Monday Update

Bob in Wyoming

1972

Bob's Monday was focused on physical therapy.  The therapist worked with Bob on his range of motion. At this point, therapy will be at an easy pace.  The therapists are being very mindful about Bob's bedsores while working with him.  They have been working diligently in hopes that Bob will be able to sit up as soon as his sores are healed. Getting Bob to sit up will be a big step in his rehabilitation, but for now it will cause more harm than good.  The entire staff at Jackson Memorial continues to do an amazing job caring for Bob and helping him progress.

Bob spent most of the day with his sister, Debbie.  She said that he was active for much of the day with therapy.  At one break she turned FOX on his TV and he seemed to be watching.   

A special congratulations to Bob's niece, Shawn, on the birth of her son.  Shawn, TK and Campbell welcomed Beckett Thomas into the world at 6:55 tonight.  

Sunday Update...Moving Day!

Today was another big day for Bob.  After 39 days in the ICU, today Bob was transferred to the Stroke Unit.  The objective of being in the stroke unit is to increase his physical therapy and start the initial stages of rehabilitation.  Bob has been the most active these past few days.  He continues to make more eye contact each day.  Again today he nodded to answer questions.  

Although we are all extremely excited about Bob's new location in the hospital, he still is too weak for visitors.  I know there are many of you that want to visit Bob and tell him that you are thinking about him, but for now we ask that you wait until he has more strength and energy.  I will continue to give daily updates on his progress and will definitely let you know as soon as he is able to have visitors.  For now, please use the comment section of the blog.  Family members at the hospital will continue to read them to Bob and ultimately all comments and blog posts will end up in a book made for Bob to look back on this journey.

Continued thanks for all the positive thoughts and prayers...they are all so powerful.

Saturday Update

Bob and brother-in-law, Doug (my dad)

Today brings big news...Bob is off the ventilator and respirator!!! He remains on the trach with 30% oxygen, but we are ecstatic with the huge progress.  He is breathing on his own!  Bob no longer has a temperature or lung infection.  His blood gasses have been good as well.

Up until now we were unable to say if movements were voluntary, or involuntary.  Today Bob responded with a nod to a few questions with what appeared to be voluntary movements.  When the nurse asked him if he was in pain Bob nodded "no."  His sister, Sue, asked him a question and he nodded, "yes."  He might only do this once or twice a day, not consistently.  He is more consistent with nodding in response after he wakes up from a nap.  At one point today he even grabbed his mom's arm and had eye contact with her, which delighted her!

Friday Update

Bob and nephew, Billy (Bill's Son)

I am happy to report that Bob continues to do well with the changes in his breathing support.  All of today he was able to breathe on his own for 10 hours segments, while only being on the vent for 2 hours.  The doctors will continue to have Bob breathe on his own in longer segments of time.    

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.