Week of June 22, 2009

Bob chatting with a friend

This week was a difficult one for Bob.  In addition to instability with his blood pressure, Bob was in severe pain due to a kidney stone.  The doctors had planned on taking Bob to his home for a visit in order to see how he would function in the home setting.  The trip had to be cancelled due to the amount of pain Bob was in.  Bob and the team of doctors are hoping that they will be able to reschedule the trip for next week.  

Continued thanks for the love, support and prayers you have all shown Bob and the entire family.  Be sure to check back next week for an update from a special person. 

Week of June 15, 2009

Bob with Michael (Suzie's son), Shannon and Brandon

Although Bob has not been feeling his best, the physical therapist said that there is no one more motivated and hard working than Bob, even when he's not 100%.  Bob continues to be busy with his various therapies.  He walked 124 feet last week with a specialized walker.  Bob's speech continues to get better.  He is also getting better at sitting up, transferring to a wheelchair and standing (all with the help of a nurse or therapist for now).  

There is still concern about Bob's blood pressure.  He has had problems with it dropping and has been confined to staying in his bed when it is low.  Even though the therapists have told Bob he can have the day off on these days, Bob insists on doing the therapies from his bed.  Please continue to pray for Bob.  We hope that he continues to gain strength, that his blood pressure stays at a consistent and safe level, that he has patience with the speed of his progress and that he feels God's presence surrounding him. 

Week of June 8, 2009

Bob and sister Laurie (my mom)

Bob and I outside for the first time since the stroke

Bob continues to amaze us all.  He continues to receive 3 hours of therapy each day.  In occupational therapy he is getting much more independent with daily activities and slowly gaining more range of motion in his arms and legs.  In speech therapy he has really been working hard at saying what he wants to say.  The therapist believes that Bob has a form of apraxia from the stroke.  With apraxia Bob knows what he wants to say, but he can't always verbalize the right words.  This really frustrates Bob.  With time and repetition Bob's brain will continue to make "connections" and the words will start to come back.  In physical therapy Bob is making huge gains.   On Wednesday he took his first steps.  As I mentioned in the previous post Bob walked 18 feet with the help of the therapist.  On Thursday Bob walked a total of 47 feet (20 feet and 27 feet).  He is now walking in PT with the help of a specialized walker.  Yesterday was another big day because he walked 75 feet with shoes on.  

For now phone calls (on his cell) and cards are the best way to contact Bob.  He does have his cell phone with him at Pinecrest.  He is continuing to ask for no visitors next week so he can focus on his therapy sessions.  After 3 hours of therapy he is exhausted.  Bob is also asking for no visitors because he is very worried about germs and infection.  I did have a chance to share the blog with him when I was with him this week.  He was extremely touched and emotional about the comments left on the blog and everyone that is praying for him.  In the 4 days that I spent with him he mentioned the blog at least 5 times a day.  He thought it was so cool to tell the nurses how many hits he had on his blog.  

Quick Wednesday Update

I have big news to share. Today during physical therapy Bob walked 18 feet with the help of the therapist. He was very happy when he was finished and made sure to call and share the good news. Bob has been doing really well at Pinecrest. He continues to have daily therapy sessions. He has made improvement in all areas. I was amazed today when the doctor came in and asked if he could lift his right leg (stroke side) off the bed. Bob not only lifted his right leg, but held it in the air for 5 seconds. Keep the prayers coming...they are working!!!!

Sunday Update

Bill, Laurie, Dad, Mom, Sue, Debbie and Bob in front

The Morden Family

Bob had another day filled of therapy.  When not in therapy sessions he spent most of the day sleeping.  He is really exhausted from all of the work the therapists are making him do.  Although in the past we mentioned how much he has enjoyed visitors, Bob is asking for no visitors over the next 7 days.  In order to help his rehabilitation and acclimation of his body doing more, Bob has requested a week of privacy.  He is hoping that a week of rest will give him enough energy to welcome visitors the following week.  Thank you for understanding.  

Saturday Update

Bob and his buddy Mike

Bob worked with therapists today for almost 6 hours.  He's working hard at recovering so that he can get back to his family and friends as soon as he can.  Bob is making progress and feeling better now that he is able to do things, instead of being in bed all day.  The catheter is now gone and the feeding tube should be out soon (he is not using it).  Bob ate a barbecue chicken sandwich for dinner and chicken with mashed potatoes for lunch.  He is ecstatic to be eating "normal" now!  

While in rehab Bob's days will consist of much of the same...therapy, therapy and more therapy.  Although I have enjoyed giving daily updates throughout this journey, while in rehab the updates  will come on a less frequent basis.  Now that Bob is at a place for his recovery where he will be for an extended period of time, I will post on a weekly basis, instead of daily.  If you visit Bob please feel free to post a comment on the blog about your visit.  I just finished putting together a scrapbook that includes all the blog posts and comments up until this point.  One day, when Bob is ready, I know he will really enjoy reading all 128 pages!  The comments, prayers and positive thoughts from each one of you will definitely show Bob just how much we all love him.

We are very encouraged by the signs of improvement that Bob is continuing to make.  The Pinecrest staff is going to help Bob become more independent and Bob is ready for the challenge.  We ask that you continue to keep Bob in your prayers.  Your prayers continue to make a difference to Bob and his family.  Thank you.

Friday Update

Bob, Agnes and the kids

Today marked another huge step forward for Bob.  He was moved from Select to Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital in Delray Beach.  Immediate plans are to remove the Foley/catheter and the Peg/Feeding tube.  Bob got weighed today and was surprised to hear that he now weighs 215 pounds.  He is much happier with the food at Pinecrest.  He is still on a soft diet, but will be gradually getting back to a regular healthy diet.  A wound specialist examined Bob and felt that a skin graph won't be necessary.  He plans to treat them aggressively and believe they will heal.  

Please feel free to send Bob a card or a note.  He is most appreciative hearing from and visiting with his friends and family.  His address is:

Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital

Robert Morden, Room 2040A

5360 Linton Blvd.

Delray Beach, FL  33484

Visiting hours at Pinecrest are from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, however he has various therapy sessions throughout the day and may be unavailable for a visit.  For example, tomorrow he has OT 7:30-8:30 am, PT 1:00-2:00 pm and Speech 2:00-3:00 pm.  Pinecrest does not allow visitors during scheduled therapy times.  His schedule will change on a daily basis.  If I notice a pattern in therapy times I will be sure to let everyone know so that you are able to see him when you stop by.

Thursday Update

Bob in Ft. Lauderdale

Bob continues to struggle with the protein solution that he gets twice a day.  He gets very sick and feels awful after it is administered.  The doctor said it will need to be changed and the nurse said that she will have to talk to the dietitian who orders it.  It's all a process that sometimes takes longer than we would like.  

Bob has had a sibling watching over him every day since his stroke on March 25, as well as family and friends stopping in to see how he is doing.  Today Bob sat in a chair for an hour.  He continues to feed himself mashed potatoes and other soft foods that they will give him at this point.  

We are reminded of the patience and strength he needs, through our prayers and encouragement as he is challenged with the constant ups and downs in his healing process.  We are thrilled to see his progress, but it is difficult to see Bob frustrated and sometimes angry.  It upsets him when his words don't come out right, the bedsores are very painful to him, the nausea comes from the protein going into his feeding tube, the desire of sitting up/getting up and when he wants to call someone on the telephone. With all of these challenges Bob is very grateful for the love, prayers and support of everyone.

Wednesday Update

Today was an uneventful day for Bob.  His low blood pressure is still frustrating him.  Bob has expressed that he feels bad. He seems to be very tired.  Bob did eat 2 meals today plus his regular nourishment through the feeding line into his stomach.  He did not have energy today to do much physical therapy due to discomfort and weakness.  Hopefully he will be moving to Pinecrest tomorrow to begin rehabilitation.  

Tuesday Update

Bob and I

Bill and Mary Gay's Wedding

Bob's struggle with his low blood pressure is beginning to wear on him. He knows that he is not feeling as well as he had been last week, and he is frustrated. He seemed to be doing a little better mid day, but by evening he felt worse. His medications are being adjusted. As soon as he gets this under control he will move to Pinecrest for rehab. Bob continues to need all our prayers.

Monday Update

Bob and CiCi

Although Bob continued to have some problems with low blood pressure, he managed to get in 2 physical therapy sessions.  After the 2nd session he showed improvement in his right arm and hand (stroke side).  At lunch Bob ate a bit more than he did yesterday.  He ate almost half of his mashed potatoes and 1/3 of his meat.  Bob also received a dinner tray.  He seemed to really enjoy the potatoes, corn, meat and vanilla pudding.  He fed himself at both meals.  

Bob's culture came back on his bedsores.  Unfortunately, the culture came back positive.  If you visit Bob please wash your hands before and after the visit.  You will also need to wear a gown and gloves if you come in contact with Bob.  This is all in an effort to get him on the right track and his bedsores healing.  We are waiting daily for the word that he can move to Pinecrest for acute rehab.