Thursday Update

Morden Siblings 

Sue holding Bob, Bill, Laurie and Debbie

There is not much to report for today.  Bob continues to make progress with his breathing.  I am happy to report that this afternoon he was breathing in a cycle of 10 hours without the vent and 2 hours with!  Please focus your prayers on Bob safely coming off the ventilator and an increase in his ability to follow simple commands.   

Wednesday Update

Today was a good day for Bob.  There isn't much to report due to the fact that today was another day of changing Bob's breathing treatments.  Bob has been successful at being on the vent 3 hours and off for 3 hours throughout the day.  We call that progress!!! We thank each one of you for your continuing prayers.

Tuesday Update

Bob and his mother, Joan

Today was a quiet day for Bob as the team of doctors and nurses made adjustments with his breathing support.  During the day Bob's vent/trach was in a cycle of 3 hours on and 1 hour off.  Bob did a really nice job with the change and was able to breathe on his own for an hour at a time.  We are still waiting for the results of the CAT scan.  Thanks again for all the positive thoughts and comments on the blog.  The entire Morden family appreciates the support.

Monday Update

North Farmington Prom
1979

Today was a big day for Bob. This evening he was taken off the vent. They are doing a trial tonight and tomorrow to check if he is ready to be off the vent completely. Although Bob is not yet responsive or able to speak, he is showing signs of improvement. His eye contact seems to have gotten better. At one point today he even reached up and itched his nose. He still is not too happy about doing physical therapy, but he does show strength when doing it. The doctors hope to move Bob to the stroke floor by the end of he week when hopefully he is off the vent.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and positive thoughts...it makes a huge difference!

Sunday update

Today Sue, Bill, Marie, Agnes, Laurie and James were able to see him. It was the first visit to Miami for Laurie and James. Bob's eyes are tracking and he's resisting physical therapy seemingly because of discomfort. I believe we will have test results the beginning of this week which will be helpful in understanding what Bob has in front of him.

Saturday Update

Bobby and Bill

It looks like it is going to be a quiet weekend for Bob.  University of Miami has done an amazing job taking care of Bob.  They are being very proactive on moving Bob around with physical therapy.  We should get all the test results towards the beginning of next week. Please focus your prayers on Bob's breathing.  If all goes well the doctors hope to have Bob off the vent in the next few days.  

Friday Update

Bob and the Birthday Girl

Happy 17th Birthday Laurie!

Bob is on his way to getting off the ventilator completely.  Throughout this journey there will be improvements as well as setbacks along the way, but we feel that he is in the best place possible for the severity and type of stroke that he had. Bob is still pretty sick. There is a tremendous amount of swelling in his brain from the large bleed and it will take time for the blood to dissipate.  Bob did open his eyes today and was able to follow a voice.

The doctors are looking at getting Bob off the ventilator so that he can begin rehab with physical and occupational therapy.  MRI and MRA results will be coming soon, so we will know more in the next few days.  Bob is being seen by the neurology/stroke specialist doctors and is in very good hands.  

Thursday Update

Bob holding Laurie 17 years ago, April 24

Birthday Wishes for Laurie as she celebrates 

her 17th birthday tomorrow!

Happy Birthday Laurie, 

Your dad is so proud of you and loves you so much!

Bobby Morden

Eagle Elementary School

The entire family is very pleased that Bob is now receiving care from University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital.  He is in the Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit.  His first day brought together a team of doctors, nurses and specialists to determine a treatment plan for Bob.  Today a CAT scan was taken right in his room, blood was drawn, a lung x-ray was taken, and his bed sores were treated.  There are several people evaluating him.  We should know more very soon.

Bob continues to wince when his trach is being cleaned.  When the physical therapist was working with Bob's hands and arms he would squeeze Bill's hand or wince because of discomfort.  I am happy to report that Bob's oxygen was once again lowered from 40% to 30%.  The pulmonologist worked with him and said Bob is taking at least every other breath on his own which is a good sign.  

We thank you for your continued prayers...hopefully Bob will be thanking you soon too!

Quick Update

Just a quick note to let everyone know that Bob safely made the trip from West Palm to Miami at 1:00 this morning. He was met at the hospital in Miami by his brother Bill. Bob will be undergoing tests today while the doctors in Miami learn more about him. I will update tonight with all of the new information.

Have a great Thursday!

Wednesday Update

Bob and James

Happy Wednesday to everyone.  Bob had a rather calm day.  His blood pressure and heart rate have improved.   Tonight we ask for prayers focused on safe travels for Bob as he is transferred from West Palm to Miami.  Family members have been by the phone all day today waiting for the official ok that a bed is available for Bob.  After many discussions the family has decided to have Bob transferred to the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center.  Due to the severity of Bob's condition he will be in the ICU at Miami and receive a comprehensive evaluation.  I will be sure to post as soon as we have updated information from the tests that Miami completes.

Tuesday Update

Bob had an uneventful day.  We continue to pass on the comments and prayers from all of you to Bob while he is in the ICU.  Bob still requires medicine for the infection that he has developed.  The nurses and doctors continue to take good care of him which we are thankful for.  Tomorrow will be 1 month since Bob had the stroke.  Please focus your prayers on a decrease in size of the hemorrhage, the swelling, and a consistent heartbeat.  

Words cannot describe how thankful the entire Morden family is for the love, support and prayers from each and every one of you.  

Monday Update

Bill and Bob with Dad

Unfortunately there are no new updates for today.  Bob's heart rate and blood pressure continue to be unstable.  Today we also found out that Bob has another infection that requires an additional antibiotic and visiting family members to wear gowns.  Bob did open his eyes quite a few times today which was nice to see. Hopefully I will be able to pass along some good news tomorrow. 

Keep those prayers coming for our dear Bob...

Sunday Update

Bob and his mom, Joan

Bobby 1971 

West Bloomfield Vikings

Although the doctors are telling us that the statistics are against Bob, we are not giving up hope.  Prayers are working because today was a better day for Bob.  We thank God and we thank YOU for your prayers.  His blood pressure is doing better.  Bob's heart rate today has been between 115-150, but needs to be 80-100 and steady.  

Bob's eyes were open a lot today.  He seems to be following voices and has squeezed people's hands.  His blood gases continue to be good and the oxygen has remained at 40 with the peep turned down to 5 (from 8) on the ventilator/trach.  Bob is also moving his mouth, coughing and yawning.  We see these as good signs and remain hopeful.

Saturday Update

Today was another hard day.  We are realizing that everyone relates to a stroke differently depending on their experience or knowledge.  After speaking with Bob's doctor this morning we were told that the type of stroke Bob has had has a 90% mortality rate within 30 days.  Next week brings day 30 since Bob's stroke.  Bob's heart rate continues to fluctuate dangerously and his blood pressure is still of concern.  We ask that you focus your prayers in these areas.

As Bob's Friend Allan said last night, "Double up on your prayers everyone. He's worth it."

The comment section of Bob's Blog has now been changed so that anyone can post a comment without setting up an account.

Friday Update

Bob had a difficult day today.  He continues to have some irregularities in his heart rate which is causing concern.  Bob is still too unstable to be moved from his room to get the MRI and MRA done.  On a more positive note, the respiratory therapist said Bob's lungs are improving.  We thank you for all your prayers and ask that you continue praying for Bob and those caring for him.

Thursday Update

Uncle Bob with nieces Shawn, Adrienne and Lauren

No new news to report from the hospital today. Please continue your prayers for Bob, his doctors and nurses, and his family.

Wednesday Update

Bob and Gordie Howe

Bob had a tracheotomy done today so now he doesn't have breathing and feeding tubes going down his throat. This morning he was having trouble breathing and his heart rate and blood pressure were elevated. His numbers are stable now because he was sedated from the tracheotomy procedure so he is resting comfortably.

Bob continues to have a problem with his lungs because of the pneumonia and staph infection. We hope the medical staff can more easily treat them now that he has a trach. He also recently had an EEG which again showed no signs of seizure activity.

Thanks again to everyone for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Tuesday Update

Bill and Bob

Two words...MORE SHRINKAGE!!!! The CAT scan results came back with good news.  It looks like Bob's body is starting to absorb the blood from the hemorrhage in his brain a little at a time. Bad news is that the swelling has increased a bit.  The swelling will continue to be monitored.

Bob continues to take one day at a time.  He is now off both Dipravan (sedative) and Morphine (pain) and slowly beginning to make movements- especially on his left side and his eyes.  Bob's heart rate still jumps around and his blood pressure is carefully being monitored.  We believe the trach will happen tomorrow which should help with treatment for the pneumonia.  

Tomorrow will be the end of week three in this journey.  It all takes time and we are grateful for any sign of improvement even if we have a bump in the road on the way.  Bob is fighting to get better and return to all of us.  Please continue praying for him.

Monday Update

Today was a big day for Bob.  He had 2 procedures and also opened his eyes a few times very slightly.  Although we have not received the reading from today's CAT scan I am extremely happy to report that Bob's cranial drain was removed from his head today!  Hopefully the decision to remove the drain has something to do with a change in the CAT scan....tomorrow we should know.  Today Bob also had his PEG tube put in.  All nutrients will now be going through this tube.  

For those that do not read the comments that are posted, here is an update that Bob's brother, Bill wrote last night:

I took mom up to see Bob tonight, because she said that she would sleep better if she was able to see him. We sat quietly by his bedside and watched the monitors flash and beep. His BP was a little high because the nurse had just suctioned his chest. His ICP stayed below 15 and was at 9 when we left which is good without having to open the valve to release pressure. His eyes were trying to open a little and he moved his left arm a bit too. The nurse told me that his neurosurgeon was impressed with his progress. We are still trusting God for a miracle! 

Sunday Update

We are happy to report a calm day on this Easter Sunday. Today's quiet day is yet again another step in the right direction. Bob's oxygen level remains at 50% on the vent.  Tomorrow Bob will get another CAT scan.  Continued prayers for a shrinkage in the size of the hemorrhage and the swelling to be down.  I'll update tomorrow as soon as we get the CAT scan results.

Saturday Update

Today was another calm day, but we are hopeful that all the rest Bob has been getting will lead to progress in the near future.  Bob seems to be trying to open his eyes.  Up until this point he has been so heavily sedated that movements that have occurred were most likely involuntary.  His sedation has been decreased a bit more, but it did have to be bumped up for the evening.  Bob's energy reserve is extremely low so every movement takes a lot out of him.

Tomorrow Bob may be having a few procedures done.  He will be getting a tracheotomy and a PEG tube.  This means that the vent and feeding tube that have been going down his mouth/throat will be removed.  Now the trach will be Bob's source of oxygen and the PEG tube will be for feeding.  It should be more comfortable for Bob and easier to get him off the oxygen when the time is right.  

Bob is still very fragile and in critical condition, so please keep your prayers coming. 

Happy Easter from the entire Morden Family!

Friday Update

Bob (far left), Bill holding myself and Adrienne, Doug, Joan, Shawn, Mary Gay and Laurie

Today was another calm day for Bob.  His Oxygen level continues to be at 50% with the vent.  Bob's Morphine (5) and Dipravan (20) levels continue to be slowly decreased.  As we head into this holiday weekend please pray for Bob's continued progress.  

A heartfelt thank you to Bob's friends Mona Reis and the Presidential Women's Center staff.  Your kindness was felt throughout the family and hospital.

Thursday Update

Bob and Laurie

Today was another baby step forward for Bob. Bob's sedation continues to be lowered and the Oxygen levels made it all the way down to 50% today, although they had to be brought up to 75% at night. His morning chest x-ray was unchanged and he still has fluid in his left lung. Bob's steroids have been tapered down. He will continue to get the steroids. Tests did show that there is elevated Creatinine in Bob's kidneys. The doctors will continue to watch that. In the next few days Bob will be having an EEG, as well as a new CAT scan. Please keep praying for him, his family, and the doctors and nurses who treat him.

As many of you know, Bob is dedicated to his restaurant. He truly believes that the restaurant and all the individuals who make it up are an extension of his family. Today Bob's store had an inspection. Many thanks to Bob's dear Wendy's friends and family who helped make the inspection day a great one. We know Bob will be grateful and thank you in person as soon as he is able to. Hats off to Susie, Gary, Steve, Al, Denise and the entire Wendy's crew for making a difference.

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and kind comments on the blog. I intend on printing off all the updates and comments to make a book for Bob when he gets better. For those who have been wondering who I am, I am Bob's niece, Lauren. Here is a picture of part of the Morden crew at my wedding 3 years ago.

Wednesday Update

Bob in his earlier years

Bob prior to learning that mustaches aren't cool

I am happy to report that Bob is taking steps towards getting better, slowly, but surely.  His chest x-ray showed a little improvement since yesterday.  He continues to have his sedation (28) and Morphine (6) lowered.  His oxygen level was also brought down to 60% with the vent.  Bob is also doing much better with keeping the pressure of fluid levels in his brain lower.  

The trauma doctor made the decision today to give Bob an IV filter so that he doesn't get any blood clots.  They were concerned about the blood clots because he hasn't been able to move or turn over because of the respiratory infection and trauma to his brain.  The ultrasounds of Bob's legs showed no clotting, but it is now 2 weeks that he's been laying on his back and the medical staff is trying to prevent any additional problems.  The filter will now run through the main artery of his upper right leg.  Although the doctors remain cautious, we cling to the hope that these are all good signs.  Thank you so much for all your prayers.  

Tuesday Update

As of 9:00 tonight Bob's oxygen level was down to 75% with the vent.  We pray that they are able to continue to decrease the oxygen levels.  The hope is that as the oxygen levels decrease Bob will begin to take breaths on his own.  Bob's temperature remained stable all day which we are also happy about.  The doctors have added a steroid treatment to the rest of his mix of medications.  They are hoping that the steroids will help bring down the new swelling in his brain.  His sedation medication continues to also be lowered little by little, although he remains on Morphine and blood pressure medication.  

Today's chest x-ray came back slightly better than his last one.  We were also pleased that the drain in his head did not have to be opened much throughout the day.  Every day that goes by that Bob's body absorbs some of the hemorrhage on its own is a day closer to us being able to talk to him.  Bob also started a new IV today.  Since his stomach will no longer tolerate a feeding tube, Bob started getting his nutrients through an IV. 

Most likely there will be a CAT scan Thursday to check on the swelling.  Please pray for continued healing...

Monday Update

Agnes and Bob's Children

Laurie (16) and James (14)

Let me start off by thanking everyone for their prayers. The preliminary results of the CAT scan came back and we found out the hemorrhage in Bob's brain has gotten slightly smaller!!!!! The bleed is now 6cm x 2.7cm. Although the difference in size isn't that big, and the doctors keep telling us that Bob's bleed is definitely on the larger side of stroke patients, we are extremely happy with the change. The CAT scan did show that there is swelling in the surrounding tissue, which is still a concern.

Since the day of the stroke Bob's 4 siblings and wife have made sure that someone from the Morden family is at the hospital at all times. Although the rotation of family will start soon due to work, Bob spent today with two of his older sisters. Laurie and Sue flew in from Chicago and Wyoming the day of his stroke, and have been with him day and night since. Although they would have loved to talk his ear off, like they have over the past 48 years of his life, they followed the nurses' orders and sat in silence with him. With the progress that has been made in the last 24 hours the doctors have commented on how important rest is for Bob at this point. We will continue to update everyone on Bob's progress, but ask that visitors wait until Bob is moved out of the ICU.

Today brought some changes in Bob's Oxygen levels, sedation and Morphine. They were able to decrease the Oxygen levels in the vent from 100% to 90%. Bob did well with the change and by the time the family left after the night visiting hours, the nurses had his Oxygen level down to 85%. Although we are very pleased with the news, the nurses have told us that his Oxygen levels could very easily be back up depending on how the night goes. Tonight Bob also required blood pressure medication to keep his blood pressure up. It will continue to be a balancing act to determine the right levels of medication. The ICU nurses continue to do an amazing job with Bob and keeping the family informed with what is going on....I'm not sure if the shipment of 100 delicious cookies for the nurses have anything to do with it. :)

Keep those prayers coming, they are working!!!!

Sunday Update

Bob at the Ability Awards

Small Employer of the Year

The Ability Awards are for individuals, non-profit agencies, employers and other organizations that have made great strides in increasing employment opportunities for Floridians with disabilities.

We are happy to report that Bob did not have a fever today.  Bob continues to receive one antibiotic for the Staph Infection.  A recent culture taken also came back negative for MRSA, which we are very thankful for.  Bob's blood pressure remains good and he is still on the vent with 100% oxygen while heavily sedated.  Today the nurses had to continue to open and close the drain on Bob's head.  Bob's final blood culture will come Monday or Tuesday to determine if an additional antibiotic is needed.  Tomorrow morning Bob will be getting another CAT scan.  Please pray for the swelling to go down. 

Saturday Update

The Morden Family

Laurie, James, Agnes and Bob

Another not so good day for Bob.  Again he spiked a fever today of over 101.  We got the results back from his lung culture.  The culture came back positive for a staph infection. We continue to say our prayers and thank you for doing the same. 

Friday Update

Bob (left) and Bill 

There were no real changes in Bob's condition today.  His blood gases, blood pressure and temperature all looked good.  We are thankful that Bob no longer has a fever.  Bob is still heavily sedated so that his body can rest.  Although it continues to be very difficult for us not to sit and talk to him and hold his hand, we know that every day that goes by is a step closer to Bob's recovery.

Thursday Update

Bob with Campbell (his niece's daughter)

Bob had another difficult day. His lungs are worse today. They are using a nebulizer to aid in his breathing and the respiratory infection. A sample of the fluid in Bob's lungs has been taken to be cultured. The doctors will be able to evaluate the infection and what antibiotic will be most effective. He still fights the rhythm of the ventilator and has been on 100% oxygen today. Bob continues to be heavily sedated and needs no stimulation at this time. Hearing familiar voices or having us hold his hand or touch him is not what he needs while his brain is trying to heal. Family visits now mean quietly standing in the corner of the room watching over him and silently saying our prayers.

There was talk of having an IVC filter procedure done to prevent any clots to his lungs and heart. Since Bob's ultrasound of his legs and kidneys showed no sign of clotting, the filter has been put on hold. This seems to be the best plan which will allow more time to get rid of the pneumonia and get Bob stronger and better able to be moved to radiology for the procedure. They will keep an eye on Bob by doing ultrasound from his bedside.

Bob's temperature looked better this evening. It's been 100+ yesterday and today. He has great nurses, doctors, and specialists that are all taking good care of him. Our hope is that Bob's respiratory infection goes away and that the oxygen can be cut back on the ventilator. One step at a time ......

Brothers, Bob (Left) and Bill ready for the big game

Today was a hard day for Bob and felt like a step backwards in his recovery.  He still has a fever and is battling a Respiratory Infection.  The doctors and nurses asked that we didn't touch Bob, or his bed to limit the chance for more germs.  This was really hard for us because we had to limit our time with him.  We periodically checked in on him and communicated with the nurses.  Bob was sedated with Dipravan and used a cooling blanket for most of the day to help fight the fever.

Bob's EKG came back fine this morning although the doctors did detect an irregular heartbeat.  They also tested his potassium, magnesium and electrolytes.  All levels came back normal.  We were also very happy that Bob's pupils dilated when the doctor tested them.  We are hopeful that today's small step back will lead to larger steps forward in the near future.  

Please keep your prayers coming for Bobby...