Hey Ms. Henri--I've got some more progress to report. Justin is upgrading on his traech today. The one he has now has a 'cuff', acts like a balloon in there. The new one will be a "disposeable" traech which can be capped off for him to start speaking. If all goes well with it, he goes next week to another version which weins him completely off the traech. Will lots of praying and good reactions, he may be off the traech completely by 2 weeks from today.
Betty--yes we are getting your comments and appreciate them so much. Robyn and Brooke did drive back to Enterprise yesterday. Got in sometime after 7 AL time, ran into a wreck on Atlanta 85 but didn't put them too late getting in.
Mama Hen--Thank you so much for the information. We will definitely relay the information to all that have asked. In case you wonder, you come up alot as the motivation from Dothan and the "Mama" nurse that made our concerns less by knowing you were watching over our son. And when we express how highly recommended Shepherd was.
Justin fed himself lunch with the help of a few gadgets, well mainly one wrist band and a good nurse to offer up some suggestions (Charlie Brown---he named himself, his name is Charlie-the one we met first day on the floor and couldn't remember what he said his name was, now we can remember because he said "just think of Charlie Brown"-ha). While he seemed frustrated at first and tired, he had just come from 1 1/2 of PT and was hurting bad since he'd had no pain meds in 36 hours, he was determined to finish it himself.
He's in good spirits, upgrading on the traech, losing the catheter and peg line. We see him again after OT, around 3:30 or so but it's possible he may sleep for a while. He said he can't sleep at night for everyone coming in wanting something and can't sleep by day for PT/OT and not wanting to miss company--go figure!!
We'll keep posting and we know that you all will keep praying.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Question--Mama Hen
Hey Mama Hen--we need your full name and your husband's name. We have a lot of people wanting to know everytime we mention you.
Also, Justin met Dr. Bilsky this morning. He is a kidder--first question to Justin was "do you remember meeting me already?" Justin said, I think so and Dr. Bilsky said it was a trick question because he had been on vacation (ha ha).
Things like a whirlwind again. What we thought were meetings for one thing turned out to be something else. We finally met with the case manager, got a calendar (sort of) and a Doctor's meeting. We weren't originally going to get a team meeting but Barbara (Barb as she's being called) said she thought it would be a good idea so she's coordinating that.
Justin was awake and good this morning. He's up from 7 lbs on his right arm to 10 lbs today after PT, he gets his catheter out and the peg line. Will start learning how to feed himself without help. He's power napping right now, will head back up there in about 10 minutes.
Will update later. Keep praying----let me know something Mama H!!!
Thanks!
Also, Justin met Dr. Bilsky this morning. He is a kidder--first question to Justin was "do you remember meeting me already?" Justin said, I think so and Dr. Bilsky said it was a trick question because he had been on vacation (ha ha).
Things like a whirlwind again. What we thought were meetings for one thing turned out to be something else. We finally met with the case manager, got a calendar (sort of) and a Doctor's meeting. We weren't originally going to get a team meeting but Barbara (Barb as she's being called) said she thought it would be a good idea so she's coordinating that.
Justin was awake and good this morning. He's up from 7 lbs on his right arm to 10 lbs today after PT, he gets his catheter out and the peg line. Will start learning how to feed himself without help. He's power napping right now, will head back up there in about 10 minutes.
Will update later. Keep praying----let me know something Mama H!!!
Thanks!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Feed back
Hey Mama Hen--we've been here officially 5 1/2 days and we've seen and heard so many tragic stories, most are younger people which we knew was a huge resident number here and each story tugs at your heart strings. We met one mother who advised we would find some that wanted to fuss about Shepherd more than anything and that has happened. I find it hard to believe that people hold no more respect than they do for the many blessings they have before them.
I put a lot of my strength comes from people like you and my Delaware sis, Louisiana gang and ever faithful Ms. Lue and the many, many others that believe in God and Justin. While the days have been good day, bad day--I can't blame anyone for them! This rollercoaster doesn't come with instructions, same as children do not. God said believe in Him and we would be rewarded with eternal life and peace in Heaven, not perfection on Earth. The trials aren't easy, yet the blessings--small or large--are amazing.
Our experience to date is awesome in that we have a bad Saturday and then have such a remarkable Sunday. I wish others here could feel what a miraculous feeling that is. Yes the bad days 'suck' as my children would put it, yet the good days make you want to cry with joy. It can be tiring and stressful, but oh so motivating. As with any hospital, you will find caregivers that have a great repour and generous spirit & heart, then there will be those that approach it as a job that pays their bills so they can lead their own lives--and that's okay too! I just thank God for all of them because Justin is ultimately the one getting the treatment, whether they "Dote over him" or just deliver the meds and leave.
Justin is still determined in his faith and motivation. He said just today that no one believes him when he says he's walking out of here yet everyone continues to acknowledge how well he has done in just that short 5 1/2 days.
Remember he came here from CCU, had not eaten real food in 26 days. In 5 days he has eaten every day, has been in a regular room for 3 days, has been up in his chair for 2 1/2 days, has been off oxygen for 4 1/2 days and spent 24 hours without pain meds. I can't figure out the negative that people are finding here. We have a shower, toilet, sink for washing, dishes for eating, a fridge to keep things cool and a stove for making things warm, towels to bathe with and a bed when we are weery.
I don't know that we'll ever be able to express the full extent of our journey. I would much rather be in Enterprise AL cooking 5 pounds of bacon for my son and son-in-law but life just changed one day and now we are here. Thanking everyone and God for the Justin we spent time with today.
May all of your lives be so blessed during good times (or bad should you ever encounter any trials). To all of you, thank you so very much, God bless and we love you guys!!
You would be loving the Justin personality (even the jokes that the nurses clearly know are something that is more of a 'family joke') and there is one-Valerie- that noted today that his "eyes" told her that he was tired even if he was saying no!!
Thanks for all the encouragement--I guess I used this blog for venting more so than an update tonight. We were informed at 7:30 by our neighbor whose son is Justin's roommate that they were both sleeping so I'm doing dishes and laundry (killing time waiting on the spin cycle, ha).
Let you all know how Monday goes!!!
I put a lot of my strength comes from people like you and my Delaware sis, Louisiana gang and ever faithful Ms. Lue and the many, many others that believe in God and Justin. While the days have been good day, bad day--I can't blame anyone for them! This rollercoaster doesn't come with instructions, same as children do not. God said believe in Him and we would be rewarded with eternal life and peace in Heaven, not perfection on Earth. The trials aren't easy, yet the blessings--small or large--are amazing.
Our experience to date is awesome in that we have a bad Saturday and then have such a remarkable Sunday. I wish others here could feel what a miraculous feeling that is. Yes the bad days 'suck' as my children would put it, yet the good days make you want to cry with joy. It can be tiring and stressful, but oh so motivating. As with any hospital, you will find caregivers that have a great repour and generous spirit & heart, then there will be those that approach it as a job that pays their bills so they can lead their own lives--and that's okay too! I just thank God for all of them because Justin is ultimately the one getting the treatment, whether they "Dote over him" or just deliver the meds and leave.
Justin is still determined in his faith and motivation. He said just today that no one believes him when he says he's walking out of here yet everyone continues to acknowledge how well he has done in just that short 5 1/2 days.
Remember he came here from CCU, had not eaten real food in 26 days. In 5 days he has eaten every day, has been in a regular room for 3 days, has been up in his chair for 2 1/2 days, has been off oxygen for 4 1/2 days and spent 24 hours without pain meds. I can't figure out the negative that people are finding here. We have a shower, toilet, sink for washing, dishes for eating, a fridge to keep things cool and a stove for making things warm, towels to bathe with and a bed when we are weery.
I don't know that we'll ever be able to express the full extent of our journey. I would much rather be in Enterprise AL cooking 5 pounds of bacon for my son and son-in-law but life just changed one day and now we are here. Thanking everyone and God for the Justin we spent time with today.
May all of your lives be so blessed during good times (or bad should you ever encounter any trials). To all of you, thank you so very much, God bless and we love you guys!!
You would be loving the Justin personality (even the jokes that the nurses clearly know are something that is more of a 'family joke') and there is one-Valerie- that noted today that his "eyes" told her that he was tired even if he was saying no!!
Thanks for all the encouragement--I guess I used this blog for venting more so than an update tonight. We were informed at 7:30 by our neighbor whose son is Justin's roommate that they were both sleeping so I'm doing dishes and laundry (killing time waiting on the spin cycle, ha).
Let you all know how Monday goes!!!
Sunday August 2
New month and new days to get through.
Prayers have been answered and today found Justin without fever, better with his congestion (he is still getting a lot of suctioning but staying around 94 with his SPO2). Robyn has learned how to help him "cough" during suctions and nurse Valerie said she's become such a pro that they may just have to hire her.....
He was sleeping when I got there aroud 9:30 and I didn't make a strong effort to wake him until Robyn and Brooke got there with Starbucks and Donuts (yum). I think his "java" had him a bit wired for a while, but he ate good breakfast, lunch and supper. He said he realized that he needed to drink the cranberry to help with the bladder--even though he can't stand cranberry juice), he knew eating good and a variety of fruits, veggies and other stuff would help health wise and body wise. He's down to 153 pounds and says most of that is muscle mass. He mentioned that again today in joking that he was "depressed" he lost so much of his muscles but also commented it would be all the more reason to work harder in PT training.
After three clippers--he finally got his military hair-do!! Dad did it with Justin's guidance and he was tickled with it. Said he felt better even though he hasn't even had his bath yet. But nurse Stanley said he needed a bath, waiting til tomorrow wasn't an option (ha ha--I told Justin he needed one last night but he wouldn't listen--lol--mom's can still get the last laugh!!!)
He was in GOOD spirits today. A lot of joking, conversation and teaching (med wise and other stuff too). He met the chaplain today and had a bried talk with him, he told him that he would be talking with him but it would be later on then he would call him. He recognizes we are all relying on God's power, healing, mercy and much more to get through this.
Congrats to Robby & Chastity--get ready Lydia & Keith---you won't believe how different it is to be a grandparent vs. a parent. I know you all must be so happy!!
I have a somewhat new grandbaby--his name is Norman--dachsund---and yes Robyn already has him spoiled rotten. He sucks his paw when he lays down to go to sleep, barks at anything that moves and doesn't like squeeky toys-go figure!!
Anywho, Justin has been over 24 hours without pain meds, spent 7 hours in the chair today before wanting back in bed. We left him around 6:00 tonight to get some things done after spening roughly 9 hours with him. Tomorrow starts a week full of rehad therapy, doctor consulations, team meetings, 8 hours lectures for training and some 'hands on' training. We'll let you know all the progress as we get through them and continue to update on Justin.
This was a good day and I was so very glad that Robyn and Brooke were here to see most of it.
Love you all, keep praying-----
Prayers have been answered and today found Justin without fever, better with his congestion (he is still getting a lot of suctioning but staying around 94 with his SPO2). Robyn has learned how to help him "cough" during suctions and nurse Valerie said she's become such a pro that they may just have to hire her.....
He was sleeping when I got there aroud 9:30 and I didn't make a strong effort to wake him until Robyn and Brooke got there with Starbucks and Donuts (yum). I think his "java" had him a bit wired for a while, but he ate good breakfast, lunch and supper. He said he realized that he needed to drink the cranberry to help with the bladder--even though he can't stand cranberry juice), he knew eating good and a variety of fruits, veggies and other stuff would help health wise and body wise. He's down to 153 pounds and says most of that is muscle mass. He mentioned that again today in joking that he was "depressed" he lost so much of his muscles but also commented it would be all the more reason to work harder in PT training.
After three clippers--he finally got his military hair-do!! Dad did it with Justin's guidance and he was tickled with it. Said he felt better even though he hasn't even had his bath yet. But nurse Stanley said he needed a bath, waiting til tomorrow wasn't an option (ha ha--I told Justin he needed one last night but he wouldn't listen--lol--mom's can still get the last laugh!!!)
He was in GOOD spirits today. A lot of joking, conversation and teaching (med wise and other stuff too). He met the chaplain today and had a bried talk with him, he told him that he would be talking with him but it would be later on then he would call him. He recognizes we are all relying on God's power, healing, mercy and much more to get through this.
Congrats to Robby & Chastity--get ready Lydia & Keith---you won't believe how different it is to be a grandparent vs. a parent. I know you all must be so happy!!
I have a somewhat new grandbaby--his name is Norman--dachsund---and yes Robyn already has him spoiled rotten. He sucks his paw when he lays down to go to sleep, barks at anything that moves and doesn't like squeeky toys-go figure!!
Anywho, Justin has been over 24 hours without pain meds, spent 7 hours in the chair today before wanting back in bed. We left him around 6:00 tonight to get some things done after spening roughly 9 hours with him. Tomorrow starts a week full of rehad therapy, doctor consulations, team meetings, 8 hours lectures for training and some 'hands on' training. We'll let you know all the progress as we get through them and continue to update on Justin.
This was a good day and I was so very glad that Robyn and Brooke were here to see most of it.
Love you all, keep praying-----
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Evening Update-Saturday
Justin has informed us that the next time we come in and find him sleeping we are to wake him up. Of course, I thought it was because he missed our loveable personalities but it was because he said "if I sleep during the day, I won't sleep good at night"---go figure. He was feeling better tonight. Had a few scares with congestion and new shift of nurses on tonight; otherwise, I think it was a good visit.
I'm trying to get the hang of things and either go too soft or too rough (as he quickly let me know tonight) but he seemed okay that we are trying. Had to "cough him" during treatment and I guess I got a bit aggressive. Apologized many times---learning alot!!
He seemed in good spirits, letting nurses know real quick what he knows he needs even when they question it. Turned down pain meds tonight and sleep aid meds and convinced respiratory he didn't need to be put on oxygen tonight.
Another day of turn-arounds and we're learning they happen.
Appreciate you all and will continue to report everything. Keep praying, that is the strength!!
Love you all for the support, encouragement, prayer and keeping us grounded!!
I'm trying to get the hang of things and either go too soft or too rough (as he quickly let me know tonight) but he seemed okay that we are trying. Had to "cough him" during treatment and I guess I got a bit aggressive. Apologized many times---learning alot!!
He seemed in good spirits, letting nurses know real quick what he knows he needs even when they question it. Turned down pain meds tonight and sleep aid meds and convinced respiratory he didn't need to be put on oxygen tonight.
Another day of turn-arounds and we're learning they happen.
Appreciate you all and will continue to report everything. Keep praying, that is the strength!!
Love you all for the support, encouragement, prayer and keeping us grounded!!
Saturday afternoon
Rechecked on just at 4:30 and found him sleeping again. Respiratory was doing another breathing treatment and said the rest was good for him. Stanley (day nurse) said he finally broke his fever. We'll check back after Robyn gets her a power nap, of course she & Brooke got in about 8:00 GA time spent about 45 minutes with Justin last night, by end of late suppertime she was out and back up 6:00 GA time this morning. Even though Justin's been tired, hurting and overall not feeling good, we've made 4 trips up there plus the Candy run (and most recent the Fresh Market run for her to get hubby some goodies while in Afghanistan).
Scotty hurting today also and having a rough day himself and Brooke pretty much being Brooke--okay with whatever is going on and whatever we need to be doing.
We continue to appreciate all of the encouragement. Days like today remind us of all the many blessings and days that were worse so we know the progress made. WE understand God works on his timeframe and do the best we can to encourage Justin on 'down' days.
Love you all very much, many thanks!!!
Scotty hurting today also and having a rough day himself and Brooke pretty much being Brooke--okay with whatever is going on and whatever we need to be doing.
We continue to appreciate all of the encouragement. Days like today remind us of all the many blessings and days that were worse so we know the progress made. WE understand God works on his timeframe and do the best we can to encourage Justin on 'down' days.
Love you all very much, many thanks!!!
New month
We all have been down this road many times. You get a good blog then a bad day comes and we report a minor (or sometimes major) setback.
7:45 found him sleeping and what I figured was a fever since he was uncovered. We didn't see anyone to discuss it with so we left and returned at 10:00 to see him before his PT visit and we found him yet again sleeping, this time covered with 2 blankets and still no contact with nurses.
We headed to WalMart for the "Mike n Ike's" he wanted last night. Returned back at 11:20 to find the nurse finally in there and Justin in low spirits and clearly not feeling well. Fever at 101.2, lots of congestion that they just couldn't get up and he couldn't get coughed up. He said he was just down right not feeling good.
PT decided to do bed exercises and Justin finally said he wanted to be in his chair but that still found him hurting in neck and left shoulder, still had congestion and got nausea and a headache. He got Tylenol for fever, nausea meds and pain meds. I finally convinced him to eat some of his lunch that was about an hour cold and he ate about half of it.
He wasn't really asleep but semi-dozing around 2:00 so we decided to head to housing to quick zap some lunch. I hope our next visit will give us something better to report.
WE love you all and ask you to continue to pray.
7:45 found him sleeping and what I figured was a fever since he was uncovered. We didn't see anyone to discuss it with so we left and returned at 10:00 to see him before his PT visit and we found him yet again sleeping, this time covered with 2 blankets and still no contact with nurses.
We headed to WalMart for the "Mike n Ike's" he wanted last night. Returned back at 11:20 to find the nurse finally in there and Justin in low spirits and clearly not feeling well. Fever at 101.2, lots of congestion that they just couldn't get up and he couldn't get coughed up. He said he was just down right not feeling good.
PT decided to do bed exercises and Justin finally said he wanted to be in his chair but that still found him hurting in neck and left shoulder, still had congestion and got nausea and a headache. He got Tylenol for fever, nausea meds and pain meds. I finally convinced him to eat some of his lunch that was about an hour cold and he ate about half of it.
He wasn't really asleep but semi-dozing around 2:00 so we decided to head to housing to quick zap some lunch. I hope our next visit will give us something better to report.
WE love you all and ask you to continue to pray.
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