Dad had a great day today. They had him sitting up for over a half hour this afternoon. He also had a 30 to 60 minutes of therapy and was pleased with how he did. By the way - mom says he is getting more therapy than he thinks, sometimes he forgets.
Just to some info for you - dad has lost 50 pounds in the last 5-6 weeks. He said that he is enjoying his food enough to begin working on rectifying that.
As for Kelsey - his granddaughter - I went to see her today. She is VERY sore. They did a new CAT scan this morning which showed an additional bleed. At first they were going to do surgery to relieve some pressure - but they waited. Right now (7pm) they are getting ready to bring her for another CAT scan to see if the bleed has continued or not. The Nero-surgeon is there and will read the scan right away. Then they will be making the decision whether to have surgery tonight or wait until morning. Pray for the surgeon and Kelsey's parent (Jim & Missy) as they make decisions.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Doing Great
We got a chance to go to see dad today. It was great to see how good he is doing. Nate went with me. He hadn't seen dad in a few weeks. He was amazed at how well dad was doing. Totally talking and breathing on his own. He still has the trec - but hopefully for only a little longer. Dad is a little frustrated with the amount of physical therapy they are doing. He would like more of it - he wants to get out of there and go home. He is eating a total 'general' diet now. No restrictions. Mom has to help feed him. He is able to get a cup of water up to his mouth with the straw. Working on utensils - but not quit yet.
We do have big news in our family that we would love your prayers for. My niece, Kelsey (Missy's daughter), had a bike accident on the Kent Trails with her youth group yesterday. She has a fractured skull and a small brain bled. She at the Butterworth hospital. She is experiencing a LOT of pain and a huge headache. So far the CAT scan was the same today as yesterday which is good news. When she is able to swallow her meds she can go home. She will probably not be able to do any sports in the upcoming season. She also turns 16 in a few weeks. Not sure if that will affect her driving or not. It sounds as if she had a small seizure after she fell and was unconscious. Please keep her, her parents, and mom & dad in your prayers.
Blessings on your week!
We do have big news in our family that we would love your prayers for. My niece, Kelsey (Missy's daughter), had a bike accident on the Kent Trails with her youth group yesterday. She has a fractured skull and a small brain bled. She at the Butterworth hospital. She is experiencing a LOT of pain and a huge headache. So far the CAT scan was the same today as yesterday which is good news. When she is able to swallow her meds she can go home. She will probably not be able to do any sports in the upcoming season. She also turns 16 in a few weeks. Not sure if that will affect her driving or not. It sounds as if she had a small seizure after she fell and was unconscious. Please keep her, her parents, and mom & dad in your prayers.
Blessings on your week!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Mom's Husband is Back
Mom called on her way home from Pip tonight to let me know what dad had for supper. Way more than I thought he would.
1/2 grilled cheese (without the crust)
1/2 bowl of tomato soup
pudding cup
1/2 cup chopped peaches
& Ice Tea
He also swallowed his pills!!!!!!!!!!!! Yesterday he started to suction himself when needed and continued that today with ease. For the first time he listened to music on his new MP3 player that he got for his anniversary a few weeks ago. He also had his glasses on for a while.
Mom said to let everyone know that if you are interested in seeing dad - it should be okay - just keep the visits short. Visitors will have to wear a gown & gloves. Just a precaution to protect dad from viruses - he had a blood test come back such that they want to be sure he continues to heal not not go backwards.
Mom also wanted me to express her deepest gratitude for all the love and prayer support given to her and dad. She finally feels like she is getting her husband back. She said that if anyone would have told her a week ago that she would be feeding dad supper and that he would be suctioning himself - she wouldn't have believed it.
"I cried out to Him with my mouth; His praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld His love from me!" (Ps. 66:17-20)
PRAISE BE TO GOD!
1/2 grilled cheese (without the crust)
1/2 bowl of tomato soup
pudding cup
1/2 cup chopped peaches
& Ice Tea
He also swallowed his pills!!!!!!!!!!!! Yesterday he started to suction himself when needed and continued that today with ease. For the first time he listened to music on his new MP3 player that he got for his anniversary a few weeks ago. He also had his glasses on for a while.
Mom said to let everyone know that if you are interested in seeing dad - it should be okay - just keep the visits short. Visitors will have to wear a gown & gloves. Just a precaution to protect dad from viruses - he had a blood test come back such that they want to be sure he continues to heal not not go backwards.
Mom also wanted me to express her deepest gratitude for all the love and prayer support given to her and dad. She finally feels like she is getting her husband back. She said that if anyone would have told her a week ago that she would be feeding dad supper and that he would be suctioning himself - she wouldn't have believed it.
"I cried out to Him with my mouth; His praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld His love from me!" (Ps. 66:17-20)
PRAISE BE TO GOD!
Swallow Study - SUCCESS!!!
Mom called just a bit ago to give us some REALLY good news. Dad had another swallow test this morning. He PASSED with flying colors. He was able to eat some applesauce and pudding. They had an xray done to be sure that the food went into the right areas. GOD IS SOOOO GOOD! - They pulled out his feeding tube and they are going to have mom give him some supper - might be broth but I think anything will taste good to dad.
He is very tired. They are planning putting him in a chair for supper. Praise God for his faithfulness!
He is very tired. They are planning putting him in a chair for supper. Praise God for his faithfulness!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
He is doing AWESOME!
So - just got back from seeing dad and I was amazed at the progress he has had since seeing him almost two weeks ago. He had the cap on his trac and was talking away. After about 20 - 30 minutes he was looking very tired but was not excited about me leaving because he thought it would be a long afternoon. I asked about visitors and he said he really didn't want a bunch of people coming around. So not sure what he wants - - I just know he can now tell us. It was amazing to hear his voice after so long. I also had an opportunity to hold dad's hand and it felt wonderful. It was warm and strong - not like arm wresting strong but like 'I love my daddy' strong.
Keep up the prayers! If you are interested in seeing dad - give mom a call and see if he is up to it or what his schedule looks like. Again, thanks for the love, prayers and the cards.
Keep up the prayers! If you are interested in seeing dad - give mom a call and see if he is up to it or what his schedule looks like. Again, thanks for the love, prayers and the cards.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Good Day
Mom said that dad had a good day today. He meet with several doctors and seems to understand what is going on. There were two therapists that had dad sitting on the edge of the bed for a little bit today. They got him situated so that he could sit on his own for just a minute - then the guy caught dad as he started to fall. Mom said the hospital is very small. Only 17 - 20 beds for long-term care. And the walk to the car is very short (especially compared to the mile walk she had at UofM). I'm going to try to make it over there tomorrow for just a little bit. I'll let you know how it goes. Since we are going to go in the afternoon, mom is going to try to go for a little in the morning.
Good night and blessings to each of you!
Good night and blessings to each of you!
News from Pip Hospital
Mom gave Pip a call this morning to see how dad is doing and how his night went. He is settling okay today - but last night he was having a hard time so they had to put him on the vent for the night. Today they took him off about 8:30am. He has a really nice male nurse today. Mom said he sounded nice and seems to understand what is going on with dad. Mom will not be going until early afternoon. She is home and enjoying that recliner that hasn't been used for a LONG time. That is one of the things she missed - there were never comfortable chairs where you could put your legs up.
Again, mom asked that people wait to visit. And then if you want to visit - giving mom a call at home would be good (616-877-4477). Then she can figure out if the timing will work or not. Last night my sister, Missy, and her kids stopped by. They only stayed about 10 minutes. Dad was exhausted. Thanks for honoring mom's request.
Again, mom asked that people wait to visit. And then if you want to visit - giving mom a call at home would be good (616-877-4477). Then she can figure out if the timing will work or not. Last night my sister, Missy, and her kids stopped by. They only stayed about 10 minutes. Dad was exhausted. Thanks for honoring mom's request.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
THERE ARE HERE!
They made it safe. Mom just called (3:03) and apologized for not calling sooner. She has been signing papers and stuff. Dad is okay - but in a lot of pain. They can't (or won't) give dad any pain meds until the doctor sees him. The doctor is in the hospital but hasn't seen dad yet. The last pain meds he got was at 9:50am. Mom asked to pray for him until he is totally settled!
Sigh - - - God is truely good!
Please hold off on the visits until we can figure out how dad is doing and what his rehabilitation schedule will look like. Thanks!
Sigh - - - God is truely good!
Please hold off on the visits until we can figure out how dad is doing and what his rehabilitation schedule will look like. Thanks!
THEY ARE ON THE WAY
Just talked to mom. She said they left around 11:00am. She appoligized for not calling but she got turned around, mixed up and then lost. She had just asked for directions and was on her way. Pray for safe travels for mom and dad. As well as for dad to remain comfortable during the trip!
Additonal Post
I was just on the phone with mom to see if she has heard any differently - and the hospital Fire Alarm was going off. I told her to grab dad and get out of there. Only she was still on the way up there. She got to the doors and they were locked (must be fire doors) and then she heard an announcement - but she wasn't sure what they said. Well as we were closing our conversation she said the doors were open and people were going through them. No one was coming back out so unless they dropped in a hole on the otherside of the doors - she was ready to head up and check on dad.
The Old Fart still has a sence of hummor.
HAD to share with you all - !!!!
The Old Fart still has a sence of hummor.
HAD to share with you all - !!!!
Coming Home?!?!?!?!
I answered the phone on Tuesday about 5:15 and it was mom. She was almost giddy - okay - I get giddy, she was very excited. She had just been called by the transfer nurse with the message that dad would be heading home (Pip Hospital) Wednesday morning. Mom said "Don't blog it - just in case." So I didn't.
Yesterday he was suppose to be transferred at 10am BUT the medication concoction they give dad wasn't done being made in the pharmacy at UofM so they delayed it until 1pm. About 11:30 mom talked to the nurse and made the decision to head to the motel so that she would be ready to go when dad went. While she was packing up she got a call from dad's nurse saying that Pip said dad couldn't come yet. My understanding is that he would arrive to late in the day for them to get him ---- I have no idea. Settled? In-patiented? (I know that's not a word) Whatever the reason they wanted to wait until this morning. Since the not telling everyone didn't work - I'm going to try with the - 'Tell Everyone You Know'. We'll see if that works better. 'Dad and mom are coming home TODAY!'
Of course, I am always looking for the good in things - not necessarily my nature - just an easier way of accepting life and all it throws at us. Dad was exhausted yesterday by noon and was experiencing a MAJOR headache. Mom said that the nurse and tech really cleaned dad up - even washing his hair (which isn't done all the time). So - we know that the trip will not be a limo ride over here and then the new facility and new people to get used to. So dad was able to get some rest as well as mom. She was telling me that she made 4 or 5 trips back and forth to the van, between getting dad's stuff out of the room and then heading over to the hotel, and then heading back to the hospital. Hopefully this morning she checks out of the motel and when she gets to the hospital she is ready to follow dad home. She still experiences uncomfort when she walks a lot or strains herself. I really think the two hour trip home could have been very hard for her.
Good night sleeps for all and then home TODAY!
Good News - the NEW MAILING ADDRESS should just be at HOME and mom can bring them in each day: Bill & Bea Berends; 1115 146th Ave; Wayland, MI 49348.
We will continue to blog - I hope to teach mom how to do it. So you can be hearing from her and eventually dad.
I'll post as soon as I hear! - HIP -- HIP -- HOORAY!!! GOD ROCKS!!! and so do mom and dad!!!
Yesterday he was suppose to be transferred at 10am BUT the medication concoction they give dad wasn't done being made in the pharmacy at UofM so they delayed it until 1pm. About 11:30 mom talked to the nurse and made the decision to head to the motel so that she would be ready to go when dad went. While she was packing up she got a call from dad's nurse saying that Pip said dad couldn't come yet. My understanding is that he would arrive to late in the day for them to get him ---- I have no idea. Settled? In-patiented? (I know that's not a word) Whatever the reason they wanted to wait until this morning. Since the not telling everyone didn't work - I'm going to try with the - 'Tell Everyone You Know'. We'll see if that works better. 'Dad and mom are coming home TODAY!'
Of course, I am always looking for the good in things - not necessarily my nature - just an easier way of accepting life and all it throws at us. Dad was exhausted yesterday by noon and was experiencing a MAJOR headache. Mom said that the nurse and tech really cleaned dad up - even washing his hair (which isn't done all the time). So - we know that the trip will not be a limo ride over here and then the new facility and new people to get used to. So dad was able to get some rest as well as mom. She was telling me that she made 4 or 5 trips back and forth to the van, between getting dad's stuff out of the room and then heading over to the hotel, and then heading back to the hospital. Hopefully this morning she checks out of the motel and when she gets to the hospital she is ready to follow dad home. She still experiences uncomfort when she walks a lot or strains herself. I really think the two hour trip home could have been very hard for her.
Good night sleeps for all and then home TODAY!
Good News - the NEW MAILING ADDRESS should just be at HOME and mom can bring them in each day: Bill & Bea Berends; 1115 146th Ave; Wayland, MI 49348.
We will continue to blog - I hope to teach mom how to do it. So you can be hearing from her and eventually dad.
I'll post as soon as I hear! - HIP -- HIP -- HOORAY!!! GOD ROCKS!!! and so do mom and dad!!!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Swallow Study
Just talked to mom a few minutes ago. She sounds tired. Spent the morning with the Social Security people at UofM (or the social worker about the social security??!), as well as she is in a new upper room at the motel - because of the weekend traffice for the Home football games. A little more walking - and the bed is VERY soft. She sleeps good at night but has a backache during the day.
In talking to the doctor they still want to have a positive Swallow Study done on dad. The study last week showed that half of his swallow (?) was weak. If they can get this study done and it looks good dad might move toward the end of the week (to Plainwell). It's like a Christmas present that never comes - they keep saying soon - after this or that! Keep praying for mom and dad to come home SOON.
By the way - if any of you continue to email dad & mom at home - we aren't able to get them at this time. I lost the password and mom has no idea how to get them. If you want to email a private post for mom you can use our home email: csmith203@charter.net
Blessings on your day!
In talking to the doctor they still want to have a positive Swallow Study done on dad. The study last week showed that half of his swallow (?) was weak. If they can get this study done and it looks good dad might move toward the end of the week (to Plainwell). It's like a Christmas present that never comes - they keep saying soon - after this or that! Keep praying for mom and dad to come home SOON.
By the way - if any of you continue to email dad & mom at home - we aren't able to get them at this time. I lost the password and mom has no idea how to get them. If you want to email a private post for mom you can use our home email: csmith203@charter.net
Blessings on your day!
Continue to Improve
Dad continues to improve each day. Mom says the move to this side of the state is in view. This weekend dad was able to pull up both arms along his hips to get them to touch!!! The tube feedings seem to be going okay - and his body seems to be processing the food (liquid).
A buddy from dad's work send this picture to 'inspire' dad! Enjoy ~
Mom insisted that I let you all know that my dystonia is acting up and I'm having the side effects that come with that as well as severe headaches. When you are praying for dad - please lift up my family and self - thanks!
Have a good day.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Missing Posts
I'm not totally sure what happened but I just realized that the last two posts never made it online. I'm SO sorry. I normally double check and I just didn't think to do it.
Well, hopefully you are reading this and it didn't disappear into cyber-space! Mom and dad continue to be very ENCOURAGED! He continues to gain strength every day. Today mom said he lifted his left hand OFF the bed on his own for the first time in over five weeks! He was also able to lift his right wrist by applying pressure to his hand and arm. These are HUMONGOUS gains (is that really a word?)! Tonight when mom was leaving dad also moved his head a few inches to pucker up and kiss her goodnight.
Dad is experiencing a lot of aches and pains. Mostly due to how hard he is attempting to use his tired muscles. He is also taking far less meds for anxiety & pain. He has been breathing on his own for most of the day each day this week. Continued prayers for his strength and endurance is much appreciated.
They haven't done the colonoscopy yet (a few weeks ago I didn't even know how to spell colonoscopy). The doctor today said that dad is doing so well they they might just wait for him to do that on this side of the state. Mom continues to hope and plan for dad to be transferred to Pip Hospital in Plainwell. The earliest would be the beginning of next week. We'll continue to hope and pray that comes quickly. Selfishly - Plainwell is only 20 minutes from our house!
Last Big news of the night - The PT and OT came to work with dad together today. For just a few minutes they had dad sitting up with his legs hanging off the edge of the bed. GOD IS SO GOOD!
Well, hopefully you are reading this and it didn't disappear into cyber-space! Mom and dad continue to be very ENCOURAGED! He continues to gain strength every day. Today mom said he lifted his left hand OFF the bed on his own for the first time in over five weeks! He was also able to lift his right wrist by applying pressure to his hand and arm. These are HUMONGOUS gains (is that really a word?)! Tonight when mom was leaving dad also moved his head a few inches to pucker up and kiss her goodnight.
Dad is experiencing a lot of aches and pains. Mostly due to how hard he is attempting to use his tired muscles. He is also taking far less meds for anxiety & pain. He has been breathing on his own for most of the day each day this week. Continued prayers for his strength and endurance is much appreciated.
They haven't done the colonoscopy yet (a few weeks ago I didn't even know how to spell colonoscopy). The doctor today said that dad is doing so well they they might just wait for him to do that on this side of the state. Mom continues to hope and plan for dad to be transferred to Pip Hospital in Plainwell. The earliest would be the beginning of next week. We'll continue to hope and pray that comes quickly. Selfishly - Plainwell is only 20 minutes from our house!
Last Big news of the night - The PT and OT came to work with dad together today. For just a few minutes they had dad sitting up with his legs hanging off the edge of the bed. GOD IS SO GOOD!
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