Gary in MN
Senior Member
28 Oct. 2013
Good evening everyone, the latest from Kath. First thing this morning the nurse was speaking to him when she got to the hospital and he was following directions and she said hi and he recognized her voice. He couldn't see her but knew she was nearby. There is evidence he suffered a stroke they don't don't know how serious yet but they noticed some weakness on the right side. It means a longer rehab and recovery. They are weaning him off the ventilator tomorrow and putting a device behind the heart to check for any blood clots and to shock his heart into a regular rhythm so it beats more evenly. His heart was abused for many hours during the surgery so they need to get tuned up.We can all be hopeful for a speedy recovery, please keep him in your thoughts.
29 Oct. 2013
Hello everyone, the news isn't what I wanted to hear, but here goes. Kath spent the entire day with Jim, he needed her to be within his site. They are doing more tests all day, and are easing the breathing tube out. They have to do it slowly in case there becomes an issue and they have to stop. They are not totally sure about the symptoms of the stroke, but he is not using his right side like he should. They don't know how much weakness is there and the neurologist is coming to evaluate the the findings He is very aware, Kath said she spent most of the day in his room as he got a little agitated when she stepped out.They didn't find any blood clots when doing that test today, but can't seem to get his heart to beat in a regular rhythm, she was told not to worry about that right now, more can be done later. She asked Jim if he heard what the doctors were saying and he shook his head yes.They are going to do another CAT scan...more tests coming One bright note he does understand commands that the staff give him so that is good. He will probably be there 4-5 days and maybe 2 weeks it all depends on what the next test provides. Please keeps him in your thoughts and boy does he need some prayers!
30 Oct. 2013
Hello everyone, today is a much better day!! They removed the ventilator tube today so he was able to speak! He is quite hoarse but can be heard and is willing to answer questions. He spelled his street name and corrected the doctor on the pronunciation of his last name.He asked Kathy how she was doing! They have 4 different teams of therapists coming in to work on him some from the neurology and physical therapy and starting to work on him. He does have weakness on his right side but has feeling in his leg and arm the top of his foot but the toes and the same with his hand. He reponded to the therapist touching and asking questions. They are starting the physical and occupational therapy already and they had him sitting up with his legs hanging of the side. He asked when he could try to walk, not quite yet was the answer! They will also be doing a texture test with different foods to make sure he is able to swallow different things. Kathy was really incouraged with the day, things are looking up. Please keep the thoughts and prayers coming.
1 Nov. 2013
Hi everyone, another good day at the hospital. He spent alot of time with different therapists today. It was determined that he could swallow good enough to eat solid good! Kath said he did a pretty good job left handed chasing the cut up fruit in a bowl and managing an egg salad sandwich. She said the therapist gave hope that there were muscles trying to work in his right leg. The doctor said you know he won't be 100% after he has been to rehab. She said not a problem, they would just have to work thru whatever was necessary and do as much as he is able. She is going to look at a couple of rehab places on her way to the hospital tomorrow, one in Sun City and another in Hemet, two that the therapist at the hospital recommended.They may transport him as early as the middle of next week. Continue with the thoughts and prayers he has a long way to go.
2 Nov. 2013
Hello everyone, another busy day with many sesssions of exercise and relearning some skills. Kath said he ate all 3 meals pretty much on his own. They are increasing his food intake adding more protein which will give him more strength. She said he tires easily but is will to do more after a little rest. Kath said she stopped a 2 rehab facilities and liked the one in Sun City the best. He can have his own room and after a tour which stressed the fact that they want them to progress and will be doing what is necessary to get him healthy. She said they have a kitchen area and laundry to learn some skills along with exercise. It is about 20 miles from home so it is pretty convienent, it is just off the 215 fwy. They said he wouldn't be 100% but they would do everthing to see he got a far as he could. His voice is still pretty hoarse and trys to answer questions with few words . The doctors are really happy with his progress and say he is doing really good. The nurses who saw him the first days are really impressed with the progress so far.Please keep them in your thoughts.
4 Nov 2013
Back again, I talked to Kathy and she said today we are in a holding pattern! Not much going on, they changed out his oxygen to one that is also a humidifier. He slept most of the day not much energy. More visits with the doctors and more therapy for Monday. I will be back tomorrow, again please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
5 Nov. 2013
Hello everyone, no news is good news. Jim is having an issue with the flap that closes after you swallow. As I understand it your esophagus and wind pipe each have a flap. They are worried when he eats that the flap on the esophagus side doesn't close tightly and they are afraid food will get into his lungs. They have been testing him today and more tomorrow. He is really hungary and asked for a steak and beer!! They are considering putting in a feeding tube into his stomach for a few days to build him up. The feeding tube will delay his transfer to rehab, but only a couple of days. They will be doing more tests tomorrow to get they problem fixed. Other than that he is doing good. They are bringing in a kind of lazy boy chair tomorrow so he can get used to really sitting up. It just doean't work sitting up in bed, you just slide down and sideways.Dan and Larry Madole stopped by for a few today and he enjoyed that along with a call from Cliff. More later, please keep them in your thougths and prayers, they continue to need them.
6 Nov. 2013
Hi everyone, another chat with Kathy, she was kinda late this evening and got mixed up in the local traffic! She said they are continuing to give Jim a variety of really soft food. He had a bunch of lunch time choices that lasted about 2 hours! He has to double swallow some food, drink water before and after to make all go down the right road. He said it is very tiring and hopes they won't have to do the feeding tube. He needs the nourishment and know he needs more to get stronger. They have taken him off the blood thinners in case they actually need to do the tube, and are having a time getting the blood the right consistancy and may need to give him some platelets to make it happen. He seems to be very sensitive to the thinners. While the therapist was there they felt some muscle tone in his right bicep, really good news.Bob and Nick went to see Jim, and that was good. As always I will sign off asking for good thoughts and prayers.
10 Nov. 2013
Already Sunday night, tomorrow is Veteran's Day and a holiday for me. We are planning to go to gathering at the Veteran's memorial at the local library in the morning. Just spoke to Kath, Jim's therapist had him in a chair for about 45 minutes today while Scotty and Pat came to visit. He was also given something for his appetite, which made a difference. He felt like eating and did eat more than ever today. All these things will make him more confident and a step closer to rehab. He has been in bed for nearly a month so he is edgey about trying something risky like getting out of bed! Practice, practice is what Kath keeps telling him he needs to do. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
13 Nov. 2013
Had a good conversation with Kathy tonight, she was very happy with the day at the hospital. She can see so much more improvement each day, especially today. He was in the chair for way more than and hour, He finally had to get back into bed because his fanny was tired. He is almost too tall for the chair and bed, so they don't fit just right. He was worried about the repair job, Kathy said your heart is good, bp and oxygen all are good don't worry get on with the physical therapy work hard. Because he is up more he is sleeping better at night and eating more, all good things. Getting closer to rehab, Keep the thoughts and prayers coming, hugs L&G
If you want to drop a note to Jim through Kathy, here's their address: 39480 Colleen Way , Temecula , CA 92592-8438 .
Good evening everyone, the latest from Kath. First thing this morning the nurse was speaking to him when she got to the hospital and he was following directions and she said hi and he recognized her voice. He couldn't see her but knew she was nearby. There is evidence he suffered a stroke they don't don't know how serious yet but they noticed some weakness on the right side. It means a longer rehab and recovery. They are weaning him off the ventilator tomorrow and putting a device behind the heart to check for any blood clots and to shock his heart into a regular rhythm so it beats more evenly. His heart was abused for many hours during the surgery so they need to get tuned up.We can all be hopeful for a speedy recovery, please keep him in your thoughts.
29 Oct. 2013
Hello everyone, the news isn't what I wanted to hear, but here goes. Kath spent the entire day with Jim, he needed her to be within his site. They are doing more tests all day, and are easing the breathing tube out. They have to do it slowly in case there becomes an issue and they have to stop. They are not totally sure about the symptoms of the stroke, but he is not using his right side like he should. They don't know how much weakness is there and the neurologist is coming to evaluate the the findings He is very aware, Kath said she spent most of the day in his room as he got a little agitated when she stepped out.They didn't find any blood clots when doing that test today, but can't seem to get his heart to beat in a regular rhythm, she was told not to worry about that right now, more can be done later. She asked Jim if he heard what the doctors were saying and he shook his head yes.They are going to do another CAT scan...more tests coming One bright note he does understand commands that the staff give him so that is good. He will probably be there 4-5 days and maybe 2 weeks it all depends on what the next test provides. Please keeps him in your thoughts and boy does he need some prayers!
30 Oct. 2013
Hello everyone, today is a much better day!! They removed the ventilator tube today so he was able to speak! He is quite hoarse but can be heard and is willing to answer questions. He spelled his street name and corrected the doctor on the pronunciation of his last name.He asked Kathy how she was doing! They have 4 different teams of therapists coming in to work on him some from the neurology and physical therapy and starting to work on him. He does have weakness on his right side but has feeling in his leg and arm the top of his foot but the toes and the same with his hand. He reponded to the therapist touching and asking questions. They are starting the physical and occupational therapy already and they had him sitting up with his legs hanging of the side. He asked when he could try to walk, not quite yet was the answer! They will also be doing a texture test with different foods to make sure he is able to swallow different things. Kathy was really incouraged with the day, things are looking up. Please keep the thoughts and prayers coming.
1 Nov. 2013
Hi everyone, another good day at the hospital. He spent alot of time with different therapists today. It was determined that he could swallow good enough to eat solid good! Kath said he did a pretty good job left handed chasing the cut up fruit in a bowl and managing an egg salad sandwich. She said the therapist gave hope that there were muscles trying to work in his right leg. The doctor said you know he won't be 100% after he has been to rehab. She said not a problem, they would just have to work thru whatever was necessary and do as much as he is able. She is going to look at a couple of rehab places on her way to the hospital tomorrow, one in Sun City and another in Hemet, two that the therapist at the hospital recommended.They may transport him as early as the middle of next week. Continue with the thoughts and prayers he has a long way to go.
2 Nov. 2013
Hello everyone, another busy day with many sesssions of exercise and relearning some skills. Kath said he ate all 3 meals pretty much on his own. They are increasing his food intake adding more protein which will give him more strength. She said he tires easily but is will to do more after a little rest. Kath said she stopped a 2 rehab facilities and liked the one in Sun City the best. He can have his own room and after a tour which stressed the fact that they want them to progress and will be doing what is necessary to get him healthy. She said they have a kitchen area and laundry to learn some skills along with exercise. It is about 20 miles from home so it is pretty convienent, it is just off the 215 fwy. They said he wouldn't be 100% but they would do everthing to see he got a far as he could. His voice is still pretty hoarse and trys to answer questions with few words . The doctors are really happy with his progress and say he is doing really good. The nurses who saw him the first days are really impressed with the progress so far.Please keep them in your thoughts.
4 Nov 2013
Back again, I talked to Kathy and she said today we are in a holding pattern! Not much going on, they changed out his oxygen to one that is also a humidifier. He slept most of the day not much energy. More visits with the doctors and more therapy for Monday. I will be back tomorrow, again please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
5 Nov. 2013
Hello everyone, no news is good news. Jim is having an issue with the flap that closes after you swallow. As I understand it your esophagus and wind pipe each have a flap. They are worried when he eats that the flap on the esophagus side doesn't close tightly and they are afraid food will get into his lungs. They have been testing him today and more tomorrow. He is really hungary and asked for a steak and beer!! They are considering putting in a feeding tube into his stomach for a few days to build him up. The feeding tube will delay his transfer to rehab, but only a couple of days. They will be doing more tests tomorrow to get they problem fixed. Other than that he is doing good. They are bringing in a kind of lazy boy chair tomorrow so he can get used to really sitting up. It just doean't work sitting up in bed, you just slide down and sideways.Dan and Larry Madole stopped by for a few today and he enjoyed that along with a call from Cliff. More later, please keep them in your thougths and prayers, they continue to need them.
6 Nov. 2013
Hi everyone, another chat with Kathy, she was kinda late this evening and got mixed up in the local traffic! She said they are continuing to give Jim a variety of really soft food. He had a bunch of lunch time choices that lasted about 2 hours! He has to double swallow some food, drink water before and after to make all go down the right road. He said it is very tiring and hopes they won't have to do the feeding tube. He needs the nourishment and know he needs more to get stronger. They have taken him off the blood thinners in case they actually need to do the tube, and are having a time getting the blood the right consistancy and may need to give him some platelets to make it happen. He seems to be very sensitive to the thinners. While the therapist was there they felt some muscle tone in his right bicep, really good news.Bob and Nick went to see Jim, and that was good. As always I will sign off asking for good thoughts and prayers.
10 Nov. 2013
Already Sunday night, tomorrow is Veteran's Day and a holiday for me. We are planning to go to gathering at the Veteran's memorial at the local library in the morning. Just spoke to Kath, Jim's therapist had him in a chair for about 45 minutes today while Scotty and Pat came to visit. He was also given something for his appetite, which made a difference. He felt like eating and did eat more than ever today. All these things will make him more confident and a step closer to rehab. He has been in bed for nearly a month so he is edgey about trying something risky like getting out of bed! Practice, practice is what Kath keeps telling him he needs to do. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
13 Nov. 2013
Had a good conversation with Kathy tonight, she was very happy with the day at the hospital. She can see so much more improvement each day, especially today. He was in the chair for way more than and hour, He finally had to get back into bed because his fanny was tired. He is almost too tall for the chair and bed, so they don't fit just right. He was worried about the repair job, Kathy said your heart is good, bp and oxygen all are good don't worry get on with the physical therapy work hard. Because he is up more he is sleeping better at night and eating more, all good things. Getting closer to rehab, Keep the thoughts and prayers coming, hugs L&G
If you want to drop a note to Jim through Kathy, here's their address: 39480 Colleen Way , Temecula , CA 92592-8438 .
! We're keeping your in our positive thoughts and prayers Jim !
