For He is a God of Miracles!

When the physical therapist asked what his name was, my dad said, "John." When they left, they said, "thank you, John", he said "you're welcome." I guess he isn't ready to leave us for now, thank goodness. He is no longer considered critical and will be moved to the 14th floor today for rehab. Wow, what a turn-a-round. He's not out of the woods yet, but he's at least leaving critical care.

Susie

Still hangin' in there

Dad is still hangin' in there - which is not what the doctor expected. He is stable right now. He is breathing on his own so far. By the end of the week, they may move him to a long care facility, but he has to be able to breathe on his own and manage his secretions (be able to cough on his own.) He also has to be off the heparin and go on the wayfarin in pill form.

They will do 1 more CT scan in a couple days to see how he's doing. He's still vulnerable to infections. He's still got a staff infection in his elbow and possible blot clot in his neck.

He is off the sodium, which is good; his fever is down, his BP is good, heart and lungs all good. We thank the Lord for 1 more day with him.

The Ventilator is out

After much prayer and fasting, we as a family decided to take the ventilator out and to not trach Dad. He looks so much better now that it's out. He's breathing on his own. If he continues to breathe on his own, they will move him to a long care facility in a couple days.

Byu vs Utah

Had a great time watching the game with dad. No progress today, but he smiled when his grandkids came to visit.

Susie

Thanksgiving with Dad

Today was very emotional for me. Dad was given another blessing. Thanksgiving certainly wasn't the same, but I was able to spend it with dad in his room, a lot of the time alone with him. I read to him, talked with him and held him for most of the time. I'm grateful for the time I had to spend with him today.

The doctors are giving him periodic doses of steroids to help the swelling come down. This should last for a couple of days.

He had his eyes open today, but not very responsive. Rob and Marvin came to visit and brought him an Elvis beanie baby. He smiled.

Susie

Small Turn Around

Everything is so different each day. The doctor says his breathing tube needs to come out by Friday, he's already had it in for almost 3 weeks. He's not doing well today, he's been sleepy and unresponsive all day.

We have 3 options: 1) take the tube out, see how he does and if he can breathe on his own. He's got to be able to cough things out on his own, and he can't do that yet. If they had to re-intubate, they would most likely not have very good success.

2) take the tube out and if he goes downhill, do a DNR and we lose him.

3) do a tracheostomy, then take the tube out. This is the safest measure, but we would have to move him to a long term facility where they would continue to do physical therapy. Could take years.

He's ready to be moved out of ICU. They know he'll most likely live, but what will his quality of life be with each option? He will have severe disabilities. He can't speak now and may not be able to ever. The Dr. is discouraged that his right side is not responding.

We also need to talk about leaving the feeding tube in. If we take it out, he will have to learn how to swallow on his own.

The clot was big enough, it has damaged the other side of his brain. We know he's in there, we know it, but what to do at this point and what would he want? We need lots of prayers at this time.

Susie

Elder Holland's letter

As you may notice, Dad's picture up top is with him and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and Elder's Holland's wife. Dad helped him move some things from his storage shed a couple of months ago and Elder Holland bought dad lunch for it.

Someone emailed Elder Holland and told them about dad's stroke. He emailed back his sympathies and sent dad a card. What a wonderful man

November 24th

Dad is doing great today. Uncle Mike was in today the same time as me. We had a good time hanging out with Dad. The Cardiologist came in today and looked Dad over. Checked the readings on the breathing machine and was amazed at Dad's progress. He said they will continue to ween him off the machine completely today and if they can get him to cough on his own the breathing tube would be out by tomorrow. (With approval from Mother of course)
He was pretty tired but still responsive. He had his eyes open most of the time Mike was there and also when Mom was there.
The family should be very happy and positive about Dad's progress.

Joe

good day

Dad is having a really good day today very alert, understands some commands, healing finally. They had him sitting up for about 12 minutes towards the end he did it on his own for a minute. They said he did great today with Physical Therapy. He smiled a lot when we talked to him today. Tony and Joe said, "I know you can't see it but you kind of have a goat tee" and he smiled.
I talked to him and asked if he remembers having the stroke. Explained some things about the morning it happended, it seems like he was really trying to remember. They said the goal this week is to wean him off the ventilator. If by Sunday he does great without it they will plan to take it out. If he struggles with weaning then they will trach him. 3 weeks is about all the like them to be on a ventilator. Susie made him a DVD, we think he was able to watch some of it.

Tahna

It was nice to have another good day today with Dad. I arrived the same time as Tony this morning and we found Tahna in the room already. We broke the rules and all stayed in with Dad but the Nurse was okay with it. We had a good time talking to Dad. You can tell he was very alert today and could hear what we were saying. Tony told him he liked is Mustache and he gave us a good smile. I also showed him some pictures of Kamryn playing in the leaves and he smiled once again. These are the days that make you forget about the awful days like Saturday. Today Dad's eyes were like I remembered them even before the stroke. He would look right at you and although you saw some sadness I am sure because he wants to communicate, you also saw DAD. It was good to have him back.

Joe

He reached out to me!

This morning when I saw pop, he smiled and tried to reach his hand out to me. It was awesome!

Brett

I was with dad today from noon to 4:00. He was very sleepy most of the time. He kept taking the oxygen sensor off his finger so the nurse had to switch it to his right arm. The swelling has gone down considerably in his left arm and the sores on his face are gone. No more gowns! They gave him an extra comfy mattress to make him more comfortable. From the CT scan, the hemorrhage has shrunk considerably and the infections seem to be going away. I made him a slide show of his kids and grandkids and we played it for him but he still wasn't aware enough to watch.

Susie

The Dr. just came in to talk to us and said, things are much better!! CT went great! His swelling is down, his bleeding is down. His infections are now getting better. His lungs are better, and there's talk of maybe this week letting him breath without the ventilator. He is sleepy but he is just resting and getting better. The Dr. said things are looking good, and

are no longer worried about the infections as much. Yeah- for fasting, blessings, and prayers!!

Tahna

This morning he isn't very responsive so they are doing another CT on his head as we speak. This morning the Priesthood and Relief Society came and offered me and Mom and Dad the sacrament. Mom had already taken it at the hospital service, so I was grateful and grateful they could give it to him. They sang a hymn and then blessed the bread and touched his mouth with the bread. Then blessed the water and dipped a sponge/swab in the water and put it in his mouth. It was very touching. I am a little worried today.

As soon as he comes back and they let us know, I will let everyone know. So far it has always come back no change. We'll pray for that or better.

Tahna

The blood clot he has is in his neck not arm. They're hoping it won't travel to his heart or lungs or brain.Using all the meds they can to help the situation. They said the clots he is getting is probably due to the part of the brain that controls clotting, and it is on overdrive; that the platelets are doing their job in one area and then inviting all the other platelets to join too. Having a party unwanted. So they aren't thinning the blood, they are stopping it from getting bigger. When they get too big then they start to branch off and break apart and we don't want that.

Tahna

His CT came back didn't find anything that would cause all the infections yet. They are looking at other things kind of abnormal but aren't bringing that up now. Their goal is to find what is causing his immune system to be so weak. It will be 3-5 days before they get cultures back that may or may not have anwsers to what infections these are or turned into etc.. Still has a fever, was very sleepy this afternoon. He is swolen all over the place. So still up in the air of why things are the way they are.

Tahna

Update and goal for the day

Mom brought Bear in today. He licked Dads forehead but for the most part was pretty scared and wanted Mom. Dad was aware it was him. Mom said Bear misses him and loves him and he made a sad face and frowned. They did a procedure last night to check his heart with a scope to see if the infections were in or around his heart. It was not. They are going to do a CT scan and an MRI of his body not just the brain today to see if they can find a source for all this.
They did an ultra sound on his arm yesterday and found a blood clot in his left arm where the infection is. He still has a high fever. Still no change from yesterday as far as his progress.

Tahna

A fast for Dad

The doctors called everyone to a meeting that could be there. He said that Pop has some underlying conditions that are complicating his situation. He has had a staph infection in his lungs that has turned to a bit of pneumonia. He also has swelling in his left arm and elbow that they believe is another type of staph infection. They are looking at that today and deciding what to do. Staph in the joints is very serious. He also has a blood infection.

Pop's body is fighting all of these things including the sore outbreak around his mouth which they believe is residual from his system being overloaded from the shingles outbreak he had a couple of months ago and that didn't fully get better. So his immune system is very, very weak. It is serious and the doctor was very direct about what might lie ahead. His physical therapy has been very taxing on him so they are backing that off for a while.

So after that, Tony and Uncle Mike gave Pop a blessing. He looked terrible before the blessing and was not responsive at all except his eyes were open but he was looking right through everyone. During the blessing, he closed his eyes the entire time as he would through a prayer. When it was over, he opened his eyes and then I went to say goodbye and talked to him. I asked him if he was doing okay and his eyes widened and he nodded his head. The best response we had seen. Uncle Mike then went to talk to him and your Dad was trying to talk. Uncle Mike said, "Say what you wanna say, brother! Tell me what you want to say etc." and you could clearly tell that he was trying to make motions with his mouth. It was encouraging given all the bad scenarios we are dealing with. It was amazing to me and the first time in a week or so that I have really felt that he is in there. That doesn't mean that he doesn't want OUT regardless of how that happens.

So, it is still touch and go. Mom wants us to do a family fast tomorrow and ask for the Lord to take care of your Dad however he sees fit. So, if you can, please fast and pray. The doctor today said "Bring it on, all the help he can get, bring it on". They are allowing your mom to bring Bear up to see your Dad tomorrow morning. They are trying everything they can.

Pop is still very, very critical. It is touch and go. So, let's plan for the worst and hope and pray for the best.

Brenda

Worried about Dad

Today was a rough day. The Dr. said he doesn't like where dad's health is going. He has multiple infections that are making him very weak. His body not able to fight the infections are bringing on more infections.

We have permission to bring in Bear, his dog and best friend, tomorrow.

The Dr's are not sure what the underlying issue is that is causing the infections. His good, left arm is swollen 3 times the normal size and is hard and full of infection. His brother Mike gave him a blessing this afternoon. Yesterday the physical therapy was so hard, he cried. His fever is increasing, not decreasing and the number of infections in his body is multiplying.

The Dr. requested a meeting with mom and the kids to go over options today. We are having a fast tomorrow for all those who want to, and can participate.

Yesterday dad did really well in keeping his eyes open through out the day, not as sleepy. I brought some of his Elvis gospel music and played it. He had a tear in his eye. The nurse said he coughed on his own...which is good. He has pneumonia, and has had for a couple of days. Apparently he has 2 different types. 1 has cleared up, but he's fighting another type of pneumonia now, but everything looks good. He was able to sit up and balance for almost 5 minutes, which is really good! Uncle Mike was with him this morning and says he did well in keeping his eyes open.

Mom

November 18th

I was with Dad between 1 and 3 today. They worked him out for about 20 minutes. They had him sit up and hold himself that way. He did okay. They then leaned him on his Right elbow and he held himself surprisingly well.

I was joking with Dad about riding the fake bicycle earlier and he gave a smile. Still receptive to some commands and not at all on others, but then you can get him to smile when you say something funny so you know he can hear you.

Frustrating but encouraging.

Joe

I was with Dad this morning for 3 hours he was a wake a lot of that time. I talked with him about why he is in there. What happened, showed pictures. He did some frowning. I said, "Dad it is very important that you do what they ask you to do. So if they ask you to hold up fingers or wiggle your toes you need to,that's how they gage your progress. So if you want these tubes out of your mouth and out of this bed you need to do what they ask." Prior to that, the nurse said, "Does he like to watch t.v.?" I said, "ya, can we turn it on?" She said, "yes, try and put it on something he'll like." So I put it on the Mountain channel (sports) and BYU was on. I talked to him about that, and he smiled. He liked it on for a little bit. So after I went down to grab a bite while he was resting, I came back up and the nurse said he did better today. When she said wiggle your toes he did. So he's in there. Don't assume he can't understand. Mom said a prayer last night that he'd be more aware and receptive today, and he was. Bring things for him to look at when you are talking about something. Sports, grandkids etc.. Bring a picture that relates to what you're telling him. That will help him. I felt he has had a good day so far. He is still sleepy. But if you catch him with his eyes open get his attention and talk about things he likes.

Tahna

Dad's sores around his mouth look much better today!

Brett

No Visitors Please

Dad still can not have visitors besides family. If you feel impressed to visit him, please contact my mom first for permission. Thank you!

More responsive today!

Today dad was "responsive" for about an hour. I talked to him and turned on the TV so he could watch sports. I told him he needed to do what the nurses told him! After lunch, the nurses were very pleased with his reactions. They worked a lot on Physical therapy, that made him crash. The nurses said to bring in cards from grandkids, or whoever. He likes to look at them and hold them.

Tahna

CT scan - no change

Quick update.. Dad was very " sleepy" yesterday. He didn't respond to anything they asked him to. This is the worst phase they were talking about. How ever it still gives us peace that he can still squeeze a little and open his eyes. We have our good days and our bad days. He'll have more good days no worries. There was talk about a tracheostomy but that didn't come from the Dr. and he said he wouldn't consider that for another couple of weeks. They did another CT scan last night. Still no change. Not worse, so that is good.

Tahna

November 17th 2009

I was with Dad today. He seemed very tired. Not much of a change from the the previous day. The Physical Therapist came in to work him over and she really couldn't get him to wake up. As soon as she left he woke up for a few minutes and listened to Mom and I. Mom left Aunt Kathleen's cute card she brought in his hand and he was still holding it after we got back from lunch. The Dr's got a chuckle out of it. When we got back from lunch he woke up for a bit and gave Mom and I a little smile.
We are now 10 days into this and we are all hoping he turns around soon.
The boys still ask me every day why they cant come into the hospital to see Grandpa John. We try to explain but they don't understand. It is heart breaking but we know they will be able to see him soon.

Joe

An update on Pop......Tony and I were there tonight and had a nice discussion with his night nurse. He was not responding to her neuro checks, but she said it is expected that he has good days and bad days. He has a staph infection in his lungs. That is causing the fever etc and that is a serious infection it could cause pneumonia etc but he is getting antibiotics for that. He also has water blisters on his neck which they think might be an allergic reaction. Some of you may have heard that they were going to put in a trach, but the Dr. decided against it for now. He is still on the vent. She said they are still looking for him to manage his secretions and that he has quite of bit of gunk in his lungs and throat etc. He isn't doing that currently. His mouth looks better but it isn't healed. They are still treating that. They also stopped his sodium today. If you all remember, they were giving him extra sodium to help the swelling and fluid in his brain. They stopped that and are looking for his levels to come down slowly to a normal level. If so, that would indicate that the fluid is declining and swelling is as well. We'll see. She said she suspects his squeezing is a reflex as he can't let go when she tells him to. Just some random things she was talking about. From Brenda

Hard today for me

Today was really hard for me to be with dad. I was supposed to be there from 1:00 - 4:00, but when I saw him, his sores didn't really look better to me, his hands and feet were very swollen, and I lost it. I had to leave for about an hour and a half, but then I went back and the physical therapist showed me how to massage his hands and joints and to elevate him and make him more comfortable. Not much response today from him, although when I said his name from the right side, he tried for a second to look over. That made me happy. Susie

So most of us were able to pop in today for those that didn't. Not too much changed. Still not incling the way they want. His blood pressure was too high, had a little bit of a respiratory problem. He has diarrhea and a fever they are going to check for a bacteria growth or something. He did not sit on his own today. But Mike waived goodbye and he winked at him.
Mom read scriptures from a paper and he grabbed the paper to hold and look at. He got a little worked up over it and his blood pressure went up so she gave him a break and left the room, it worried her. He wanted to take the tubes out
of his mouth today almost accomplished that.( not good) He tried to figure out how to get out of bed. There were times he was very uncomfortable but others okay. Still looks at you and squeezes your hand. Frowned when I said Jordan and Crystle are leaving today. Hang in there everyone.. We are doing good! From Tahna

He knew we were there!

So today the 7 kids were all together for the 1st time in 5 years. It was so good to see Rob and Jordan! We all gathered around Dad's bed, held hands and Rob said a wonderful prayer. As soon as we said "amen", we looked up and his blood pressure was rising fast! It got to 208/98. Monitors were beeping. The nurses wanted us out. As we said goodbye one by one, his BP started declining. We know he could feel the spirit and knew we were there. We love you dad! Love Susie

More Sores :(

Today was hard as he started getting an infection around his mouth where the tubes are; it spread to his nose and ears. He looks so uncomfortable! We now have to wears gown and gloves and masks until the infection clears up. Susie

Brett and Tony gave dad another blessing

Elders in the hospital gave dad a blessing

Dad's stroke November 9, 2009

My dad had a Hemorrhagic Stroke this morning. It was an intracerebral hemorrhage which means a blood vessel broke inside the brain. It took them about 4 hours to stop the bleeding. The concern for the doctors is the hemorrhage is still in there. They have him on some medication that keeps the swelling down. They said the next 7 to 10 days are critical. Once he is out of the clear they will decide if they need to do some surgery to remove the hemorrhage. From Joe

As I understand it, Sunday Morning, Nov 8, dad had a bad headache. He was being very "tipsy" walking funny and talking funny. He told my mom not to call the ambulance! (typical dad :) She did anyway, and it's a good thing. There was nothing leading up to this day to indicate there were any problems.