Monday Update

Bob, Agnes, Laurie, Boo and Bailey

Bob was up and alert for a good part of the day today.  We are pleased that his heart rate remained at a good level during the day.  He continues to receive the various different types of therapies.  Bob seemed to enjoy listening to the voices of Suzie, his sister Laurie and brother Bill while on the phone.  We are also happy that he was able to follow a few different commands during the day.  Please pray for Bob's continued progress.

Sunday Update

In honor of Mother's Day

Bob and his mother, Joan

Bob had a restful day today.  The doctors were happy to see that Bob's heart rate was better today, staying below 100 for most of the day.  The doctors mentioned that we needed to be very diligent in making sure not to do anything to cause it to spike.  This is a delicate balance when trying to do range of motion exercises, changing his dressings and shifting his position in the bed.  The doctors said that it is important to do things in an easy manner and give Bob plenty of time to recover before doing something else.  Bob has made great progress since coming to Jackson Memorial.  We are thankful for the hard work of all the doctors, nurses and therapists.

Saturday Update

Bob and Agnes

Bob spent a good part of today resting.  Rest is very important at this time.  Bob's white count is up.  This could be because he is fighting the infection in the bedsores.  Bob was coughing quite a bit today, but currently there are no signs of pneumonia which we are thankful for.  He did get several respiratory treatments throughout the day.

Bob's sister Debbie brought in a dry erase board for him to use to communicate, but he didn't show any interest in it.  He continues to communicate through nodding.  We have tried to use pictures for Bob to communicate through pointing.  When Bob gestures with his left hand he is showing signs of a tremor.  This could be due to him struggling to get control of fine motor movements.  

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Friday Update

Bob and Jason (my husband)

Not much to report today.  Bob spent the day doing therapy, watching TV with his sister and sleeping.  He seemed to be pretty tired.  The big news of the day is that Bob is ready for visitors, but the doctors stressed the importance of not overdoing it.  We know how much Bob would love to visit with everyone, and how many people want to see him, but we are going to need to spread the visits out to a few people a week.  

If you would like to visit Bob at Miami please email me your name, phone number and days/times that work for you.  Visiting hours are from 9am-9pm.  Also let me know if you would be willing to carpool with a member of Bob's family.  Once I get information from those who want to visit someone from the family will contact you.

Please email LEV35@aol.com if you would like to visit Bob.

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.