Okay, I have a few moments so lets see if we can get all caught up.
Ken was discharged on Saturday.
We got to the house, and I asked Bill to run to the pharmacy to fill Ken's 18 perscriptions filled. They only had 38 of the 75 dilaudid pills, so we had to take those, and then come back for the rest this afternoon.
The movers got to the house on Saturday morning, and moved the sofas, end tables, and some other small pieces to the house. Then they returned on Sunday to move the rest of the house, and it took THIRTEEN HOURS!!!!!!! The movers/packers hated me so bad when they were finally finished. It will take forever to get unpacked.
So, since then, I have been unpacking, making doctor's appointments, cleaning, running errands, and missing baths.
Things are going well. Ken is feeling well and is getting better each day. As of this writing, he is able to walk around the house with supervision, but no assistance. He has a lot more movement in the arm, and the speech gets better each day.
In-home physical, occupational and speech therapy begin next week. Also, his sitter will begin next week (someone to be with him so he isn't alone in the house) and I will return to work on Monday, too. Things will slowly begin to get back to normal.
All is well.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, November 23nd, 2:54pm
We've been without internet until just now. We are in the new place with 6,243 boxes. Getting settled. More news soon . . .
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thursday, November 19th, 11:12pm
Things have been going smoothly.
Ken had a fall today - not major. He pressed the nurse call switch to ask for help to get to the bathroom. After some time, he couldn't wait any longer, and walked there himself. He got in and did what he needed to do, but slipped and fell on the floor when trying to get off the toilet. He wasn't hurt at all, but the staff really gave him a hard time for going by himself without ever once acknowledging that no one came to help him.
I can't wait until he is out of that horrible prison.
House closing is tomorrow. I'm not too terribly far behind. I need to disassemble the observatory dome tomorrow at the very least. I have training again with Ken from 9am to 11am tomorrow morning, and should be able to get back here and do that before heading over to the new house for the final inspection, and then the signing and closing. Really not sure how we're going to work with the dogs on the white carpet. I think we may have to pull some of it up and put down a hardwood surface or something.
We practiced teaching me how do transfers today. I didn't really do poorly, but I didn't do well either. We're going to try again tomorrow. I hope I can improve.
Ken had a fall today - not major. He pressed the nurse call switch to ask for help to get to the bathroom. After some time, he couldn't wait any longer, and walked there himself. He got in and did what he needed to do, but slipped and fell on the floor when trying to get off the toilet. He wasn't hurt at all, but the staff really gave him a hard time for going by himself without ever once acknowledging that no one came to help him.
I can't wait until he is out of that horrible prison.
House closing is tomorrow. I'm not too terribly far behind. I need to disassemble the observatory dome tomorrow at the very least. I have training again with Ken from 9am to 11am tomorrow morning, and should be able to get back here and do that before heading over to the new house for the final inspection, and then the signing and closing. Really not sure how we're going to work with the dogs on the white carpet. I think we may have to pull some of it up and put down a hardwood surface or something.
We practiced teaching me how do transfers today. I didn't really do poorly, but I didn't do well either. We're going to try again tomorrow. I hope I can improve.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday, November 17th, 10:13pm
The house inspection went very well. I think the biggest issue was possible water pooling under the water heater from the vent line from the ac/furnace. No biggie.
Visited Ken this evening and was able to determine that he has had a level 10 headache for about 3 days now. The percocet has not been working. Sometimes, Ken forgets to say 'not' or 'don't' or "didn't" when he speaks, so messages can be misunderstood. The staff thought he was saying, "The percocet is working" but he meant to be saying, "The percocet is NOT working".
They have put him on Dilaudid which I think is like morphine in pill form. I'm a bit scared of this, but really want his pain to go away.
In other news, I am super stressed. Seriously, there really are not enough hours to get things done.
I HAVE to have internet at the house this weekend so that I can get caught up on work, and COX can come out on Saturday the 21st, but they want $129.99 to reconnect the service. Verizon FiOS will give me free installation, but can't get there until the 27th.
OH! And Virginia Dominion Power says that the circuit breakers have to be turned off on Friday morning so they can get a final reading for the sellers before they turn my service on. We have the pre-assessment whatever walk-through on Friday at 2:30pm. I sure hope we have power!
I haven't even started on Gas and Water.
Ken is getting out on Saturday at 1pm. So from Friday at 6:30pm when I get the keys to Saturday at 1pm when I have to pick up Ken, I have to do the following:
Friday night, I plan to take the dogs and all their stuff (food, bowls, towels, leashes, etc) and the cat and all her crap over to the house, and spend the night there with an overnight bag.
Saturday morning, I have to be back at Farmington Drive to meet the movers at 8am so they can move the bed, sofa, night table, and a few other items so that when Ken gets there, he can sleep or watch TV or whatever.
Then I have to go to Mount Vernon to get Ken at 1pm.
Then on Sunday morning, I have to meet the movers at Farmington Drive again to move the rest of the house over to the new house. I'll have to have someone sit with Ken because he can't be left alone.
OH, and almost NOTHING is packed.
OH, and I have to find time to take the POD apart so it can be moved.
Okay, I'm gonna have to ask for help. I just don't know what to tell the help to do.
Visited Ken this evening and was able to determine that he has had a level 10 headache for about 3 days now. The percocet has not been working. Sometimes, Ken forgets to say 'not' or 'don't' or "didn't" when he speaks, so messages can be misunderstood. The staff thought he was saying, "The percocet is working" but he meant to be saying, "The percocet is NOT working".
They have put him on Dilaudid which I think is like morphine in pill form. I'm a bit scared of this, but really want his pain to go away.
In other news, I am super stressed. Seriously, there really are not enough hours to get things done.
I HAVE to have internet at the house this weekend so that I can get caught up on work, and COX can come out on Saturday the 21st, but they want $129.99 to reconnect the service. Verizon FiOS will give me free installation, but can't get there until the 27th.
OH! And Virginia Dominion Power says that the circuit breakers have to be turned off on Friday morning so they can get a final reading for the sellers before they turn my service on. We have the pre-assessment whatever walk-through on Friday at 2:30pm. I sure hope we have power!
I haven't even started on Gas and Water.
Ken is getting out on Saturday at 1pm. So from Friday at 6:30pm when I get the keys to Saturday at 1pm when I have to pick up Ken, I have to do the following:
Friday night, I plan to take the dogs and all their stuff (food, bowls, towels, leashes, etc) and the cat and all her crap over to the house, and spend the night there with an overnight bag.
Saturday morning, I have to be back at Farmington Drive to meet the movers at 8am so they can move the bed, sofa, night table, and a few other items so that when Ken gets there, he can sleep or watch TV or whatever.
Then I have to go to Mount Vernon to get Ken at 1pm.
Then on Sunday morning, I have to meet the movers at Farmington Drive again to move the rest of the house over to the new house. I'll have to have someone sit with Ken because he can't be left alone.
OH, and almost NOTHING is packed.
OH, and I have to find time to take the POD apart so it can be moved.
Okay, I'm gonna have to ask for help. I just don't know what to tell the help to do.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday, November 16th, 11:38pm
Did I post tonight . . . what time is it . . . hell, what day is it . . .
Starting to get pulled a bit tight. A lot going on, and there is plenty of time to get it all done if everything is coordinated perfectly. One hick-up and things will begin to fall apart. The thing is, I need two of me . . . anybody know how to split into two??
I can start bitching about small stuff like this now, because Ken is really doing quite well. Today, the occupational therapist told me that Ken is able to get out of the bed, walk to the bathroom, bathe, brush teeth, and potty with only a very minimal assist!!!!!!! This is such great news! Yodie can't even do that!!
The right arm still has little to no movement, but they tell us to be patient.
The house inspection is tomorrow. Then the closing is on Friday. Then Friday night, I have to move over the bed and some other furniture. Then the movers show up at 8am on Saturday, and Ken is released at noon-ish, and I need to have someone take over watching the movers to go and get him, and then drop him off at the house, then go BACK to Farmington Drive to get the dogs, and find someone to watch Ken while I do that.
This is like that puzzle from Jr. High . . . the one where you have to get a fox, a duck and a baked ham across the river in a boat that can only carry you and one other thing. The fox can't be left alone with the duck, the duck can't be left alone with the ham blah blah blah.
I'll find a way . . .
Starting to get pulled a bit tight. A lot going on, and there is plenty of time to get it all done if everything is coordinated perfectly. One hick-up and things will begin to fall apart. The thing is, I need two of me . . . anybody know how to split into two??
I can start bitching about small stuff like this now, because Ken is really doing quite well. Today, the occupational therapist told me that Ken is able to get out of the bed, walk to the bathroom, bathe, brush teeth, and potty with only a very minimal assist!!!!!!! This is such great news! Yodie can't even do that!!
The right arm still has little to no movement, but they tell us to be patient.
The house inspection is tomorrow. Then the closing is on Friday. Then Friday night, I have to move over the bed and some other furniture. Then the movers show up at 8am on Saturday, and Ken is released at noon-ish, and I need to have someone take over watching the movers to go and get him, and then drop him off at the house, then go BACK to Farmington Drive to get the dogs, and find someone to watch Ken while I do that.
This is like that puzzle from Jr. High . . . the one where you have to get a fox, a duck and a baked ham across the river in a boat that can only carry you and one other thing. The fox can't be left alone with the duck, the duck can't be left alone with the ham blah blah blah.
I'll find a way . . .
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday, November 15th, 8:37pm
Let's see . . . taking a small break from packing.
Went to see Ken this morning and he is really doing well. I have started to notice that the staff has become VERY attentive to him. I am guessing this is because of the stink that I made the other day, and I hope it has not affected him negatively, but it really seems like he is being well taken care of.
The severe hard-of-hearing roommate has been moved to another room. Ken has the place to himself, and image it will stay that way for the rest of this week until he is released on Saturday morning.
Ken is really becoming very independent. He can wheel himself around with his left hand and using his left foot in the wheelchair, and it works quite well. We have gone from him brushing his teeth while laying in bed, to him getting up, getting in the wheelchair, wheeling into the bathroom, and brushing his teeth with zero assistance. (I used to put the toothpaste on the brush, and hold the spit tray for him, but no more!)
Let's see . . . what else. I have to get the emission done on the E350 tomorrow, and review the quotes from the movers. Then I need to have someone supervise the removal of the staging furniture from the new place to ensure they don't trash the place.
I get the feeling this week is gonna FLY by!
Went to see Ken this morning and he is really doing well. I have started to notice that the staff has become VERY attentive to him. I am guessing this is because of the stink that I made the other day, and I hope it has not affected him negatively, but it really seems like he is being well taken care of.
The severe hard-of-hearing roommate has been moved to another room. Ken has the place to himself, and image it will stay that way for the rest of this week until he is released on Saturday morning.
Ken is really becoming very independent. He can wheel himself around with his left hand and using his left foot in the wheelchair, and it works quite well. We have gone from him brushing his teeth while laying in bed, to him getting up, getting in the wheelchair, wheeling into the bathroom, and brushing his teeth with zero assistance. (I used to put the toothpaste on the brush, and hold the spit tray for him, but no more!)
Let's see . . . what else. I have to get the emission done on the E350 tomorrow, and review the quotes from the movers. Then I need to have someone supervise the removal of the staging furniture from the new place to ensure they don't trash the place.
I get the feeling this week is gonna FLY by!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thursday, November 12th, 10:42pm
Well, tonight was fight night. A lot of tempers came to a head, and it was not pretty.
I'll start at the beginning ...
When I arrived to visit with Ken this evening, he said he was hot, and that his blood pressure was very high, and that he wanted to stop taking the blood pressure medicine. He was very upset and was raising his voice.
The nurse went out to call the Doctor. When she got off the phone, she said, "Dr. Gxxxxxx said, he is no longer on the floor, and is out for the night". I asked her what that meant, and she shrugged.
I started walking back to Ken's room, and did not know what to do. I dialed Bill's number (Ken's Father), but wasn't sure what to say. When he answered I started relaying what had happened, when all of a sudden, I saw Dr. Gxxxxxx walk past the doorway. I walked outside, and confronted him, and began a tyrant of pent up feeling and emotions that I am going to tell you now, was not a pretty picture. (You may recall, dear reader, that we were not fond of this doctor from the get go. Now that I think about it, we seem to have issue with a lot of doctors . . . I'll have to analyze this later when I care)
So, then Ken starts screaming my name. I run to the room, and he wants to know where I have been. I tell him that I have been talking to Dr. Gxxxxx, and at that time, that doctor walks in too.
Well, I'll keep this somewhat short, but Ken went (to use a phrase of my Father's) Ape-Shit. He talked about how he felt ignored by the doctor, about all the issues that have been happening (missed medicine, missed meals, no sleep). It was a difficult discussion to hear, not to mention be a part of.
In the end (an hour later) everyone felt that they had gotten something off of their chest. Dr. Gxxxxxx genuinely apologized to Ken and said he would work on his level of care. He left, and Ken and I talked for a bit. He felt better. I called Ken's Dad back on the phone, and explained what had gone on.
So, I went outside and apologized to Dr. Gxxxxx for speaking to him that way in front of his team (and for saying something about the employment of his mother where money changed hands in a back alley).
As I re-read this, I see that I may be painting Ken's behavior as complaining or unreasonable. Please understand, that Ken has been through so very much, and when you can't move or speak and have NO control over an aspect of your life, you are like a caged animal. I'm surprised he lasted this long without speaking out.
It was a difficult evening, but he was able to communicate a lot that he had on his mind (which is hard to do when your vocabulary has been compromised) and I am proud of the way he handled himself, and proud to be a part of his life.
I'll start at the beginning ...
When I arrived to visit with Ken this evening, he said he was hot, and that his blood pressure was very high, and that he wanted to stop taking the blood pressure medicine. He was very upset and was raising his voice.
The nurse went out to call the Doctor. When she got off the phone, she said, "Dr. Gxxxxxx said, he is no longer on the floor, and is out for the night". I asked her what that meant, and she shrugged.
I started walking back to Ken's room, and did not know what to do. I dialed Bill's number (Ken's Father), but wasn't sure what to say. When he answered I started relaying what had happened, when all of a sudden, I saw Dr. Gxxxxxx walk past the doorway. I walked outside, and confronted him, and began a tyrant of pent up feeling and emotions that I am going to tell you now, was not a pretty picture. (You may recall, dear reader, that we were not fond of this doctor from the get go. Now that I think about it, we seem to have issue with a lot of doctors . . . I'll have to analyze this later when I care)
So, then Ken starts screaming my name. I run to the room, and he wants to know where I have been. I tell him that I have been talking to Dr. Gxxxxx, and at that time, that doctor walks in too.
Well, I'll keep this somewhat short, but Ken went (to use a phrase of my Father's) Ape-Shit. He talked about how he felt ignored by the doctor, about all the issues that have been happening (missed medicine, missed meals, no sleep). It was a difficult discussion to hear, not to mention be a part of.
In the end (an hour later) everyone felt that they had gotten something off of their chest. Dr. Gxxxxxx genuinely apologized to Ken and said he would work on his level of care. He left, and Ken and I talked for a bit. He felt better. I called Ken's Dad back on the phone, and explained what had gone on.
So, I went outside and apologized to Dr. Gxxxxx for speaking to him that way in front of his team (and for saying something about the employment of his mother where money changed hands in a back alley).
As I re-read this, I see that I may be painting Ken's behavior as complaining or unreasonable. Please understand, that Ken has been through so very much, and when you can't move or speak and have NO control over an aspect of your life, you are like a caged animal. I'm surprised he lasted this long without speaking out.
It was a difficult evening, but he was able to communicate a lot that he had on his mind (which is hard to do when your vocabulary has been compromised) and I am proud of the way he handled himself, and proud to be a part of his life.
Thursday, November 12th, 12:55pm
I'm back at work, and this is the first moment I've had to give an update.
Ken called this morning around 6:30am saying that he asked for 2 Percocet and only got one. I called the nurses station, and they were able to bring him another one.
Then he called back around 7:00am, saying that the pull-cord that activates the light over his bed has broken, and he can not turn off his light. I contacted the nurses station, and they said they knew it was broken, and have called an electritian to come and fix it. I asked them if they could just pull on the chain that hangs about 2" on the bottom of the fixture (the pull-cord was tied to this chain) and go ahead and turn his light out. They said, "Oh, yea, I guess we could do that. I'll go do that now."
Then he called again around 7:30am and said he was to tired to do his therapy today, and he wanted to have them canceled, and wanted to know why this keeps happening to him. He couldn't sleep the night before because his roomate had the TV turned ALL THE WAY UP. He called the nurse, then nurse turned it down, and the roomate turned it right back up when she left. So he didn't get any rest that night either. So, needless to say, he was quite distraught (sp?).
I contacted our Case Manager this afternoon, Tracy Ward, and explained those situations to her, and all of the other ones that have happened to us. (I had been speaking with the Charge Nurse, but I guess that was going no where). I told her that Ken has become afraid for his well-being there. He can't communicate with the staff, and his needs are being overlooked or ignored. She appologized, and told me that she would call the Director immediatly, discuss this with her, and that the two of them would visit with Ken right after that to help re-assure him of his safety and apologize for the errors that have been made.
Goodness!
Also, it turns out that Ken would rather have a professional watch him at home during the day while I am at work instead of Bill and Helen since he will require someone with good strength to help him move and such. Cigna says that they will not cover it since it does not require a specialized skill, so this one is going to have to come out of pocket. Tracy gave me a list of companies that offer these services (Nuture Care and Home Instead) and I will contact one of them to see if they can assist us and how much it will cost.
Ken called this morning around 6:30am saying that he asked for 2 Percocet and only got one. I called the nurses station, and they were able to bring him another one.
Then he called back around 7:00am, saying that the pull-cord that activates the light over his bed has broken, and he can not turn off his light. I contacted the nurses station, and they said they knew it was broken, and have called an electritian to come and fix it. I asked them if they could just pull on the chain that hangs about 2" on the bottom of the fixture (the pull-cord was tied to this chain) and go ahead and turn his light out. They said, "Oh, yea, I guess we could do that. I'll go do that now."
Then he called again around 7:30am and said he was to tired to do his therapy today, and he wanted to have them canceled, and wanted to know why this keeps happening to him. He couldn't sleep the night before because his roomate had the TV turned ALL THE WAY UP. He called the nurse, then nurse turned it down, and the roomate turned it right back up when she left. So he didn't get any rest that night either. So, needless to say, he was quite distraught (sp?).
I contacted our Case Manager this afternoon, Tracy Ward, and explained those situations to her, and all of the other ones that have happened to us. (I had been speaking with the Charge Nurse, but I guess that was going no where). I told her that Ken has become afraid for his well-being there. He can't communicate with the staff, and his needs are being overlooked or ignored. She appologized, and told me that she would call the Director immediatly, discuss this with her, and that the two of them would visit with Ken right after that to help re-assure him of his safety and apologize for the errors that have been made.
Goodness!
Also, it turns out that Ken would rather have a professional watch him at home during the day while I am at work instead of Bill and Helen since he will require someone with good strength to help him move and such. Cigna says that they will not cover it since it does not require a specialized skill, so this one is going to have to come out of pocket. Tracy gave me a list of companies that offer these services (Nuture Care and Home Instead) and I will contact one of them to see if they can assist us and how much it will cost.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wednesday, November 11th, 9:07pm
Geesh, there are slow days and then there are packed days. Today was kinda packed.
I was going to go and look at houses today with Chris, but had some other pressing issues, and it was raining pretty hard, so I pushed that back to this Friday.
I made it out to the car dealer to sell the SLK and traded it in for a 2007 E350. Very nice car in great shape, and will be a much better solution for us than the SLK.
Ken's folks are still on-board to buy the Camry, so we can get rid of that.
Visited with Ken this afternoon, and we had the discussion with Bill and Helen that Ken would like to have a professional nurse care for him once he is discharged as he believes it will be too much for them to handle. I think they took it pretty well.
I will be going back to work tomorrow, off to bedie-bye!
I was going to go and look at houses today with Chris, but had some other pressing issues, and it was raining pretty hard, so I pushed that back to this Friday.
I made it out to the car dealer to sell the SLK and traded it in for a 2007 E350. Very nice car in great shape, and will be a much better solution for us than the SLK.
Ken's folks are still on-board to buy the Camry, so we can get rid of that.
Visited with Ken this afternoon, and we had the discussion with Bill and Helen that Ken would like to have a professional nurse care for him once he is discharged as he believes it will be too much for them to handle. I think they took it pretty well.
I will be going back to work tomorrow, off to bedie-bye!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tuesday, November 10th, 8:22pm
Today was the family meeting. That is where the therapists and the doctor and everyone meet to talk about Ken and his progress. He is doing very well and they expect him to be released next Friday.
Yea, next Friday. The 20th. OMG!
Well, I am not going to have a new house by then.
We talked about where he wanted to go and after several hours I was able to determine that he doesn't mind coming back to this house (I thought he was afraid of the stairs and didn't want to come back here.)
It turns out, he doesn't want to be supervised by his parents, Bill and Helen. We had originally decided that Bill and Helen would take turns watching him during the day while I was at work, and I would be there for the weekends.
He said he doesn't feel that they will be able to help him. He is 200 lbs and his parents don't weigh that much combined.
I've got to find a way to let them know that he would rather have a nurse come and be with him during the week, and have them come and visit.
I also think it has a lot to do with the embarrassment of having his parents have to dress him, and help him in the toilet and he just doesn't want that.
He is a little nervous about being sent home. He doesn't feel he is ready. He needs to remember that they are sending him home because 24/7 hospital care is no longer required . . . not because he is 100% fixed. He will need help dressing, walking, showering, eating and much more. But it can all be done safely at home outside of a hospital.
In other news, the BMW 750Li was a joke for a friend that reads the blog. It had a few folks concerned, so don't worry, it was just a joke. Bill and Helen may still buy the Camry, and we are looking for a sedan that is a bit cheaper than the Mercedes.
More if I think of it . . .
Yea, next Friday. The 20th. OMG!
Well, I am not going to have a new house by then.
We talked about where he wanted to go and after several hours I was able to determine that he doesn't mind coming back to this house (I thought he was afraid of the stairs and didn't want to come back here.)
It turns out, he doesn't want to be supervised by his parents, Bill and Helen. We had originally decided that Bill and Helen would take turns watching him during the day while I was at work, and I would be there for the weekends.
He said he doesn't feel that they will be able to help him. He is 200 lbs and his parents don't weigh that much combined.
I've got to find a way to let them know that he would rather have a nurse come and be with him during the week, and have them come and visit.
I also think it has a lot to do with the embarrassment of having his parents have to dress him, and help him in the toilet and he just doesn't want that.
He is a little nervous about being sent home. He doesn't feel he is ready. He needs to remember that they are sending him home because 24/7 hospital care is no longer required . . . not because he is 100% fixed. He will need help dressing, walking, showering, eating and much more. But it can all be done safely at home outside of a hospital.
In other news, the BMW 750Li was a joke for a friend that reads the blog. It had a few folks concerned, so don't worry, it was just a joke. Bill and Helen may still buy the Camry, and we are looking for a sedan that is a bit cheaper than the Mercedes.
More if I think of it . . .
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday, November 9th, 6:54pm
Today was a pretty busy day.
Started the day by touring houses with our realtor, Chris Upham. We went to see the first house that was $449,000 and I was amazed at how crappy it was! Cracks in the tub, one of the rooms smelled like mildew, kitchen cabinets were awful. Needless to say, that one is out.
The other ones I wanted to see were kind of disappointing. The first one was already under contract, and the other one was not showing that day because the tenants were sick.
Oh well, we'll look at more this week.
I got the power of attorney forms signed by Ken and faxed over to USAA (our bank) so I can get going on selling the cars. We have decided to sell both cars (Mercedes and the Camry) and get something else. I think I have decided on the BMW 750Li. It is nice an big for Ken to easily get in and out of, and I really like how it looks.
I didn't visit with Ken very long today. I did stay with him for about 15 minutes of his speech therapy, and it was very interesting so watch. Then he said he wanted to go to sleep and he would see me tomorrow.
So, I am going to pay some bills, and mabie watch some TV.
Started the day by touring houses with our realtor, Chris Upham. We went to see the first house that was $449,000 and I was amazed at how crappy it was! Cracks in the tub, one of the rooms smelled like mildew, kitchen cabinets were awful. Needless to say, that one is out.
The other ones I wanted to see were kind of disappointing. The first one was already under contract, and the other one was not showing that day because the tenants were sick.
Oh well, we'll look at more this week.
I got the power of attorney forms signed by Ken and faxed over to USAA (our bank) so I can get going on selling the cars. We have decided to sell both cars (Mercedes and the Camry) and get something else. I think I have decided on the BMW 750Li. It is nice an big for Ken to easily get in and out of, and I really like how it looks.
I didn't visit with Ken very long today. I did stay with him for about 15 minutes of his speech therapy, and it was very interesting so watch. Then he said he wanted to go to sleep and he would see me tomorrow.
So, I am going to pay some bills, and mabie watch some TV.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sunday, November 8th, 8:33pm
Well, let's see. As Ken progresses, I think these updates will become a little shorter.
Ken is doing well. I was able to see him on Saturday evening, and again today and he is really doing well.
On Saturday, I had a trash party, and it went great. The dumpster is not full, but has a lot of crap in it. I can't believe how many people showed up. And I can't believe that I FORGOT TO ORDER PIZZA!!!!!!!!!!! I gave everyone beer, but there was only chips and nibbles for snacks!!! No one seemed to mind, and really didn't even remember until later the next day. I was really quite surprised by the turn out. And found myself quite touched that so many people took time to drive all the way out here, and help me do some crappy chore. Between that and having Mom and Dad here, it really was very touching. It has been rather lonely in the house for some time, and I really needed the company and the friendship.
On Sunday, Ken's folks, his brother and sister-in-law (Chris and Gwyneth) and my folks and me went out for brunch together, and then to visit Ken. This was such a nice day!! I really do miss seeing Chris and Gwyneth, and it was so nice for us to head over together and visit with Ken. And that was a very nice visit. Ken had not laughed and enjoyed himself that much in weeks. Honestly, weeks. This was so good for him.
House hunting is going okay. The house that I liked, and that Ken liked and was visited by Bill and Helen has now gone under contract by someone else. Poo! Well, something else will come up. I'm heading out tomorrow with our good friend and Realtor, Chris Upham (http://www.chrisupham.com) will head out to Fairfax VA to take a look at some properties.
I've got to get the Power of Attorney documents notarized. Then I need to sell the Mercedes. Then I need to pay some bills, and focus on trading the Camry in for something else. Ken doesn't want our only car to be the Camry: I don't really know why.
Updates should be more frequent now.
Ken is doing well. I was able to see him on Saturday evening, and again today and he is really doing well.
On Saturday, I had a trash party, and it went great. The dumpster is not full, but has a lot of crap in it. I can't believe how many people showed up. And I can't believe that I FORGOT TO ORDER PIZZA!!!!!!!!!!! I gave everyone beer, but there was only chips and nibbles for snacks!!! No one seemed to mind, and really didn't even remember until later the next day. I was really quite surprised by the turn out. And found myself quite touched that so many people took time to drive all the way out here, and help me do some crappy chore. Between that and having Mom and Dad here, it really was very touching. It has been rather lonely in the house for some time, and I really needed the company and the friendship.
On Sunday, Ken's folks, his brother and sister-in-law (Chris and Gwyneth) and my folks and me went out for brunch together, and then to visit Ken. This was such a nice day!! I really do miss seeing Chris and Gwyneth, and it was so nice for us to head over together and visit with Ken. And that was a very nice visit. Ken had not laughed and enjoyed himself that much in weeks. Honestly, weeks. This was so good for him.
House hunting is going okay. The house that I liked, and that Ken liked and was visited by Bill and Helen has now gone under contract by someone else. Poo! Well, something else will come up. I'm heading out tomorrow with our good friend and Realtor, Chris Upham (http://www.chrisupham.com) will head out to Fairfax VA to take a look at some properties.
I've got to get the Power of Attorney documents notarized. Then I need to sell the Mercedes. Then I need to pay some bills, and focus on trading the Camry in for something else. Ken doesn't want our only car to be the Camry: I don't really know why.
Updates should be more frequent now.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday, November 6th, 10:44pm
Mom, Dad and I went over to see Ken around 6pm this evening. It started out very good. We had a nice conversation, and we looked at pictures and cards the kids had made, and really enjoyed ourselves.
When we got back to his room, he started getting upset and impatient. He thought his medicine was coming too late. He asked for a supository, and didn't understand why it was taking so long to get there. When we requested it, I think they thought it was to be with his evening medicine which usually is at 9pm.
A lot of frustration from the past months started to come to the surface. He lost his temper a bit with his nurse (who, I must say was being a total "See You Next Tuesday") and was able to vent off some steam.
The thing is . . . they forget some of his medicine (like Keppra) unless I bring it up. They forget to use the numbing cream (lytocaine, I think) when putting in the catheter. He waits 30 to 45 minutes for a bed-pan, and when he is finished, he waits an additional 30 minutes or so. One day, they forget to bring him breakfast. He is supposed to wear the splint on his right hand from 9am to 5pm. When I get there between 6:30 and 7pm, it is still on.
If it were one thing, I could understand, but this seems to be one thing after another. And I picked the place. I hate leaving him when he is upset. He is alone and he is scared. I stayed as long as I could . . . till someone came with the bedpan.
Mom and Dad went to the lobby to wait for me at around 8pm or so. They waited down there for 2 hours for me to get Ken to a calm place. Bless them for that! :)
He gets so scared sometimes. He is being so brave, really. I don't know if I would be able to go through this with the grace that he is.
In other news, the trash party is tomorrow. Mom and Dad and I got a lot done today: the whole 2nd floor is done, so that is good. Just the basement left, so that should go quickly. I need to ensure Ken gets his laxative much earlier tomorrow, so I'll have to break up the party by 5pm or so. Mom and Dad have been such a strong support for me by driving all this way. I didn't realize how much I needed someone here with me until they showed up.
We are going to begin the sale of this house immediately. And I will begin the search for a new place on Monday. Ideally, I would like to have Ken discharged into the new house (around the first week of December or so). I gotta sell the Mercedes this week. Going to see if Meredith can help me out with that one.
His speech is getting better. Dad seems to understand EVERYTHING he says! We'll have to keep him here to translate for a few more weeks! :)
More tomorrow. Thanks readers.
When we got back to his room, he started getting upset and impatient. He thought his medicine was coming too late. He asked for a supository, and didn't understand why it was taking so long to get there. When we requested it, I think they thought it was to be with his evening medicine which usually is at 9pm.
A lot of frustration from the past months started to come to the surface. He lost his temper a bit with his nurse (who, I must say was being a total "See You Next Tuesday") and was able to vent off some steam.
The thing is . . . they forget some of his medicine (like Keppra) unless I bring it up. They forget to use the numbing cream (lytocaine, I think) when putting in the catheter. He waits 30 to 45 minutes for a bed-pan, and when he is finished, he waits an additional 30 minutes or so. One day, they forget to bring him breakfast. He is supposed to wear the splint on his right hand from 9am to 5pm. When I get there between 6:30 and 7pm, it is still on.
If it were one thing, I could understand, but this seems to be one thing after another. And I picked the place. I hate leaving him when he is upset. He is alone and he is scared. I stayed as long as I could . . . till someone came with the bedpan.
Mom and Dad went to the lobby to wait for me at around 8pm or so. They waited down there for 2 hours for me to get Ken to a calm place. Bless them for that! :)
He gets so scared sometimes. He is being so brave, really. I don't know if I would be able to go through this with the grace that he is.
In other news, the trash party is tomorrow. Mom and Dad and I got a lot done today: the whole 2nd floor is done, so that is good. Just the basement left, so that should go quickly. I need to ensure Ken gets his laxative much earlier tomorrow, so I'll have to break up the party by 5pm or so. Mom and Dad have been such a strong support for me by driving all this way. I didn't realize how much I needed someone here with me until they showed up.
We are going to begin the sale of this house immediately. And I will begin the search for a new place on Monday. Ideally, I would like to have Ken discharged into the new house (around the first week of December or so). I gotta sell the Mercedes this week. Going to see if Meredith can help me out with that one.
His speech is getting better. Dad seems to understand EVERYTHING he says! We'll have to keep him here to translate for a few more weeks! :)
More tomorrow. Thanks readers.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday, November 5th, 10:18pm
We had a great visit this evening. Ken had a good day in with therapy, and was actually OPTOMISTIC for the first time that I can remember.
We also talked about the house and cars. We have decided that the sooner we sell this house and get into another in Fairfax the better. I wonder how fast this house can sell. I've picked out a few to look at in Fairfax already.
And we are going to have to go to one car. I've mentioned this before, but the closer I get to making it happen the more I hesitate.
Lots to do. Mom and Dad will be here tomorrow, and then the trash party is Saturday. The more I can get rid of, the less I will have to move.
We also talked about the house and cars. We have decided that the sooner we sell this house and get into another in Fairfax the better. I wonder how fast this house can sell. I've picked out a few to look at in Fairfax already.
And we are going to have to go to one car. I've mentioned this before, but the closer I get to making it happen the more I hesitate.
Lots to do. Mom and Dad will be here tomorrow, and then the trash party is Saturday. The more I can get rid of, the less I will have to move.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday, November 4th, 10:48pm
A very busy, long day.
Ken seems to be doing about the same. He seems to be under the impression that when the re-vascularization is finished from the surgery he had, that all of this will go away. I don't think he fully realizes what has happened. I don't think he knows that the damage is permanent.
His parents are staying between 4 and 6 hours each day, and I fear Ken is not doing any of the exercises he is supposed to be doing. He has no time with someone always sitting in his room, or sitting in with him during therapy. This needs to be something that Ken goes through on his own. He needs to learn to do things for himself. If he is cold, he needs to learn how to pull up the blanket. Mommy isn't always going to be there.
I think 7 days have gone by now and he is exactly the same as he was when he checked in. He has learned a few more words, and he can stand up from the wheelchair, but not much else.
I may have to go back onto family medical leave to ensure he is left alone during the day to exercise. I don't know what else to do.
Ken seems to be doing about the same. He seems to be under the impression that when the re-vascularization is finished from the surgery he had, that all of this will go away. I don't think he fully realizes what has happened. I don't think he knows that the damage is permanent.
His parents are staying between 4 and 6 hours each day, and I fear Ken is not doing any of the exercises he is supposed to be doing. He has no time with someone always sitting in his room, or sitting in with him during therapy. This needs to be something that Ken goes through on his own. He needs to learn to do things for himself. If he is cold, he needs to learn how to pull up the blanket. Mommy isn't always going to be there.
I think 7 days have gone by now and he is exactly the same as he was when he checked in. He has learned a few more words, and he can stand up from the wheelchair, but not much else.
I may have to go back onto family medical leave to ensure he is left alone during the day to exercise. I don't know what else to do.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Tuesday, November 3rd, 6:00pm
Got a call from Bill and Helen and Ken had a very good day today. They said they were able to take him in the wheelchair into the day room again and have a very nice lunch together. Later, when Ken was having physical therapy, the therapist invited them in for the session and they got to see the progress that Ken is making.
His Dad had an interesting comment. He said, "You know when you see someone every day that you don't always see a change like you would if you haven't seen them in a long time? Well, we are seeing a little change in Ken every day, even though we see him every day". I think that is really GREAT news!
He's not running a marathon, but his progress is steady, and I really think he is comforted by the support he gets from those that love him.
I'll visit him this evening and help him brush his teeth and get him ready for a great tomorrow.
His Dad had an interesting comment. He said, "You know when you see someone every day that you don't always see a change like you would if you haven't seen them in a long time? Well, we are seeing a little change in Ken every day, even though we see him every day". I think that is really GREAT news!
He's not running a marathon, but his progress is steady, and I really think he is comforted by the support he gets from those that love him.
I'll visit him this evening and help him brush his teeth and get him ready for a great tomorrow.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Monday, November 2nd, 9:40pm
Visited Ken this evening. He was in a good mood, and had a good day. He was a little tired again, but otherwise feeling fine. We talked a little. I told him about the Trash Party this weekend, and he is fine with it. We talked about selling the house, where we would live when we moved. We talked about a house or a condo. We talked about the cars again, and he thinks we should sell the Mercedes and the Camry, and trade them both in on a new car. I have no idea why he would want to do this. But he agrees with me that he may not be driving for at least 6 months, and that's a lot of money we could be saving if we got rid of the Mercedes.
Ken says he can't move his right leg anymore. He says he could yesterday, but can't today. I asked him if he is telling people, but I'm not sure they understand.
Ken pressed his call button for a pain pill, and the woman came over the speaker and asked what he needed, and Ken said, clear as a bell, "Pill please" and she came back with, "Umm, what do you want?" Well, I kinda lost it. The station is all of 8 feet from Ken's door, and I stuck my head out and shouted, "He can't speak! Why don't you know that yet?" Yea, real mature, I know. I apologized to her a little later, and she said she understood and forgave me. I hate it when I do that.
The speech therapist apparently has asked that someone sit in with Ken during his speech sessions, so Helen volunteered and will be with him from now on for those. I'm not sure if the therapist needed help translating what Ken was saying or what. I know how he speaks a lot better, but not there during the day. Kinda sucks.
I've gotten a lot of responses for the Trash Party on Saturday, an I'm really looking forward to it. It is too quiet here, and I am starting to really feel alone, and probably a little sorry for myself. I'm missing everything. By the time I see Ken in the evenings, he has already experienced too much to share, and he is tired. I feel like we're drifting apart and he is forgetting me. **sigh** I guess it's silly, but it crosses my mind every now and again and I hate it.
Ken says he can't move his right leg anymore. He says he could yesterday, but can't today. I asked him if he is telling people, but I'm not sure they understand.
Ken pressed his call button for a pain pill, and the woman came over the speaker and asked what he needed, and Ken said, clear as a bell, "Pill please" and she came back with, "Umm, what do you want?" Well, I kinda lost it. The station is all of 8 feet from Ken's door, and I stuck my head out and shouted, "He can't speak! Why don't you know that yet?" Yea, real mature, I know. I apologized to her a little later, and she said she understood and forgave me. I hate it when I do that.
The speech therapist apparently has asked that someone sit in with Ken during his speech sessions, so Helen volunteered and will be with him from now on for those. I'm not sure if the therapist needed help translating what Ken was saying or what. I know how he speaks a lot better, but not there during the day. Kinda sucks.
I've gotten a lot of responses for the Trash Party on Saturday, an I'm really looking forward to it. It is too quiet here, and I am starting to really feel alone, and probably a little sorry for myself. I'm missing everything. By the time I see Ken in the evenings, he has already experienced too much to share, and he is tired. I feel like we're drifting apart and he is forgetting me. **sigh** I guess it's silly, but it crosses my mind every now and again and I hate it.
Monday, November 2nd, 1:42pm
Just got off the phone with the case manager at Mount Vernon. She wants to set up a meeting for family members to meet with physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and the doctors so we can all sit in the same room and assess and discuss Ken's progress. I like this idea. She says we will discuss things like how he is doing in each of the therapies, when his projected discharge date is, what type of home care he will require and things like that.
I asked her, "I know it's early, but what do you forsee his discharge date to possibly be?"
She said right now they are thinking 4 weeks.
Ouch! I wasn't ready to hear that. I was initally told 12 to 18 days.
This meeting has been scheduled for November 10th at 2pm, and I'm really looking forward to that. I think the 4 weeks thing is just an initial estimate, but we'll see.
I asked her, "I know it's early, but what do you forsee his discharge date to possibly be?"
She said right now they are thinking 4 weeks.
Ouch! I wasn't ready to hear that. I was initally told 12 to 18 days.
This meeting has been scheduled for November 10th at 2pm, and I'm really looking forward to that. I think the 4 weeks thing is just an initial estimate, but we'll see.
Getting back to things
First day back at the office in a while. Nice to have something to distract me from worry, but it still creeps in once in a while. It should go well. I'm getting all caught up, and will see Ken this evening.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Looking back . . .
I was looking at older posts and just rewatched the video from this post.
http://blog.toddwess.com/2009/05/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html
I'm actually at a loss for words after watching this again.
I mean it may sound negative, but really . . . . things could always be much worse. We're okay. I'm happy for my friends and for my family and I'm happy with how Ken is doing. Gonna try and thwart some of the negativity I create (usually from nothing)
Sigh . . .
http://blog.toddwess.com/2009/05/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html
I'm actually at a loss for words after watching this again.
I mean it may sound negative, but really . . . . things could always be much worse. We're okay. I'm happy for my friends and for my family and I'm happy with how Ken is doing. Gonna try and thwart some of the negativity I create (usually from nothing)
Sigh . . .
Sunday, November 1st, 9:43pm
Just got back from a nice visit with Ken this evening.
I read him some more cards that came in, and the he brushed his teeth, and I flossed them.
It's nice . . . the visits are becoming much more social. In the past, visits were centered on getting this medicine, or talking to this person, or making this happen, or asking him where it hurt and how much and for how long. Now, there is more relaxed time and it is nice.
I told him to expect some drawings/art from some famous artists for his walls. He has no idea what I'm talking about.
I'm going to work tomorrow. It is time. Mom and Dad will be here this weekend, and I'm having a "Trash Party" on Saturday. I have a TON of crap that I need to throw out, before I even THINK about selling the house but can't get motivated, so I had an idea. I would rent one of those 9ft x 8ft x 3ft dumpsters, have it delivered to my driveway, and invite over a bunch of friends to help me carry crap out of the house and throw it in the dumpster. I'd provide refreshments and food, and we'd just all kinda spend an afternoon helping me throw stuff out of the basement. Plus, Mom and Dad can meet my friends, and see Meredith again!
Then on Sunday, we will have brunch with Bill and Helen and Gwyneth and Chris and then all go over and see Ken. We were going to do this on Saturday, but Sunday works better because he has the entire day free of therapy appointments.
I see Ken again tomorrow evening. I may start adding random posts in again that aren't related to Ken's progress, but the ones that are will always start with the day, date and time in the subject line.
Great week, everyone!
Todd
I read him some more cards that came in, and the he brushed his teeth, and I flossed them.
It's nice . . . the visits are becoming much more social. In the past, visits were centered on getting this medicine, or talking to this person, or making this happen, or asking him where it hurt and how much and for how long. Now, there is more relaxed time and it is nice.
I told him to expect some drawings/art from some famous artists for his walls. He has no idea what I'm talking about.
I'm going to work tomorrow. It is time. Mom and Dad will be here this weekend, and I'm having a "Trash Party" on Saturday. I have a TON of crap that I need to throw out, before I even THINK about selling the house but can't get motivated, so I had an idea. I would rent one of those 9ft x 8ft x 3ft dumpsters, have it delivered to my driveway, and invite over a bunch of friends to help me carry crap out of the house and throw it in the dumpster. I'd provide refreshments and food, and we'd just all kinda spend an afternoon helping me throw stuff out of the basement. Plus, Mom and Dad can meet my friends, and see Meredith again!
Then on Sunday, we will have brunch with Bill and Helen and Gwyneth and Chris and then all go over and see Ken. We were going to do this on Saturday, but Sunday works better because he has the entire day free of therapy appointments.
I see Ken again tomorrow evening. I may start adding random posts in again that aren't related to Ken's progress, but the ones that are will always start with the day, date and time in the subject line.
Great week, everyone!
Todd
Sunday, November 1st, 2:05pm
Gosh is it November already?
Today was a VERY good day.
When I got there at 10am this morning, Ken was in a great deal of discomfort. He was having a problem with constipation (I know, I know, too much information, but I use this blog as a journal of events, so nothing gets left out)
It took about an hour and a half, but he was finally better. We have recommended a suppository each evening for a while.
After that, he said he wanted to change into clothes. Occupational therapy usually does this, but on Sunday there are no therapies. So I brought him his clothes, and we got him changed out of the gown.
Then he said he wanted to get in the wheelchair. This was a first. The nurse came over, and we got him in the wheelchair. This is the best I have seen him since before the surgery on October 5th! We wheeled him over to the 'Day Room' (a room with tables, chairs, a TV and stuff for visiting). We brought in his lunch, and his parents, he and I all sat and chatted a bit while Ken ate.
Then, he wanted to go back to his room and lie down. I wheeled him in there, and locked the chair wheels. Then he got up all by himself, pivoted, and got into bed. By himself. I damn-near cried.
Then he said he was going to rest, so we headed out. It was a really nice visit. I really think the worst is behind us.
I start back to work tomorrow, so I really needed a good day to help me not worry while at the office. Everything is going to be okay!
Today was a VERY good day.
When I got there at 10am this morning, Ken was in a great deal of discomfort. He was having a problem with constipation (I know, I know, too much information, but I use this blog as a journal of events, so nothing gets left out)
It took about an hour and a half, but he was finally better. We have recommended a suppository each evening for a while.
After that, he said he wanted to change into clothes. Occupational therapy usually does this, but on Sunday there are no therapies. So I brought him his clothes, and we got him changed out of the gown.
Then he said he wanted to get in the wheelchair. This was a first. The nurse came over, and we got him in the wheelchair. This is the best I have seen him since before the surgery on October 5th! We wheeled him over to the 'Day Room' (a room with tables, chairs, a TV and stuff for visiting). We brought in his lunch, and his parents, he and I all sat and chatted a bit while Ken ate.
Then, he wanted to go back to his room and lie down. I wheeled him in there, and locked the chair wheels. Then he got up all by himself, pivoted, and got into bed. By himself. I damn-near cried.
Then he said he was going to rest, so we headed out. It was a really nice visit. I really think the worst is behind us.
I start back to work tomorrow, so I really needed a good day to help me not worry while at the office. Everything is going to be okay!
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