It's hard to believe the summer is over. With every ending there is a new beginning. Nancy is beginning to regain her independence. I no longer have to do much for her. She is now able to place the wheelchair and the commode where she needs them. She transfers herself all the time now. She is indeed getting stronger everyday. It's amazing to watch. We are truly thankful for her progress.
Getting her in and out of the car is our next goal.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Moving Right Along
Well well Nancy can now get to the loveseat. She did it once with the therapist this morning. Then while the therapist was still her she did it with me. That means she doesn't have to sit in the wheelchair all the time. This afternoon Eva came to visit and we got Nancy on the loveseat so they could visit.
As I've reported before she is transferring herself from the bed to the wheelchair and back. I have been positioning the chair for her to do that. Today she got on the bed and then moved the chair into position to get up and put the brakes on. When I came back into the room she was all set up to do the transfer back to the chair. I'm being put out of a job. There is less and less for me to do. Isn't that great. We are very excited about her progress.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
As I've reported before she is transferring herself from the bed to the wheelchair and back. I have been positioning the chair for her to do that. Today she got on the bed and then moved the chair into position to get up and put the brakes on. When I came back into the room she was all set up to do the transfer back to the chair. I'm being put out of a job. There is less and less for me to do. Isn't that great. We are very excited about her progress.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Good Doctor's Visit
Nancy went to her family doctor today and everything was fine. Her next visit is "as needed". She is moving much more on her own. When she feels like stretching out on the bed she wheels herself over and gets in bed. I turn the chair around so she can get up when she wants too. She really only needs help moving the chair the rest she does.
I was in Virginia last night and didn't have access to a computer, sorry for the skipped night.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
I was in Virginia last night and didn't have access to a computer, sorry for the skipped night.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
A Full Weekend
Nancy keeps making great progress. She has been transferring herself from the bed to the wheelchair and back to the bed. Now she is able to transfer to the commode herself. She is getting stronger all the time.
The OT was here yesterday and gave her some exercises to do that will make it even better. Thanks to our friend Joan's idea I videoed her doing them so she could review the correct way to do the exercises in case she forgot.
Mark came up from Virginia today to stay with Nancy while I go to Virginia to apply for a mortgage. I'll leave tomorrow morning and be back on Tuesday.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
The OT was here yesterday and gave her some exercises to do that will make it even better. Thanks to our friend Joan's idea I videoed her doing them so she could review the correct way to do the exercises in case she forgot.
Mark came up from Virginia today to stay with Nancy while I go to Virginia to apply for a mortgage. I'll leave tomorrow morning and be back on Tuesday.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Friday, August 24, 2012
A Little Closer to Getting in the Car.
Stephanie (the physical therapist) came today. She had ordered a walker, which was delivered yesterday. First thing she had Nancy stand using the walker. No problem and she stood for 5 minutes. Then Stephanie set up the commode to act as the car. She had Nancy stand and then move the walker to the right a little and then hop and turn. Nancy did that until she was lined up with the commode (car) and sat down. She then reversed the process to get back in the chair.
We are very excited about the progress Nancy is making. Stephanie says there is no problem getting her into the car for her next doctor's appointment which is on Sept. 11.
Kidneys and bladder are still working fine. Nancy is getting very good at making the transfers on her own. It is amazing to watch her progress.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
We are very excited about the progress Nancy is making. Stephanie says there is no problem getting her into the car for her next doctor's appointment which is on Sept. 11.
Kidneys and bladder are still working fine. Nancy is getting very good at making the transfers on her own. It is amazing to watch her progress.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
This is Nancy
Hi everyone. This us Nancy,
First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their prayers during the past two months. Today us 8/23/12. It has been two months since my "event" in CCMC. So much has happened in the past two months - some of it not so good and some of it every good. You all know I am home from the hospital and continuing therapy at home, which is going very well. I know Frank has kept you up to date with all the good things happening - especially being able to stand without assistance.
To all my friends at CMOH - You will never know how much you cards and visits meant to me. You took time to come to see me when I was in Taylor Rehab and even though you may have stayed only a few minutes, you took the time to come.
Well, I have nothing more to report today; but thanks again for all again for you prayers, cards, gifts and for being such good and loving friends.
First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their prayers during the past two months. Today us 8/23/12. It has been two months since my "event" in CCMC. So much has happened in the past two months - some of it not so good and some of it every good. You all know I am home from the hospital and continuing therapy at home, which is going very well. I know Frank has kept you up to date with all the good things happening - especially being able to stand without assistance.
To all my friends at CMOH - You will never know how much you cards and visits meant to me. You took time to come to see me when I was in Taylor Rehab and even though you may have stayed only a few minutes, you took the time to come.
Well, I have nothing more to report today; but thanks again for all again for you prayers, cards, gifts and for being such good and loving friends.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Where do I begin!
This has been an exciting day. I'll start in the AM.
Up at 7:00am business as usual not much to report.
Physical Therapist (Stephanie) came at about 10:00 and then it began. I usually go do something while Nancy has company or the therapists or nurse are here. This morning I didn't have that much planned because Nancy had a doctor's appointment at 12:45. So I went out to sit on the back porch. I was only out there about 10 minutes when Nancy called me to come in. She was sitting on the bed. The exciting part about that was she had gotten there herself. That's right she did the transfer with no assistance from Stephanie. She then showed me how she did it and got back in the chair by herself. Stephanie and I then went out in the kitchen to see if we could arrange things to try and get Nancy to stand. While we were there Nancy called us to come back to the living room. When we got there Nancy was almost standing. We took her into the kitchen and she stood at the kitchen sink for about 5 minutes without any support from Stephanie or me. She sat down, not flopped but sat, and rested for a couple of minutes. Then stood again for 2 minutes. Stephanie left and Nancy got herself onto the bed to rest a while before going to the doctor. She got herself back in the chair and we went to the doctor.
Doctor's office. After filling out all the paperwork we were called back. I went along to help with any transfer if needed. Not needed though. The exam table was adjustable so it was low and Nancy got herself onto the table. I left so they could do the test. After about 10 minutes the nurse came a got me. They needed my help to transfer Nancy from the table onto a commode. Do do this Nancy had to stand and pivot and inch her way closer to the commode while standing. She did it all with no trouble. When the test was done they called me back to help get her back on the table. Again stand, pivot and inch her way closer to the table. Again, no trouble. Even with all that had happened the best thing today was the test showed that there was nothing wrong with her bladder and they left the catheter out.
So to summarize she is transferring herself, she is standing without trouble and she no longer has a catheter. What a glorious day and we thank God for all of it.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Up at 7:00am business as usual not much to report.
Physical Therapist (Stephanie) came at about 10:00 and then it began. I usually go do something while Nancy has company or the therapists or nurse are here. This morning I didn't have that much planned because Nancy had a doctor's appointment at 12:45. So I went out to sit on the back porch. I was only out there about 10 minutes when Nancy called me to come in. She was sitting on the bed. The exciting part about that was she had gotten there herself. That's right she did the transfer with no assistance from Stephanie. She then showed me how she did it and got back in the chair by herself. Stephanie and I then went out in the kitchen to see if we could arrange things to try and get Nancy to stand. While we were there Nancy called us to come back to the living room. When we got there Nancy was almost standing. We took her into the kitchen and she stood at the kitchen sink for about 5 minutes without any support from Stephanie or me. She sat down, not flopped but sat, and rested for a couple of minutes. Then stood again for 2 minutes. Stephanie left and Nancy got herself onto the bed to rest a while before going to the doctor. She got herself back in the chair and we went to the doctor.
Doctor's office. After filling out all the paperwork we were called back. I went along to help with any transfer if needed. Not needed though. The exam table was adjustable so it was low and Nancy got herself onto the table. I left so they could do the test. After about 10 minutes the nurse came a got me. They needed my help to transfer Nancy from the table onto a commode. Do do this Nancy had to stand and pivot and inch her way closer to the commode while standing. She did it all with no trouble. When the test was done they called me back to help get her back on the table. Again stand, pivot and inch her way closer to the table. Again, no trouble. Even with all that had happened the best thing today was the test showed that there was nothing wrong with her bladder and they left the catheter out.
So to summarize she is transferring herself, she is standing without trouble and she no longer has a catheter. What a glorious day and we thank God for all of it.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
One week at home
It's hard to believe Nancy has been home one week. It keeps getting better each day. She is making great progress and I'm very excited to see it happening. She is doing much more for herself every day. What a blessing she is. I'm very much enjoying spending time with her after all these years.
We are making good progress in sorting through things. We do a little each day and it really shows.
Tomorrow she has an appointment with the urologist and hopefully they will figure out how to get her off the catheter. The physical therapist comes tomorrow also. Things here are moving right along.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
We are making good progress in sorting through things. We do a little each day and it really shows.
Tomorrow she has an appointment with the urologist and hopefully they will figure out how to get her off the catheter. The physical therapist comes tomorrow also. Things here are moving right along.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Ditto
That's about it. Nancy is doing great. The physical therapist was here today and was amazed by how good Nancy was doing. She gave us a couple of pointers and did a lot of intake stuff. She helped Nancy on and off the bed and was very pleased by how good she did. The therapist said it shouldn't be long before Nancy is able to transfer herself with me there just for safety and not really assisting.
Nancy has an appointment with the urologist on Wednesday. Hopefully they will be able to figure out why she can't void her bladder so she can get rid of the catheter. It's time to ramp up the pray chain and energy you are sending her way.
Everyday we learn something new and it gets easier. Nancy is working very hard and it shows.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Nancy has an appointment with the urologist on Wednesday. Hopefully they will be able to figure out why she can't void her bladder so she can get rid of the catheter. It's time to ramp up the pray chain and energy you are sending her way.
Everyday we learn something new and it gets easier. Nancy is working very hard and it shows.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
A Quiet Day
Nancy is doing fine. She is moving much better now. She can lift herself with her arms and position herself better.
We did a little clean out today. Worked on the coat closet in the dining room and a close tree. Goodwill will love us. The trash men not so much.
We are really enjoying the weather. We have had the AC off for 2 days now and this morning it was a little chilly in here. Nancy didn't go out back this morning because it was too chilly.
The OT and PT come tomorrow. We have kind of taken a vacation from the daily exercises but Nancy continues to move around more and seems to be gaining strength.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
We did a little clean out today. Worked on the coat closet in the dining room and a close tree. Goodwill will love us. The trash men not so much.
We are really enjoying the weather. We have had the AC off for 2 days now and this morning it was a little chilly in here. Nancy didn't go out back this morning because it was too chilly.
The OT and PT come tomorrow. We have kind of taken a vacation from the daily exercises but Nancy continues to move around more and seems to be gaining strength.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Things are going great
Sorry about no blog post last night we were having a thunderstorm, and as before I don't use electronic devices during a storm.
The storm had the benefit of lowering the temperature so we turned off the AC and opened the windows. We also spent a lot of time on the back porch. Nancy is loving being able to go outside. After being cooped up in a hospital for almost 2 months.
We have settled into a routine, but we are still learning new things and ways to make it easier. When Nancy is resting in bed she comes up with some great ideas. They have all made the transfers and other things go a lot smoother.
She is getting stronger each day. The schedule of resting more seems to be working. We are very much encouraged by the progress. The PT and OT come on Monday. This visit will probably be an intake and not much exercise. Nancy is continuing to do the exercises she was doing at Taylor Rehab. She is also able to move on her own more each day.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
The storm had the benefit of lowering the temperature so we turned off the AC and opened the windows. We also spent a lot of time on the back porch. Nancy is loving being able to go outside. After being cooped up in a hospital for almost 2 months.
We have settled into a routine, but we are still learning new things and ways to make it easier. When Nancy is resting in bed she comes up with some great ideas. They have all made the transfers and other things go a lot smoother.
She is getting stronger each day. The schedule of resting more seems to be working. We are very much encouraged by the progress. The PT and OT come on Monday. This visit will probably be an intake and not much exercise. Nancy is continuing to do the exercises she was doing at Taylor Rehab. She is also able to move on her own more each day.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
We're getting the hang of it.
Each day gets better. Yesterday Nancy did too much and was really tired last night. Today we set a schedule. Up for about 3 hours and then in bed for an hour. She doesn't seem to be as tired tonight.
She started back doing her exercises today. Tuesday she didn't do any to save her energy for the trip home. Yesterday we were trying to get adjusted and she didn't do any. Today when she started back she said she could tell that she hadn't done them for a while. She was starting to get weak again. So it's back on the exercise routine.
Each time we do something we learn something. So far the transition to home has been a pretty easy one.
Please keep Nancy in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
She started back doing her exercises today. Tuesday she didn't do any to save her energy for the trip home. Yesterday we were trying to get adjusted and she didn't do any. Today when she started back she said she could tell that she hadn't done them for a while. She was starting to get weak again. So it's back on the exercise routine.
Each time we do something we learn something. So far the transition to home has been a pretty easy one.
Please keep Nancy in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
1st Full Day at Home
It was a very good day but a very tiring one. Establishing a routine is hard work. Nancy is doing fine but is very tired tonight. I think maybe she tried to pack to much into her first day. After breakfast we went out on the back porch to sit for a while. It has been so long since she was able to be outside of a building. Then she made some phone calls and then had company for the afternoon. She really didn't allow time for resting this afternoon. It really showed tonight.
Tomorrow will be a different day. We will make time for plenty of rest and some of her exercises. We want to keep the ball rolling.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Tomorrow will be a different day. We will make time for plenty of rest and some of her exercises. We want to keep the ball rolling.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
A New Phase Begins
NANCY IS HOME!!!
I went to the hospital about noon. Nancy had on the top to a short set instead of a hospital gown. First time in almost 2 months. The van was picking her up at 2:00 to bring her home. Her new wheelchair had arrived along with the transfer board. I spent the next hour off and on taking stuff to the car. Nancy had her lunch and at 1:15 Kristen her nurse came in to do the paper work for discharge. We finished that and Kristen showed me how to empty the Foley. Nancy got in her chair and I made one last trip to my car. On my way back to the hospital I saw the van pull up. The driver didn't make it up to Nancy's room until about 2:15 and we were off. I left while the driver was putting her in the van so I could be here when they got here.
We were in the house by 3:00. The first thing Nancy wanted to do was see what I had done to the house. Her only comment was "you've done a lot of work" (I skated on that one). She change her clothes and decided to stay on the bed while I went to get her prescriptions filled. I was gone about an hour and when I got back she was ready to get up.
We had dinner around 6:30 and Nancy spent the rest of the evening going through the mail that came while she was in the hospital. At about 8:00 after being up for 3 hours she got on the bed to stretch out. She stayed there about on hour and then got ready for sleep. And that is where we are now.
You will notice that nowhere in the recount of today was a nap mentioned. I didn't omit it Nancy didn't feel the need for one. I think coming home has been a great leap for her recovery.
Oh, I forgot to mention Princess is coming around. Two months is a long time for a cat and she was not sure about Nancy when we first got here. Plus Nancy was in a wheelchair and that was strange to Princess. But after about 15 minutes Princess jumped up on the bed and I sat down with her. Nancy came over to the bed and let Princess smell her hand. Princess butted Nancy's hand with her head to let Nancy know she wanted her head rubbed. Princess has also curled up on the bed with Nancy, albeit on the other side but that is typical for her.
Please keep Nancy in your prayers as she has a long way to go and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
I went to the hospital about noon. Nancy had on the top to a short set instead of a hospital gown. First time in almost 2 months. The van was picking her up at 2:00 to bring her home. Her new wheelchair had arrived along with the transfer board. I spent the next hour off and on taking stuff to the car. Nancy had her lunch and at 1:15 Kristen her nurse came in to do the paper work for discharge. We finished that and Kristen showed me how to empty the Foley. Nancy got in her chair and I made one last trip to my car. On my way back to the hospital I saw the van pull up. The driver didn't make it up to Nancy's room until about 2:15 and we were off. I left while the driver was putting her in the van so I could be here when they got here.
We were in the house by 3:00. The first thing Nancy wanted to do was see what I had done to the house. Her only comment was "you've done a lot of work" (I skated on that one). She change her clothes and decided to stay on the bed while I went to get her prescriptions filled. I was gone about an hour and when I got back she was ready to get up.
We had dinner around 6:30 and Nancy spent the rest of the evening going through the mail that came while she was in the hospital. At about 8:00 after being up for 3 hours she got on the bed to stretch out. She stayed there about on hour and then got ready for sleep. And that is where we are now.
You will notice that nowhere in the recount of today was a nap mentioned. I didn't omit it Nancy didn't feel the need for one. I think coming home has been a great leap for her recovery.
Oh, I forgot to mention Princess is coming around. Two months is a long time for a cat and she was not sure about Nancy when we first got here. Plus Nancy was in a wheelchair and that was strange to Princess. But after about 15 minutes Princess jumped up on the bed and I sat down with her. Nancy came over to the bed and let Princess smell her hand. Princess butted Nancy's hand with her head to let Nancy know she wanted her head rubbed. Princess has also curled up on the bed with Nancy, albeit on the other side but that is typical for her.
Please keep Nancy in your prayers as she has a long way to go and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Tomorrow is the Day
NANCY COMES HOME TOMORROW!!!!
Nancy had 2 good therapy sessions today. She stood 3 times and we worked on transfers. She is not strong enough yet to get into the car so we will have to rely on Community Transit to get her to doctors appointments.
She is going to come home with the Foley Catheter. The test today didn't work. We will deal with it though.
She is looking forward to coming home. She has been in the hospital a very long time. I think she can't wait to see what I've done to her house. Yikes!!! She will have PT 3 times a week as long as they determine she is making improvement. Not a problem there. She will have OT on an as needed basis. I guess that means if we can't figure out how to do something. She will also have a visiting nurse. The nurse will determine the frequency. She will also be accepting visits from friends.
She still doesn't have much of an appetite. Food has not interest to her and nothing sounds good to her. Hopefully home cooking will change that.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Nancy had 2 good therapy sessions today. She stood 3 times and we worked on transfers. She is not strong enough yet to get into the car so we will have to rely on Community Transit to get her to doctors appointments.
She is going to come home with the Foley Catheter. The test today didn't work. We will deal with it though.
She is looking forward to coming home. She has been in the hospital a very long time. I think she can't wait to see what I've done to her house. Yikes!!! She will have PT 3 times a week as long as they determine she is making improvement. Not a problem there. She will have OT on an as needed basis. I guess that means if we can't figure out how to do something. She will also have a visiting nurse. The nurse will determine the frequency. She will also be accepting visits from friends.
She still doesn't have much of an appetite. Food has not interest to her and nothing sounds good to her. Hopefully home cooking will change that.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
A Good Weekend
Nancy had a good weekend. She had the day off yesterday and had OT today. She stood up twice and did all the work herself. Great progress. She had several visitors in my absence. I want to thank everyone that went to visit while I was in VA. They are going to remove the Foley Catheter tomorrow and see what happens.
Mark and I had another work weekend. This time at the house in VA. We are trying to get it ready to put on the market. The realtor came by yesterday and I signed all the papers. It goes on the market Aug 23.
I stopped to see Nancy tonight on my way back from VA. She was sleeping when I got there but woke up shortly after. We had a good visit for about an hour. Then I left to come to the house since Princess had been alone since yesterday morning. She was a little mad at me but soon came around.
Please keep Nancy in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Mark and I had another work weekend. This time at the house in VA. We are trying to get it ready to put on the market. The realtor came by yesterday and I signed all the papers. It goes on the market Aug 23.
I stopped to see Nancy tonight on my way back from VA. She was sleeping when I got there but woke up shortly after. We had a good visit for about an hour. Then I left to come to the house since Princess had been alone since yesterday morning. She was a little mad at me but soon came around.
Please keep Nancy in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Progress is a wonderful thing
Nancy is making great progress. She had 2 good therapy sessions today. Jamie her physical therapist is taking a long weekend so she won't be there when Nancy is discharged on Tuesday. Jamie has been great to Nancy. She has push her but also taken good care of her. A big thank you to Jamie.
Nancy stood twice in PT, she says it is getting easier. In OT the therapist showed us how to wrap the stump. He said eventually we will have to do that to prepare it for the prosthetic.
We are both looking forward to her discharge. It will be good to have her home and maybe my cooking will tasted better to her than the hospital's. We know we will have to face some challenges but we can do it.
I will be in Virginia tomorrow to meet with a realtor about putting our condo on the market. We have a few things to do first and we will also be meeting with a handyman. Hopefully the minor repairs won't take long. and we can get it on the market. Then we can find a place all on one level and set up our new home. Mark and I are looking forward to Nancy becoming part of our everyday lives. It is going to be great.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Nancy stood twice in PT, she says it is getting easier. In OT the therapist showed us how to wrap the stump. He said eventually we will have to do that to prepare it for the prosthetic.
We are both looking forward to her discharge. It will be good to have her home and maybe my cooking will tasted better to her than the hospital's. We know we will have to face some challenges but we can do it.
I will be in Virginia tomorrow to meet with a realtor about putting our condo on the market. We have a few things to do first and we will also be meeting with a handyman. Hopefully the minor repairs won't take long. and we can get it on the market. Then we can find a place all on one level and set up our new home. Mark and I are looking forward to Nancy becoming part of our everyday lives. It is going to be great.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Another Stand Up Day
I got to the hospital at about 10:30 for OT. I've only been going to OT because that is the therapy that they let me take part in so I learn how to best support Nancy. Nancy was still in PT when I got there so I went in there. Only to find out that Nancy had already stood 4 times. Three times using the parallel bars and once with a walker. We then went to OT and did a modified stand and pivot to move her from the chair to the mat. This transfer doesn't require a transfer board and it was pretty easy. It will be even easier once we have a chance to use it more and when Nancy isn't so tired.
She didn't get much of a nap this afternoon so I expected her to sleep most of the evening. Wrong! She worked on an afghan she is making and then we chatted for a while no sleeping this evening. She said she wasn't tired. That is a first and I believe a good indication she is getting better and getting some stamina back.
She still has the catheter and we may have to deal with that after she is discharged. We hope not but if we have to we will.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
She didn't get much of a nap this afternoon so I expected her to sleep most of the evening. Wrong! She worked on an afghan she is making and then we chatted for a while no sleeping this evening. She said she wasn't tired. That is a first and I believe a good indication she is getting better and getting some stamina back.
She still has the catheter and we may have to deal with that after she is discharged. We hope not but if we have to we will.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Nancy is a machine!
The physical therapist pick Nancy up at 8:30 this morning. She took her to a 50' sloping hallway just out side the cafeteria. Nancy wheeled herself up the slope, turned around and wheeled herself down the slope. I've seen the hallway I'd probably get winded walking up it. Nancy didn't have to stop to rest until she was almost at the top. Then they went to the physical therapy gym where Nancy stood twice. After finishing PT it was on to OT where I hooked up with her. In OT she stood again, did exercises in the wheelchair (with exercise bands with more resistance than she is used to), got on the mat and did modified push ups and then completed a task that required her to do modified sit ups. Even thought she was tired after all of that she was not exhausted and sat up until she finished her lunch. I'm tired just relaying it here.
The UPS guy must be getting tired too because I have been ordering things from Amazon to make her transition home easier. It seems like everyday we get another package. We will be able to rock and roll once she gets home. We will be able to continue therapy on our own even though she will be getting home therapy. We are not sure how many days of the week she will be getting home therapy but we will work on the other days. I've been watching the exercises carefully in the hospital so I can help her when she comes home.
One of the rehab doctors was in tonight (the same one that got her the extra days). The doctor asked her about phantom pain. Nancy told her she doesn't have phantom pain but she does get phantom sensations, like her right foot is cold. The doctor gave her a trick to try. Get a mirror and place it so she can see the reflection of her left leg. Then cover her left foot with a blanket. Her brain will interpret that both feet are covered with a blanket. I think that is pretty amazing.
Since Nancy will be in the hospital over the weekend I am going to go to Virginia to do some work at our house there to get it ready to put on the market. So if anyone has some free time this weekend please consider visiting Nancy for a little while. Thanks in advance.
Again please keep her in your prayers and thank you for your continuing prayers and support.
The UPS guy must be getting tired too because I have been ordering things from Amazon to make her transition home easier. It seems like everyday we get another package. We will be able to rock and roll once she gets home. We will be able to continue therapy on our own even though she will be getting home therapy. We are not sure how many days of the week she will be getting home therapy but we will work on the other days. I've been watching the exercises carefully in the hospital so I can help her when she comes home.
One of the rehab doctors was in tonight (the same one that got her the extra days). The doctor asked her about phantom pain. Nancy told her she doesn't have phantom pain but she does get phantom sensations, like her right foot is cold. The doctor gave her a trick to try. Get a mirror and place it so she can see the reflection of her left leg. Then cover her left foot with a blanket. Her brain will interpret that both feet are covered with a blanket. I think that is pretty amazing.
Since Nancy will be in the hospital over the weekend I am going to go to Virginia to do some work at our house there to get it ready to put on the market. So if anyone has some free time this weekend please consider visiting Nancy for a little while. Thanks in advance.
Again please keep her in your prayers and thank you for your continuing prayers and support.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
God is watching over her
Nancy has been doing great in therapy. Today she stood twice. Not just stand and sit but stand for a minute or two. She is even able to do mini squats (bending her knee and then straightening it. There wasn't time between now and Thursday to perfect this or take full advantage of the therapists. So we asked if maybe she could stay a while longer. Her Occupational Therapist went to work and ran around talking to several folks. He was not successful however. He was very frustrated as was Nancy. But she kept her attitude, we play the hand we are dealt. She said that we would continue therapy on our own at home. Pete (the OT) said she would be getting home therapy and he was sure we would continue.
OT was over and Nancy had finished her lunch and was getting in bed to rest so I came back here to work. Since Thursday was the deadline I had many last minute things to do. I had put the commode together and attached the rail to the bed. I was working on going through some things around her computer desk when the phone rang. Caller ID indicated that it was Crozer Keystone so I figured it was Nancy. She had been visited by one of the Rehab Doctors to see how she was doing. Nancy told her fine and explained that she was just starting to stand but was being discharged on Thursday. The Doctor left and came back a few minutes later to say she had gotten Nancy extended until Tuesday and she would she what she could do then. Nancy was so excited she couldn't take a nap. I was so excited I got a burst of energy and did more than I had planned.
It's not that Nancy doesn't want to come home or that I don't want her to, but we want her to have every advantage to getting back to an independent life. She is looking forward to the progress she can make in the next 6 days. I'm sure Nancy will be working very hard over the next 6 days so please keep her in your prayers. And thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
I almost forgot again. Nancy had her staples taken out yesterday. She is healing very good and is much more comfortable now that the staples are out.
OT was over and Nancy had finished her lunch and was getting in bed to rest so I came back here to work. Since Thursday was the deadline I had many last minute things to do. I had put the commode together and attached the rail to the bed. I was working on going through some things around her computer desk when the phone rang. Caller ID indicated that it was Crozer Keystone so I figured it was Nancy. She had been visited by one of the Rehab Doctors to see how she was doing. Nancy told her fine and explained that she was just starting to stand but was being discharged on Thursday. The Doctor left and came back a few minutes later to say she had gotten Nancy extended until Tuesday and she would she what she could do then. Nancy was so excited she couldn't take a nap. I was so excited I got a burst of energy and did more than I had planned.
It's not that Nancy doesn't want to come home or that I don't want her to, but we want her to have every advantage to getting back to an independent life. She is looking forward to the progress she can make in the next 6 days. I'm sure Nancy will be working very hard over the next 6 days so please keep her in your prayers. And thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
I almost forgot again. Nancy had her staples taken out yesterday. She is healing very good and is much more comfortable now that the staples are out.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Things are moving along
Two (I counted wrong yesterday) more days and Nancy will be home. YAY!
Nancy had 2 good therapy sessions today. I miss them because Mark and I were still working on the house. But when we got to the hospital around noon Nancy told us that she had stood up twice in OT. She said it was easier this time and she stood longer.
She has been eating more, still not enough but it something. Hopefully when I'm doing the cooking she will feel like eating more.
We talked today about when she comes home she and I will continue the therapy to make sure she continues to make progress. She will be getting PT and OT at home but she and I will also work on it. I'm very excited about what we will be able to do when she gets home.
The house is almost ready for her return. I still have a few last minute things to do but will have them done by Wednesday night.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Nancy had 2 good therapy sessions today. I miss them because Mark and I were still working on the house. But when we got to the hospital around noon Nancy told us that she had stood up twice in OT. She said it was easier this time and she stood longer.
She has been eating more, still not enough but it something. Hopefully when I'm doing the cooking she will feel like eating more.
We talked today about when she comes home she and I will continue the therapy to make sure she continues to make progress. She will be getting PT and OT at home but she and I will also work on it. I'm very excited about what we will be able to do when she gets home.
The house is almost ready for her return. I still have a few last minute things to do but will have them done by Wednesday night.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Coming Down the Home Stretch
Only 4 more days and Nancy will be home.
She had a good therapy session today but not with her regular therapist because of the weekend. Weekends are pretty slow around the hospital. So there is not much to report. She had several visitors this afternoon which was good because Mark and I stayed at the house.
We did a lot of work in the dining room and kitchen. It is beginning to look pretty good. When we tell Nancy what we are doing she just shakes her head. I can't wait until she is actually here to see it. We still have some work in the kitchen and finishing touches on the living room. I seem to keep seeing things I missed in the rush to get it done. But I still have Monday - Wednesday.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
She had a good therapy session today but not with her regular therapist because of the weekend. Weekends are pretty slow around the hospital. So there is not much to report. She had several visitors this afternoon which was good because Mark and I stayed at the house.
We did a lot of work in the dining room and kitchen. It is beginning to look pretty good. When we tell Nancy what we are doing she just shakes her head. I can't wait until she is actually here to see it. We still have some work in the kitchen and finishing touches on the living room. I seem to keep seeing things I missed in the rush to get it done. But I still have Monday - Wednesday.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
A Working Day
Nancy only had 45 minutes of OT this morning but she will have 90 minutes of PT tomorrow. They are going to push her to stand this week. She is still scheduled for discharge on Thursday. We have a lot to do to get ready for that.
She still has the catheter but they are going to try again next week to see if she can void her bladder on her own. That would be great if she doesn't have to come home with the catheter. She still has the staples from the surgery. We found out today that she will not have them removed until after she is discharged. They usually leave them in for 30 days which was today. But the doctor wants to leave them in a little longer.
The house is almost ready. Mark and I working on the living room today and pretty much have it ready. We move the bed from the back bedroom down to the living room and now have the room set up so there is plenty of space for her to move around in the wheelchair.
Tomorrow's project is the dinning room. Everything is moving toward the back door. Hopefully we will be able to do the kitchen tomorrow too. Mark has to drive home on Monday.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
She still has the catheter but they are going to try again next week to see if she can void her bladder on her own. That would be great if she doesn't have to come home with the catheter. She still has the staples from the surgery. We found out today that she will not have them removed until after she is discharged. They usually leave them in for 30 days which was today. But the doctor wants to leave them in a little longer.
The house is almost ready. Mark and I working on the living room today and pretty much have it ready. We move the bed from the back bedroom down to the living room and now have the room set up so there is plenty of space for her to move around in the wheelchair.
Tomorrow's project is the dinning room. Everything is moving toward the back door. Hopefully we will be able to do the kitchen tomorrow too. Mark has to drive home on Monday.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Light at the End of the Tunnel
With less than a week to go before she comes home Nancy is doing great. She still has a long way to go but her progress has been amazing. She is starting to look forward to coming home. It's been a long haul for her.
They will be doing another blood test tomorrow to see where the levels are. Her kidneys are doing too good of a job in some areas. Now if she can just void her bladder things will be very good.
The house is almost ready for her to come home to. We still have a work to do but it will be ready by Thursday.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
They will be doing another blood test tomorrow to see where the levels are. Her kidneys are doing too good of a job in some areas. Now if she can just void her bladder things will be very good.
The house is almost ready for her to come home to. We still have a work to do but it will be ready by Thursday.
Please continue to pray for her and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
A Good Day
Nancy had 2 good therapy sessions. She is becoming more mobile and able to do more to help. We worked with a real bed today. A little higher than the one she will be sleeping in here and we did ok. She was able to turn on her side and rest like that for about 10 minutes. She liked that a lot.
She is getting IV Magnesium and something else tonight. I really should pay closer attention. Apparently she is low on these 2 elements. The doctor said it was because her kidneys were working but hadn't yet regulated themselves.
Her appetite is getting a little better. She still isn't eating very much. I'm going to make lemon chicken tomorrow and see if that tastes better than hospital food. We'll see.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
She is getting IV Magnesium and something else tonight. I really should pay closer attention. Apparently she is low on these 2 elements. The doctor said it was because her kidneys were working but hadn't yet regulated themselves.
Her appetite is getting a little better. She still isn't eating very much. I'm going to make lemon chicken tomorrow and see if that tastes better than hospital food. We'll see.
Please keep her in your prayers and thanks for your continuing prayers and support.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Things Keep Moving Along
We have good news and not so good news.
Nancy stood up today in OT. This is the first time. I had reported it once before but I was confused. She said it was hard but she did it.
They had to put the Foley Catheter back. Nancy is still not able to void her bladder. She will probably have to see a urologist. Kidneys are working good though they are still trying to get back in the swing of things. Her magnesium is low so they are going to have to fix that. They don't want to do it orally though because that would aggravate the diarrhea. So they had to put the IV back in. Her system is having a little trouble getting back in sync.
Therapy was good today. I missed it though. I left here at about 10:45 should have put me at Taylor by about 11:00. I then sat for an hour on 95N. I didn't get out of 1st gear from Market Street to Kerlin Street. What a ride. I finally made it to Taylor at about noon. Therapy was over by then and she was back in her room eating her lunch. Hoping for better luck tomorrow.
Please keep her in your prayers and thank you for your continuing prayers and support.
Nancy stood up today in OT. This is the first time. I had reported it once before but I was confused. She said it was hard but she did it.
They had to put the Foley Catheter back. Nancy is still not able to void her bladder. She will probably have to see a urologist. Kidneys are working good though they are still trying to get back in the swing of things. Her magnesium is low so they are going to have to fix that. They don't want to do it orally though because that would aggravate the diarrhea. So they had to put the IV back in. Her system is having a little trouble getting back in sync.
Therapy was good today. I missed it though. I left here at about 10:45 should have put me at Taylor by about 11:00. I then sat for an hour on 95N. I didn't get out of 1st gear from Market Street to Kerlin Street. What a ride. I finally made it to Taylor at about noon. Therapy was over by then and she was back in her room eating her lunch. Hoping for better luck tomorrow.
Please keep her in your prayers and thank you for your continuing prayers and support.
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