Good Morning Everyone,
Thought I'd give a little update to let you know how our week has been. We started out with a doctors appointment last Wednesday to set up other appointments with physical therapy, a wound care doctor for Hank's knee and this week we should get into an orthopedic in Tri-Cities to check the neck and thumbs. We're not real sure he needs the neck brace because the doctors in UT didn't see much in their x-rays as far as the #5 & 6 vertebra's. The hospital in Penguich (the 1st hospital Hank was at) are the ones who thought they saw some fractures. So hopefully we can get the brace off! Our doctor said the knee looks great so maybe we can take that bandage off and just let it heal. We have had some nice visits with family, friends, and business associates! Our bonding agent Mark R. came all the way from Lewiston to spend a couple of hours with Hank last Thursday, so nice. I took Hank to our office last Wednesday after his Dr. appointment and everyone was glad to see him! He'll be staying home for the most part and meetings will take place here at home so that will be nice, Hank still tends to get tired out easily so resting is important. He will be going to physical therapy at least 3 times a week to keep the left shoulder loose and moving. We had a nice visit to Angie and Deltons on Saturday to visit with his parents and Brother Jason & Danielle then we stayed home yesterday and the kids all came for dinner. As soon as we have more progress to report I'll let you know but just wanted to say hello and we've missed you. I know Hank would like to visit with you a little at a time so please feel free to call when time allows and we'll let you know if it works. Please take care and have a great week!
Also, we are thankful for all your prayers and good wishes. Please help us by saying some extra prayers for our friend Glenna who is battling 'C', she's going through chemo and let's help her get rid of those tumors! She prayed real hard for us and now it's our turn to help her.
Love and God Bless Everyone of You!
Pam & Hank
Monday, June 21, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuesday June 15,2010
Good Morning All,
Let's start with a little from yesterday. They knew they had Hank for one last day and they had him busy! He did a long walk outside then up to exercise room for 30 minutes on an exercise bike. Then he got some therapy on moving the shoulder around to keep it lose. They are sending us home with instructions as well. Then in the afternoon they had him get down on a mat and get back up. It went well with just a little bit of vertigo and when we get home his therapist will work on that. It will involve some specific moves to clear it up and maybe when the neck brace comes off it will help as well. The day ended with a back, shoulder massage and then his wife gave him a nice shower and put him to bed! We had NO interuptions last night and I didn't wake up until about 6 this morning, nice!
This morning they took out the pick line (one they draw blood from) so as of 9:40 he was totally tubeless!!! The physical theapist came in and took him in for some shoulder exercises and heat, then the wound care came in and cleaned out his knee which they said is healing great and we don't have to worry about covering it in the shower anymore. So we are packed up just killing a few minutes before we head to the airport! The wonderful friends Doug, Mike and Henry are in the air on their way and we can't wait to get home. Wha-hoo! Tomorrow Hank has his doctor appointment and off we go to getting our lives back to normal. I've got to get home because the little man wants to get those pumkin seeds planted!
Have a great day everyone! We send our love and prayers to you all!
God Bless,
Hank & Pam
Let's start with a little from yesterday. They knew they had Hank for one last day and they had him busy! He did a long walk outside then up to exercise room for 30 minutes on an exercise bike. Then he got some therapy on moving the shoulder around to keep it lose. They are sending us home with instructions as well. Then in the afternoon they had him get down on a mat and get back up. It went well with just a little bit of vertigo and when we get home his therapist will work on that. It will involve some specific moves to clear it up and maybe when the neck brace comes off it will help as well. The day ended with a back, shoulder massage and then his wife gave him a nice shower and put him to bed! We had NO interuptions last night and I didn't wake up until about 6 this morning, nice!
This morning they took out the pick line (one they draw blood from) so as of 9:40 he was totally tubeless!!! The physical theapist came in and took him in for some shoulder exercises and heat, then the wound care came in and cleaned out his knee which they said is healing great and we don't have to worry about covering it in the shower anymore. So we are packed up just killing a few minutes before we head to the airport! The wonderful friends Doug, Mike and Henry are in the air on their way and we can't wait to get home. Wha-hoo! Tomorrow Hank has his doctor appointment and off we go to getting our lives back to normal. I've got to get home because the little man wants to get those pumkin seeds planted!
Have a great day everyone! We send our love and prayers to you all!
God Bless,
Hank & Pam
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sunday June 13, 2010
Helo from cool and rainy Salt Lake! I have to say yesterday afternoon and this afternoon it was nice to have a good book to read (thank you Rick & Sylvia) and curl up on the couch in Hanks room. We both have been spending time just relaxing on the couch, napping and watching the NVBA Finals as well as the St. Jude golf tournament. Oh, I should mention Hank did have his physical therapy yesterday that involved going down to the 1st floor and walking the full length of it. That tired him out! Then today he did some stretching and massaging of the left shoulder and sat on an exercise bike for 1/2 hour. He's pretty sore and wants me to watch tomorrow so maybe I can help him with it when we get home and before we get him set up for therapy there. We don't know what tomorrow will bring but I'm assuming more physical therapy mostly. There's not much left for them to help us with. They have one more blood draw in the morning and the pick line will be gone!
I'll head out to the hotel in the morning to do my shower gig, pack up and check out of there! Then I'll have our little carry on to bring up to the room and come Tuesday morning about 10:30 we'll head to the airport for our ride. Our friends Doug & Mike along with Henry will come to take us home. Can I tell you how excited we are!
So it may be a day or two before you hear from me but once we see our Dr. in Sunnyside and get a plan for Hank's follow up with spinal (for his neck), orthopedic for his thumbs, and wound care for his knee I will let you all know!
I can't say this enough but you all are awesome! We are so blessed to have our families and friends helping us get through this hiccup in our lives and without you and the good Lord above it would have been impossible. We thank you always and we love you all very much!
Love and God Bless you all,
Pam & Hank
I'll head out to the hotel in the morning to do my shower gig, pack up and check out of there! Then I'll have our little carry on to bring up to the room and come Tuesday morning about 10:30 we'll head to the airport for our ride. Our friends Doug & Mike along with Henry will come to take us home. Can I tell you how excited we are!
So it may be a day or two before you hear from me but once we see our Dr. in Sunnyside and get a plan for Hank's follow up with spinal (for his neck), orthopedic for his thumbs, and wound care for his knee I will let you all know!
I can't say this enough but you all are awesome! We are so blessed to have our families and friends helping us get through this hiccup in our lives and without you and the good Lord above it would have been impossible. We thank you always and we love you all very much!
Love and God Bless you all,
Pam & Hank
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friday June 11, 2010
Great news this morning! Dr. Dodds came in and says Hank can come home on Tuesday! He said Hanks kidneys and lungs are great. With my help dressing and grooming we can make it work until the gloves come off. We are doing fine here as a team and with just being at home is going to be great. We just have to be patient with his thumbs healing and the casts come off! His right knee still has quite a bit of healing to do but we can follow up with our doc at home so here we come! Our day will be pretty much like yesterday, actually we will get Sunday to rest but I just had to share before the kids get here. So if any new events get me going I'll let you know and also when we get home I'll do my best to keep you all up to date until like I said, until the gloves come off!
Thanks to God and all our wonderful families and friends!
Our Love, Hank and Pam
p.s. We had such a wonderful busy day. Delton and Kirk arrived and we all were busy visiting and keeping up with little Delton. He loves going to the exercise room and participating and watching people doing their exercises. He is mostly excited for Papa to get home to get the cranes out! He didn't want to leave which melted Nana's heart. Papa was pleased Delton actually got in bed with him and then he sat in Papa's lap in the wheel chair when we went down to the cafeteria for dinner. Made his day! So all in all we are a very happy family and we all are so thankful for people like you! Love and good night!
Thanks to God and all our wonderful families and friends!
Our Love, Hank and Pam
p.s. We had such a wonderful busy day. Delton and Kirk arrived and we all were busy visiting and keeping up with little Delton. He loves going to the exercise room and participating and watching people doing their exercises. He is mostly excited for Papa to get home to get the cranes out! He didn't want to leave which melted Nana's heart. Papa was pleased Delton actually got in bed with him and then he sat in Papa's lap in the wheel chair when we went down to the cafeteria for dinner. Made his day! So all in all we are a very happy family and we all are so thankful for people like you! Love and good night!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Thursday June 10, 2010
Good Morning,
Once again I apologize for no blog yesterday but we did have an amazing day! The kidney doctor came to give us a great report on his kidneys so that means no dialysis anymore! Then the doctor from the 12th came and did an evaluation on Hank and of course he passed as far as being able to start rehab. So off we went! Mostly the afternoon was filled with meeting the team of nurses and therapists but they did get him to the exercise room and had him walk up stairs about 3 times. He still gets tired quite easily but that is one thing they will be helping him with is managing his time so he in turn is managing his energy. I think I need some help with that as well!
So here we are on Friday and it's been a busy one as well. They actually didn't come in to draw blood until 5:00 a.m. and then at about 8:15 in came the nurses to get the day started. You know how it goes in hospitals...they bring in your hot breakfast and then want to do vitals, give meds and in the meantime everything gets cold! Oh well, nothing really tastes that great to Hank right now anyway, he has this salty taste in his mouth and even water tastes like salt. The kidney doc again gave Hank thumbs up as far as his kidneys go and he says his taste buds are starting to come alive and eventually the salty taste will go away.
So here is somewhat his days will be like until we come home which by the way we are hoping by next weekend, what a great Fathers Day gift that would be! So at 9 ADL (activities daily living, like learning how to pull a tee over his head with his broken scapula & ribs). Then around 9:30 will be massage therapy. Hasn't had that yet just discussing limitations. 11:00 OT, occupational therapy entails showering, using his blackberry with two casts that sort of thing. Then around 2 he'll have physical therapy to get his strength and balance back. At around 4:30 come speech therapy to test his swallowing skills and little exercises to strengthen his vocals. So all in all it sounds pretty easy but watching him afterwards he is exhausted! He's been awake today for most of the day so that will hopefully help him sleep longer tonight! That and I learned how to give him a shower and change out the pads in his neck brace. I couldn't imagine not having a real shower in 3 weeks. He's fresh as a daisy now though!
It's been so good for Papa (and Nana) to have little Delton and Alivia here these last few days. They bring such joy not only to us but everyone around us. Angie has been such a great help to helping Dad get rid of over 200 emails on his phone and Emily...what would we do without Emily. She is so wonderful for Delton and Angie and keeps us all organized and going when we need her. Thank you Emily! Papa got to hold little Alivia quite a bit, she's either wide awake just listening to him and checking him out or snuggled into one of his pillows. What a little angel. At first I think little Delton was a little aprehensive around Papa because he wasn't up and walking around but he warmed up and tonight he was driving his trucks and cars around on his bed and over his legs, he especially enjoyed hiding in the and as he said, "Stinking it up in there!". Tomorrow Daddy Delton will come spend the day with us along with our friend Kirk, he's also our accountant so I hope he tells us we won the lottery because I think by the time we leave here I'm going to have myself a million dollar man? No, just kidding, or am I?
So I will sign off now and get myself settled in to sleep on my little couch. It's a good thing I"m not any longer than 5'1"! It's not bad and I'm not complaining! I have my husband with me and that's all I can ask for!
We continue to thank you all and send our love and prayers! Can't wait to see you all back in Washington again soon!
Once again I apologize for no blog yesterday but we did have an amazing day! The kidney doctor came to give us a great report on his kidneys so that means no dialysis anymore! Then the doctor from the 12th came and did an evaluation on Hank and of course he passed as far as being able to start rehab. So off we went! Mostly the afternoon was filled with meeting the team of nurses and therapists but they did get him to the exercise room and had him walk up stairs about 3 times. He still gets tired quite easily but that is one thing they will be helping him with is managing his time so he in turn is managing his energy. I think I need some help with that as well!
So here we are on Friday and it's been a busy one as well. They actually didn't come in to draw blood until 5:00 a.m. and then at about 8:15 in came the nurses to get the day started. You know how it goes in hospitals...they bring in your hot breakfast and then want to do vitals, give meds and in the meantime everything gets cold! Oh well, nothing really tastes that great to Hank right now anyway, he has this salty taste in his mouth and even water tastes like salt. The kidney doc again gave Hank thumbs up as far as his kidneys go and he says his taste buds are starting to come alive and eventually the salty taste will go away.
So here is somewhat his days will be like until we come home which by the way we are hoping by next weekend, what a great Fathers Day gift that would be! So at 9 ADL (activities daily living, like learning how to pull a tee over his head with his broken scapula & ribs). Then around 9:30 will be massage therapy. Hasn't had that yet just discussing limitations. 11:00 OT, occupational therapy entails showering, using his blackberry with two casts that sort of thing. Then around 2 he'll have physical therapy to get his strength and balance back. At around 4:30 come speech therapy to test his swallowing skills and little exercises to strengthen his vocals. So all in all it sounds pretty easy but watching him afterwards he is exhausted! He's been awake today for most of the day so that will hopefully help him sleep longer tonight! That and I learned how to give him a shower and change out the pads in his neck brace. I couldn't imagine not having a real shower in 3 weeks. He's fresh as a daisy now though!
It's been so good for Papa (and Nana) to have little Delton and Alivia here these last few days. They bring such joy not only to us but everyone around us. Angie has been such a great help to helping Dad get rid of over 200 emails on his phone and Emily...what would we do without Emily. She is so wonderful for Delton and Angie and keeps us all organized and going when we need her. Thank you Emily! Papa got to hold little Alivia quite a bit, she's either wide awake just listening to him and checking him out or snuggled into one of his pillows. What a little angel. At first I think little Delton was a little aprehensive around Papa because he wasn't up and walking around but he warmed up and tonight he was driving his trucks and cars around on his bed and over his legs, he especially enjoyed hiding in the and as he said, "Stinking it up in there!". Tomorrow Daddy Delton will come spend the day with us along with our friend Kirk, he's also our accountant so I hope he tells us we won the lottery because I think by the time we leave here I'm going to have myself a million dollar man? No, just kidding, or am I?
So I will sign off now and get myself settled in to sleep on my little couch. It's a good thing I"m not any longer than 5'1"! It's not bad and I'm not complaining! I have my husband with me and that's all I can ask for!
We continue to thank you all and send our love and prayers! Can't wait to see you all back in Washington again soon!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday June 8, 2010
Hello! Sorry about no posting yesterday, Angie & Co. came to town in the afternoon and morning was busy! Yesterday the knee doctor came in and cleaned his knee and just put a bandage on it for now, so no more air vac which means one less tube dangling! The speech lady came in did some swallowing testing and he has made major improvements. She said today possible he could start the jello, applesauce, water diet and she just left with a good report! They will leave the feeding tube intact for a few days just to make sure he's getting all his nutrients and then remove it. This afternoon he ate some fresh pineapple, watermelon and fruit smoothie. He didn't eat a lot but he did eat. He made the remark that he was a little nervous so maybe tomorrow he be more confident.
I spent the night at the hotel with the kids and Hank didn't have a very good night. I guess when he was in the bathroom the nurse was on the out side of the door and almost pulled the feeding tube out again, they had to shove about 10 inches back in. I'm not sure what all went on but he was not a happy camper when I got here this morning! It's taking him a while to calm down and his blood pressure as well. It's been a little high again but he's pretty irritated and anxious to get started on rehabilitation. Speaking of that we are moving again tomorrow to the 12th floor! He will get about 3 hours a day but we're not sure what that entails, Hank is very anxious to get going! I will let you know the room number as soon as we know!
Today he got another tube removed (catheter) so that means no more dangling from the lower extremities! We're getting there! He getting better and better with getting out of bed. He can roll onto right side swing legs over and sit up. Still needs a little pull to stand but that's because he has no use with his casted right arm so he can't grip much and his left arm is to painful yet for use. So he's getting more and more mobile and it's so exciting to see. His trauma doctors were all in again today and they are so pleased (Hank says they just can't believe he's here!). Dr. White has always been so emotional actually had tears in his eyes before they left, such an amazing place! And they continue to follow him when we move up to the 12th floor and until we leave so that's wonderful.
So once again we want to thank all our wonderful circle of family and friends for all their love, prayers, cards of encouragement, flowers and oh that wonderful box of cookies from Taste of Heaven! Thank you Dragoo's and Hogue's! We are sending up our prayers of thankfulness for Hank's recovery and for all of you! Much Love, Hank & Pam.
I spent the night at the hotel with the kids and Hank didn't have a very good night. I guess when he was in the bathroom the nurse was on the out side of the door and almost pulled the feeding tube out again, they had to shove about 10 inches back in. I'm not sure what all went on but he was not a happy camper when I got here this morning! It's taking him a while to calm down and his blood pressure as well. It's been a little high again but he's pretty irritated and anxious to get started on rehabilitation. Speaking of that we are moving again tomorrow to the 12th floor! He will get about 3 hours a day but we're not sure what that entails, Hank is very anxious to get going! I will let you know the room number as soon as we know!
Today he got another tube removed (catheter) so that means no more dangling from the lower extremities! We're getting there! He getting better and better with getting out of bed. He can roll onto right side swing legs over and sit up. Still needs a little pull to stand but that's because he has no use with his casted right arm so he can't grip much and his left arm is to painful yet for use. So he's getting more and more mobile and it's so exciting to see. His trauma doctors were all in again today and they are so pleased (Hank says they just can't believe he's here!). Dr. White has always been so emotional actually had tears in his eyes before they left, such an amazing place! And they continue to follow him when we move up to the 12th floor and until we leave so that's wonderful.
So once again we want to thank all our wonderful circle of family and friends for all their love, prayers, cards of encouragement, flowers and oh that wonderful box of cookies from Taste of Heaven! Thank you Dragoo's and Hogue's! We are sending up our prayers of thankfulness for Hank's recovery and for all of you! Much Love, Hank & Pam.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Sunday June 6, 2010
First off I'd like to thank Bill, Mark & Orlin for the great dinner and wonderful wine I had last night. We went to a great restaurant downtown SL called The New Yorker. It's in the basement of a old hotel dating back to 1906. It was a great meal with good friends even though the cab ride there made us all think we could end up back at the hospital along side Hank! 80 miles an hour and no seat belts along with almost side swiping a truck. Needless to say we used a different company coming back. I got back to Hank's room about 10:00 and he still didn't have his feeding tube so that meant no night time meds, no sleeping pill and no sleep for us. I think I finally dozed off about 1:30 only to wake up about every hour with Hank. He finally asked the nurse for a shower about 5:30. He gets so sore just laying and was ready to get out of bed. Of course it was a dry shower because of his hands and air vac on his right knee with a hole. I headed to the hotel about 7:00 and got back around 10:00 and the busy day started!
Kidney doc came in and said Hank's levels are improving and doing great! Then they took him down to put his feeding tube back in. About the time he got back from that his hand doc came in and put a cast on his right hand and showed all of us the x-rays of his thumbs. They'll probably take the bandage off his left thumb in the next day or so and he'll just have a brace on that he can remove to shower. Doc said their both healing well! Then about the time that was finished they took him down for the C Scan. We probably won't know those results until tomorrow. While he was doing that somehow they pulled out his IV for antibiotics so then they had to call a team to put a pick line in his arm. He had one on his chest from the beginning but when they change floors they have to take it out. They'll use that line longer because it has less chance for getting infection. THEN when that was done in came physical therapy to take him for a walk. I helped him a little to sit up and then we gathered all his tubes and oxygen tank (again he is using minimal amount) and went for a walk about. He walked halfway around the 11th floor and tomorrow we plan on going all the way. He is so much stronger just in one day it's amazing! Hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday we'll get to go to 12th floor to start rehab!
Tomorrow will be an exciting day because Angie is bringing the little ones down along with Emily to see Papa. He's really excited about that and is telling everyone! They'll stay thru Thursday. Can't wait to see them!
That's about it for today. We are just settling in to watch the Celtics & Laker game. Well Hank is napping/watching. He looks pretty cozy. We keep reminding the nurse to make sure the sleeping pill is on order so hopefully that happens. Our love & prayers to you all! We are so blessed with wonderful family and friends!
Kidney doc came in and said Hank's levels are improving and doing great! Then they took him down to put his feeding tube back in. About the time he got back from that his hand doc came in and put a cast on his right hand and showed all of us the x-rays of his thumbs. They'll probably take the bandage off his left thumb in the next day or so and he'll just have a brace on that he can remove to shower. Doc said their both healing well! Then about the time that was finished they took him down for the C Scan. We probably won't know those results until tomorrow. While he was doing that somehow they pulled out his IV for antibiotics so then they had to call a team to put a pick line in his arm. He had one on his chest from the beginning but when they change floors they have to take it out. They'll use that line longer because it has less chance for getting infection. THEN when that was done in came physical therapy to take him for a walk. I helped him a little to sit up and then we gathered all his tubes and oxygen tank (again he is using minimal amount) and went for a walk about. He walked halfway around the 11th floor and tomorrow we plan on going all the way. He is so much stronger just in one day it's amazing! Hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday we'll get to go to 12th floor to start rehab!
Tomorrow will be an exciting day because Angie is bringing the little ones down along with Emily to see Papa. He's really excited about that and is telling everyone! They'll stay thru Thursday. Can't wait to see them!
That's about it for today. We are just settling in to watch the Celtics & Laker game. Well Hank is napping/watching. He looks pretty cozy. We keep reminding the nurse to make sure the sleeping pill is on order so hopefully that happens. Our love & prayers to you all! We are so blessed with wonderful family and friends!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Saturday June 5,2010
Hello from sunny, warm Utah! We've had a pretty busy day today. First off can you tell me why they have to wake you up at 3 a.m. to do a breathing treatment? I wake up to this guy using his outside voice, barking out orders to Hank to wake up and he sounds a little irritated. I had to tell him that he got a sleeping pill a little while ago and then he backed off, rude! Mostly it made me mad that he woke me up as well! Oh well. Hank started his day with physical therapy and he's getting a little cranky with the cute girls for rushing him in to movements and I think they are getting used to him because they still make him do what they ask. He did really well though, walked across the room and back and sat in a chair for quite a while. Then they took him down to get his neck x-rayed to see how the #5 & 6 were healing which he again had to roll onto a table and back off. No results on that yet, it's Saturday you know. Then they want to do another C Scan to check him for any infections because his white count is still elevated. This time their going to check his broken nose as well and I do think it's got to be infected just they way he breathes out of it and then last night I looked at him and he had a bloody nose. The nurse said it could be from the feeding tube being in there for so long which I have no doubt is not good. Then when they were helping him back into bed the feeding tube came out which in turn stopped the fluids going in for nourishment as well as the colored fluid they needed for the C Scan! This was all about 4ish. Well when the nurse called to get someone here to put it back in that department says they only work until 1 on Saturdays. Now the doctors have been called so see if they can compromise on something. So we sit now and wait. He would prefer not to have it put back in but the swallow specialist won't be back until Monday to test his esophagus again. So I'm thinking they have to get it back in soon or he's going to start getting hungry and ice chips won't cut it any more!
His buddies Bill, Mark and Orlin showed up this morning and came for a couple of visits today. Hank really appreciates it and it's nice to hear them tell stories and joke a bit! Now I'm headed out to dinner with them for a little break. So if any news more this evening I'll write when I get back from dinner.
Once again, thank you all so much for your support, love, prayers. It's what is helping me a lot as well as Hank. He hasn't wanted to look at the blog yet but I'm sure when we get home and settled it will happen. Until later.
His buddies Bill, Mark and Orlin showed up this morning and came for a couple of visits today. Hank really appreciates it and it's nice to hear them tell stories and joke a bit! Now I'm headed out to dinner with them for a little break. So if any news more this evening I'll write when I get back from dinner.
Once again, thank you all so much for your support, love, prayers. It's what is helping me a lot as well as Hank. He hasn't wanted to look at the blog yet but I'm sure when we get home and settled it will happen. Until later.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Friday June 4, 2010
Hello Everyone!
We have had another great day. Hank's kidney toxin levels have come down a bit! The doctor is saying he thinks the progress will continue to get better. His sodium levels are a little high but they'll monitor and treat that through his feeding tube. We did get some exercises from the dietitians today to help strengthen his esophagus. So I will do my best to get him to do them 3 times a day, I know he's getting better because he has those "OK Pam" moments. It's ok, I will let him for the time being!
Let's see, the hand surgeon came in and said they'll probably x-ray and cast his right hand in the next day or so. It's the one with the two pins in the thumb. His left thumb has titanium plate in it so it will not need to be cast. At least his mobility will be a little better.
He got physical therapy once today. I wish we could do more because he likes getting up and sitting in a chair. The hardest part though is when he has to roll over and sit up. His left arm is so hard to get in a good position with the broken bones it's really hard for him. Ouch! His breathing continues to improve each day. They have a nose oxygen tube in him but hardly any air now. I noticed in sleeping in his room last night that he doesn't sleep hardly at all so the doctors suggested he try a sleeping pill (via feeding tube) for awhile because sleep is his friend right now when he's not getting therapy.
His high school friend Rick Hall surprised us with a visit last night and Hank was so pleased. Thanks Rick! He's got some more friends (the Stoneriders, harley buddies) coming tomorrow for a quick visit and he's excited about that and so am I! Their going to take me out to dinner and I can almost taste that glass of wine!
We have had another great day. Hank's kidney toxin levels have come down a bit! The doctor is saying he thinks the progress will continue to get better. His sodium levels are a little high but they'll monitor and treat that through his feeding tube. We did get some exercises from the dietitians today to help strengthen his esophagus. So I will do my best to get him to do them 3 times a day, I know he's getting better because he has those "OK Pam" moments. It's ok, I will let him for the time being!
Let's see, the hand surgeon came in and said they'll probably x-ray and cast his right hand in the next day or so. It's the one with the two pins in the thumb. His left thumb has titanium plate in it so it will not need to be cast. At least his mobility will be a little better.
He got physical therapy once today. I wish we could do more because he likes getting up and sitting in a chair. The hardest part though is when he has to roll over and sit up. His left arm is so hard to get in a good position with the broken bones it's really hard for him. Ouch! His breathing continues to improve each day. They have a nose oxygen tube in him but hardly any air now. I noticed in sleeping in his room last night that he doesn't sleep hardly at all so the doctors suggested he try a sleeping pill (via feeding tube) for awhile because sleep is his friend right now when he's not getting therapy.
His high school friend Rick Hall surprised us with a visit last night and Hank was so pleased. Thanks Rick! He's got some more friends (the Stoneriders, harley buddies) coming tomorrow for a quick visit and he's excited about that and so am I! Their going to take me out to dinner and I can almost taste that glass of wine!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thursday June 3, 2010
Hello Family & Friends,
Oh how a difference one day makes. Today has been a busy one! First Hank's kidney doctor came in and made the decision that even though his toxin levels have gone up a bit he still wants to hold off on putting another line in him and doing dialysis. They in turn are giving him more liquids to increase his output. They will watch the numbers and plan accordingly though.
Physical therapy came in and had him stand 3 different times for about 2 minutes each. He was able to use his legs much better today to stand up and sit back down. Then they had him take about 6 steps over to a chair and then he sat there for about an hour. The girls were very pleased with him today compared to yesterday and so was I!
They came in and stuck a camera tube down his nose to watch his swallowing of pudding and milk (which they put blue dye in to see it better) via a computer. I was able to watch without to much nausea and it was obvious even to me that his throat still isn't strong enough yet to close up properly to keep the fluids from going down into his lungs. So we are still on a ice cube only diet for a couple more days and then they will test him again. They are suppose to give him some exercises to strengthen and make his brain remember how to close up the tube to the lungs. Amazing to watch and who made us with two critical tubes so close together!
We did make progress today in our living arrangements! We got off the trauma floor 5 and moved up to floor #11, now his room is #1124. It's got a real bathroom with a door (great for wife) and a couch. He can have little visitors in here as well. The couch thing Hank is real excited for because he wants me to spend the nights here even though I have a perfectly nice hotel room with 2 bedrooms! Oh, well I can still visit it in the mornings while they do their daily bathing and exercising with him! I'll try it tonight and see how it goes.
On Monday they are planning on moving him up one more floor to #12 to start rehab. They feel we need at least a week and half for rehab. That way our insurance will still be in effect. Good thing for that, I don't want to cut into my shoe budget with hospital bills. I kinda think my shoe buying days will be limited anyway because insurance will only cover part of this place anyway and I'm so grateful we have good insurance!
Hank had me take another picture of him showing his hands and had me send them to our grandson Delton and then he wanted to call him. So we got Delton on the phone and Hank told him that when he was riding his bike a deer ran out in front of him and he got in a wreck. Delton asked "How come?". Angie said he looked at the picture of Papa but just for a little while I guess. I'm hoping once Hank gets up to rehab and a little later next week the kids can all come back for a visit. He's still talking about wanting to hold little Alivia!
So that's about it for today. Hank's resting comfortable again and we'll just hang here the rest of the day! He can have flowers now and I won't need to take them to the hotel and thanks for the cards you've sent, so nice. We send our love, prayers, and thankfulness to all of you! We miss you all and can't wait to come home!
Oh how a difference one day makes. Today has been a busy one! First Hank's kidney doctor came in and made the decision that even though his toxin levels have gone up a bit he still wants to hold off on putting another line in him and doing dialysis. They in turn are giving him more liquids to increase his output. They will watch the numbers and plan accordingly though.
Physical therapy came in and had him stand 3 different times for about 2 minutes each. He was able to use his legs much better today to stand up and sit back down. Then they had him take about 6 steps over to a chair and then he sat there for about an hour. The girls were very pleased with him today compared to yesterday and so was I!
They came in and stuck a camera tube down his nose to watch his swallowing of pudding and milk (which they put blue dye in to see it better) via a computer. I was able to watch without to much nausea and it was obvious even to me that his throat still isn't strong enough yet to close up properly to keep the fluids from going down into his lungs. So we are still on a ice cube only diet for a couple more days and then they will test him again. They are suppose to give him some exercises to strengthen and make his brain remember how to close up the tube to the lungs. Amazing to watch and who made us with two critical tubes so close together!
We did make progress today in our living arrangements! We got off the trauma floor 5 and moved up to floor #11, now his room is #1124. It's got a real bathroom with a door (great for wife) and a couch. He can have little visitors in here as well. The couch thing Hank is real excited for because he wants me to spend the nights here even though I have a perfectly nice hotel room with 2 bedrooms! Oh, well I can still visit it in the mornings while they do their daily bathing and exercising with him! I'll try it tonight and see how it goes.
On Monday they are planning on moving him up one more floor to #12 to start rehab. They feel we need at least a week and half for rehab. That way our insurance will still be in effect. Good thing for that, I don't want to cut into my shoe budget with hospital bills. I kinda think my shoe buying days will be limited anyway because insurance will only cover part of this place anyway and I'm so grateful we have good insurance!
Hank had me take another picture of him showing his hands and had me send them to our grandson Delton and then he wanted to call him. So we got Delton on the phone and Hank told him that when he was riding his bike a deer ran out in front of him and he got in a wreck. Delton asked "How come?". Angie said he looked at the picture of Papa but just for a little while I guess. I'm hoping once Hank gets up to rehab and a little later next week the kids can all come back for a visit. He's still talking about wanting to hold little Alivia!
So that's about it for today. Hank's resting comfortable again and we'll just hang here the rest of the day! He can have flowers now and I won't need to take them to the hotel and thanks for the cards you've sent, so nice. We send our love, prayers, and thankfulness to all of you! We miss you all and can't wait to come home!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesday June 2, 2010
Well not a lot of changes today, Hank continues to get a little oxygen through his nose along with the feeding tube. He has to be able to swollow (right now we're at ice cubes) without sucking anything into his lungs. They were going to send a camera down the feeding tube to watch his esophagus but so far that hasn't happened. They also talked about moving him up to the 12th floor this morning but he didn't get physical therapy until about 3 so it was to late to move him. They had him stand (with help) twice but with the broken ribs and scapula it's pretty tough. That along with not standing much for almost 2 weeks he's pretty weak. So many things he'll need help with re-learning. Simple things like how to hold his toothbrush and eating utensils (when he gets real food) with the casts he'll go home with. They fixed him up with an aperatise for me to put on him and then stick toothbrush or whatever in so he can do it himself. It'll work just will, take some time to learn.
He also has a little confusion at times which they attribute to toxins still in his body that his kidneys have not cleaned out yet and also his pain meds. He'll start a conversation about did I see them shooting those birds, apparently 'they' put him right out in the middle because there wasn't much he could do. He said it was hilarious! He also asked me if I'd talked to Katy because she had some stuff for her kitchen for me to look at. Then today he was asking me if Delton and JP (Moore) were outside. And right after that he asked me if I'd talked to Angie to see how the little girl was. He said "I can't wait to hold her in my lap!". Made big tears roll down my face. Back to the kidneys, the urologists wants to hold off on doing any more dialysis because the toxin levels have slowed down and he's hoping Hanks kidneys will kick in even more and he doesn't want to put another line in again if he doesn't have to. So I'm praying he's right!
This place is so amazing. The respiratory guy Larry told me they brought in a sick young girl from Colorado today and he's flown to Wisconsin to bring someone here. So they come from all over!
Thanks and hope you all are having a great day!
He also has a little confusion at times which they attribute to toxins still in his body that his kidneys have not cleaned out yet and also his pain meds. He'll start a conversation about did I see them shooting those birds, apparently 'they' put him right out in the middle because there wasn't much he could do. He said it was hilarious! He also asked me if I'd talked to Katy because she had some stuff for her kitchen for me to look at. Then today he was asking me if Delton and JP (Moore) were outside. And right after that he asked me if I'd talked to Angie to see how the little girl was. He said "I can't wait to hold her in my lap!". Made big tears roll down my face. Back to the kidneys, the urologists wants to hold off on doing any more dialysis because the toxin levels have slowed down and he's hoping Hanks kidneys will kick in even more and he doesn't want to put another line in again if he doesn't have to. So I'm praying he's right!
This place is so amazing. The respiratory guy Larry told me they brought in a sick young girl from Colorado today and he's flown to Wisconsin to bring someone here. So they come from all over!
Thanks and hope you all are having a great day!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Tuesday June 1, 2010
Wow, the day is just half over and have we ever made progress! Hank had a great night last night with his sleeping, no anxiety pills needed and also breathing on his own. He did have his pain meds administered but thats it! His blood count has come down to 25 from 32 yesterday and everyone is pleased that it will continue to drop. He still has his neck brace on from the fractures on #5 & 6 vertebrae and will have it on for 6 to 8 weeks but by then his ribs should be pretty much healed as well as his fractured scapula. So all bones will be done healing about the same time, yeah! They took the port out from his dialysis and hopefully never to be put back in. His numbers are looking good for toxin levels and they'll test them again tomorrow. He's peeing like a race horse, so you go Hank! They redressed the hole in his knee today and will do that every 3 days but they say it is healing really well.
Now for the exciting news...he got his respirator out (again) this morning! He is breathing really well and they felt he is doing fine without it. The first thing he said was "I need a beer, maybe a couple". He has this deep sexy voice right now and I kinda like it! His speech is so much better than the first time they removed the respirator I can't believe it. In a few hours hopefully they'll let him have ice chips, they have a swallow nurse come and test him. This trauma unit is so amazing, they have different groups for every little thing they do. Specialists in just one specific area along with all the other training makes for good people! The only tube left is his feeding tube and if he passes the swallow test more extensive tomorrow they may introduce some food by the weekend. A woman from the 12th floor rehab came in and talked to us about what to expect when he gets moved to the 12th floor. He'll be working out for about 5-6 hours a day with little breaks in between and I can participate if I want which I plan on. I really didn't realize what it entailed but simple stuff like how to take care of himself with two bandaged hands! They say maybe by Thursday or Friday we'll be there! So all in all it's been a terrific day!
Oh, one last thing. Note to self, the balloons he has gotten drive him crazy, he says it makes him think that someone is standing over in the corner. I'm sure under different circumstances they wouldn't bother him. Thanks again for all your well wishes, cards, flowers (and balloons). Until later.
Now for the exciting news...he got his respirator out (again) this morning! He is breathing really well and they felt he is doing fine without it. The first thing he said was "I need a beer, maybe a couple". He has this deep sexy voice right now and I kinda like it! His speech is so much better than the first time they removed the respirator I can't believe it. In a few hours hopefully they'll let him have ice chips, they have a swallow nurse come and test him. This trauma unit is so amazing, they have different groups for every little thing they do. Specialists in just one specific area along with all the other training makes for good people! The only tube left is his feeding tube and if he passes the swallow test more extensive tomorrow they may introduce some food by the weekend. A woman from the 12th floor rehab came in and talked to us about what to expect when he gets moved to the 12th floor. He'll be working out for about 5-6 hours a day with little breaks in between and I can participate if I want which I plan on. I really didn't realize what it entailed but simple stuff like how to take care of himself with two bandaged hands! They say maybe by Thursday or Friday we'll be there! So all in all it's been a terrific day!
Oh, one last thing. Note to self, the balloons he has gotten drive him crazy, he says it makes him think that someone is standing over in the corner. I'm sure under different circumstances they wouldn't bother him. Thanks again for all your well wishes, cards, flowers (and balloons). Until later.
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