Wednesday December 30, 2009

Today was an awesome visit. Tahna was there trying to get the nurse to come help him with something. When she went to leave again, he shouted (whisper shouted), "Tahna! Tahna! never mind." It was great to hear him say her name.

Dad has Dysphagia which is the medical term for difficulty in swallowing. It is a sensation that suggests difficulty in the passage of solids or liquids from the mouth to the stomach. He also has Aphasia which is difficulty in speaking or understanding spoken or written language.

He's been doing awesome on the bike in physical therapy. He's been doing standing crunches on his own and walking with help. He's using his right leg more and more

He asked Tahna how long he's been in the hospital, so he still needs reminding of why he's there.

Sunday Dec 27, 2009

I was able to visit Dad today. It was fun just to spend time with him and mom alone. Rob and Marvin got him a flip mino camera and I was teaching him out to use it. He would grab it out of my hands and try to turn it on. We would record stuff and then re-play it back to him. He would smile. He always loved gadgets like that. Then I showed him my itouch and the fun things it would do. He tried to play with that too.

Mom got him an electric razor. When she showed it to him, he grabbed the box out of her hands and tried to open it. We opened it for him and he instantly grabbed it, turned it on and started shaving his face. He was pretty clean-cut already, but apparently it was bothering him. He shaved himself right there in the wheel chair, then he turned it off and would just turn it over and over looking at it and turning it on and off.

When I told him I had to go, he grabbed my hand and kissed it. It was sweet.

Susie

Saturday December 26, 2009

These last couple of days have been very bittersweet. When I asked dad if he remembered Christmas, he said yes. When I asked him if he knew who I was, he didn't say or do anything, but Jordan called in to my mom on her cell phone and he actually carried on a conversation with him; some you could understand, some you could not. President Monson's wife is on his floor, for some reason (we gave them their privacy), but when I asked Dad if he remembered who President Monson was, he said No. Also, Rob called in and he carried on a conversation to him as well.

He asked me where my "brother" was. I said, "you mean Brett, my husband?" He said, "yes". So he recongnized that someone was supposed to be with me who was not there. He also told Tahna he had to go to the "union"; meaning "bathroom". So his words are hit and miss, as well as who he recognizes and who he doesn't.

Still, when all the grandkids came in, he smiled and gave each a hug. He did more baby talk to Kamryn and when I asked if he'd had a chance to watch the video I made for him of the family, he smiled real big and said Yes.

He's doing very will in all his therapies. We'll find out next week if he'll be able to stay at IMC. He keeps pulling his feeding tube out and he hates it when he's buckled in his wheel chair. He tried to undo his buckle and I told him I'd unbuckle him as long as he didn't try to escape. He said, "oh no, I won't" and he never did try :)

Susie

We were able to see dad tonight. I haven't seen him in over a week because my family's been sick, so what a change! He smiled when the kids came in and we were able to show him the slideshow of the grandkids I made him. He smiled a lot. I asked him if he remembered "so-and-so" and he would shake his head yes, but whether or not that was just automatic reaction, I 'm not sure. He smiled at the cute and funny pictures.

Joe said he had to leave and he said, "why?" Joe said because he had to go get the kids and he asked, "where are they?" So he was comprehending a lot, it seemed.

Rob called mom while we were there and she put the phone up to dad. He listened to what Rob was saying then he started "talking" quite a bit. It was just babble, but I believe he knew exactly what he was saying to Rob, it was just coming out very quickly. He stopped then I heard Rob say, "I'll see you tomorrow" and dad said, "OK". It was so good to see!!

We showed him Lily's pierced ears and he made a fun face like, "ooo, pretty!" and then we showed him Tyson's buzz cut and he laughed.

Oh, what a wonderful day to see him, it was so good and fun to see him sitting up. I asked him if he wanted to lay down, he said no. That's good, since he's always wanted to be in his bed.

What a wonderful Christmas present to us all. Hang in there dad!

Susie

December 21, 2009

I was able to visit dad today for just a little bit. Dad did everything that the physical therapist asked him to do. He did awesome today, but still looked sad. The physical therapist asked me to tell her all about dad, that she wanted to know who he was so she could cheer him up a little. I really like her, her name is Rhonda. She was very engaging with dad. He asked me for a drink of water and I asked him if he was in pain, he said no. He was more aware than I've seen him in a while.

Tahna

I was unable to go all last week because of work, so I had not seen him in a week and wow what a difference! He was sitting up in his chair and his face got bright and he said "Hey guys" when we came in. He asked how we were and just said a few things here and there. I gave kisses and hugs when it was time to leave. He also gave some baby talk to Kamryn which she just loved. It was good to see him like this.

Joe

December 20, 2009

We went up to see Pop today and took the kids.

We passed Uncle Mike in the elevators and he said that Pop had just finished his therapy and was tired. We took the kids up and he was visibly happy to see them. They all said "Hi Grandpa" and the twins told him "Merry Christmas" and then ran around his room probably making him crazy. When we left, he motioned for Preston to come over and he gave him a kiss and gave Jack and Kendy a kiss too. It was awesome. He was tired, so we let him sleep. I did ask him if he wanted us to bring up a Christmas tree and he said, "No". It seems, to Tahna's point, that he was trying to figure out where he was and maybe why. He kept staring at the board on the wall by his bed. I think he was trying to read it and wondering why it didn't make sense. That is just my perception.

I also told him that we are glad he didn't leave us and asked if he wanted to leave us and he shook his head "No".

It sure is good to see him brighten up every once in a while. Let's all pray that he can continue to be there and not get moved to long term care. Mom said that they aren't as aggressive with rehab and therapy in those places. We want him to work.

~Brenda and Tony~

Today was a good day. Dad is really active and quick on his responses.

We showed him the Christmas cards the kids had made and read them to him. He held them in his hand and actually licked his finger/thumb to turn the page.

We told him that Rob and Marvin are coming and he said "good thing".

Out of the blue, he said "where's Tiff?"

He said he wanted a "drink of water"

Joe brought the kids today.

Steve

Yesterday Steve and I were there while the speech therapist worked with Dad. He did pretty good. She explained a lot to us. He is very impaired but is making progress. She would sing a song to him like jingle bells and leaves out words for him to fill in the blank, like- jingle bells, jingle bells- jingle all the ____. And he would say- way. As far as us goes he remembers things and people and then sometimes he doesn't. He never can remember why he is in the hospital. She said Grandkids seem to be the one thing he remembers and to keep bringing them in. She also said when you visit, challenge him. Ask him yes or no questions. Or have him repeat something you do. They really want to try and keep him there. Today they had him exercising on a leg machine. When his left leg got tired they asked him to use his right leg and he did. That was huge!!

Tahna

Dad doing well!

Dad did so good today, all the therpists were so surprised. He was in a good mood and very cooperative. When the bishop came in he said, "Hi, John" and dad said, "Hi, Bishop!" He doesn't normally call people by their name, and with clear recognition. The hospital is re-evaluating him and will let us know at the beginning of the week whether or not he can stay at IMC for physical therapy. We are hoping he can.

Mom

Wednesday December 16

Dad was in a very bad mood today. He had to be in his wheel chair, but wanted to be in his bed. You can tell he just doesn't want to be in this state any more. He was supposed to go to a care facility this week, but mom's had to fix some things with insurance, so in last the couple days, dad has finally been starting to do what he needs to do and now the hospital isn't sure he'll be leaving; they may keep him now. It's just a toss up everyday.

Tahna

We were able to take the kids and see dad today. When the kids came in, he just lit up and was so, so excited to see the grandkids. He took turns grabbing each one and holding their hand, smiling, talking to them (even though we couldn't understand him). He grabbed Alex and pointed at him, then pointed to Steve, trying to tell us something. He then motioned to Alex to cut his hair; we all laughed :) Then he just took turns looking and reaching out to each grandchild, smiling and making them feel so loved. It made their day.

Mike was there. He started rubbing dad's right foot and we all clearly saw it was very painful for him, so not real fair that he can't move his right side, but can feel the pain. He was very awake and alert.

Later tonight, he spoke to mom. She couldn't understand him, but thought to ask, "do you know why you're here in the hospital?". He shook his head no, so then she told him. He closed his eyes and frowned. He's in and out of remembering what happened. He's too weak for physical therapy so they are moving him to a long term care facility tomorrow or Tuesday.

Tahna

I was able to spend some time with dad tonight, but by the time I got there, they had worked him over pretty good with physical therapy and he was zonked out. When he did wake up, he didn't recognize or know who I was. It was heartbreaking. Mom says he's declining and doesn't even recognize her anymore. Tahna asked him if he knew who she was and he shook his head, no. I miss my dad a lot. I got very emotional. He looks very good, physically, even looks like he's lost some weight.

Susie

Dec 10th 2009

They lifted the ban on kids so LeAnn and I took the kids to see Grandpa. We caught him in the middle of doing some physical therapy. They had him standing and trying to straighten him up. It looked very painful. The therapist asked him to look over at his grand kids and he did. He then smiled at little Kami. After they were done they put him in the wheel chair to wait for the occupational therapist. We sat and talked with him for a bit. I put Kamryn on his lap and he just smiled at her. Then to our surprise Kamryn kept saying "Gampa, Gampa". Super cute...
It is so hard to see him like this. I am used to seeing him smile and interact with his grand kids. Please work hard and get better Pop. We love you.

Joe

December 10, 2009

Today Dad was having a real hard time even sitting upright in his bed. He was sweaty and clammy and working with the speech therapist though not very well. It was a tough day for him. Mom said he had a rough time in physical therapy and that his heart rate was extremely high. They thought maybe his insulin was out of whack or something. That is due to his feeding tube. She feels like he really could use a lot of encouragement.

Brenda

December 9, 2009

They had dad stand today, just for a couple minutes and take a couple steps, with help. He's doing great on the 3 hours of physical therapy. He still wants to pull his feeding tube out and oxygen tube. He's had it, I think, and wants to get out.

He only needs oxygen when he's sleeping because he has sleep apnea. He's still very discouraged, but we also see improvements. Thanks to all for your support and prayers!

On the 12 floor

Dad is now on the 12th floor. Rehab was slow yesterday, but I hear he is on the best floor of the hospital now. I hear it's the happiest floor in the building. We still need lots of prayers and encouragements for Dad.

They are going to transfer him to Rehab tomorrow on the 12th floor, and give
him a week to see if he is ready. If not we'll then take him to a care center. He is still
responsive and they are working him out. He did run a high fever due to a bladder infection.
But is now doing better. We are grateful he is still with us. He is a little down, and could use
prayers for his strength and determination. Thanks to everyone for your love and support and prayers. We couldn't have come this far with out it.

Tahna

November 6th 2009

Dad took a little step back today.

He was being naughty. He has pulled his feeding tube out three times today.

When my mother said why are you being naughty he gave here a mischievous grin.

I had to give him a pep talk. I told him he starts rehab tomorrow and has to work very hard. I know he can do it because he taught me the meaning of hard work so I know he can do it. He gave an "okay" then I had to go. He is being moved to the therapy floor at 10:30 tomorrow morning so lets hope he behaves.

Joe

November 4th Saturday

I was only able to go over to the hospital for a short time today but it was very encouraging. One of the Nurses was feeding my father ice chips. When she told him to chew the ice he did. He would also swirl the ice around in his mouth and she was doing this to see where he is at as far as potentially eating real food. She said he was doing very well. He was swallowing properly, chewing the ice properly and all around doing great. He was very tired as they had already took him around in the wheel chair. They are going to start doing that twice a day for about two hours a time.

He continues to improve. Go DAD!!!

Joe

Visited Dad today. He looks so good. All the swelling has gone away, but his left arm is so skinny. I wonder if it's because of the staff infection that was there? They had him in a wheel chair for about 1 1/2 hrs today and it wore him out. When I got there at 3:30, he was still sleeping (since 11:30) and I couldn't get him to wake, even by 4:00. They also had to give him oxygen because it took so much out of him, but it's good for him.

He got approved to be in the IMC physical therapy for the next week. He's not quite ready, but the head lady really wants him to try it and we're hoping he can stay there, rather than long term care. He has to do 3 hours a day of physical therapy, but now is bushed after only 1 1/2 hrs, so he still needs everyone's prayers to be strong.

Susie

The speech therapist came in and during the course of treatment, asked if he wanted some ice. Yesterday when he asked this, the ST had to put the spoon to his mouth, but today he leaned toward the spoon. The ST said that is a good sign. He wasn't real responsive to any other commands, but it was good to hear him whisper some things and try to talk. He kept frowning and grimacing like "what am I doing here??"

It was good to spend time with him.

Susie

They got Dad up today in a wheel chair and gave him a ride around the halls and put him in front of a window to look out. He did really well. He got really tired and needed oxygen but over all did great. He has been answering people through out the day. The speech therapist worked with him today. He wanted his arm restraint off when me and Mom and Ja'Brael were there. We took it off and he said GOSH in a grouchy way. He hates that thing, so when you visit take it off and watch him. Just let him know as long as he doesn't take his feeding tube out, we'll let him loose. He got upset when Mom told him Ja'Brael was moving to Texas.. He needs lot's of encouragement, he is down about being in this situation.

Tahna

December 1st.

Dad is doing really awesome today.

I got there about 9 this morning. They were moving him to replace his feeding tube. He looked up at me and mumbled something I didn't understand.

I came back at 10:30 when they said he would be done and Rob and Marv were there along with my Mother. Tony and Brenda came later.

Dad spoke several times while we where there.

When Rob had to leave to get to the airport he said "no" like, please don't go. He then said Bye.

He called Rob by name a couple times and told me he was in pain on one occurrence. He is very verbal and seems to be getting better.

One of the Physical Therapists came in and said he is actually doing well enough if he improves, we might be able to keep him at the hospital for a few weeks for his therapy instead of moving him into a long term facility. Very good news!

Keep it going Dad, we are so glad you are doing better!

Joe

Moved to the 14th floor

Pop is doing well. Tahna said that he tried to talk to the nurse yesterday and it sounded like he said "Your welcome" after she said thank you. He looks much better with all the tubes removed etc. We still have a very long road ahead and hopefully we see improvement. Yesterday, Mom got a list of care centers that the insurance will cover. Rob and Marv took her to visit one that they liked very much. The insurance only covers three so we will visit the other two as Dad will need to move to one very soon. We want to look for one that has rehab so that he can get his brain repaired and reconnecting and his muscles working again. We want him to have the best chance to improve.

He has been moved to the 14th floor. Hospital visitation is still restricted to family, please.