Saturday, July 21, 2007

One Floor down, but 10 steps ahead...

The last 10 days have been a little crazy...getting medications correct, physical therapy orders reviewed, finding lost discharge papers from St. John's, trying to get people to clean and empty trash at other times than 3 or 4 a.m. in the morning. Yes, as crazy as all those things sound, they have all been very real challenges. We have had some excellent care, but, it just takes a few things to fall between the cracks to make things crazy!
I took Tiffani, John Garrett and Kourtney to see "Ger Ger" and "Nana" Tuesday. I had tried to prepare the kids that things were a little different now, and I think I had the poor things scared to death. The visits were brief, but encouraging for all. A hug goes a long way, especially from a child.
Dad got his arm/hand casts off Monday! I am so impressed by the surgeons' diligent work on Dad's right hand. He did a remarkable job. Dad is so pleased to have those darn cast's off, he's been trying to get someone to cut those things off for 3 weeks. After dr.'s reviewed the MRI results done on the right leg they determined that it will not require more surgery. Whew!
We anticipated a move around 11:00 Friday and finally started moving down around 1:30. Dad has been moved to a rehab one floor down. I am looking forward to seeing big changes when I go back next week. Dad will have a very busy schedule for the next few weeks. He'll be doing cognitive, occupational, and physical therapy for several hours a day. The therapy is pretty intense, but their success rate is high. Go Gerald, go! He looked exhausted after the move yesterday, yet excited at the thought of progress. We need to limit visits for the next couple of weeks, because Dad is going to be working so hard during the week. His day is going to be busy, busy until about 4:00 p.m. everyday. He will have a little more free time on the weekends, but will still be working hard half a day on Saturday.
Vicki is facing all of her challenges with patience. Discharge papers from St. John's were lost, so that slowed down progress a little. She is experiencing nausea, and is having a hard time finding anything that tastes good. More X-rays were done on her leg, they are trying to determine if more surgery is going to be required. Vicki not only had the broken bones, but internal injuries as well, and this makes it more difficult and painful to do physical therapy. Her pain is still intense, but, she is staying motivated to make progress. Vicki was able to sit up on the side of the bed with no nausea Friday afternoon, and that is awesome progress.
Despite all the pain Vicki is experiencing she looks really good. A beautician came and washed her hair, and got her all "fluffed" up again. It's amazing what clean hair can do for the soul!
Thanks to Janiece, Diane, Jamie, Frank and Rosemary for all their help this week.

Pray for progress!

Jackie, Jerry, and Timi

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Gerald, When Jim went to rehab he couldn't lift his toothbrush. Look at him now. If they want you to pick up pennies, bat a balloon, or what ever, try hard. It all works.
This bit of advice is from someone who's never had to do it. Don't most people talk "big".when they don't really know what they are talking about.
I have seen it work though.

Still thinking about you both. Susan

Judy Van Hoose said...

Hi, Gerald and Vicki. Good to hear that you all are doing better. Jerre continues to improve. We went to the doctor who said "if it doesn't hurt, do it;if it does hurt, don't do it." He is walking around the barnyard, eating his oats, and looking for other horses. Much love, hope to see you soon. Judy

Charlotte & George Paden said...

Gerald and Vicki:
Good to read that things with you both seem to be on the road to "better"...we know that the days ahead will still be hard for each of you but the news that you are healing makes us know that our prayers are being answerwed...with that in mind, please know that you often are in our thoughts and prayers every day...
Charlotte and George