Sunday the 31st was fairly uneventful - a mild rash and fever, which abated with Benedryl and Tylenol. Monday started with encouragement, as Dad came off the ventilator and was back to breathing on his own (with oxygen assistance). He had been back on the ventilator for 48 hours. He maintained his numbers very well.
- Pretty good day. About 2-1/2 hours sitting up in a robo-chair (not as exotic as it sounds).
- Today, he was his most alert since arriving in Latrobe.
- Rash and fever have passed, so no more Benedryl or Tylenol.
- Dad was visited by Dave and Kathy Fox. It was good to see them - one of the blessings that comes from this situation.
- After an early dinner at our new favorite place in Latrobe - Sharky's - Mom and I headed back to the hospital to catch Dr. Dicroce on his rounds for a comprehensive update.
- The doctor reported that he is generally encouraged by Dad's progress. The level of motor function on his right side at this stage of the game is a very good sign, his vital signs are solid, he is responsive to questions (shakes his head for yes/no) and commands (hand squeezes, moving feet, lifting arm), he is free of infection and fever (the C diff and blood cultures were negative), good bowel sounds, etc.
- Dad went back on the ventilator at about 10:30 PM for a rest overnight, but he did pretty well all day.
- So, the good news is that Dad remains stable.
- We (Dad, Mom and I) are frustrated by our inability to communicate effectively. One effect of the communication problem is that he got a bit agitated (with the situation and not us I hope) late in the evening.
Please keep praying for Dad's complete recovery and healing. Also, pray for our ability to communicate with him. Thank you for your love and support.
Posts
First - Woody, Thank you for this blog. People from all over the country have been calling and we hate to bother you and Noodie with calls.
ReplyDeleteSecond, but most importantly - Miles and Noodie, know that you are loved, missed and prayed for on a regular basis. Emma Kay includes you in her prayers each night (after we remind her that you had the best Halloween House in the neighborhood).
As always, let us know if you need anything.
David Sneed
MILES,
ReplyDeleteKEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!
JIM WIEST
Miles, Noodie, Becky, and Woody,
Beck Weathers, the Texas pathologist who was rescued off of Mount Everest, said that the work he did to recover was harder than climbing the Mountain. Keep going!
Scottie Wiest
Myles, you are in my prayers--I'm printing off this update to take home for Steve to read. We miss you, Fondly, Debbie Larkin
ReplyDeleteNoodie, Woody, et al...
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to know of this blog; thank you for the time and effort to get it up and maintain it!
I've been reminiscing for the past few weeks as we've been praying for Miles about that fabulous party we had on his birthday in 2008, and how we pray that Miles will be back on his feet dressed in full skunk regalia for the recovery party that will be sure to follow. I appreciate Scottie's posting re: Beck Weathers and the challenges ahead as well as for all the family. Our heartfelt prayers for a full recovery and God's blessing of strength and courage for all; may we draw close to Him during this time of need.
Blessings to all,
Chip and Trish Fox
Our thoughts and prayers are with Miles and Noodie and family. We miss you and want you home, soon! Get well Miles. Love from your neighbors, Mary and John
ReplyDeleteNoodie and Woody,
ReplyDeleteJim's stroke took his ability to communicate. I had to learn alot about non-verbal communications. Also I got some speech pathologist books that helped me. The main part I learned was to keep myself calm and ask simple inquiry qestions that could be answered with a yes/no. I got pretty good at hearing unspoken words.
Also, I have thought of the power of music for Miles. I know it helped Jim to have loved music to calm and collect him. There are whole books on this subject and I know this worked for us. Maybe it helped me more than Jim--either or both ways it did set a different tone and rhythm.
I am looking to get some Tibetan prayer flags to fly for all of you. The dancing photograph is wonderful!
Kindest regards, Scottie
Miles, Noodie, Woody and family,
ReplyDeleteThank you Woody for this site! We hope to get up to Latrobe before long. I'm thinking along the lines of Irish humor and Leon Redbone. The "kids" send their love and best wishes to Uncle Miles and the whole family. You guys are the best neighbors and friends ever! We still laugh everytime we think of you and the trick or drinking escapades among other things. Miles, keep up your spirits and pay attention to doctor's orders - not like you have anything else to do, being retired....
Hope to see you soon!
Love, Dale and Sherry, Kira and Dale Jr.