my famous spaghetti dinner and had forgotten about the folk music show. I assumed Dad was in the restroom so I sat down to wait. The nurse popped her head in to let me know that Dad was in the cafeteria watching the show. Again I thought perhaps it was on t.v. and they had a bigger t.v. in the cafeteria.
As I walked in there were two ladies at the front playing music, one had a guitar the other a violin. I saw Dad and he gave me a great big wave hello. I was so happy to see Dad up and excited to see some live music. There were only two other people in the room so I just walked in a grabbed a seat to sit and listen with Dad. When I got all comfy I looked up and my jaw dropped to the floor. There playing the fiddle was Kate MacLeod, one of my favorite folk artists ever! With her playing the guitar was Anke Summerhill, who I didn't recognize until she sang her last song "From Way up Here." I couldn't believe that these two famous ladies had come to play at Federal Heights. I was so excited and thrilled for Dad because I knew he knew who they were and was thrilled that he basically got to have his own personal concert by some of his favorite local artists! I couldn't believe that no one was listening. I supposed that after seven everyone had more important things to do like go to bed or go have a smoke! It was just ridiculous that no one was there. If people had realized what gems they had playing at the facility the place would have been packed.
I just had perma-grin on my face. I couldn't believe I was sitting there listening to Kate MacLeod and Anke Summerhill! They were absolutely beautiful and the music was hauntingly beautiful. I wanted to cry that these ladies had taken their time out of their extremely busy schedules to come and do some community service. I mean not that I didn't already admire their talents but now I absolutely admire them as individuals because of the time they took to play for us.
I know that this was just as amazing for Dad. Dad has an extremely difficult time because he can not remember the words to his songs. He recognizes his songs, he remembers writing them, he knows he can play guitar, but when asked to sing he can't remember the words to the songs. Dad is extremely depressed about this. If you have ever heard Dad play you know how much heart and soul he puts into just jamming on his guitar. Dad would go downstairs and just pluck away to relax. I can remember sitting in the basement of our house in West Valley and listening to my Dad write and fix and improve his song "Swing Me." This is my favorite memory of Dad. I would sit on a red stool and he would play for me, or I would just sit and listen. I would ask him to play "Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle" and "What a Day for a Day Dream." I would sing with Dad and love every minute of it.
This is why I would play his songs for him when he was in his "sleepy coma" hoping that the music would spark some of those old memories. Now watching Anke and Kate play and watching Dad listen was awesome in so many ways. Dad was able to remember the words to several songs they played, which is just amazing because he has a hard time with this. And also awesome because I knew how much he adores their music. Dad started to cry when they sang "Morning has Broken." We sang this at the Bountiful Community Church a few months back. It was our first song we played after Russel Baker, the previous minister that brought us together to sing music, left. I got choked up myself.
Now the really cool thing is Anke Summerhill has a song on a CD called Slickrock and Sagebrush. This was done by SUWA (Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, shame on you if you don't know who they are or the acronym.) They made the CD to help raise funds for SUWA back in 2000. Well, the really neat thing is that one of Dad's songs was chosen to be on this CD also. So I believe Anke's song comes on just before Dad's! Crazy small world, eh? Dad was tickled pink that I was able to relay that info to Anke and she was going to go look up the CD to listen to Dad's song. Dad also tried to relay that he was starting an open mic night at the Bountiful Community Church and asked if Anke and Kate would come and play. Both said that they would love to and told him to e-mail them. How awesome for Dad. He was a little frustrated because he said he had to get better and learn how to use the equipment for the sound system first.
Wow, what an amazing evening. I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend with Dad tonight, just me and him! Dad and I used to go over to the Gallivan Center and wait on the grass for hours to save a spot to listen to the free concerts. This was like Dad and I hanging out again listening to an awesome concert. Another favorite memory to add to my list. This one might top them all though!
Anyway, I went to visit Dad tonight around 7:00Pm. Mom told me that Dad would be watching a folk music show. I assumed it was going to be on the t.v. When I arrived the room was empty. I had brought Dad some of my famous spaghetti dinner and had forgotten about the folk music show. I assumed Dad was in the restroom so I sat down to wait. The nurse popped her head in to let me know that Dad was in the cafeteria watching the show. Again I thought perhaps it was on t.v. and they had a bigger t.v. in the cafeteria.
As I walked in there were two ladies at the front playing music, one had a guitar the other a violin. I saw Dad and he gave me a great big wave hello. I was so happy to see Dad up and excited to see some live music. There were only two other people in the room so I just walked in a grabbed a seat to sit and listen with Dad. When I got all comfy I looked up and my jaw dropped to the floor. There playing the fiddle was Kate MacLeod, one of my favorite folk artists ever! With her playing the guitar was Anke Summerhill, who I didn't recognize until she sang her last song "From Way up Here." I couldn't believe that these two famous ladies had come to play at Federal Heights. I was so excited and thrilled for Dad because I knew he knew who they were and was thrilled that he basically got to have his own personal concert by some of his favorite local artists! I couldn't believe that no one was listening. I supposed that after seven everyone had more important things to do like go to bed or go have a smoke! It was just ridiculous that no one was there. If people had realized what gems they had playing at the facility the place would have been packed.
I just had perma-grin on my face. I couldn't believe I was sitting there listening to Kate MacLeod and Anke Summerhill! They were absolutely beautiful and the music was hauntingly beautiful. I wanted to cry that these ladies had taken their time out of their extremely busy schedules to come and do some community service. I mean not that I didn't already admire their talents but now I absolutely admire them as individuals because of the time they took to play for us.
I know that this was just as amazing for Dad. Dad has an extremely difficult time because he can not remember the words to his songs. He recognizes his songs, he remembers writing them, he knows he can play guitar, but when asked to sing he can't remember the words to the songs. Dad is extremely depressed about this. If you have ever heard Dad play you know how much heart and soul he puts into just jamming on his guitar. Dad would go downstairs and just pluck away to relax. I can remember sitting in the basement of our house in West Valley and listening to my Dad write and fix and improve his song "Swing Me." This is my favorite memory of Dad. I would sit on a red stool and he would play for me, or I would just sit and listen. I would ask him to play "Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle" and "What a Day for a Day Dream." I would sing with Dad and love every minute of it.
This is why I would play his songs for him when he was in his "sleepy coma" hoping that the music would spark some of those old memories. Now watching Anke and Kate play and watching Dad listen was awesome in so many ways. Dad was able to remember the words to several songs they played, which is just amazing because he has a hard time with this. And also awesome because I knew how much he adores their music. Dad started to cry when they sang "Morning has Broken." We sang this at the Bountiful Community Church a few months back. It was our first song we played after Russel Baker, the previous minister that brought us together to sing music, left. I got choked up myself.
Now the really cool thing is Anke Summerhill has a song on a CD called Slickrock and Sagebrush. This was done by SUWA (Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, shame on you if you don't know who they are or the acronym.) They made the CD to help raise funds for SUWA back in 2000. Well, the really neat thing is that one of Dad's songs was chosen to be on this CD also. So I believe Anke's song comes on just before Dad's! Crazy small world, eh? Dad was tickled pink that I was able to relay that info to Anke and she was going to go look up the CD to listen to Dad's song. Dad also tried to relay that he was starting an open mic night at the Bountiful Community Church and asked if Anke and Kate would come and play. Both said that they would love to and told him to e-mail them. How awesome for Dad. He was a little frustrated because he said he had to get better and learn how to use the equipment for the sound system first.
Wow, what an amazing evening. I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend with Dad tonight, just me and him! Dad and I used to go over to the Gallivan Center and wait on the grass for hours to save a spot to listen to the free concerts. This was like Dad and I hanging out again listening to an awesome concert. Another favorite memory to add to my list. This one might top them all though!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Day 26 of Jim's Recovery
Today we had a huge step for Dad. Tonight Dad was able to attend our Ecumenical Program that was held at the Grace Baptist Church in Bountiful. Every year several different religious organizations from around Davis County get together and put on a program to ring in the Christmas season. Dad has been involved in singing in this program with the Bountiful Community Church for the past 2 years. As Dad began to remember more and more and was able to express himself better, he has been asking us if he could go. We weren't sure until today that we should take him. I know Dad is healing quickly but he did have a head trauma and we don't just want to throw him into the thick of things. Well, all week Dad has been telling us he wants to go but that he can't sing. So we decided to try it.
I played my flute in the program and was so excited to have Dad there. I couldn't sit down and kept pacing until he arrived. Then when Mom and I got him out of the car we were concerned about the stairs. Dad got irritated at us and told us we were treating him like a cripple. I said "Dad, if you could have seen yourself two weeks ago, you would understand why we are so paranoid." Dad had absolutely no trouble with the stairs and in fact lifted his walker almost above his head as he went up them. Smart butt!
Everyone who knew Dad that attended, were thrilled to see Dad. Dad did surprisingly well, considering this was his first time out of the hospital and rehab facility. He seemed to remember everyone that came up and said hi. He couldn't quite remember names but was very excited to see our BCC choir group. It was a little sad to see the program because we had originally put Dad as our program director and accompanist. I did send an e-mail to have them change his name but apparently they didn't, so Dad's name was still on the program.
When our group went up Dad did get a little emotional. You could see it in his eyes. But every time I looked at him while playing he was bobbing his head to the music and cheering us on. It would not have been the same if Dad had missed the program. At the end of the program all the groups go to the front for a finale song and the audience sings along. Our group decided to hang back and as the audience sang Dad was singing along with us. This is so fabulous because he has been having trouble remembering songs. Dad gets extremely frustrated because he can't remember the words to his own songs that he has written. So to hear Dad remembering words to "Silent Night" makes me very hopeful that his own songs will soon follow.
Dad was able to sit through the entire program which was an hour and a half. After the program was over he told us how well we did and how much he enjoyed our choice of songs. He also told us Monday he is going to speak to his doctor about leaving the rehab facility. He told us he does not need to be there any longer. Which obviously he doesn't. I hate red tape. I hope that we can get through all the red tape on Monday and get him home.
I think the more Dad has contact with the things he did prior to the accident the quicker his memory will come back. Hopefully his humor will return soon also because he can be pretty ornery. He gets so mad at himself for not being able to remember words correctly or names. He also gets mad when we try to help him even when he does truly need help.
Oh, and I almost forgot. Yesterday I took some cards to Dad and he was able to read some words off of them. I was totally thrown back because earlier that day he had tried to play Scrabble and couldn't play. So perhaps just putting the words together is difficult to remember but once the words are in front of him he can read them. It was awesome to hear him try to read.
I played my flute in the program and was so excited to have Dad there. I couldn't sit down and kept pacing until he arrived. Then when Mom and I got him out of the car we were concerned about the stairs. Dad got irritated at us and told us we were treating him like a cripple. I said "Dad, if you could have seen yourself two weeks ago, you would understand why we are so paranoid." Dad had absolutely no trouble with the stairs and in fact lifted his walker almost above his head as he went up them. Smart butt!
Everyone who knew Dad that attended, were thrilled to see Dad. Dad did surprisingly well, considering this was his first time out of the hospital and rehab facility. He seemed to remember everyone that came up and said hi. He couldn't quite remember names but was very excited to see our BCC choir group. It was a little sad to see the program because we had originally put Dad as our program director and accompanist. I did send an e-mail to have them change his name but apparently they didn't, so Dad's name was still on the program.
When our group went up Dad did get a little emotional. You could see it in his eyes. But every time I looked at him while playing he was bobbing his head to the music and cheering us on. It would not have been the same if Dad had missed the program. At the end of the program all the groups go to the front for a finale song and the audience sings along. Our group decided to hang back and as the audience sang Dad was singing along with us. This is so fabulous because he has been having trouble remembering songs. Dad gets extremely frustrated because he can't remember the words to his own songs that he has written. So to hear Dad remembering words to "Silent Night" makes me very hopeful that his own songs will soon follow.
Dad was able to sit through the entire program which was an hour and a half. After the program was over he told us how well we did and how much he enjoyed our choice of songs. He also told us Monday he is going to speak to his doctor about leaving the rehab facility. He told us he does not need to be there any longer. Which obviously he doesn't. I hate red tape. I hope that we can get through all the red tape on Monday and get him home.
I think the more Dad has contact with the things he did prior to the accident the quicker his memory will come back. Hopefully his humor will return soon also because he can be pretty ornery. He gets so mad at himself for not being able to remember words correctly or names. He also gets mad when we try to help him even when he does truly need help.
Oh, and I almost forgot. Yesterday I took some cards to Dad and he was able to read some words off of them. I was totally thrown back because earlier that day he had tried to play Scrabble and couldn't play. So perhaps just putting the words together is difficult to remember but once the words are in front of him he can read them. It was awesome to hear him try to read.
Day 25 of Jim's Recovery
"Don't let us get sick, don't let us get old, don't let us get stupid alright, just make us be brave, and make us play nice, and let us be together tonight." One of Dad's favorite songs. Apparently played it every morning to warm up at church.
Our cousin Brian passed away today in a motocross accident, and our good friend Brittany also passed away. Dad knows and remembers both. So I apologize if I don't update this for a few days. I don't know perhaps it's the only thing that will get me through all of this. I couldn't sleep until I wrote all this down. Love you Dad, love you Bri, love you Brit.
Dad is progressing well but struggles still in speech. This truly frustrates Dad because language was what he excelled at. Though, I was surprised when he was able to read a few words on a card this evening. Apparently Scrabble, the game, trips him up. He'll get it sooner or later.
Dad looks forward to tomorrow when we he gets to go to the BCC ecumenical program. He kept asking me the time it starts. Can't wait for Dad to get out and about.
Our cousin Brian passed away today in a motocross accident, and our good friend Brittany also passed away. Dad knows and remembers both. So I apologize if I don't update this for a few days. I don't know perhaps it's the only thing that will get me through all of this. I couldn't sleep until I wrote all this down. Love you Dad, love you Bri, love you Brit.
Dad is progressing well but struggles still in speech. This truly frustrates Dad because language was what he excelled at. Though, I was surprised when he was able to read a few words on a card this evening. Apparently Scrabble, the game, trips him up. He'll get it sooner or later.
Dad looks forward to tomorrow when we he gets to go to the BCC ecumenical program. He kept asking me the time it starts. Can't wait for Dad to get out and about.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Day 23 and 24 of Jim's Recovery
Happy Thanksgiving all! Not too much to report from yesterday because it was a holiday and therefore Dad didn't see any of the therapists. Dad did have lots of family visitors so he wasn't lonely on Thanksgiving. I stopped by around 3:00PM and brought my lab, Hintza. She adores Dad and was very excited to see him. Dad recognized her and tried to remember her name. She kept standing up on the bed and putting her head underneath Dad's chin. Dad told us that he wanted to take "his boys" for a walk. He couldn't remember his dogs names but it was great that he could remember he had dogs!
I took Dad some Honey Baked Ham and Garlic Mashed Potatoes for lunch. At the time he didn't want to eat it, so I'm not sure if he got to enjoy it. Though Erin said she stopped by around 5:00PM and took Dad some of Cindy's (Erin's Mother-in-law) gourmet turkey dinner. Erin said that Dad was "gobbling" it up, (hee hee) and taking great big bites. Mom had to leave the room because she was so worried he would choke, but he wouldn't stop taking big mouths full.
Today, November 27th, Dad had a very busy day. Apparently, he saw his therapist and the doctor. I will get those details from Mom tomorrow (or today because I'm writing this at 2:00AM) for all of you. Dad had several visitors and so did not have any dull moments.
Dad keeps asking to come home and Mom and I have to be really careful not to let our emotions control our desire for him to be home. We were trying to get Dad discharged so that he could come home and finish his therapy. But today with all the work he did and with seeing the doctor we hope that Dad can grin and bare it so that we can take advantage of the great therapy he is getting. It's really hard to leave Dad in the evenings but I think if we can all just hang in there one more week it's going to move Dad along even further.
Yes, Dad does have four hour time slots he can use to get out of the facility and we may try to use one of those times on Sunday. Dad keeps asking to go to church, which seems ironic to me. Huh, Ironic might not be the correct word. Growing up Dad was never a religious man and he only started going back to the church he was raised at when he began a new job. Then he started playing in the Community Churches choir and Dad hardly ever missed a service after that. Now he is asking to go back to church even though he can't sing. It just blows my mind that going to church is his priority when he was so against religion growing up. The Community Church has been such a place of camaraderie and friendship that I understand why he wants to return as soon as he can. Plus, living a miracle certainly changes ones perspective on life. Erin says that Dad was taking about things he remembered from the hospital and he keeps on talking about himself in third person. Wonder if he had an out of body experience? Either way thank goodness for the Community Church that gives Dad such a feeling of purpose. A great big hug and thanks goes out to the Bountiful Community Church Members. You folks are amazing! We love you.
I took Dad some Honey Baked Ham and Garlic Mashed Potatoes for lunch. At the time he didn't want to eat it, so I'm not sure if he got to enjoy it. Though Erin said she stopped by around 5:00PM and took Dad some of Cindy's (Erin's Mother-in-law) gourmet turkey dinner. Erin said that Dad was "gobbling" it up, (hee hee) and taking great big bites. Mom had to leave the room because she was so worried he would choke, but he wouldn't stop taking big mouths full.
Today, November 27th, Dad had a very busy day. Apparently, he saw his therapist and the doctor. I will get those details from Mom tomorrow (or today because I'm writing this at 2:00AM) for all of you. Dad had several visitors and so did not have any dull moments.
Dad keeps asking to come home and Mom and I have to be really careful not to let our emotions control our desire for him to be home. We were trying to get Dad discharged so that he could come home and finish his therapy. But today with all the work he did and with seeing the doctor we hope that Dad can grin and bare it so that we can take advantage of the great therapy he is getting. It's really hard to leave Dad in the evenings but I think if we can all just hang in there one more week it's going to move Dad along even further.
Yes, Dad does have four hour time slots he can use to get out of the facility and we may try to use one of those times on Sunday. Dad keeps asking to go to church, which seems ironic to me. Huh, Ironic might not be the correct word. Growing up Dad was never a religious man and he only started going back to the church he was raised at when he began a new job. Then he started playing in the Community Churches choir and Dad hardly ever missed a service after that. Now he is asking to go back to church even though he can't sing. It just blows my mind that going to church is his priority when he was so against religion growing up. The Community Church has been such a place of camaraderie and friendship that I understand why he wants to return as soon as he can. Plus, living a miracle certainly changes ones perspective on life. Erin says that Dad was taking about things he remembered from the hospital and he keeps on talking about himself in third person. Wonder if he had an out of body experience? Either way thank goodness for the Community Church that gives Dad such a feeling of purpose. A great big hug and thanks goes out to the Bountiful Community Church Members. You folks are amazing! We love you.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Day 22 of Jim's Recovery
Well day 22 brings us amazing miracles! Dad is eating on his own, using the restroom, and walking! Dad is starting to use full sentences more and doesn't mumble incoherent words. He uses a ton of sounds and is getting ornery with Mom! It's so wonderful!
I went in late this evening when I found out Dad was eating. So I made Dad a delicious Split Pea soup because I could only imagine what awful things they were serving him. When I got there thank goodness I decided to make him dinner. He had mashed potatoes, patoes is what Dad called them, broccoli, and some strange mystery meat. I mean this meat was scary! It was worse then school lunch. I couldn't tell if it was meatloaf or something my cat coughed up! Needless to say Dad gobbled up the soup! Dad doesn't have much of an appetite yet but at least he is eating. He does still have difficulty with liquids. The faster the substances travels down his throat the less response time his muscles have to react. This will just take therapy and time. But the speech therapist are happy and he is no longer on the feeding tube. We do have to wait until we can take the entire tube out but at least he is not connected to a long line.
Today the physical therapist brought Dad a walker and he was able to walk up and down the hall. Dad uses his right side quite a bit and is no longer non responsive with that side. It is still a little weak but not enough to inhibit him from walking or needing help so that the leg doesn't buckle underneath him. Dad is having trouble with his right ankle and this is the reason he can't walk far. We suspect that he has gout though tests came back negative. Like I said before we took x-rays and do not understand why it is bothering him. It could be that he just pulled some ligaments while falling and we just have to wait for them to heal. We are doing everything we can to get that healed.
Dad's speech has dramatically changed. The problem Dad has is with names of people, places, and things (hee hee, nouns!) So we are supposed to ask him to give descriptions of items. Also, he has a hard time following conversations for the same reason, he doesn't know what the names are for things. Remember, the part of Dad's brain that was affect was his speech. We didn't know what would be affected until he started getting better. So now we are just beginning to understand what part of his brain was affected by the bleeding and swelling.
Dad's occupational therapist had Dad play his guitar yesterday. I'm extremely happy to inform you that Dad was able to play his guitar, but he could not sing. He couldn't remember the words to his songs or any songs. This will just take time and practice. Who knows, he may struggle with speech the rest of his life, but the miracles we have seen leads me to believe that he will overcome this too! So don't feel bad if Dad can't remember your name. He remembers people, just not names. He asked my sister this morning "What is my best friends name?" Erin said "Byron." Dad remarked "That's right," and repeated the name over and over again.
So basically we are trying to get Dad home. We think that he can continue his physical therapy at home but no longer needs the assistance of a nursing facility. Unfortunately, this is the Thanksgiving weekend and of course no one works. Dad asks everyday if he is coming home. He tells us every evening that he will be going home tomorrow. Anyone have connections with case management at the U of U so that we can get him discharged? It's hard to slow things down though when you see how far Dad has come. He told us this evening that he wants to go to church this Sunday but that he won't be able to sing. So part of me wants to get him to the church where he can be surrounded by friends and support, but I have to stop and remember that just sitting up to eat his dinner makes him tired. Oh, it's so hard to wait. But we do have to consider that Dad's brain is still healing even though he has come so far. Heck, if it was me I would take him home tonight, make him a huge Thanksgiving feast, and have him play guitar in the Ecumenical program. But, I have to stop myself or be reminded that Dad needs time to heal even though he seems to be on the quick mend.
I went in late this evening when I found out Dad was eating. So I made Dad a delicious Split Pea soup because I could only imagine what awful things they were serving him. When I got there thank goodness I decided to make him dinner. He had mashed potatoes, patoes is what Dad called them, broccoli, and some strange mystery meat. I mean this meat was scary! It was worse then school lunch. I couldn't tell if it was meatloaf or something my cat coughed up! Needless to say Dad gobbled up the soup! Dad doesn't have much of an appetite yet but at least he is eating. He does still have difficulty with liquids. The faster the substances travels down his throat the less response time his muscles have to react. This will just take therapy and time. But the speech therapist are happy and he is no longer on the feeding tube. We do have to wait until we can take the entire tube out but at least he is not connected to a long line.
Today the physical therapist brought Dad a walker and he was able to walk up and down the hall. Dad uses his right side quite a bit and is no longer non responsive with that side. It is still a little weak but not enough to inhibit him from walking or needing help so that the leg doesn't buckle underneath him. Dad is having trouble with his right ankle and this is the reason he can't walk far. We suspect that he has gout though tests came back negative. Like I said before we took x-rays and do not understand why it is bothering him. It could be that he just pulled some ligaments while falling and we just have to wait for them to heal. We are doing everything we can to get that healed.
Dad's speech has dramatically changed. The problem Dad has is with names of people, places, and things (hee hee, nouns!) So we are supposed to ask him to give descriptions of items. Also, he has a hard time following conversations for the same reason, he doesn't know what the names are for things. Remember, the part of Dad's brain that was affect was his speech. We didn't know what would be affected until he started getting better. So now we are just beginning to understand what part of his brain was affected by the bleeding and swelling.
Dad's occupational therapist had Dad play his guitar yesterday. I'm extremely happy to inform you that Dad was able to play his guitar, but he could not sing. He couldn't remember the words to his songs or any songs. This will just take time and practice. Who knows, he may struggle with speech the rest of his life, but the miracles we have seen leads me to believe that he will overcome this too! So don't feel bad if Dad can't remember your name. He remembers people, just not names. He asked my sister this morning "What is my best friends name?" Erin said "Byron." Dad remarked "That's right," and repeated the name over and over again.
So basically we are trying to get Dad home. We think that he can continue his physical therapy at home but no longer needs the assistance of a nursing facility. Unfortunately, this is the Thanksgiving weekend and of course no one works. Dad asks everyday if he is coming home. He tells us every evening that he will be going home tomorrow. Anyone have connections with case management at the U of U so that we can get him discharged? It's hard to slow things down though when you see how far Dad has come. He told us this evening that he wants to go to church this Sunday but that he won't be able to sing. So part of me wants to get him to the church where he can be surrounded by friends and support, but I have to stop and remember that just sitting up to eat his dinner makes him tired. Oh, it's so hard to wait. But we do have to consider that Dad's brain is still healing even though he has come so far. Heck, if it was me I would take him home tonight, make him a huge Thanksgiving feast, and have him play guitar in the Ecumenical program. But, I have to stop myself or be reminded that Dad needs time to heal even though he seems to be on the quick mend.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Day 21 of Jim's Recovery
I have a massive headache this evening, so I apologize again for a short blog. I visited Dad for only a short amount of time today and haven't yet had a chance to speak with Mom. When I arrived there Dad was in with the speech therapist and he was eating. He ate quite a bit of lunch, or whatever they served for lunch. I guess Dad still has some difficulty with really thin liquids. He had a hard time drinking his milk today so they thickened it up for him. I don't understand why today he couldn't swallow his drink when yesterday he drank practically an entire sprite. I suppose it will be like this for awhile. Some days will be good and some days will be bad.
I don't know how things went with the other therapist this afternoon, but I am excited to find out because the occupational therapist wanted Mom to bring Dad his guitar. The occupational therapist is a musician herself and writes music and plays the guitar, so she will be excellent for helping Dad get those skills back. I think her and the other therapist are the only good things about this care center. Dad asks everyday when he can go home.
Dad did get his catheter taken out and was using the restroom on his own today. This is excellent news also. So we are making great progress for him to come home though, again, his full recovery will take some time.
P.S. Bette we love you dearly and appreciate the letter and pics you sent. No we didn't take the Martin to the hospital because we didn't want to take any chances of it getting stolen. Also, wanted to let you know that the Sunday after Dad's accident, the choir group that Dad sings in at church sang that song by Warren Z. Vohn for Dad. I think that is the same song he sang for Harv. The one that goes "Don't let us get sick, Don't let us get old, Don't let us get stupid all right, Just make us be brave, And make us play nice, And let us be together tonight." Well, it's not really a church song but Dad practiced and sang it all the time, and they asked the congregation to let them sing it for Dad. I have it recorded by the choir group if you would like to hear it sometime. Our prayers are with you and Dad did recognize you in the pics! xoxo
I don't know how things went with the other therapist this afternoon, but I am excited to find out because the occupational therapist wanted Mom to bring Dad his guitar. The occupational therapist is a musician herself and writes music and plays the guitar, so she will be excellent for helping Dad get those skills back. I think her and the other therapist are the only good things about this care center. Dad asks everyday when he can go home.
Dad did get his catheter taken out and was using the restroom on his own today. This is excellent news also. So we are making great progress for him to come home though, again, his full recovery will take some time.
P.S. Bette we love you dearly and appreciate the letter and pics you sent. No we didn't take the Martin to the hospital because we didn't want to take any chances of it getting stolen. Also, wanted to let you know that the Sunday after Dad's accident, the choir group that Dad sings in at church sang that song by Warren Z. Vohn for Dad. I think that is the same song he sang for Harv. The one that goes "Don't let us get sick, Don't let us get old, Don't let us get stupid all right, Just make us be brave, And make us play nice, And let us be together tonight." Well, it's not really a church song but Dad practiced and sang it all the time, and they asked the congregation to let them sing it for Dad. I have it recorded by the choir group if you would like to hear it sometime. Our prayers are with you and Dad did recognize you in the pics! xoxo
Monday, November 23, 2009
Day 20 of Jim's Recovery
Another amazing day (do I say this on every blog post because it feels like every day is another amazing day!) Today Dad was able to swallow and not choke. Apparently the speech therapist came in this morning to work with Dad and had him try swallowing some apple juice, which Dad was able to do without coughing. This is the first time Dad has been able to do this. Then they started trying other things. Dad had some applesauce, water and a couple bites of a sandwich. Can you imagine how good that applesauce must have tasted? To not taste food for three weeks? Mmmmm, makes me want to go have some applesauce. Dad was funny because I promised him that as soon as he could swallow I would buy him a coke! I don't know if he asked or Mom and Erin remember that I had said that because they got Dad a coke this morning. Albeit the crazy ladies bought him diet, nasty! Who in their right mind buys diet coke? And why torture someone who hasn't had a coke in three weeks with drinking diet? GET THE MAN A CHERRY COKE, for heavens sake!
When I got there in the afternoon, he was working with the physical therapist. She had him put on his shoes and walk to the bathroom. She was going to have him walk further but his right ankle is bothering him. We have x-rayed the foot and were told there are no fractures. Dad also gets gout this time of year but apparently that comes with swelling. I have crappy ankles too and I think it's just gimpy ankles. Dad says that it doesn't feel like gout so we don't know what is going on. It really bothered him today. So we had to put him back in bed.
Dad was even more alert, if you can believe it. He was talking and trying to remember names. He remembers people but has a hard time with names. I brought my littlest, Sage, with me today and Dad asked me where my other one was. He tried to remember her name but couldn't. The good thing though is that he remembered I had another child. I told him her name is Ramie and she was at school. He repeated her name over and over trying to memorize it. Then he tried to say Kindergarten and it seemed like he couldn't believe that Ramie was that old. Who knows what age he remembers her at. Then he asked for the name of my three year old. I told him Sage and he just smiled at her.
Then, and this is the best part of the whole day, Dad started asking me for something. He kept saying the number 7 and then tried to explain something to me. I didn't understand. I thought he was trying to tell me an address. He said no. Then he said something that sounded like pencil. Sage had brought some markers and paper so I handed Dad the pad of paper. Dad drew a number 7 then he drew a bottle around it. I asked "Dad do you want a 7up?" He said "yeah" very enthusiastically. Mom and I were thrilled and we gave him a high five. He then wrote the word "up" on the bottle he had drawn. Of course I ran off down the hall to the soda machine to get him a 7up, but they only had sprite. Big deal, I got him the sprite and he took a huge swig and said "ahhhhh!" Again, can you imagine how refreshing that must have tasted. I bet that was the best sprite he will ever have. Perhaps he will be hooked on sprite now instead of coke!
While I was grabbing Dad's sprite he kept drawing on the pad of paper. Now for those of you who know Dad well he is a doodler. He draws cartoonish characters but they all have a similar look to them. Well, Dad drew a typical Dad doodle face. This is what I have been waiting for him to do. I knew that we would know for sure that Dad was truly coming back if and when he could draw those again! I was so happy to see that face when I got back. Now we just have to take him his guitar!
The occupational therapist came later in the afternoon and apparently she is what Mom would call "folky." This is fabulous for Dad. She had Dad try to sing some songs and he did fairly good Mom says. Mike told me this afternoon that last night him and Becky (his wife) played some music for Dad and he was taping his foot to the beat. Hey, perhaps this head injury will help Dad keep the beat now! Mike also said Dad asked for his guitar and was playing some air guitar. Crazy amazing is all I have to say!
Unfortunately, I do have some sad news, nothing about Dad though, just about visiting hours. We have had a lot of you e-mail to ask when you might be able to visit Dad and we thought at first that he could have visitors. We were told, however, by his physical therapist that it would be best to wait perhaps one more week before we have an onslaught of visitors. She told us that along with stimulation it is very important for Dad to get plenty of rest. So we have to leave the room for 15 min. at the end of each hour to let his brain relax. Even with us in the room his mind is being stimulated even if we think he is asleep or not paying attention. So hang in there friends. Perhaps with the way he is progressing he will be home sooner then later and then it will be really easy for you to visit. Also we think that Dad gets really embarrassed because he can't talk right.
Thanks again everyone.
When I got there in the afternoon, he was working with the physical therapist. She had him put on his shoes and walk to the bathroom. She was going to have him walk further but his right ankle is bothering him. We have x-rayed the foot and were told there are no fractures. Dad also gets gout this time of year but apparently that comes with swelling. I have crappy ankles too and I think it's just gimpy ankles. Dad says that it doesn't feel like gout so we don't know what is going on. It really bothered him today. So we had to put him back in bed.
Dad was even more alert, if you can believe it. He was talking and trying to remember names. He remembers people but has a hard time with names. I brought my littlest, Sage, with me today and Dad asked me where my other one was. He tried to remember her name but couldn't. The good thing though is that he remembered I had another child. I told him her name is Ramie and she was at school. He repeated her name over and over trying to memorize it. Then he tried to say Kindergarten and it seemed like he couldn't believe that Ramie was that old. Who knows what age he remembers her at. Then he asked for the name of my three year old. I told him Sage and he just smiled at her.
Then, and this is the best part of the whole day, Dad started asking me for something. He kept saying the number 7 and then tried to explain something to me. I didn't understand. I thought he was trying to tell me an address. He said no. Then he said something that sounded like pencil. Sage had brought some markers and paper so I handed Dad the pad of paper. Dad drew a number 7 then he drew a bottle around it. I asked "Dad do you want a 7up?" He said "yeah" very enthusiastically. Mom and I were thrilled and we gave him a high five. He then wrote the word "up" on the bottle he had drawn. Of course I ran off down the hall to the soda machine to get him a 7up, but they only had sprite. Big deal, I got him the sprite and he took a huge swig and said "ahhhhh!" Again, can you imagine how refreshing that must have tasted. I bet that was the best sprite he will ever have. Perhaps he will be hooked on sprite now instead of coke!
While I was grabbing Dad's sprite he kept drawing on the pad of paper. Now for those of you who know Dad well he is a doodler. He draws cartoonish characters but they all have a similar look to them. Well, Dad drew a typical Dad doodle face. This is what I have been waiting for him to do. I knew that we would know for sure that Dad was truly coming back if and when he could draw those again! I was so happy to see that face when I got back. Now we just have to take him his guitar!
The occupational therapist came later in the afternoon and apparently she is what Mom would call "folky." This is fabulous for Dad. She had Dad try to sing some songs and he did fairly good Mom says. Mike told me this afternoon that last night him and Becky (his wife) played some music for Dad and he was taping his foot to the beat. Hey, perhaps this head injury will help Dad keep the beat now! Mike also said Dad asked for his guitar and was playing some air guitar. Crazy amazing is all I have to say!
Unfortunately, I do have some sad news, nothing about Dad though, just about visiting hours. We have had a lot of you e-mail to ask when you might be able to visit Dad and we thought at first that he could have visitors. We were told, however, by his physical therapist that it would be best to wait perhaps one more week before we have an onslaught of visitors. She told us that along with stimulation it is very important for Dad to get plenty of rest. So we have to leave the room for 15 min. at the end of each hour to let his brain relax. Even with us in the room his mind is being stimulated even if we think he is asleep or not paying attention. So hang in there friends. Perhaps with the way he is progressing he will be home sooner then later and then it will be really easy for you to visit. Also we think that Dad gets really embarrassed because he can't talk right.
Thanks again everyone.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Day 19 of Jim's Recovery
Thank you all for all the comments and compliments about this blog! Everyday I have people telling me how much this is helping them and how much they love to read it. So thank you! I'll keep writing as long as you guys keep reading.
Today Dad was feeling better. He didn't seem so down and depressed, though he does go in and out of being sad. The care facility moved Dad so that he is now right across from the nurse station so that they can monitor his movement. I do think this is good because he needs the supervision but at the same time it sucks. It's the first room as you walk into the facility so now its noisy and not very private. I'm stumped for words at the moment because I want to complain about the place but am extremely grateful for them because we do not have to pay for it. The University of Utah contracts with Federal Heights and then, I believe, the hospital can write it off as charity. So we have 14 days of free care and rehabilitation but we are at the "catch all" place. We will give them a week or less and then if things still aren't good we will move him and just pay out of pocket. I'm just so grateful that Dad is making leaps and bounds everyday.
Today I was amazed, again, by how much more he was talking. Mom had gone in early and given Dad a bath and brought him his own PJs. Mom had to change the bedsheets herself because they were soiled...grrrrrr again we aren't so sure about this place. Then Erin came in and gave Dad a shave. Dad looked so nice and clean when I got there and it was awesome because he smelled like Daddy. I just knelt next to the bed and put my head on his chest. I laid there for awhile just listening to him breath and his heart beat. That was one of my favorite things to do as a kid was to lay on his chest and just listen. While my head was on his chest Dad would reach up and softly stroke my hair. I was in heaven.
As I said before Dad is talking quite a bit more today. Each day he puts more words together and more sounds together. Erin has been practicing the ABC's with him. He remembers a couple new letters each day and today he was able to remember A-K and P-Z. For some reason L-O stumps him. I'm not sure if it is because he can't say them or because he just can't remember them. It's so hard to tell. Erin also brought Ethan and Keenan in to see Dad today and he was happy to see them. Apparently, Keenan (Erin's sensitive one) sat on the edge of Dad's bed, held and stroked his hand and just rambled on about stuff. Dad smiled up at Erin while Keenan was talking to him.
Now, I'm not sure if it was today or last night but Russel (Erin's hubby) visited Dad. Dad was really excited to see Russ because Russ had been there the night of Dad's accident. Dad wanted to know what happened and kept trying to ask Russ questions. Dad, obviously can't remember anything and is just barely trying to piece things together. Erin also showed Dad a picture of himself from the first day at the hospital. (We got in trouble for this that day at the hospital because apparently it violates the HIPPA laws.) Erin said that Dad just stared at the picture forever and kept say something like "wow." He is either just barely starting to remember why he is in the hospital or just barely able to tell us he remembers.
He also told Mom and Erin that he couldn't remember who he was when he first come to. I think this was when he first "officially" woke up after his surgery for the PEG tube. Can you imagine waking up in a hospital not knowing who you are or why you are there? How frightening. Frightening doesn't even give the idea justice. Dad also told us this afternoon that he will have memories and they will flash in his head but then go away. He is just barely starting to remember who we. I know he would shake his head in the past but I don't think he truly remembered. He knew we were there everyday and that we must be his family but he couldn't tell you who we were.
Today was the first day I heard Dad say my name. My heart melted and I wanted to jump up and down and cry all at the same time. Dad was telling us a story and he mentioned my name. I said "that's me, Dad," and he said "Ya, I know," then continued on trying to relay what he was talking about. I'm not so sure he did know that Jamie was my name but hey it's a start. I don't care whether he was talking too me or about me as long as he is starting to remember me I will take what I can get! He was also trying to remember other peoples names and explain who he was talking about. Another great name moment was when he said Mom's name. Dad said "Hey, Kim?" Then he started asking her a question. This is amazing because he has not pointed out who any of us are. He would acknowledge that Mom was his wife but this is the first time he has asked for her or even asked her a question or even called her by name!
Dad had a wonderful Jim moment today and showed us a little of his old personality. Dad hardly ever smiles anymore. At the hospital I would smile at him or try to make a joke to see if I could get him so smile. Nothing. Now that he has been moved to the rehab center he will give me a little smile back when I smile at him. Well, this afternoon Mom and I were trying to get Dad to do some tongue exercises that are supposed to help him get his swallowing reflexes back. What he has to do is stick his tongue out and move it from left to right. Mom and I were showing him then asked him to do it. He would shake his head yes and say "mmm, okay," or "well." But we kept pushing him to do it. Finally, he pulled a Jim face, opened his eyes wide, rolled them around in circles, and stuck out his tongue and moved it from side to side. Mom and I burst out laughing and Dad even smiled too! It was great to see him joke around.
Sadly, Dad is extremely frustrated still. One moment he seems fine and the next he looks like he is ready to cry. He apparently told the speech therapist this morning that he was so stupid. Then later while I was there I was still giggling about him sticking his tongue out but I think he perceived it as me laughing at him. Plus, he gets so frustrated because he is starting to try to tell us things and we can catch a few words but can't understand all of it. So he will give up and just say never mind. When he talks I don't try to understand what he is talking about I just try to encourage him to talk. I figure it's like writers block or when you can't remember a word. If you get the words out that keep blocking the right one eventually you will remember the correct word. I think Dad needs to keep talking so that all those jumbled memories will put themselves right.
Tomorrow his physical therapy will start so it will be nice to see how far he will be in that.
Today Dad was feeling better. He didn't seem so down and depressed, though he does go in and out of being sad. The care facility moved Dad so that he is now right across from the nurse station so that they can monitor his movement. I do think this is good because he needs the supervision but at the same time it sucks. It's the first room as you walk into the facility so now its noisy and not very private. I'm stumped for words at the moment because I want to complain about the place but am extremely grateful for them because we do not have to pay for it. The University of Utah contracts with Federal Heights and then, I believe, the hospital can write it off as charity. So we have 14 days of free care and rehabilitation but we are at the "catch all" place. We will give them a week or less and then if things still aren't good we will move him and just pay out of pocket. I'm just so grateful that Dad is making leaps and bounds everyday.
Today I was amazed, again, by how much more he was talking. Mom had gone in early and given Dad a bath and brought him his own PJs. Mom had to change the bedsheets herself because they were soiled...grrrrrr again we aren't so sure about this place. Then Erin came in and gave Dad a shave. Dad looked so nice and clean when I got there and it was awesome because he smelled like Daddy. I just knelt next to the bed and put my head on his chest. I laid there for awhile just listening to him breath and his heart beat. That was one of my favorite things to do as a kid was to lay on his chest and just listen. While my head was on his chest Dad would reach up and softly stroke my hair. I was in heaven.
As I said before Dad is talking quite a bit more today. Each day he puts more words together and more sounds together. Erin has been practicing the ABC's with him. He remembers a couple new letters each day and today he was able to remember A-K and P-Z. For some reason L-O stumps him. I'm not sure if it is because he can't say them or because he just can't remember them. It's so hard to tell. Erin also brought Ethan and Keenan in to see Dad today and he was happy to see them. Apparently, Keenan (Erin's sensitive one) sat on the edge of Dad's bed, held and stroked his hand and just rambled on about stuff. Dad smiled up at Erin while Keenan was talking to him.
Now, I'm not sure if it was today or last night but Russel (Erin's hubby) visited Dad. Dad was really excited to see Russ because Russ had been there the night of Dad's accident. Dad wanted to know what happened and kept trying to ask Russ questions. Dad, obviously can't remember anything and is just barely trying to piece things together. Erin also showed Dad a picture of himself from the first day at the hospital. (We got in trouble for this that day at the hospital because apparently it violates the HIPPA laws.) Erin said that Dad just stared at the picture forever and kept say something like "wow." He is either just barely starting to remember why he is in the hospital or just barely able to tell us he remembers.
He also told Mom and Erin that he couldn't remember who he was when he first come to. I think this was when he first "officially" woke up after his surgery for the PEG tube. Can you imagine waking up in a hospital not knowing who you are or why you are there? How frightening. Frightening doesn't even give the idea justice. Dad also told us this afternoon that he will have memories and they will flash in his head but then go away. He is just barely starting to remember who we. I know he would shake his head in the past but I don't think he truly remembered. He knew we were there everyday and that we must be his family but he couldn't tell you who we were.
Today was the first day I heard Dad say my name. My heart melted and I wanted to jump up and down and cry all at the same time. Dad was telling us a story and he mentioned my name. I said "that's me, Dad," and he said "Ya, I know," then continued on trying to relay what he was talking about. I'm not so sure he did know that Jamie was my name but hey it's a start. I don't care whether he was talking too me or about me as long as he is starting to remember me I will take what I can get! He was also trying to remember other peoples names and explain who he was talking about. Another great name moment was when he said Mom's name. Dad said "Hey, Kim?" Then he started asking her a question. This is amazing because he has not pointed out who any of us are. He would acknowledge that Mom was his wife but this is the first time he has asked for her or even asked her a question or even called her by name!
Dad had a wonderful Jim moment today and showed us a little of his old personality. Dad hardly ever smiles anymore. At the hospital I would smile at him or try to make a joke to see if I could get him so smile. Nothing. Now that he has been moved to the rehab center he will give me a little smile back when I smile at him. Well, this afternoon Mom and I were trying to get Dad to do some tongue exercises that are supposed to help him get his swallowing reflexes back. What he has to do is stick his tongue out and move it from left to right. Mom and I were showing him then asked him to do it. He would shake his head yes and say "mmm, okay," or "well." But we kept pushing him to do it. Finally, he pulled a Jim face, opened his eyes wide, rolled them around in circles, and stuck out his tongue and moved it from side to side. Mom and I burst out laughing and Dad even smiled too! It was great to see him joke around.
Sadly, Dad is extremely frustrated still. One moment he seems fine and the next he looks like he is ready to cry. He apparently told the speech therapist this morning that he was so stupid. Then later while I was there I was still giggling about him sticking his tongue out but I think he perceived it as me laughing at him. Plus, he gets so frustrated because he is starting to try to tell us things and we can catch a few words but can't understand all of it. So he will give up and just say never mind. When he talks I don't try to understand what he is talking about I just try to encourage him to talk. I figure it's like writers block or when you can't remember a word. If you get the words out that keep blocking the right one eventually you will remember the correct word. I think Dad needs to keep talking so that all those jumbled memories will put themselves right.
Tomorrow his physical therapy will start so it will be nice to see how far he will be in that.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Day 18 of Jim's Recovery
Well, Dad's progress is nothing short of a miracle. I miss one day and Dad is doing amazing things. It's hard to believe that 3 weeks ago we thought that we would never hear Dad talk again, but here we are. It's also hard to fathom that Dad has a brain injury. He just makes leaps and bounds everyday. Sometimes this is great but other times it is hard.
Last night Dad was moved to the Federal Heights Rehabilitation Center in SLC. We moved him there because the University of Utah is able to contract with Rehab centers and we don't have to pay for it! Unfortunately, Dad was moved on a Friday so there is quite a bit of down time before he starts on his physical therapy schedule which in turn has made Dad very depressed. Our good friend Gwen warned us about moving Dad on a Friday, but we had no choice in the matter.
Apparently, last night Dad actually got up out of bed and walked to the bathroom, in the process he pulled out his feeding tube. At the hospital this would not have happened because there were monitors on the bed to warn if he got up. Yes, it is absolutely amazing that Dad walked himself to the bathroom. I have no clue how he did it...determination comes to mind! But now Mom is paranoid about leaving Dad alone. There is hardly any staff on the weekends and Dad runs the risk, obviously, of falling or getting an infection if he pulls the PEG tube out again.
I'm hesitant to divulge this next information but I want Dad to read this once he is able to read again. It's like a personal diary for Dad, so I will just ask his forgiveness and hope that he will understand (Mom too.) This morning when Mom walked into the room Dad began to cry. He asked "How did I get here? How did this happen? Why am I here?" It is heartbreaking that Dad is depressed but wonderful that he is aware of his surroundings. It is so hard to see Dad cry and I can't imagine being in Mom's shoes right now. But in my eyes Dad's crying is a great step to his recovery. Mom explained to Dad about the accident and that we were doing everything in our power to get him home.
Erin and I showed up around oneish. Dad was much more aware of what was going on around him. His speech skills have improved tremendously. I could catch more words and he was putting sentences together. He also showed a lot more emotions on his face, like smiling for one! Mike and Becky were there and they had brought their dog Kaike (sp?) It was great to see Dad smile when Kaike came in the room. I think not only did he smile but he sighed like he knew who she was. Then said in broken sounds "I want to see Crowja." This is his goldendoodle. We told him we would bring Crowja as soon as we could. I'm going to see if I can take my dog Hintza in to see Dad. He really needs the stimulation.
Erin did some strength work with Dad getting him to lift his right leg. He is getting a lot more muscle strength in his right side. He could push against her with his right leg and also push again her with his right arm. So she did some movement exercises with Dad. Again I was just amazed at the strength Dad had in his right side from two days ago. Later in the afternoon he said he needed to use the restroom and with only the help of Mom and a nurse they got him to the bathroom. Then I got to see him walk back out and I just sat there open mouthed. He could move both legs but could not put a lot of weight on his right leg. So basically it looked like he was walking with a sprained ankle, then add a small shuffle.
When I saw how good Dad was doing I called Matt (my hubby) to bring our girls over. The hospital has a restriction that anyone under 14 could not be allowed in the rooms, this is because the hospital is trying to keep the flu from spreading. Now that he is in a care facility my girls can go see him. Plus, they just got off antibiotics so I am quite sure they are good. I was so happy to see my Dad's face light up when he saw the girls. He knew who they were and showed emotion to see them. Dad couldn't keep his eyes off of them. He even at one point tried playing with Sage, my littlest, by using his right hand to poke her in the ribs. She just giggled and laughed, the moment was so wonderful.
So now we just wait until Monday to see what his schedule will be and as soon as Dad is walking well enough to be able to use the restroom on his own and as soon as he can swallow better we will bring Dad home. For me I would bring him home as soon as he is able to use the restroom on his own because we can be taught how to take care of the PEG tube. I'm sure this is what Mom is thinking too. I can't wait to go see Dad tomorrow and see how far the night has brought him.
Please go see Dad, he needs the support. But make sure you are good and healthy! Can't risk Dad getting pneumonia gain.
Last night Dad was moved to the Federal Heights Rehabilitation Center in SLC. We moved him there because the University of Utah is able to contract with Rehab centers and we don't have to pay for it! Unfortunately, Dad was moved on a Friday so there is quite a bit of down time before he starts on his physical therapy schedule which in turn has made Dad very depressed. Our good friend Gwen warned us about moving Dad on a Friday, but we had no choice in the matter.
Apparently, last night Dad actually got up out of bed and walked to the bathroom, in the process he pulled out his feeding tube. At the hospital this would not have happened because there were monitors on the bed to warn if he got up. Yes, it is absolutely amazing that Dad walked himself to the bathroom. I have no clue how he did it...determination comes to mind! But now Mom is paranoid about leaving Dad alone. There is hardly any staff on the weekends and Dad runs the risk, obviously, of falling or getting an infection if he pulls the PEG tube out again.
I'm hesitant to divulge this next information but I want Dad to read this once he is able to read again. It's like a personal diary for Dad, so I will just ask his forgiveness and hope that he will understand (Mom too.) This morning when Mom walked into the room Dad began to cry. He asked "How did I get here? How did this happen? Why am I here?" It is heartbreaking that Dad is depressed but wonderful that he is aware of his surroundings. It is so hard to see Dad cry and I can't imagine being in Mom's shoes right now. But in my eyes Dad's crying is a great step to his recovery. Mom explained to Dad about the accident and that we were doing everything in our power to get him home.
Erin and I showed up around oneish. Dad was much more aware of what was going on around him. His speech skills have improved tremendously. I could catch more words and he was putting sentences together. He also showed a lot more emotions on his face, like smiling for one! Mike and Becky were there and they had brought their dog Kaike (sp?) It was great to see Dad smile when Kaike came in the room. I think not only did he smile but he sighed like he knew who she was. Then said in broken sounds "I want to see Crowja." This is his goldendoodle. We told him we would bring Crowja as soon as we could. I'm going to see if I can take my dog Hintza in to see Dad. He really needs the stimulation.
Erin did some strength work with Dad getting him to lift his right leg. He is getting a lot more muscle strength in his right side. He could push against her with his right leg and also push again her with his right arm. So she did some movement exercises with Dad. Again I was just amazed at the strength Dad had in his right side from two days ago. Later in the afternoon he said he needed to use the restroom and with only the help of Mom and a nurse they got him to the bathroom. Then I got to see him walk back out and I just sat there open mouthed. He could move both legs but could not put a lot of weight on his right leg. So basically it looked like he was walking with a sprained ankle, then add a small shuffle.
When I saw how good Dad was doing I called Matt (my hubby) to bring our girls over. The hospital has a restriction that anyone under 14 could not be allowed in the rooms, this is because the hospital is trying to keep the flu from spreading. Now that he is in a care facility my girls can go see him. Plus, they just got off antibiotics so I am quite sure they are good. I was so happy to see my Dad's face light up when he saw the girls. He knew who they were and showed emotion to see them. Dad couldn't keep his eyes off of them. He even at one point tried playing with Sage, my littlest, by using his right hand to poke her in the ribs. She just giggled and laughed, the moment was so wonderful.
So now we just wait until Monday to see what his schedule will be and as soon as Dad is walking well enough to be able to use the restroom on his own and as soon as he can swallow better we will bring Dad home. For me I would bring him home as soon as he is able to use the restroom on his own because we can be taught how to take care of the PEG tube. I'm sure this is what Mom is thinking too. I can't wait to go see Dad tomorrow and see how far the night has brought him.
Please go see Dad, he needs the support. But make sure you are good and healthy! Can't risk Dad getting pneumonia gain.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Day 17 of Jim's Recovery
Okay todays blog with be very short, promise! I wasn't able to see my Dad today because I had some yard work that had to be done before it snowed tomorrow. I've been putting off raking leaves ever since Dad got sick. So I wasn't able to talk to Dad or see how he was.
Mom was there today and said that the physical therapists got Dad to walk to the bathroom and also down the hall with only one and a half people assisting him. Then they moved Dad today to a Care Facility in Salt Lake. I can't remember the name but will update you tomorrow on where he is at. We would like to see Dad have lots o visitors so that he doesn't get bored and lonely.
More tomorrow.
Mom was there today and said that the physical therapists got Dad to walk to the bathroom and also down the hall with only one and a half people assisting him. Then they moved Dad today to a Care Facility in Salt Lake. I can't remember the name but will update you tomorrow on where he is at. We would like to see Dad have lots o visitors so that he doesn't get bored and lonely.
More tomorrow.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Day 16 of Jim's Recovery
Tonight's post will not be as long as last nights. There isn't much to report tonight, but what I have to report is funny. We are still in limbo with insurances, grants, medicaid, and all the lovely mumbo jumbo that goes with that. So we still do not know where Dad will be. We are told we aren't being rushed out and the same time we are told we need to make a quick decision. We then are told don't worry about moving Dad he will be here for 30 days, and the next we are told he will be moved Monday. So if you would like to go see Dad just send me an e-mail at jimsrecovery@gmail.com and telling me who the heck you are, and how the heck you know Dad! Since my purse was stolen last week I don't trust anyone I can't look in the eyes!! Anyways, I don't want to post his room number because this is a public blog.
So on with my reports for the day. Dad was in one heck of a mood today. He didn't want to do anything. He didn't want to try the puzzles, do the piggy bank, draw, watch t.v., listen to music, nothing. He seemed very frustrated and depressed today. I don't know what else to do to keep him entertained.
On the up side for us, the physical therapists helped Dad to walk today. Yes, that is right I said walk. He did have 3 PT's there to assist and they did need to help him slide his feet. BUT, he walked from the bed across the room to the couch and back again to the bed. Amazing. I didn't get to see it unfortunately, so I can't give you many details.
Dad was talking a lot more today. He is using new sounds and I caught quite a few words he was saying today. The speech therapist came in earlier and worked with Dad identifying numbers and days of the week. Again I wasn't there but Mom said that he pointed to the numbers as they were read and did the same with the days of the week. Huge improvement from yesterday.
The hardest thing with Dad today was that he would not stay in bed. He kept telling me he wanted to go home and when were they going to let him go. He doesn't understand why they are keeping him and his brain is not connecting that he is not well. Dad is getting quite a bit stronger and can sit up and push himself over to the side of the bed. This causes a problem because they no longer want to restrain him because he is too aware but he will try to get out of bed. So they have a movement monitor that will alarm if he moves to get up out of bed.
Basically today Mom and I just tried to keep Dad in bed. He didn't want to get in his wheelchair and was ornery when we asked him if he wanted to go for a ride. Okay, so I'm at the funny part, well I think it's funny. Dad and I used to get in punching wars. He would slap my arm and I'd get him back, each time getting harder and harder. It would always make us laugh or lighten the mood if we were down. With that little bit of history, Dad sat up and moved his legs to the side of the bed to get up. So I ran around to stand in front of him. He glared up at me and said "what? I just want to go." I tried to explain that if he stood up he would fall because his right leg was not working properly. He cussed and said "oh, man I don't mumble, mumble, mumble..." Then he looked down at his leg and with his left foot tried to kick me several times! They obviously weren't hard kicks and I was tickled pink to see him try. I laughed "Are you kicking me? Oh, bring it on Dad. Go ahead do it again." He just looked up at me then sat back on the bed. This seemed to lighten his mood and he relaxed for a minute.
I then started massaging his feet and he closed his eyes. I also started humming "Swing Me." After awhile Mom came in and that reminded Dad he wanted to get up so he sat up again and moved his legs to the side of the bed. Again, I stood in front of him, and again he asked me "why." So I knelt down so I could look up at him and tried to explain again why he couldn't get up. He wasn't satisfied with my answer so he started to lean forward, in my position I put my head to his forehead and pushed. I was surprised with how strong he was and he pushed back. Then I stood up and put my arm on his left shoulder to keep him from trying again. He grabbed my arm and threw it down. Again, I laughed "Oh, you want to bring it, eh? Punch me then. Punch me as hard as you can." Dad tried to kick me again then looked up at me and smiled at me. Then he looked at Mom and gave her those parent smiles that say "darn kids." I then told him to wait and I would get a nurse. So he waited until the nurse came before trying to get up again.
What a great day! Mom and I left shortly after that because we wanted him to sleep and were afraid that we were agitating him which made him want to get up.
So on with my reports for the day. Dad was in one heck of a mood today. He didn't want to do anything. He didn't want to try the puzzles, do the piggy bank, draw, watch t.v., listen to music, nothing. He seemed very frustrated and depressed today. I don't know what else to do to keep him entertained.
On the up side for us, the physical therapists helped Dad to walk today. Yes, that is right I said walk. He did have 3 PT's there to assist and they did need to help him slide his feet. BUT, he walked from the bed across the room to the couch and back again to the bed. Amazing. I didn't get to see it unfortunately, so I can't give you many details.
Dad was talking a lot more today. He is using new sounds and I caught quite a few words he was saying today. The speech therapist came in earlier and worked with Dad identifying numbers and days of the week. Again I wasn't there but Mom said that he pointed to the numbers as they were read and did the same with the days of the week. Huge improvement from yesterday.
The hardest thing with Dad today was that he would not stay in bed. He kept telling me he wanted to go home and when were they going to let him go. He doesn't understand why they are keeping him and his brain is not connecting that he is not well. Dad is getting quite a bit stronger and can sit up and push himself over to the side of the bed. This causes a problem because they no longer want to restrain him because he is too aware but he will try to get out of bed. So they have a movement monitor that will alarm if he moves to get up out of bed.
Basically today Mom and I just tried to keep Dad in bed. He didn't want to get in his wheelchair and was ornery when we asked him if he wanted to go for a ride. Okay, so I'm at the funny part, well I think it's funny. Dad and I used to get in punching wars. He would slap my arm and I'd get him back, each time getting harder and harder. It would always make us laugh or lighten the mood if we were down. With that little bit of history, Dad sat up and moved his legs to the side of the bed to get up. So I ran around to stand in front of him. He glared up at me and said "what? I just want to go." I tried to explain that if he stood up he would fall because his right leg was not working properly. He cussed and said "oh, man I don't mumble, mumble, mumble..." Then he looked down at his leg and with his left foot tried to kick me several times! They obviously weren't hard kicks and I was tickled pink to see him try. I laughed "Are you kicking me? Oh, bring it on Dad. Go ahead do it again." He just looked up at me then sat back on the bed. This seemed to lighten his mood and he relaxed for a minute.
I then started massaging his feet and he closed his eyes. I also started humming "Swing Me." After awhile Mom came in and that reminded Dad he wanted to get up so he sat up again and moved his legs to the side of the bed. Again, I stood in front of him, and again he asked me "why." So I knelt down so I could look up at him and tried to explain again why he couldn't get up. He wasn't satisfied with my answer so he started to lean forward, in my position I put my head to his forehead and pushed. I was surprised with how strong he was and he pushed back. Then I stood up and put my arm on his left shoulder to keep him from trying again. He grabbed my arm and threw it down. Again, I laughed "Oh, you want to bring it, eh? Punch me then. Punch me as hard as you can." Dad tried to kick me again then looked up at me and smiled at me. Then he looked at Mom and gave her those parent smiles that say "darn kids." I then told him to wait and I would get a nurse. So he waited until the nurse came before trying to get up again.
What a great day! Mom and I left shortly after that because we wanted him to sleep and were afraid that we were agitating him which made him want to get up.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Day 15 of Jim's Recovery
Holy cow, my mood swings are like the tire swing out back. First, I'm swinging high feeling great and then the darn swing has to slow down and I'm barely moving. What is with this? Today was a good day. Dad made some progress and didn't make progress. I know that this is how it will be for a while. I know and still have hope that he will get better. But once I got home tonight it was like the weight of everything just came crashing down. So I apologize if tonight's blog sounds pessimistic. I'm just dealing with the stupid ups and downs of trauma!!
Well, I was glad because I was able to spend a considerable amount of time with Dad today. Mom had to stay home to take care of some housekeeping stuff and so she watched Sage for me. When I got in Dad seemed pretty tired. Mom says he is tired until about noon then he will start to wake up. I listened to some of your suggestions and brought some old baby toys from my girls for Dad to work with. I brought a peg animal puzzle, a piggy bank with coins, and a Rocky and Bullwinkle coloring book (I figured he might recognize them better then Littlest Pet Shop!)
To make Dad not feel so silly working with the baby stuff I told him my girls had sent the games for him to play with. I said for him just to work with me because they really wanted him to use the games. So I started with the puzzle. I showed him how to take out a piece and put it back. Then I told him I wanted him to use his right hand. I lifted his hand to one of the pieces and told him to grab the peg, which he did, and he pulled the piece out. I told him to put it back. He slowly slid the piece up the board to the correct spot with his right hand. Then slowly tried to move his fingers out of the way to fit the piece in the groove. He was almost there when he used his left hand to help his right hand move the piece into position. He did it though!! We did this three or four times. He also could find the right place to put a piece if I handed it to him so that he had to think about where the piece went instead of just moving it back into place. He did this mostly with his right hand or using both hands. This is awesome because the PT told us to make sure when he uses his hands he uses both at the same time or uses the right!
Next I moved on to the piggy bank. This is a plastic piggy bank with large plastic coins that babies use for dexterity (obviously.) So I made Dad hold the piggy bank with his left hand and put the coins in the slot with his right hand. I had to hand him the coins and move his hand over the piggy bank but Dad did all the work putting the coins into the slot. Sometimes he would cheat and use his left pointer finger to press the coins into the slot. There are about 10 coins and I made him put all the coins into the slot three times. He did awesome. I also think he liked using both the puzzle and the piggy bank because he knew it was helping him work with his hands. No one else was in the room so I don't think he felt stupid either.
He had already been tired when I walked in so after doing those exercises he began to get tired again. So I put the games away and walked back over to the bed. Dad asked where Mom was and I told him she wouldn't be able to make it in today. He made a sad face and say "ohhhh." I look at this to be positive because it means he knows who Mom is and he wants her to be there and he knows she has been coming. Then Dad began to babble about something so I leaned in close to try to catch what he was saying. He turned his head away from me and mumbled a bit then stopped. So I just waited to see if he was going to finish talking. After a minute he turned back to look at me and his eyes went wide with surprise like he forgot I was there. Then he scrunched his face and asked "what?" I said he had been talking to me and I was just waiting to hear what else he had to say. Then he said "leave me." I said "Sorry, I'll leave you alone, but I will just be over in this chair if you need me." Dad gets distracted and forgets what he is talking about really easy.
Dad slept for about a half hour or 45 min and I just sat in the chair working the crossword puzzle. When Dad woke up he told me he needed to go to the bathroom. I called for the nurses and left the room. They did take the catheter out last night but Dad was unable to relieve himself, which means his bladder would not empty. This is good and bad. Good because it means that he still has muscle memory there and won't just wet the bad. This is also bad because they have to retrain the bladder to relieve itself. How in the world do you retrain your bladder? After a while the nurses came back out. To put things mildly Dad is just having a hard time relieving anything on his own. And that's all we have to say about that because we don't want Dad to get embarrassed.
And Dad is getting embarrassed, which is another great emotion Dad is exhibiting. The speech therapist (ST) came in to work with Dad today. They are still trying to get him to swallow properly. What happens is they will give him a spoonful of water and he will swallow. But the brain is not using the muscles in the throat to switch from the lung pipe to the stomach pipe when he swallows or the muscle triggers too late. So Dad will swallow and about 20 seconds later he will cough as the liquid hits his lungs. Now when we swallow and it goes down the wrong pipe it doesn't actually hit our lungs our bodies have an automatic response to cough when something begins to go down the wrong pipe. But Dad's brain is not registering the liquid going down the wrong pipe until it is too late and it hits the lungs. So we have to be really careful because he could get pneumonia.
Then the ST showed Erin and I some stuff we could work on to get Dad speaking again. She said picture and word association is a great game. We write the name of someone in a picture and then show him the word and the picture together. I told her I had been trying to get him to color and she said that was great and said trying to get him to write was another good skill to work on. So I grab the pad I had brought from yesterday and she asked Dad if he could write his name. He couldn't. So she had Erin hold Dad's hand and write his name with him. Then we asked Dad to trace it; to take a turn. I began to say "Do it Dad, you can do it. Come on don't give up. I won't let you give up. You can do it Dad." Then he turned to me and said "you embarrassing." I wanted to cry and am crying again as I type this. He told me I was embarrassing him. I felt and feel so awful. I think when the physical therapist are there he gets embarrassed that he can't do things, because I was saying the same stuff to him when we were working on the puzzles and he kept trying. Sorry Dad I didn't mean to embarrass you.
Anyways (sniff, sniff), the ST said that it was good that Dad was feeling embarrassment. Then she tried a different skill. She drew a circle with a smiley face in it and asked if he could draw one. Dad looked at it and said "oh" then began mumbling stuff. He then took the pencil, with his right hand, and drew some marks that looked like hair and a neck and shoulders. Dad used to always finish our doodles! The ST was really happy with this and said now she knew where to start with him. So we are going to work with him drawing more.
Directly after the ST left the physical therapist came in to help Dad stand and work his arms. I told them about Dad using the puzzle and piggy bank and they thought that was great. So they decided to see if he could brush his teeth and shave. As they were moving Dad to sit up he said as plain as day and the first clear, full sentence, I have heard him say. He said "My ankle hurts." The PT's knew that he was having trouble with his ankle but only knew this because he would grimace when they would move it or stretch it. So the fact that he told them it hurt and what specifically hurt is fabulous. Byron (Dad's best friend) was there and he was shocked to hear Dad say a full sentence.
Unfortunately, I had to leave right as they were getting him sat up so I don't know how much he did with the PT's. I will talk with Erin and get back to you all. Okay, talked to Erin sooner then later. She said that they put the toothbrush up to Dad's mouth but he didn't know what to do with it and that he did not want to try to shave. She told me that Dad was too focused on his robe, he kept getting embarrassed that he was exposing too much. It is truely rediculous how those stupid gowns work. Don't they have pants with snaps? We have diapers with velrow and underwear with snaps for babies that provided easy access. Why can't we have that for adults? Geezy Peezy, I will look into this tomorrow.
A good thing Erin said was that she started singing the alphabet to Dad once the PT's left. She said once she got to "F" Dad said "G,H." So she started again, she got to "B" and he said "C,D." WooHoo serious progress. Way to go Ebs!
P.S. Marsha, I am so broken hearted to hear of "aunt" Joan. I love her so much and hate to hear that she is declining. My heart goes out to you and all your family. We will be doing the same for Dad and not let him know until he is well. He will be tragically sad if she passes while he is in the hospital. Love to you all, we love Joan so much! And you can come see Dad now whenever you can.
Well, I was glad because I was able to spend a considerable amount of time with Dad today. Mom had to stay home to take care of some housekeeping stuff and so she watched Sage for me. When I got in Dad seemed pretty tired. Mom says he is tired until about noon then he will start to wake up. I listened to some of your suggestions and brought some old baby toys from my girls for Dad to work with. I brought a peg animal puzzle, a piggy bank with coins, and a Rocky and Bullwinkle coloring book (I figured he might recognize them better then Littlest Pet Shop!)
To make Dad not feel so silly working with the baby stuff I told him my girls had sent the games for him to play with. I said for him just to work with me because they really wanted him to use the games. So I started with the puzzle. I showed him how to take out a piece and put it back. Then I told him I wanted him to use his right hand. I lifted his hand to one of the pieces and told him to grab the peg, which he did, and he pulled the piece out. I told him to put it back. He slowly slid the piece up the board to the correct spot with his right hand. Then slowly tried to move his fingers out of the way to fit the piece in the groove. He was almost there when he used his left hand to help his right hand move the piece into position. He did it though!! We did this three or four times. He also could find the right place to put a piece if I handed it to him so that he had to think about where the piece went instead of just moving it back into place. He did this mostly with his right hand or using both hands. This is awesome because the PT told us to make sure when he uses his hands he uses both at the same time or uses the right!
Next I moved on to the piggy bank. This is a plastic piggy bank with large plastic coins that babies use for dexterity (obviously.) So I made Dad hold the piggy bank with his left hand and put the coins in the slot with his right hand. I had to hand him the coins and move his hand over the piggy bank but Dad did all the work putting the coins into the slot. Sometimes he would cheat and use his left pointer finger to press the coins into the slot. There are about 10 coins and I made him put all the coins into the slot three times. He did awesome. I also think he liked using both the puzzle and the piggy bank because he knew it was helping him work with his hands. No one else was in the room so I don't think he felt stupid either.
He had already been tired when I walked in so after doing those exercises he began to get tired again. So I put the games away and walked back over to the bed. Dad asked where Mom was and I told him she wouldn't be able to make it in today. He made a sad face and say "ohhhh." I look at this to be positive because it means he knows who Mom is and he wants her to be there and he knows she has been coming. Then Dad began to babble about something so I leaned in close to try to catch what he was saying. He turned his head away from me and mumbled a bit then stopped. So I just waited to see if he was going to finish talking. After a minute he turned back to look at me and his eyes went wide with surprise like he forgot I was there. Then he scrunched his face and asked "what?" I said he had been talking to me and I was just waiting to hear what else he had to say. Then he said "leave me." I said "Sorry, I'll leave you alone, but I will just be over in this chair if you need me." Dad gets distracted and forgets what he is talking about really easy.
Dad slept for about a half hour or 45 min and I just sat in the chair working the crossword puzzle. When Dad woke up he told me he needed to go to the bathroom. I called for the nurses and left the room. They did take the catheter out last night but Dad was unable to relieve himself, which means his bladder would not empty. This is good and bad. Good because it means that he still has muscle memory there and won't just wet the bad. This is also bad because they have to retrain the bladder to relieve itself. How in the world do you retrain your bladder? After a while the nurses came back out. To put things mildly Dad is just having a hard time relieving anything on his own. And that's all we have to say about that because we don't want Dad to get embarrassed.
And Dad is getting embarrassed, which is another great emotion Dad is exhibiting. The speech therapist (ST) came in to work with Dad today. They are still trying to get him to swallow properly. What happens is they will give him a spoonful of water and he will swallow. But the brain is not using the muscles in the throat to switch from the lung pipe to the stomach pipe when he swallows or the muscle triggers too late. So Dad will swallow and about 20 seconds later he will cough as the liquid hits his lungs. Now when we swallow and it goes down the wrong pipe it doesn't actually hit our lungs our bodies have an automatic response to cough when something begins to go down the wrong pipe. But Dad's brain is not registering the liquid going down the wrong pipe until it is too late and it hits the lungs. So we have to be really careful because he could get pneumonia.
Then the ST showed Erin and I some stuff we could work on to get Dad speaking again. She said picture and word association is a great game. We write the name of someone in a picture and then show him the word and the picture together. I told her I had been trying to get him to color and she said that was great and said trying to get him to write was another good skill to work on. So I grab the pad I had brought from yesterday and she asked Dad if he could write his name. He couldn't. So she had Erin hold Dad's hand and write his name with him. Then we asked Dad to trace it; to take a turn. I began to say "Do it Dad, you can do it. Come on don't give up. I won't let you give up. You can do it Dad." Then he turned to me and said "you embarrassing." I wanted to cry and am crying again as I type this. He told me I was embarrassing him. I felt and feel so awful. I think when the physical therapist are there he gets embarrassed that he can't do things, because I was saying the same stuff to him when we were working on the puzzles and he kept trying. Sorry Dad I didn't mean to embarrass you.
Anyways (sniff, sniff), the ST said that it was good that Dad was feeling embarrassment. Then she tried a different skill. She drew a circle with a smiley face in it and asked if he could draw one. Dad looked at it and said "oh" then began mumbling stuff. He then took the pencil, with his right hand, and drew some marks that looked like hair and a neck and shoulders. Dad used to always finish our doodles! The ST was really happy with this and said now she knew where to start with him. So we are going to work with him drawing more.
Directly after the ST left the physical therapist came in to help Dad stand and work his arms. I told them about Dad using the puzzle and piggy bank and they thought that was great. So they decided to see if he could brush his teeth and shave. As they were moving Dad to sit up he said as plain as day and the first clear, full sentence, I have heard him say. He said "My ankle hurts." The PT's knew that he was having trouble with his ankle but only knew this because he would grimace when they would move it or stretch it. So the fact that he told them it hurt and what specifically hurt is fabulous. Byron (Dad's best friend) was there and he was shocked to hear Dad say a full sentence.
Unfortunately, I had to leave right as they were getting him sat up so I don't know how much he did with the PT's. I will talk with Erin and get back to you all. Okay, talked to Erin sooner then later. She said that they put the toothbrush up to Dad's mouth but he didn't know what to do with it and that he did not want to try to shave. She told me that Dad was too focused on his robe, he kept getting embarrassed that he was exposing too much. It is truely rediculous how those stupid gowns work. Don't they have pants with snaps? We have diapers with velrow and underwear with snaps for babies that provided easy access. Why can't we have that for adults? Geezy Peezy, I will look into this tomorrow.
A good thing Erin said was that she started singing the alphabet to Dad once the PT's left. She said once she got to "F" Dad said "G,H." So she started again, she got to "B" and he said "C,D." WooHoo serious progress. Way to go Ebs!
P.S. Marsha, I am so broken hearted to hear of "aunt" Joan. I love her so much and hate to hear that she is declining. My heart goes out to you and all your family. We will be doing the same for Dad and not let him know until he is well. He will be tragically sad if she passes while he is in the hospital. Love to you all, we love Joan so much! And you can come see Dad now whenever you can.
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