Diana is having a great day again today. She is getting more and more mobile, and today walked quite a long way down the hall with her therapist - a Very long way, since it is the first time she's walked more than a few steps in 19 days. She also walked completely unassisted (no walker, etc.) for a couple of steps - that is still too difficult for her to be able to do it for any distance, but she is getting stronger and has more endurance all the time, so she will get to that point soon, I'm sure.
Her physical therapist was very impressed and pleased again - even though this particular therapist is off for the rest of the week, she said she might drop by to check in, as she's so excited to see Mom's continuing progress. : )
They have switched her liquid nutrition to only half days now, so she is completely free of lines during the day, except for her wound vac. The wound vac will have to stay in place for probably another 3 to 4 weeks, but she is healing remarkably well and everyone is pleased, not to say surprised, with her progress in this area as well.
She had one of the horrible dressing changes today - but, other than being very sleepy from the drugs they have to give her to overcome the pain, she is doing great.
Eating is still a challenge, but she is soldering through that as well. When the majority of what is eats is something other than hospital food, it will be a relief and her appetite may magically increase.
Our big news for the day is that we spoke with her discharge coordinator, who told us that her medical team thinks Mom is doing so well they would like to discharge her by Friday! It will probably end up being Monday, as there is a lot of paperwork to set her up with the equipment and home health care she will need, which is fine as it gives me a bit more time to arrange things. Our other news is that everyone, doctors and therapists included, feels that she will be strong enough to go directly home, rather than to a rehab of any kind, or to another "in between" location - her home has a lot of stairs, so we thought she might not be able to handle it, but she is doing so well everyone feels confident that the stairs won't be a problem.
She would like to have visitors, but is worried that she "looks awful." Other than the ever-beautiful "hospital hair" she also has some small wounds on her face, from where the tape was torn off during her 2 extubations. So, we would ask your patience for now in terms of visiting - she is still very tired most of the time from all of her work, and would like to look her best for you all. However, I'm sure she would be grateful for any notes, etc. that you would like to send - she is in room 873 at Providence St. Vincent's Medical Center. I'm sure she will feel like having visitors soon, and we will let you know as soon as she tells me she's up to it.
I literally can't believe how far Mom has come in just a few days. Basically, she made up her mind what was going to happen, and is allowing absolutely nothing to deter her from that goal. I don't know why I'm surprised, because this is certainly her M.O. - when she makes an important decision, things just miraculously happen. I, as a mere mortal, just can't quite understand it all - but I'm grateful, nonetheless. : )
Thank you all once again for your support, prayers, kind words and encouragement. I think you've just reinforced Mom's conviction that she has a lot more work to do, so she'd better get well quick. And, thank goodness, she is!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Great Expectations
Diana is having a frankly great day today. It seems odd to say that after her day yesterday, full of pain and nausea and exhaustion, but her determination is at full throttle right now and she's done amazing things.
She's gotten up on her own and walked to the bathroom 4 separate times today, as well as having 45 minutes of PT this afternoon! Her physical therapist was so amazed by her progress that she cried a few happy tears. I have also been amazed, but not so surprised as those who don't know her, as I have a lot of experience with Mom's determination and single mindedness. Besides, we all know that she is a bit of a good witch - I asked her if she was working some white magic spells last night, and she didn't flatly deny it. : )
It has been a good day in many other ways as well - her pain has been much better controlled today, the nausea has not returned and she has had several good naps which give her so much energy and stamina. She has also managed to eat more today than any previous day, despite not having any real appetite yet.
Yesterday we were a little discouraged to hear that the intensive rehab had evaluated her chart and decided that she wasn't yet ready for the intensive therapy schedule they require - today, the head of PT at the hospital told her that she might be too advanced for the intensive rehab unit by the time she is discharged!
Mom and I both realize that there is a long way to go yet. However, she is so firmly and decidedly traveling down that recovery road now, we are both very encouraged. And days like today just make her progress and general good health that much more evident. Thank goodness, because she is in need of some good things to cheer about, as am I as so many of our days here have been really discouraging.
Thank you all again for your continuing support, encouragement, positive energy and love. Mom and I both feel and appreciate it so much.
She's gotten up on her own and walked to the bathroom 4 separate times today, as well as having 45 minutes of PT this afternoon! Her physical therapist was so amazed by her progress that she cried a few happy tears. I have also been amazed, but not so surprised as those who don't know her, as I have a lot of experience with Mom's determination and single mindedness. Besides, we all know that she is a bit of a good witch - I asked her if she was working some white magic spells last night, and she didn't flatly deny it. : )
It has been a good day in many other ways as well - her pain has been much better controlled today, the nausea has not returned and she has had several good naps which give her so much energy and stamina. She has also managed to eat more today than any previous day, despite not having any real appetite yet.
Yesterday we were a little discouraged to hear that the intensive rehab had evaluated her chart and decided that she wasn't yet ready for the intensive therapy schedule they require - today, the head of PT at the hospital told her that she might be too advanced for the intensive rehab unit by the time she is discharged!
Mom and I both realize that there is a long way to go yet. However, she is so firmly and decidedly traveling down that recovery road now, we are both very encouraged. And days like today just make her progress and general good health that much more evident. Thank goodness, because she is in need of some good things to cheer about, as am I as so many of our days here have been really discouraging.
Thank you all again for your continuing support, encouragement, positive energy and love. Mom and I both feel and appreciate it so much.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Challenges
Diana had a rough night last night, has had significant pain today and nausea, which is a new and particularly unwelcomed symptom. She also had her dressing change on her large wound today, which was quite horrific as usual - we keep hearing that these dressing changes are going to get less painful, but that hasn't seemed to happen yet.
However, despite all these challenges, she is doing very well. She got out of bed, stood and walked several steps to her chair, stayed in her chair for about an hour, had lunch, then got up and walked back to bed, completely unaided. Her fine motor skills are also improving, and she is able to accomplish a lot on her own that she couldn't do even a few days ago. I'm so proud of her.
Eating continues to be a challenge - her lack of appetite, and now the new advent of the nausea, make it very unappealing for her. However, she soldiers through the rotten hospital food, supplemented with any treats I can think of from home.
Pain control and sleep are the other two areas it seems to be difficult to get a handle on. We keep working on it though.
So, Mom is facing a lot of challenges. I strongly feel though that as soon as she can get some relief from the intense pain from her wounds and incisions, she will take off like a shot in terms of her progress - the fact that she is progressing so beautifully despite all of these challenges is very telling. She is one determined lady, as all of you know.
Otherwise, things are going well. Her vital signs continue to be excellent. And she is so impressively strong - much more than I can manage to be most of the time. However, we make a great therapy team and often say that we would be doing just great if the hospital pt and ot staff would just stay out of our way! Joking aside, she is getting good care - but the level of therapeutic care and talent that she knows is possible when compared with the level available here comes up somewhat lacking.
So, she is hanging in there and I'm trying to keep up with her. We often used to say that it was the two of us against the world - we are a good team, and we're going to get through this together.
However, despite all these challenges, she is doing very well. She got out of bed, stood and walked several steps to her chair, stayed in her chair for about an hour, had lunch, then got up and walked back to bed, completely unaided. Her fine motor skills are also improving, and she is able to accomplish a lot on her own that she couldn't do even a few days ago. I'm so proud of her.
Eating continues to be a challenge - her lack of appetite, and now the new advent of the nausea, make it very unappealing for her. However, she soldiers through the rotten hospital food, supplemented with any treats I can think of from home.
Pain control and sleep are the other two areas it seems to be difficult to get a handle on. We keep working on it though.
So, Mom is facing a lot of challenges. I strongly feel though that as soon as she can get some relief from the intense pain from her wounds and incisions, she will take off like a shot in terms of her progress - the fact that she is progressing so beautifully despite all of these challenges is very telling. She is one determined lady, as all of you know.
Otherwise, things are going well. Her vital signs continue to be excellent. And she is so impressively strong - much more than I can manage to be most of the time. However, we make a great therapy team and often say that we would be doing just great if the hospital pt and ot staff would just stay out of our way! Joking aside, she is getting good care - but the level of therapeutic care and talent that she knows is possible when compared with the level available here comes up somewhat lacking.
So, she is hanging in there and I'm trying to keep up with her. We often used to say that it was the two of us against the world - we are a good team, and we're going to get through this together.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Good Day
Sorry I missed posting yesterday - some days seem to be too full to allow for it. I do my best not to skip days, but sometimes it is unavoidable.
Diana continues to do well and progress despite many challenges. Yesterday she sat up in her chair for about 4 hours, which was perhaps a little too much as she was completely worn out afterward, but was an accomplishment that we were both happy with.
Yesterday was a bit of a hard day in general, but we found out a number of useful/important things:
1. We need to be doing more for pain control. Since Mom is now able to take medications by mouth, they are trying some oral pain meds in addition to her pain med patch. They are also keeping a closer eye on her pain in general. It has been better for the past two days, and even when the pain gets to a higher level, she seems to be tolerating it somewhat better.
2. She is anemic. This was a big "ah ha" for us, because she has been so extremely weak and exhausted - although, she certainly has other good reasons for both of these things. However, she got 2 units of blood yesterday, and seems to be feeling somewhat better already. We told her that we always knew she had vampire tendencies, and clearly all she needed was a little snack of blood. : )
3. Sleep is magic! She has slept fairly well for the last 2 nights, and it makes such a difference in her energy and alertness. Unfortunately, this is one of the most challenging parts of being in the hospital - most patients get very little sleep.
4. Food is a good thing. She still doesn't have much appetite, but we are now treating food like one of her medicines, and she tries to take as much as she can, even when she really doesn't want to.
Paul and I were both surprised and impressed by the improvement and change in her energy level and alertness from yesterday to today. She stood and walked several steps to her chair this morning, had some breakfast, did Occupational Therapy, stood and walked back to bed - all before 10am! And she was still able to talk to us in an animated way when we arrived, and wasn't completely exhausted.
Her doctor has advanced her to a regular diet today, so she is looking forward to lunch with some "normal" food. But, we are also encouraged to bring her any sort of food that might sound good to her, so we're trying to think of treats that might tempt her. As she is still on the liquid nutrition that she gets through her IV site, she is getting an adequate amount of calories - but we'd like her to get off of that as soon as possible. Once that is gone, she won't actually have any medications via IV anymore, and will just retain her PICC line for IV pain meds when she needs them.
So, though its still early, its been a good day. We are so encouraged by her progress, and the challenges still ahead seem manageable, at least for now. Mom and I both agree though that this "one day at a time" stuff is hard.
Mom is such a fighter. All of her doctors, nurses and therapists are impressed with her attitude and determination - and the only complaint any of her nurses have had about her is that she is too polite and won't tell them when she's hurting. We were joking yesterday that Mom should run for Queen of 8 East at St. Vincent's - she would surely win. : )
Diana continues to do well and progress despite many challenges. Yesterday she sat up in her chair for about 4 hours, which was perhaps a little too much as she was completely worn out afterward, but was an accomplishment that we were both happy with.
Yesterday was a bit of a hard day in general, but we found out a number of useful/important things:
1. We need to be doing more for pain control. Since Mom is now able to take medications by mouth, they are trying some oral pain meds in addition to her pain med patch. They are also keeping a closer eye on her pain in general. It has been better for the past two days, and even when the pain gets to a higher level, she seems to be tolerating it somewhat better.
2. She is anemic. This was a big "ah ha" for us, because she has been so extremely weak and exhausted - although, she certainly has other good reasons for both of these things. However, she got 2 units of blood yesterday, and seems to be feeling somewhat better already. We told her that we always knew she had vampire tendencies, and clearly all she needed was a little snack of blood. : )
3. Sleep is magic! She has slept fairly well for the last 2 nights, and it makes such a difference in her energy and alertness. Unfortunately, this is one of the most challenging parts of being in the hospital - most patients get very little sleep.
4. Food is a good thing. She still doesn't have much appetite, but we are now treating food like one of her medicines, and she tries to take as much as she can, even when she really doesn't want to.
Paul and I were both surprised and impressed by the improvement and change in her energy level and alertness from yesterday to today. She stood and walked several steps to her chair this morning, had some breakfast, did Occupational Therapy, stood and walked back to bed - all before 10am! And she was still able to talk to us in an animated way when we arrived, and wasn't completely exhausted.
Her doctor has advanced her to a regular diet today, so she is looking forward to lunch with some "normal" food. But, we are also encouraged to bring her any sort of food that might sound good to her, so we're trying to think of treats that might tempt her. As she is still on the liquid nutrition that she gets through her IV site, she is getting an adequate amount of calories - but we'd like her to get off of that as soon as possible. Once that is gone, she won't actually have any medications via IV anymore, and will just retain her PICC line for IV pain meds when she needs them.
So, though its still early, its been a good day. We are so encouraged by her progress, and the challenges still ahead seem manageable, at least for now. Mom and I both agree though that this "one day at a time" stuff is hard.
Mom is such a fighter. All of her doctors, nurses and therapists are impressed with her attitude and determination - and the only complaint any of her nurses have had about her is that she is too polite and won't tell them when she's hurting. We were joking yesterday that Mom should run for Queen of 8 East at St. Vincent's - she would surely win. : )
Friday, June 8, 2007
Hanging in there
Today Diana continues her steady improvement. She is doing well despite the fact that she is constantly exhausted and often disheartened by the prospect of the long way she has to go. We try to bolster each other and keep our spirits up - we are reading a silly, funny book and already enjoying the fact that Mom's new room has a DVD player, so we can watch movies when the mood strikes.
She did finally sleep last night, and thus was feeling a bit better this morning. However, the looming specter of the dressing change today is making us both tense - it is such a painful process for her, and as with every procedure here, we never know when its going to happen, just "some time today." The anticipation lends greatly to the unpleasantness of the process.
She sat in her chair for over 2 hours today, which was good, but exhausting. She did stand and pivot from the chair to the bed, so we are both proud of how well she is progressing with physical therapy. She also had a visit from occupational therapy, which went well despite the fact that she was very tired and in some pain by the time the therapist arrived.
We also met with the discharge coordinator, who talked to us about options when Mom leaves the hospital. The one we are most excited about is an "Intensive Rehab" unit at another hospital in Portland - they would have to agree to admit her, after verifying that she is able to endure three hours of PT and OT per day. If accepted she would likely stay at this unit for 1 to 2 weeks - it sounds like the perfect option as it is still a hospital so she would be carefully looked after and taken care of, but the concentration would be on therapy and getting her mobile again. Please lend some of the positive energy you are sending Mom to getting her into the intensive rehab unit, as we feel it would be ideal and would give her a great start into her recovery.
In all other aspects, Diana is doing very well - her wounds are healing, her vital signs are all strong and stable, and the infection is resolving. Her main challenges now are keeping her pain under control and keeping her energy level up so that she feels strong and is motivated for therapy.
Thank you for continuing to send Diana your good and positive thoughts and prayers - she appreciates and needs them all, as she moves slowly down the seemingly long road back to her old self.
She did finally sleep last night, and thus was feeling a bit better this morning. However, the looming specter of the dressing change today is making us both tense - it is such a painful process for her, and as with every procedure here, we never know when its going to happen, just "some time today." The anticipation lends greatly to the unpleasantness of the process.
She sat in her chair for over 2 hours today, which was good, but exhausting. She did stand and pivot from the chair to the bed, so we are both proud of how well she is progressing with physical therapy. She also had a visit from occupational therapy, which went well despite the fact that she was very tired and in some pain by the time the therapist arrived.
We also met with the discharge coordinator, who talked to us about options when Mom leaves the hospital. The one we are most excited about is an "Intensive Rehab" unit at another hospital in Portland - they would have to agree to admit her, after verifying that she is able to endure three hours of PT and OT per day. If accepted she would likely stay at this unit for 1 to 2 weeks - it sounds like the perfect option as it is still a hospital so she would be carefully looked after and taken care of, but the concentration would be on therapy and getting her mobile again. Please lend some of the positive energy you are sending Mom to getting her into the intensive rehab unit, as we feel it would be ideal and would give her a great start into her recovery.
In all other aspects, Diana is doing very well - her wounds are healing, her vital signs are all strong and stable, and the infection is resolving. Her main challenges now are keeping her pain under control and keeping her energy level up so that she feels strong and is motivated for therapy.
Thank you for continuing to send Diana your good and positive thoughts and prayers - she appreciates and needs them all, as she moves slowly down the seemingly long road back to her old self.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Continuing Improvement
Diana is doing well, still making impressive progress, especially when one thinks of where she was even four days ago.
She had PT again today, and accomplished an excellent transfer to a chair, almost completely unassisted. She was very proud of herself, especially as she was very tired at the time.
She has now graduated to taking many of her medications by mouth, which is a great thing both because she has fewer lines running in, and because it means that her stomach is healing very well and her doctors feel that she is improved enough to advance to this level.
She is now on what is called "full liquids" which means that she can have cream soups, custards, etc. She is not yet very hungry, which the doctors tell us is expected and normal, but she is enjoying the taste of the food. And, we are told that the more she eats, the more her appetite will increase, and the more all of her other healing processes will improve as well.
Her pain is now manageable most of the time, and if she could just get a little more sleep, she would probably feel pretty good.
Her pneumonia is gone - or, more correctly, she never had a pneumonia. The chest films showed something that her doctors thought was a pneumonia, but it was actually a part of her larger infection lodged on the chest wall. It was great news when her ICU doc confirmed that her lungs were clear and sounding good.
Also, she has been moved from ICU into a private room - however, because of her infection and extreme exhaustion, her doctors have asked that we continue to limit visitors. I will sure let everyone know when she can have visitors though, because I know she would so enjoy seeing more of the folks she loves.
We are now starting to actively plan her recovery and rehabilitation period. It seems very soon to be talking about this to me, as I constantly worry about leaving her alone in her room even at the hospital - but I know that the shorter her stay in the hospital, the shorter her total recovery time. I'm hoping that as her pain issues continue to resolve she will be able to get some sleep at night and have lots of energy to devote to her PT and OT.
We were wondering today, as we watched a special on "The World's Best Beach Resorts" on the travel channel, why they don't have intensive rehabilitation centers in Aruba?? : )
Diana has improved tremendously in the past week, and every day I see her getting stronger and healthier. She told me today that she should be the poster child for her medical team - I'm sure that they are all proud of what they accomplished with her, and we are so grateful for what they have done and continue to do. She is getting great care, which makes it possible for me to go home at night, feeling that she is in good hands.
I will continue to update the blog each day. Thank you all for your great comments and of course your thoughts, wishes and prayers. Mom and I are both so very grateful for our wonderful friends and family.
She had PT again today, and accomplished an excellent transfer to a chair, almost completely unassisted. She was very proud of herself, especially as she was very tired at the time.
She has now graduated to taking many of her medications by mouth, which is a great thing both because she has fewer lines running in, and because it means that her stomach is healing very well and her doctors feel that she is improved enough to advance to this level.
She is now on what is called "full liquids" which means that she can have cream soups, custards, etc. She is not yet very hungry, which the doctors tell us is expected and normal, but she is enjoying the taste of the food. And, we are told that the more she eats, the more her appetite will increase, and the more all of her other healing processes will improve as well.
Her pain is now manageable most of the time, and if she could just get a little more sleep, she would probably feel pretty good.
Her pneumonia is gone - or, more correctly, she never had a pneumonia. The chest films showed something that her doctors thought was a pneumonia, but it was actually a part of her larger infection lodged on the chest wall. It was great news when her ICU doc confirmed that her lungs were clear and sounding good.
Also, she has been moved from ICU into a private room - however, because of her infection and extreme exhaustion, her doctors have asked that we continue to limit visitors. I will sure let everyone know when she can have visitors though, because I know she would so enjoy seeing more of the folks she loves.
We are now starting to actively plan her recovery and rehabilitation period. It seems very soon to be talking about this to me, as I constantly worry about leaving her alone in her room even at the hospital - but I know that the shorter her stay in the hospital, the shorter her total recovery time. I'm hoping that as her pain issues continue to resolve she will be able to get some sleep at night and have lots of energy to devote to her PT and OT.
We were wondering today, as we watched a special on "The World's Best Beach Resorts" on the travel channel, why they don't have intensive rehabilitation centers in Aruba?? : )
Diana has improved tremendously in the past week, and every day I see her getting stronger and healthier. She told me today that she should be the poster child for her medical team - I'm sure that they are all proud of what they accomplished with her, and we are so grateful for what they have done and continue to do. She is getting great care, which makes it possible for me to go home at night, feeling that she is in good hands.
I will continue to update the blog each day. Thank you all for your great comments and of course your thoughts, wishes and prayers. Mom and I are both so very grateful for our wonderful friends and family.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
More progress
Diana is doing quite well today, although controlling her pain adequately remains a constant struggle - when her pain is completely controlled she is sleepy, so they are constantly trying to strike a balance between being in too much pain to be motivated, and being awake enough to make therapy and recovery as productive as possible.
She did have another hour of physical therapy this morning, which went very well - three reps of coming to a full standing position, and she was able to take one unassisted step toward her therapist. She is progressing very well with her therapist.
Her doctors decided to do a dressing change on the large incision on her side today, which was extremely painful. However, the good news is that her surgeons tell us they are very pleased with how the wound is healing and feel that the next dressing change will be less painful.
She is now cleared to have clear fluids by mouth, which is a great advance. She has found a new favorite treat: apple juice slushy (made by putting a glass of apple juice in the freezer for half an hour.) Our expectations for happiness and pleasure have certainly had to undergo an adjustment.
We hope that she will be cleared for soft foods later today or tomorrow.
Her doctors are still thinking that she may soon be transferred to a room on a regular floor - she has been certified as medically stable by her ICU team, so we are just waiting for surgery to make sure she has everything in place that she needs for her move.
It has been a good, if exhausting, day once again. Diana's progress continues its upward climb, and she is certainly determined - a strong personality trait that is definitely serving her well right now!
We are now beginning to think of and talk about her long term recovery. Although she is finally making daily progress, and it is big progress given her condition even two days ago, the work ahead will be long and difficult. She told me today that she is empathizing so much right now with her patients who have gone through a difficult recovery process. Also, it is an interesting if very bittersweet experience for her to now have intimate knowledge of what my Dad went through during his long hospitalization and recovery process - we were with him during that period as caregivers and cheerleaders, but she tells me that experiencing it from this side gives her a whole new appreciation of what he went through.
Thank you for all of your great comments - I read them to Mom daily and she loves hearing what you have to say.
She did have another hour of physical therapy this morning, which went very well - three reps of coming to a full standing position, and she was able to take one unassisted step toward her therapist. She is progressing very well with her therapist.
Her doctors decided to do a dressing change on the large incision on her side today, which was extremely painful. However, the good news is that her surgeons tell us they are very pleased with how the wound is healing and feel that the next dressing change will be less painful.
She is now cleared to have clear fluids by mouth, which is a great advance. She has found a new favorite treat: apple juice slushy (made by putting a glass of apple juice in the freezer for half an hour.) Our expectations for happiness and pleasure have certainly had to undergo an adjustment.
We hope that she will be cleared for soft foods later today or tomorrow.
Her doctors are still thinking that she may soon be transferred to a room on a regular floor - she has been certified as medically stable by her ICU team, so we are just waiting for surgery to make sure she has everything in place that she needs for her move.
It has been a good, if exhausting, day once again. Diana's progress continues its upward climb, and she is certainly determined - a strong personality trait that is definitely serving her well right now!
We are now beginning to think of and talk about her long term recovery. Although she is finally making daily progress, and it is big progress given her condition even two days ago, the work ahead will be long and difficult. She told me today that she is empathizing so much right now with her patients who have gone through a difficult recovery process. Also, it is an interesting if very bittersweet experience for her to now have intimate knowledge of what my Dad went through during his long hospitalization and recovery process - we were with him during that period as caregivers and cheerleaders, but she tells me that experiencing it from this side gives her a whole new appreciation of what he went through.
Thank you for all of your great comments - I read them to Mom daily and she loves hearing what you have to say.
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