Thursday Update

Bob in middle, Bill on right with friend Doug

Last night Bob was uncomfortable with the catheter and trach so they gave him some pain medication. Bob is more agitated as he becomes aware of his condition. This is a good thing but it's also a difficult thing for him. We know he is feeling pain and frustration, however, we can't help but be encouraged by his nodding in response to questions (more frequently). We're certain he is making more purposeful actions. Today his sister saw him reach to move the curtain at the window next to his bed. His brother showed him a sign that had a TV on one side and a pillow with a person sleeping on the other side. He told Bob that he was leaving and asked him to point to the TV if he wanted the TV left on or point to the pillow if he wanted to go to sleep. Bob reached for the paper and brought it closer to his face and clearly pointed to the TV side. Mom (age 83) visited him this evening and sat by his side talking to him and holding his hand. She is always so very grateful to be with him and felt better after seeing him this evening.
Please keep your prayers coming. We know God is listening. Praise God.

Wednesday Update

Bill and Bob

Bob had a good day today.  The doctors were able to put the speech valve in his trach.  It seemed like the valve made it much easier for Bob to cough and swallow.  Bob continues to make purposeful movements (nodding and turning his head).  Again, he did show interest in the TV.  When asked if he wanted to watch the hockey game Bob nodded yes. 

Tuesday Update

Bob with brother in law, Carl and nephew, Britain

Bob's day was again fill with therapy.  He continues to actively move his left side.  His physical therapist, George, visited him today and was able to show Bob's sister, Debbie, some exercises that the family can do with him.  Rest between Bob's therapy is very important.  During this "rest" time Bob again watched FOX news.  He also seemed to take an interest in the new view he has.  His new room is on a higher floor and has a window.  At times it appears that Bob turns his head to look out the window. 

Bob also had several visits from the Wound Care Specialist and Trauma Team to evaluate his bedsores.  The decision was made to do the procedure to remove the dead tissue around the sores and continue with medication.  We should have word in the next few days if this has helped the situation.  Jessica from Speech Therapy also came in and informed the family that they are going to put in a speech valve on his trach.  This valve will allow Bob to cough and swallow better.   In addition to the other therapy he is receiving, Bob will now  also be getting therapy for help coughing and swallowing.  When Bob is ready, this valve will help him make verbal responses.  The valve is the first step for the removal of the trach. 

For those of you who know Bob well, you know how important his restaurant is and everyone that works there.  To Bob, they are an extension of his family.  Suzie and the rest of the team have been working day in and day out since Bob's stroke to keep the Wendy's moving.  Today Bob had a special treat when he was able to listen to Suzie talk to him on the phone.  When a phone was held to Bob's ear it seemed as if he was trying to smile as she spoke to him.   It is reassuring to him, and the entire family, that Wendy's is in such good hands.  

Please focus your prayers on the healing of Bob's sores and strength with his breathing so that he can continue to progress enough to be taken off the trach completely.

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.